| Today, more than ever, you need a college degree to | | | | these tests as early as possible because, if your score |
| be successful. Twenty-five years ago, a high school | | | | is not satisfactory, you can sometimes take them |
| diploma was enough to earn enough to live a | | | | again and receive credit for the highest score. |
| middle-class lifestyle with a decent job. Now, in order | | | | The most important preliminary goal is to actually |
| to do as well as you could then, you need an | | | | graduate from high school. If you drop out of your |
| expensive and time-consuming college degree. | | | | senior year, you will not be able to attend college. No |
| College graduates earn about twice as much money | | | | matter how much you may dislike high school or find it |
| as high school graduates, on average. To get where | | | | frustrating, just stick it out and graduate. You'll never |
| you want in life, you need to be sure you qualify for | | | | regret it. Some schools accept diploma equivalents, |
| college. Let's take a look at some of the requirements | | | | such as the GED, but to qualify for college, you |
| to attend a university and earn a degree for your | | | | generally need a good excuse for not graduating, such |
| long-term success. | | | | as a health problem. |
| Long before high school is over, you should be thinking | | | | Outside of school hours and work, take the time to fill |
| about the value of your grades. Your GPA, or grade | | | | out your college applications. This effort should begin in |
| point average, tells your future college the overall | | | | the summer before your senior year of high school |
| average grade for your high school classes, so bear in | | | | because the overall process can take a lengthy period |
| mind that every class counts. Since colleges consider | | | | of time. In addition to basic questions about yourself |
| your grades from 9th to 11th grade, even your earliest | | | | and your grades, applications will often require you to |
| class grades are important. Which subjects you take | | | | write an essay. That essay is probably the most |
| also matters because your transcript, which goes out | | | | important thing you will have written in your entire life to |
| to colleges, includes that information as well. Be sure | | | | that point. |
| not to select all the easiest classes - doing so doesn't | | | | A great essay can help college administrators |
| leave a good impression. You are responsible to | | | | overlook even ugly grades and grease the skids for |
| ensure your transcript is delivered to all the colleges in | | | | your acceptance to many college institutions. If an |
| which you may have an interest in applying. Speak | | | | application doesn't require an essay, it is still a good |
| with administrators at your high school about this | | | | idea to send one anyway, as long as your work is of |
| process. | | | | excellent quality. Have your essay read by several |
| Toward the end of your high school career, you will | | | | others for feedback and editing; if possible, include a |
| need to take the SAT or a similar standardized test | | | | trusted English teacher at your high school for |
| for college qualification. Verify which tests your | | | | feedback as well. |
| possible colleges require, and then take them all. Your | | | | After you send out your applications, you normally |
| scores on these tests will largely determine whether | | | | need to wait several months to see if you are |
| you are accepted into these schools, so don't take | | | | accepted. This part can be more stressful than all the |
| them lightly - come prepared. It is a good idea to take | | | | prior work, but you must be patient. |