Admission Requirements

Many colleges and universities will require much of the same information from you to obtain admittance. Most colleges will send you a catalog, an application , and guidelines for admission. Below is a list of items that are standard with colleges and universities in the nation:

          A high school diploma
          Entrance exam scores (SAT or ACT)
          A high school transcript
          Essays and Resumes
             
An essay is a short literary composition on a single subject, usually presenting the personal view of the author. A resume is a summary of one's work experience and qualifications. Keep these simple definitions in mind when you begin.

Your Essay - Parts of an essay: Title, Introduction, Body, and Conclusion. Begin by collecting your thoughts. Write them down randomly. Order is not important at this stage. Write your first draft. Make sure there is a logical order to your paper and stay focused. For assistance, go to the library and find books on how to write an essay. Edit your first draft and type it. After you are comfortable with your draft, make corrections and retype. Be sure to use the correct format for essays. If you quote a passage, note it. Do not turn in an essay with spelling and grammatical errors. When your have finished your essay proof it and spell check it.

Your Resume - Parts of a resume: Heading (Name, Address, Phone#), Objective (optional), Education (usually the last item, but acceptable for students with limited work experience) Experience (jobs), Volunteer Work (may be included in Experience), Awards, Memberships and Extracurricular activities (optional).] Begin by writing down your job history. Gather information regarding job title, duties/responsibilities for each job, and start/end dates for each job. Record all awards, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work. Collect information regarding award and participation dates. Gather information regarding your educational history and graduation or tentative graduation date. Organize all your information in chronological order, most recent first. Construct your resume in the order of parts of a resume. You can find books on how to write a resume at your library. Type your resume and proof it.
            
Standardized Testing

PSAT - (Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test) The PSAT (formally known as the PSAT/NMSQT or Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is often taken in October by sophomores and juniors in high school. This test is used to determine National Merit Scholars. See your high school counselor for more information.

SAT - (Scholastic Aptitude Test) The SAT is one of two standardized tests used by colleges and universities as part of their admissions criteria. A perfect score on the SAT I is still 1600 (800 each on the math and verbal sections). The SAT is offered a number of times each year. See your high school counselor for information on test dates, locations and practice test. ACT (American College Test)

ACT - Another standardized test used by colleges and universities as part of their admissions criteria. The test is designed to measure achievements in English, math, reading and science. Scores for each section are averaged to create a composite score. A perfect score on the ACT is 36. The ACT is offered nation-wide five times each year in October, December, February, April, and June. See your high school counselor for information on test dates, locations and practice test. CLEP (College-Level Examination Program)

CLEP - allows you to earn college credit. Many colleges and universities now award credit for satisfactory scores on one or more of the 34 CLEP exams. See your high school counselor for information about this test. You will also need to check with the college you plan on attending to see if they accept CLEP for college credit.

AP EXAM - (Advanced Placement Program Examination) This program test high school students for ability to do college level work. Many colleges will give credit or advance placements for the advanced placement class you take in high school. See your high school counselors for more information. Also, check with the college you plan to attend to see if they offer credit of advanced placement classes.

High School Time Table

Sophomore Year - Take the PSAT. Explore volunteer opportunities and get involved with extracurricular activities. Keep your grades up.

Junior Year - Take or retake the PSAT. Grades are very important, so do every thing to maintain or increase your grade point average. Collect information on Scholarships, Grants, Work Study Programs and Financial Aid. Speak with your counselor regarding potential athletic scholarships, if applicable. Gather information on Colleges and Universities (catalogs and brochures). Attend college fairs and explore volunteer opportunities. Prepare for and/or take SAT and/or ACT. Make a list of colleges to visit. Get involved with extracurricular activities that pertain to future career plans.

Summer Time Seniors - Get a summer job. Explore volunteer opportunities. Write to Colleges and Universities for catalogs and applications. Visit Colleges and Universities, go on tours and interviews. Attend summer college programs. Prepare your resume.

Senior Year - Continue to keep up your grade point average. Continue with college visits and interviews. Take SAT and/or ACT. Prepare your college applications, draft essays, and gather information for portfolios. Get letters of recommendation from teachers, coaches, counselors, employers, etc. Fill out financial aid applications.

Find out what is required by the state and school you plan to attend. Prepare your income taxes along with your parents' ,you will need the results for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Make a decision on the college you will attend and visit the college.

Talk with professors, teachers, and current students. See if it is possible for you to sit in on classes, lectures, etc. Apply for admission. Complete applications for scholarships, grants, and loans. Volunteer. Take the Advance Placement Examination (contact your guidance counselors for dates and locations). Work on an estimated budget for college (food, clothing, and entertainment).

Summer Time College Freshmen Get a summer job. Review information regarding room and board along with fees. Set up budget for food, and clothing. Note payment deadlines. Look out for information regarding housing, registration, orientation, rules and regulations.