PACT, Inc. - Going To College - First Things First

Take the Right Courses

Take the right courses beginning your freshman year of high school. The first thing colleges look at is your high school record. Don't go for the easy "A." Colleges want to see challenging courses on your record. A strong college-prep course schedule should include this mix of subjects, which means getting started in your freshman year.

Recommended Classes

English: 4 years
Math: 3 or 4 years
Foreign language: 2 or 3 years
Science: 3 or 4 years (2 lab sciences)
Social studies: 3 or 4 years

Build a Solid Transcript

When admissions officers review your transcript they look at your:

Grades: an upward trend
High school: its academic quality
Rank: in class or GPA
Test Scores: SAT 1, ACT, SAT 2
Senior year: make it a solid one

Decide Which Type of College You Like

The clearer you are about your interests, talents, and experience, the more likely you are to find a college where you'll be happy and succeed. Begin by matching yourself with a short list of potential colleges. Look for a college that is strong in things you think you may want to major in. Consider these factors:

Size: Large university vs. small college? Smaller colleges usually offer smaller classes & more personal attention
Academics: Will you be able to keep up & succeed? What are the support services, such as tutoring and help with papers?
Extra Curriculars: Do they have the right sports or arts program?
Distance: How far from home do you really want to be? Do you want to experience a different part of the country?

Tests

Decide which test to take. Many colleges allow students to take either the SAT or ACT or both. Knowing which test you should take may save you time and money. UC requires the SAT 1 or ACT AND the SAT 2. CSU's require only the SAT 1 or ACT.

Learn the schedule: The SAT and ACT are offered on a few specific dates each year. The registration deadline is usually four weeks before the test date.
Register in time, or you'll pay a hefty late fee.
Score matters: Figure out how important test scores are to the particular colleges you're interested in attending. PSAT scores: Take this test in October of your junior year of high school. You'll get an idea of how you'll score on your SAT. Add a zero to your PSAT score to predict your SAT score.

Your College Application

You should select a range of colleges. PACT recommends applying to 5 or 6 colleges: 2 should be "safety" colleges or sure bets; 2 may be a reach for you to get into; while 2 could be your "dream" colleges.

Your Essay

If you are required to write an essay or personal statement (UC and most private and out-of-state colleges) make sure it’s a killer essay! If you stand out as a leader, artist, athlete, or scholar, make it show in your application. Unusual personal qualities, experiences and circumstances such as leadership ability, time abroad, special awards, etc., can make or break your admissions status. Some hints:

Keep it simple
Always answer the question asked
Ask your friends, families or anyone else who knows you well to come up with your 3 most compelling qualities

Meet the Deadlines

Most colleges won't even read your application if it's turned in late.

Make Your Final Decision Wisely

Once you get the acceptance letters you've hoped for, the rejection letters you've dreaded, and a few announcing that you're on a waiting list, you'll realize you have little time to make a decision that will affect the rest of your life. Some things to consider:

Financial Aid packages: Not all are created equal. Compare financial aid packages before you make your final decision.
Consider making a second campus visit to catch a glimpse of student life.