Get a Jump Start on College Planning – Even in Freshman Year!

Thinking about college early, like freshman year, can make a huge difference.

 

Picking Your Classes: Building a Solid Foundation

If you're dreaming of a competitive college, here's a truth bomb: Colleges pay attention to how challenging your high school classes were. They get that taking challenging courses isn't just about the grade – it's about building the study habits and brainpower you'll need to thrive in college and beyond. Showing them you can handle a rigorous workload now makes a big difference when you apply.

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What Does a "Rigorous Work Load" Really Mean?

• Honors classes

• Advanced Placement (AP) courses

• AICE (Advanced International Certificate of Education)

• International Baccalaureate (IB) programs

• Dual Enrollment (taking college classes while still in high school)

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According to the National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), “strength of high school curriculum” is the third most important factor for admissions out of sixteen important factors. 

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Time Management, Hone In On It Early!

To make high school and the college application process feel less daunting, break down large tasks. Learning to manage your time effectively now will pay off by helping you balance your studies, activities, and the demands of those college applications later.

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Stay Organized, Stay Sane!

Keeping track of what you've done in school and your activities is essential for college applications. Filling out college applications is much easier and less stressful when all your materials are in one place. Utilize the Edunav Hub Academic Organizer to help you track:

• Classes and grades

• Awards and recognitions

• Volunteering and leadership roles

• Clubs and sports participation

• Internships and work experience

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Finding the Right College for You

Picking a college is a massive decision, way beyond just looking at rankings! Remember, this is where you'll live and learn for the next few years. Don't overlook whether a school truly feels right for you, because even highly-rated colleges can lead to unhappiness if they're not the right fit personally. When you're exploring options, consider things like:

• Where is it (city, suburbs, or more rural)?

• What they offer as majors and programs

• What the campus and student life are like

• How much financial aid and scholarships do they offer?

• What kind of internship and career help do they have

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Explore Colleges Up Close

• Go to college fairs to meet people from different colleges.

• Try to visit campuses to see what they're like.

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Is College Not for You? That's Fine, Too!

Not everyone's aspirations lead them to a four-year college, and that's absolutely fine. There are numerous valuable and well-paying career paths that don't require a bachelor's degree. Some options to explore include:

• Trade schools

• Apprenticeships in skilled trades

• Joining the military (which often has education benefits)

• Starting your own business!

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