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Planning for College:
» Making the Most of High School
Homework Helper
How to Take Control
You may not realize it when it's 2 a.m. and you're memorizing the periodic table, but homework is a good thing. It helps you:
- Practice what you've learned during the day.
- Establish study habits that will be critical in college.
- Prepare for your classes.
- Get a sense of progress.
Here are some tips to get more out of it:
Set the Mood
Create a good study area with all the stuff you need (for example, a dictionary). If you don't have a quiet place at home, try the school or local library.
Know Where to Begin
Make a prioritized list of everything you need to do, so you can't use "I don't know where to start" as an excuse. Just don't over-schedule yourself. Without some flexibility, you'll set yourself up to fail.
Study at the Same Time Every Day
Even if you don't have homework, use the time to review notes. Sound crazy? Think about it. If homework is something you accept as part of your day, you'll approach it with less dread. Plus, you'll become a pro at using time productively.
Keep Things in Perspective
Know how much weight each assignment or test carries, and use your time accordingly.
Get More Involved
Ever feel like you can't stay awake to read something, let alone process it? To keep your mind from wandering, take notes, underline sections, discuss topics with others, or relate your homework to what you're studying in another class.
Organize the Information
People process information in different ways. Some people like to draw pictures or charts to digest information; other people like to read out loud or make detailed outlines. Do whatever works for you.
Take Advantage of Any Free Time
If you have a study hall or a long bus ride, use the time to review notes, prepare for an upcoming class, or start your homework.
Study with a Friend
Unless it's too distracting, get together with friends and classmates to quiz each other, compare notes, and predict test questions.
Celebrate Your Achievements
Reward yourself for achieving milestones, or doing something well. For example, finished your first draft? Get a snack. Got an "A" on a paper? You're never too old to put it on the refrigerator.
If you have concerns about the amount or type of homework you have, talk to your parents, teacher, adviser, or counselor. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
Recommended Classes
What You Should Take in High School
Just as employers want workers who have certain skills, most colleges want students who have taken certain courses (and done well in them).
Here are some suggested classes. They're particularly for students headed to a four-year college, but even if you're interested in going to a junior or community college, you should take most of them. You should check with your high school counselor to make sure you take all the courses required to graduate.
Language Arts (English)
8 credits (4 years) in:
- literature
- writing/composition
- and/or public speaking
Mathematics
6 to 8 credits (3 - 4 years) in:
- algebra
- geometry
- algebra II
- trigonometry and/or calculus
Science
6 credits (3 years) in lab science:
- 2 in biology
- 2 in chemistry and/or physics
- 2 in earth/space sciences, advanced biology, advanced chemistry, or physics
Social Studies
6 credits (3 years) in:
- 2 in U.S. history
- 1 in U.S. government
- 1 in economics
- 1 in world history or geography
- 1 more credit (either in these or other areas)
Other Key Courses
You May Also Need 8 additional credits either from the above core subjects or these electives:
- Foreign languages (2 - 3 years)
- Visual & performing arts (art, music, dance, or drama)
- Computers (computer applications or programming)
Other challenging courses could include economics, psychology, statistics, computer science, communications, research projects, and independent projects.
Looking Beyond the Basics
Some college admission offices may look for additional classes on your transcript, advanced math, for example. Many of these courses can be taken only after you have passed the basic courses.
20 Questions to Ask Your Guidance Counselor
They Are There to Answer Your Questions
Your school guidance counselor is one of your most important resources. She or he can help you schedule your courses, balance your workload, and plan for college. Don't know your counselor very well? Make an appointment.
Here are some basic questions to get your conversation started. It always helps to think ahead about what you want to ask or talk about. They're busy and you're busy.
- What are the required and recommended courses -- for graduation and for college prep?
- How should I work my schedule so I'll complete them?
- What elective courses do you recommend?
- What Advanced Placement courses are available?
- When is the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) exam? going to be given here?
- Is this school a testing center for the SAT® or ACT, or will I need to go somewhere nearby?
