Making the Most Out of 4 Years of High School

Hi everyone, I'm a freshman and I want to make sure I take full advantage of my 4 years in high school. What activities, classes, or experiences should I prioritize to maximize my personal growth and set myself up for success in college admissions?

Hello! It's great to see that you're motivated to make the most of your high school years! Here's a list of suggestions to help you enhance your personal growth and boost your college admissions chances:

1. Academics: Focus on taking rigorous courses, such as Honors classes, Advanced Placement (AP), or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, whenever possible. Excelling in these courses will display your intellectual curiosity and ability to handle a challenging workload.

2. Extracurricular Activities: Find a few activities that genuinely interest you, and commit to them throughout your high school career. Aim to develop a "spike" by becoming highly skilled or accomplished in one or two areas. This could be anything––from sports to the arts, community service, or STEM clubs.

3. Leadership Roles: As you become more involved in your extracurriculars, seek out leadership positions. Colleges value students who demonstrate leadership qualities and positively influence their communities.

4. Build Relationships: Develop strong connections with your teachers, coaches, and counselors, as these relationships will be valuable for academic and personal support. Later on, they'll be the ones you'll ask for recommendations, so it's essential to form positive relationships early on.

5. Community Service: Engaging in meaningful volunteer work allows you to develop empathy, teamwork, and communication skills while giving back to your community. Colleges appreciate students who demonstrate a commitment to service.

6. Time Management: Develop strong time-management skills, as they'll be crucial not only for academics and extracurriculars but also for balancing college applications in your senior year.

7. Summer Opportunities: Use your summers to explore your interests, learn new skills, or participate in programs that can enrich your college application. This can include internships, workshops, or volunteer experiences.

8. Test Preparation: If you're planning to take standardized tests like the SAT or ACT, start preparing early on. You can use a variety of resources, such as books, online courses, or tutoring to achieve a strong score.

9. Research Colleges: Conduct college research throughout your high school years to identify schools that align with your academic, extracurricular, and personal goals. Create a balanced list of schools you're interested in, including reach, target, and safety schools.

10. Reflect and Grow: Along the way, take the time to reflect on your experiences and personal growth. These reflections may serve as the foundation of your college essays, showcasing your unique perspective and maturity.

Remember that, ultimately, your high school experience should be about discovering who you are, pursuing your passions, and growing as an individual. By focusing on these areas, you'll be well-equipped for personal and academic success in college and beyond. Good luck!