With focused and high-achieving students, getting into an elite college is their dream. And it is always a tough season for the students looking to join college. A lot of time and other resources goes into preparation. For instance, according to research by Solomon Admissions Consulting, students from private schools had a lower rate of admission to ivy league universities. But this doesn’t have to affect your preparation for admissions. Why? There is no perfect way to get to your dream college than early preparation. By early, it means excelling in academics, sports, or any other area of interest from the first year. The preparation is not limited to learners but parents too. Besides, you can get a lot of help from college prep schools to excel in your PSAT, SAT, and ACT prep. Now let’s exploit some tips to help prepare for college.
Preparing for PSAT, SAT, and ACT Exams
PSAT, SAT, and ACT exams are essential but not a straight determinant of college admission. Then why is it a key component of finalists? It will help you get scholarships. However, if you’re a junior, you may be eligible for scholarships, such as the National Merit Scholarship. But only if you achieve high PSAT scores since only 50,000 of 1.6 million applicants qualify. The following tips will guide you to do it perfectly:
1. Study Hard
The best way to prepare for any exam is to study hard. And this entails getting a better understanding of the exam’s structure to see what is your best fit before starting your studies—PSAT, SAT, or ACT. You should spend at least 15-20 hours per week studying for each test. If you have time left over after studying, then use it wisely. Spend some time outside, exercise, read books, etc.
2. Take Practice Tests
When you know what works for you, take a practice test. You can take practice tests online or at bookstores. Practice makes perfect. Don’t just sit down and start taking the test. Instead, do lots of practice problems and questions before sitting down to take the test. Besides, you can enroll in a college prep school to take guided tests.
3. Use Flashcards
Flashcards are a great way to memorize information. You can create your flashcards using index cards and write the information on both sides. Then, you can put these cards in order by topic.
4. Do Not Procrastinate
Procrastination is never a good idea. Procrastinating means that you will end up wasting precious time. So, if you find yourself doing it, find a way to stop it immediately.
Enrolling in a College Prep School
What should you do to get it right in this competitive market? Enroll in a college prep school. It will help you compete effectively, give you a clear picture of the necessary skill set, and direct you to what profession best fits you to transition successfully from high school to college.
- Look at the website: Check out the school’s website and ensure you know the amount of the application fee for the school. Some schools charge a lot while others charge nothing. If you are paying tuition, ensure you understand what you’re paying for.
- Contact them: Contact the school and ask questions. Ask if they have any scholarship programs and anything else you should know.
- Apply early: After your research, apply as soon as possible. You want to enroll in the best school possible, and if you wait until later, you may not get the best schools. Also, apply early enough that you don’t need to worry about getting financial aid.
When to Prepare for College
As you get excited about joining your favorite college, below are some nuggets about college preparation.
Apply When You Are Ready
It will not do any good if you submit an application that isn’t complete. So, make sure you’ve done all the work you need to do before you apply.
Have Proactive Applications
You should ensure you’re doing everything possible to increase your admission chances. That means meeting all deadlines, submitting all necessary materials, and following directions carefully. Enrolling in a prep college will help you achieve this milestone.
Begin to Apply for Scholarships
Scholarships are always a good idea. You may not want to pay out of pocket for school. Many different types of scholarships are available, including merit-based, need-based, and even sports-related ones.
Do Not Procrastinate
If you put off applying, you might miss out on opportunities to improve your grades, take extra classes, or volunteer.
Keep Track of Your Progress
Record how well you’re doing in each subject. If you find yourself falling behind, try taking more advanced courses.
Learn More About How to Prepare for College
While looking into applications, take advantage of the resources available. Tons of websites offer advice on how to prepare for college. The Tenney School offers one-on-one learning and mentoring for grades 5-12. Contact us today!