- Do you have any after-school or evening sessions available for college planning, or for taking the SAT or ACT?
- Do you have college handbooks or other guides that I can browse or borrow? Do you have a copy of the free Taking the SAT booklet, which has a practice test in it? Or a test booklet to prepare me for the ACT?
- What activities can I do at home and over the summer to get ready for college?
- What kinds of grades do different colleges require?
- Are there any college fairs at this school, or nearby?
- Where do other kids from this school go?
- Can you put me in touch with recent grads who are going to colleges on my wish list?
- Do you have information about colleges far away, or do you favor schools nearby?
- If my colleges need a recommendation from you, how can I help you know me better, so it can be more personal?
- What are the requirements or standards for the honor society?
- Are there any special scholarships or awards that I should know about now, so I can work toward them?
- Can I see my transcript as it stands now, to see if everything is as I think it should be?
- Do you have any forms I would need to apply for financial aid?
- How does our school compare to others, in terms of test scores?
Time Management Tips
It's 10:00 P.M., do you know where your homework is?
Does it seem like there's never enough time in the day to get everything done? Feel like you're always running late? Here are some tips for taking control of your time and organizing your life.
- Make a "To Do" List Every Day
Put things that are most important at the top and do them first. If it's easier, use a planner to track all of your tasks. And don't forget to reward yourself for your accomplishments.
- Use Spare Minutes Wisely
If you can get some reading done on the bus ride home from school, for example, you'll kill two birds with one stone.
- Know That It's Okay to Say "No"
If your boss asks you to work on a Friday night and you're taking the SAT® or ACT on Saturday morning, realize that it's okay to say no. Keep your short- and long-term priorities in mind.
- Get More Bang for Your Buck
You'll work more efficiently if you figure out when you do your best work. For example, if your brain handles math better in the afternoon, don't wait to do it until late at night.
- Review Your Notes After Each Class
You will reinforce what you have learned, so you need less time to study or cram. You'll also be ready the next day if your teacher calls on you or gives a pop quiz.
- Get a Good Night's Sleep
Running on empty makes the day seem longer and your tasks seem more difficult.
- Communicate Your Schedule to Others
Let's say that phone calls are proving to be a distraction. Tell your friends that you take social calls from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. It may sound silly, but it helps.
- Become a Taskmaster
Figure out how much time you have each week to do certain things, such as watch TV. Give yourself a time budget and plan your activities (or favorite shows) accordingly.
- Don't Waste Time Agonizing
Have you ever wasted an entire evening by worrying about something that you're supposed to be doing? Was it worth it? Instead of agonizing and procrastinating, just do it.
- Keep Things in Perspective
Setting goals that are unrealistic sets you up for failure. While it's good to set high goals for yourself to achieve, be sure not to overdo it. Set goals that are difficult yet reachable.
Consider these tips, but personalize your habits so that they suit you. If you set priorities that fit your lifestyle, you'll go to bed and wake up a happier person.
Why Do I Have to Take ___?
Gain a Better Understanding of Your Course Schedule
As you plan your schedule for the year, you need to keep an eye toward college -- even if that feels like a long way off. It's never too early to think about how your classes will help you get into college.
Algebra and Geometry
Don't leave high school without them. They give you the skills you need to succeed on college entrance exams, in college math classes, and in your future careers. If you take them early on, you'll have time to enroll in chemistry, physics, and advanced math courses. Good grades in these kinds of tough courses can be a big plus.
English
Courses in composition or writing can help you with grammar, sentence structure, developing clear arguments, and organizing and summarizing information. Traditional English courses such as American and English literature help you improve your writing skills, reading comprehension, and vocabulary. Take English every year.
History and Social Studies
Together with math and English, history and social studies make up the core of your academic classes. They help you better understand our society as well as societies around the world.
Languages
Taking a foreign language shows colleges that you're willing to learn things beyond the basics, and shows employers that you're prepared to compete in the global economy. Many colleges require you to study a foreign language for at least two years, and some prefer more.
