You should start preparing for college in middle school.
You may have read the title of the article and thought "I'm in middle school, do I really need to be thinking about college right now"Even though you are a middle schooler, it is a good idea to think about college and your future now.If you are a middle schooler, this will give you some valuable college prep information.
Step 1: If you don't already have good study habits, you need to work on them.
Since your middle school grades won't count for college, now is a good time to work on study habits.Discuss with your teachers and parents what skills you need to work on if you can't figure it out right away.If you wait until midway through your junior year of high school to work on your study habits, your freshman and sophomore grades could end up costing you admission to one of your dream schools.
Step 2: If your middle school offers high school level classes, they should be considered.
It will be a great time to get a feel for a high school course, and it will also give you a good grade on your college transcript.This is a great way to start preparing for college if you are willing to work hard.If you don't know what high school level classes are offered at your school, talk to your middle school counselor.They can help you decide if these classes are right for you.
Step 3: There are many courses to take.
Try to take a variety of courses even if you don't feel like taking high school courses.You can get a feel for what route you want to take if you do this.You might get a future career idea.
Step 4: There are multiple extracurricular activities.
If you do extracurricular activities in middle school, they won't count for college.It is a good time to try a few.You can decide what you want to do in high school after you get a feel for what makes you happy and what doesn't.Don't bite off more than you can chew; trying, at the most, 4-5 extracurriculars you really enjoy will help make sure you are not spreading yourself too thin.
Step 5: If you can build your vocabulary, that will be great.
This will help when you take the SAT in high school, so that you don't have to struggle in the reading section if you choose the essay, and so you can use a wider range of vocabulary, since both strategies can boost your score.If you don't know what a word is, write it down and look it up on the internet or in a dictionary.To make your own dictionary, write them down in a small notebook.
Step 6: You should consider applying for scholarships.
There are more scholarships for high school students.There are a few middle school scholarships out there.This is a great time to start securing money for your future.You need to read the eligibility requirements for the scholarships you apply for.You may be required to be involved in a sport or extracurricular activity.If you aren't eligible for the scholarships you apply for, they will end up being a waste of time.
Step 7: Discuss college with your family.
Discuss what they liked and disliked about college if they went.
Step 8: Donate your time.
Colleges like to see that you have volunteered.Since volunteering is meant to be an ongoing commitment, and not just something you start your senior year, getting one or two volunteer experiences started in middle school can be very valuable.Try to volunteer for an organization that has a career that interests you.
Step 9: You may be interested in these careers.
Your middle school counselor can help you with this.Think about your interests and any jobs that are related to them.Keep them for future reference by writing them down.You don't have to make decisions about your career path.It's normal for your plans to change as you get older.It's always a good idea to seek out mentors who can tell you about the fields you're interested in.
Step 10: Improving your communication skills is something you should work on.
Developing your oral and written communication skills is important for college and beyond.You can succeed at future oral presentations and essays by laying the groundwork now.You can practice public speaking in front of your family and friends if you ask them for help.
Step 11: If you can, visit a college on any trip.
Keep an eye out for college events that are open to the entire community.This will give you an idea of what a college campus looks like.It's a good idea to take a look if you already have a "dream school" in mind.
Step 12: Don't stress about college, but take proactive steps.
College prep shouldn't be a daily activity.You have plenty of time before you have to think of applications and admissions.Remember that you are still a kid, so make time to be one, even if you apply for scholarships now.Take a break and hang out with your friends.