Choose
your classes carefully. Make
sure your junior-year courses are in line with the core classes
needed for college admission. Work with your high school guidance
counselor and review the recommendations in Building
Your Future,* an online guide created by the
Board of Regents, State of Iowa, for college-bound students.
Keep
your grades up. If necessary, expand the amount of
time you devote to studying. Remember that the grades you
earn this year
will be the ones college admission officials will see when
you apply.
Earn
college credit by exam. Advanced
placement testing (AP or IB—International Baccalaureate) may help you earn college
credit before you arrive on campus. Iowa accepts a variety of Credit
by Exam options.
Consider
an early start. Many
schools, including Iowa, accept applications from students
who wish to Take
College Courses While Still in High School. These courses
can be used to reduce the number of classes you need to take
once you get to college or to satisfy
a college's high school course requirements.
Take
the PSAT, even if you do not plan to take the SAT. The PSAT,
a practice test for the SAT college entrance exam, can qualify
you for the National Merit Scholarship, National Achievement
Scholarship,
and National Hispanic Scholarship.
Take
the ACT or SAT in the spring. Taking the test during
the spring of your junior year allows you to take the test
again in the fall of your senior year if you're not happy
with your score.
These standardized test scores are heavily considered by most
college admission officials, so prepare well. Your high school
counselor
can recommend books, web sites, and classes to help you prepare.
Narrow
your list. Attempt
to narrow your list of prospective schools to between three and
five by the end of the year. If your list is longer, it becomes
difficult to keep track of admission procedures and deadlines.
Establish
an e-mail account just for your college admission correspondence,
and check it often. Make sure your user name is appropriate for
correspondence with college admission professionals.
Assemble
your application materials. Start
compiling your application materials in the fall, especially
if the application requires a recommendation from a teacher.
Study
financial aid terms and procedures. Attend a financial
aid information session at your high school, if possible, and develop
a strategy for finding scholarships. Be wary of scholarship search
services that charge a fee. Instead, use various web search engines
and discuss opportunities with your high school guidance counselor.
Arrange
campus visits. Visits to prospective colleges are
critical at this point. Review your priorities, attend college
fairs, and
find time to research your options. Iowa's
Admission Visitors Center welcomes students for large group or individual Campus
Visits.
