At this stage in high school, you’re laying the foundation for your high school career. This is a great time to establish your academic and extracurricular credentials for your future. This is also a perfect time to begin thinking about colleges and careers. And don’t worry: you don’t have to have it all figured out this year. (Feel free to download the entire High School Student Timeline by clicking here: College Timeline PDF.)

• Visit: Stop by the FCA HS Guidance Department and meet your Guidance Counselor. It’s wise to sit down and map out your 4-Year Academic Track as much as possible and talk about colleges you may be interested in attending. Not sure who your Guidance Counselor is? Click here to find out!

• Work Hard: It is encouraged that you take the most rigorous academic schedule that you can handle.  Raising your GPA is easier to do earlier rather than later in high school.  In your spare time, read.  Reading literature at your level or slightly higher increases your vocabulary; an increased vocabulary helps you on entrance tests, essays, and interviews.

• Get involved: An important aspect of your college application may be how involved you are outside of the classroom. This involvement will help make you a more well-rounded applicant when it comes time to apply to college. Also, keep a list of everything in which you’ve been involved; colleges will love to see your accomplishments.

• Make the Grade: Maintain a strong GPA--it matters and will pay off down the road. You may not think your grades mean much as a freshman, but they do! Mosst colleges are looking at all four years when making an admissions decision and awarding academic scholarships.

• Take Notes: Keep a list (Word document or Excel spreadsheet) of the extracurricular activities, sports, and special clubs you’ve been part of and the roles you’ve played with them.

• Explore your Strengths: Take the Explore Test – and take it seriously! This will help you assess your academic strengths and prepare your academic track in high school. Remember, it’s ok to work hard!

• Go to the Fair: Attend the YFC Christian College Fair at the Ward Road Campus, Main Gym. It’s never too early to start looking into your college options. Walk around, ask questions, and pick up fliers – it’s free and close to home!