Advanced Placement (AP®)
Take as many AP courses as you can before finishing high school. They give you a chance to try college-level work in high school and to gain valuable skills. They also show your college that you've learned college-level material and deserve credit and/or advanced placement for meeting that challenge.
Computer Science
Basic computer skills are essential, and more and more college courses and jobs require at least a basic knowledge of computers. Computer skills can also help you do research and schoolwork better and faster. Take advantage of any opportunities your school offers to learn to use computers and the Internet.
The Arts
Arts courses broaden your understanding and appreciation of the world and develop your ability to see differences, figure out patterns, and examine how you make decisions. Research indicates that students who take courses in the arts and who participate in the arts often do better in school and on standardized tests.
Don't Wait Until High School to Take College Prep Classes
Sure, everyone knows that high school courses and grades count for admission to college. But keep in mind that high school courses rely on information you've acquired before. If you don't plan ahead and take the right courses, you may have a tough time completing everything that's recommended.
For More Help
Your guidance counselor or adviser can help you figure out the high school courses you should take and, in particular, which courses are required or preferred by different types of colleges.
Do's and Don'ts of Class Notes
Listen and Learn
Note-taking is helpful not only because it gives you a record of what was covered in class, but also because it prompts you to really digest the ideas. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your effort.
Listen Actively
Good note-taking begins with active listening -- keeping your attention focused:
- Come to class prepared, having done the reading and reviewed your notes from the previous class. Be ready to ask questions and take notes.
- Sit where you can see and hear what's being presented without being distracted.
- Commit to being interested in what you're listening to. This will help you pay attention and retain the information.
- Question what the speaker is saying and think about how it ties in with the assigned reading, with your other classes, and with your other activities and interests.
- Look for how the speaker organizes the ideas presented, paying attention to elements like a general introduction, a summary of the previous lecture, an emphasis on larger themes, the inclusion of illustrative examples, a developing argument through the course of the lecture, or a comparison that gives structure to the material presented.
Pay attention to clues from the speaker, such as a raised voice or arm gestures, that accompany the presentation of important ideas. Also, watch for when your teacher:
- Mentions that a particular point is important.
- Writes a sentence or quote on the board.
- Repeats a point.
- Spends a lot of time presenting or asking the class about a particular idea.
Use a System
The key to note-taking itself is having a notebook in which to write and having a system for getting information down quickly and accurately. Here are some tips for taking notes:
- Date and number pages so that you can keep them in order.
- Have a binder, clipboard, or notebook in which you keep your notes all together.
- Write in convenient shorthand. Use contractions, abbreviations, and symbols.
- Leave space in your notes to add points or explanations later.
- Put a question mark next to anything you miss or don't understand and clarify after class.
- Get down the speaker's main points. You don't need to have a word-for-word copy of every lecture.
- Indicate which notes reflect your own responses or ideas rather than what the lecturer has said (for example, you can write the word "me" next to your own ideas).
- Jot down key words, which include new vocabulary, important facts, and formulas.
- Organize your notes as you write. The lecturer often helps with this by enumerating points or stating a contrast. Underline or put a mark next to larger points, with subsidiary points listed underneath.
- As soon as you can after class, review your notes, fill in missing points that you remember but didn't write down. Highlight important points, and mark anything you want to ask about at the next class meeting.
- Make sure you can read and understand everything you've written.
- Write a brief summary of each lecture to reinforce the main idea.
- If you start getting confused about what to write or where the lecture is heading, there's a good chance that other students are confused, too. Do yourself and other students a favor by asking questions if the material presented is unclear.
Extracurricular Activities
Life Outside the Classroom
Sure, life in school is pretty darn interesting. You've got algebraic equations, Bunsen burners, sentence diagrams. . . . But chances are, you've got pursuits beyond school, too. Maybe you play in a band, on a sports team, or do volunteer work.
