I’m going to be a sophomore in high school this year and I am leaning towards either architecture or biomedical engineering (I know that will probably change). I wanted to know any tips you guys have regarding the ACT, picking a major, picking a college, or basically anything else you wish you knew before college. Thanks.
Make sure you study hard for the ACT before your junior year. They are some prep books out there that are very useful and will help you do well on the ACT. And when picking a major make sure you are majoring in something that you love to do or can see yourself enjoying. There are some people that pick a major and then want to change it but it’s to late. For grades, make sure you stay on top of your studies. If you are slipping in a class talk to your teacher and see if you can do extra credit, etc. Also if you are very serious about continuing your education after high school I recommend that you apply for scholarships ahead of time right after your freshman year of high school. I did the mistake of waiting until my senior year to apply for scholarships and haven’t had much luck. There is money out there you just have to find it you can try ■■■■■■■■■ or ■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■■ etc. I wish you the best of luck in your future and whatever you plan to do after high school.
Thank you so much. I will keep everything you said in mind especially looking into scholarships now. I didn’t know that I should be doing that.
I would highly suggest that you make sure that your workload is balanced. In my junior year, I had a really difficult time balancing my class courses because I took the hardest classes possible. Adding on to that, I had to take care of my ECs. It’s really important to note that your academics are the foundation for colleges (think of it as the base of the pyramid).
Maintain good grades throughout high school. Also, start studying for the ACT the summer before your junior year because junior year is really busy. Use high school as an opportunity to explore your interests (through extracurriculars and classes) to get a better idea of what you might want to major in. Good luck!
(1) Consider a test preparation course for the ACT, with live people (not just books); your school guidance counselor may be able to recommend some for you. Also, consider taking both the SAT and ACT; students often do better on one or the other test; and if this is the case with you, then should you feel a need to retake a test you may be able to focus on one as opposed to the other.
(2) Start talking to your parents early and often about HOW MUCH MONEY they can – and are willing to – spend on your undergraduate education; and then talk to them about whether they can or would be willing to pay for graduate or professional school, should you decide to go beyond a bachelor’s degree. As you note, you might end up with a degree in something other than what you start out in, or what you are even thinking about right now; and a graduate or professional degree may become either desirable or necessary – think Ph.D., or law school, or medical school. It can happen!
(3) Don’t try to get involved in too many ECs; think quality over quantity. Get involved in extracurriculars that you enjoy or have a passion for, and where you might have the opportunity to demonstrate leadership ability.
(4) Get a copy of Fiske’s Guide, or the Insider’s Guide to the Colleges, and spend some time identifying potential colleges/universities.
(5) Have fun along the way!