How
to prepare for college outside the classroom.
Interpersonal and leadership skills, interests and goals are
all important for college preparation. Independent reading
and study, extracurricular activities, and work experience
will all help you develop your skills, interests, and goals.
Independent Reading and Study
Independent reading and study will help you prepare academically
for college. This is a good way to develop interests, expand
knowledge, and improve your vocabulary and reading comprehension
skills needed for college and the SAT I or ACT. For more information
about Standardized Tests: ACT, SAT, or GRE
(for Graduate students), click here.
Creating a Good Place To Study
You needs a quiet and comfortable place to study. Here are
a few things that you can do:
1.
Find
a quiet place with some privacy.
2.
Set
up a desk or large table with good light and place reference
books such as a dictionary on the desk or nearby.
3.
Study
on a regular basis.
Extracurricular Activities
Many school, community, and religious organizations enable
high school students to explore their interests and talents
by providing activities outside the classroom. Colleges are
often interested in a student's extracurricular activities
such as school clubs, the student newspaper, athletics, musical
activities, arts, drama, and volunteer work, especially if
a student has excelled in one or more of these areas.
Work Experience and Community Service
Work experience -- paid or volunteer -- can teach students
discipline, responsibility, reliability, teamwork, and other
skills. Some students participate in community service activities
such as tutoring elementary school children or volunteering
in a local hospital. Such activities make valuable contributions
to society and also help students to identify their career
interests and goals, gain workplace skills, and apply classroom
learning to real-world problem solving. Many colleges view
community service as a valuable experience that enhances a
student's college application.
Some
schools offer academic credit for volunteer work through
"service-learning." This is a teaching method
that integrates hands-on learning (through service to the
community) into the school curriculum. To find out if your
school offers "service-learning," talk to your
teacher, guidance counselor, or school principal. For information
on how to start a "service-learning" program,
contact the Learn and Serve America Clearinghouse at 1-800-808-SERVE.
A summer
job is also a good way to gain experience and earn money
for college as well. If you work during the school year,
you should not work so many hours that the job interferes
with school work.