Colleges Care
The good news is that colleges pay attention to your life inside and outside the classroom. Yes, your academics probably come first, but your activities reveal a great deal about you, such as:
- What your non-academic interests are.
- Whether you can manage your time and priorities.
- Whether you can maintain a long-term commitment.
- What diversity you'd bring to the student body.
- How you've made a meaningful contribution to something.
Haven't Gotten Involved Yet?
Lots of school, community, and religious organizations give you chances to explore your interests and talents. If you haven't felt drawn into something yet, there's no shortage of opportunities. For example:
School Activities
It's pretty easy to find out about activities available at school. Sometimes the challenge is figuring out how much to do. Here are some quick tips:
- Most importantly, find something you like to do, and stick with it. Quality is more important than quantity.
- If you can handle it, try to excel in more than one area. For example, write for the paper and do volunteer work.
- Don't worry about being president or captain. The key is whether you've done something significant, center stage or behind the scenes.
Work Experience
Work experience -- paid or volunteer, year-round or summer-- can help you identify career interests and goals, gain work experience, and apply classroom learning to the real world. It's also a great way to earn money for college, of course. Consider arranging for an internship or to shadow someone at his or her job.
Community Service
You can also gain skills and experience through volunteer work, such as by tutoring elementary school kids or spending time at a local hospital. Some schools even offer academic credit for volunteer work.
The Benefits of Volunteering
How Helping Others Helps You
After recent tragic events, you may have asked yourself, "How can I help?" Volunteer work can make an important, positive difference in your community. But did you know that it can have many benefits for you, too?
Reasons to Volunteer
- Gain Valuable Life Experiences and Skills
Whether you build houses for the homeless or mail flyers for a local politician, you'll experience the "real world" through hands-on work. You can use this experience to explore your major or career interests.
- Meet Interesting People
Volunteering brings together a variety of people. Both the recipients of your volunteer efforts and your co-workers can be rich sources of insight. For example, maybe you'll learn about the legal profession from a former lawyer you visit at a convalescent center. You could even meet your future Prom date while saving the rain forests.
- Get Academic Credit
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. It's available in high schools and colleges, as well as in earlier grades.
- Send a Signal That You'd Be an Asset to a College Community
Colleges pay attention to your life inside and outside the classroom. Your extracurricular activities reveal a great deal about you, such as what your interests are, whether you can manage your priorities and maintain a long-term commitment, what diversity you'd bring to the student body, and how you've made a meaningful contribution to something.
- More...
Volunteering has many other intangible benefits. It can help you give back to society, break down barriers of misunderstanding or fear, explore personal issues, and even have fun.
"Community service, which was required at my high school, was a big wow with interviewers. It's even better if you can match your service with your career interest. For example, volunteer at a hospital if you're planning on med school."
Faith, college student
How to Get Involved
There are many people, places, and organizations that need volunteers. Here are some tips for getting started:
- Look around your community and in the phone book to see what programs are there and need help.
- Visit your city or town Web site. It may list volunteer opportunities in your community.
- Contact your local United Way, cultural arts association, student organization, or umbrella association that can point you in the right direction.
- Ask your library, church or synagogue, and/or community college if they sponsor any volunteer groups.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Volunteering
It's important that you enjoy the type of service you choose and that you have the time to stick with it. Ask yourself these questions before you commit to an organization.
- How much time do I have to commit?
- Do I want an ongoing, regularly scheduled assignment, a short-term assignment, or a one-time assignment?
- Am I willing to participate in a training course, or do I want to start my volunteer work immediately?
- What talents or skills do I offer?
- What would I most like to learn by volunteering?
- What don't I want to do as a volunteer?
- Do I want to work alone or with a group?
- With what kind of people do I want to work -- both in terms of who is receiving my services and who my co-workers might be?
Planning for College
» Making the Most of High School
Getting Ready for College
Looking Forward to Careers
The White House Initiative gratefully acknowledges collegeboard.com for providing the content found on this page.
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