Getting Ready for College

Preparing for college means everything from deciding if you want to even go to college, to packing your bags. See the topics along the side of the page for more on considering your future, paying for college, and reviewing different kinds of colleges. Here's where you can find out what you need to do in high school to get into the colleges that interest you.

Meet the admission requirements

Every school has its own entrance requirements and recommendations. Look carefully at the requirements for your favorites (most students apply to at least three institutions). You're the one who'll have to know the requirements and be sure you meet them. Counselors can't know the particulars of all the different schools, but they can help you find out.

General Guidelines:

Minimum High School Requirements

Colleges and Universities (Four-Year)

Community and Junior Colleges (Two-Year)

Vocational, Technical, Business and Arts Schools

Take part in community and club activities

Colleges know that classes alone don't reflect a student's full interests or energies. So when they're deciding which students will be most likely to succeed, they look for those who balance club and community activities with academic studies. Activities that focus on your special interests or show that you're well-rounded will help you get into the right college. Think about getting involved in: