You have another year left of high school and your entire family is pressuring you about the next big step of your life: College.
This phase means freedom and choices because there are an almost unlimited number of institutions in which you can choose.
Figuring out where to start might be the most difficult hurdle.
If you're completely lost, you're not alone.
Your teenage experience is a time for finding yourself and discovering your goals.
Before you apply, there are some things you should consider.
SAT and Resume SAT scores are an immense part of your resume.
If there are universities you have in mind that require specific scores, make these numbers your goal.
There is a variety of resources to help you, such as CollegeBoard.
com and practice books.
Review the material and requirements, scoring system, length of the exam, and the different included parts.
Top schools request scores anywhere from 1800 and above.
You should always have more than one option, so you have something to lean on if one opportunity stalls.
Most students don't open a practice book until they reach 11th grade, which is about the same time they're supposed to be taking their exams.
Get a head start in 10th grade or earlier, and you'll certainly feel more prepared and more confident.
Take the time to review practice tests and study with preparation books.
If you commit to a few questions on a daily basis, you'll know what to expect.
If there are classes in SAT preparation, sign up early to get in as must practice as you can.
Volunteer work, extracurricular activities, participating in school events, and being an overall active student is a crucial part of your high school career.
You'll need to build up these activities and impress your teachers and faculty for quality recommendations.
Along with your SAT scores, these are essential to a well-rounded application that will help you get into your dream schools.
Recommendations Teacher recommendations play an important role in your college-seeking journey that'll also help boost your resume.
Most universities ask for at least two recommendations for each application.
Don't start asking for recommendations in the middle of your senior year.
You will have to build teacher-student relationships as soon as you enter high school.
Keep those relationships until you graduate and even after graduation, and you'll guarantee yourself sterling references.
In addition to recommendations and standardized test scores, you should always be focused on maintaining good grades.
An excellent grade point average and a killer essay are the cherries on top of your application.
No one said it was going to be easy; your college career starts the minute you walk into high school.
So, start dreaming big at a young age because getting into the schools you want is all about a well-balanced application.