8 ways to make the college search easier!

By: Gabby Ssewankambo and Naddy Alexandre

Gabby (left) and Naddy (right)
Photo Courtesy of  Abigail Sullivan 

SAT, ACT, applications, scholarships, tuition, GPA- all these things will be swarming through your mind once you reach the ending of your junior year. It will feel overwhelming juggling both college things  and your school work, but if you follow these few simple tips, all of this will seem like a piece of cake!

1. Make sure you try hard your junior year! It is basically the last year that you have to bring your GPA up.  In your senior year, you can bring your GPA up, but it may not be as effective.
2. ACTUALLY TAKE THE SAT CLASSES AND DO THE HOMEWORK THEY ASSIGN!! For those who don’t know, in your junior year, the school offers SAT classes on Saturdays to prep for the big test in May. Yes, it really is tough to wake up early on one of your two short days off, but I encourage you all to make the best of it. Doing the homework and actually paying attention during the classes is beneficial.
3. While you want your resume to look good, you should pursue things that you find interesting. It is better to try new things, and stand out, than it is to spend high school trying to be a model student.
4. Start applying for scholarships early! It doesn't matter if you are just rewarded $100, everything helps!

5. 

   Photo Courtesy of Abigail Sullivan

   Do not lose motivation! I know there comes a time in the school year when you are tired of school, but push through! You only get to do high school once so put your best foot forward!
6. You should come into senior year with your personal statement finalized or close to being finalized. Have multiple people read over your personal statement. Talk to your college counselor about which prompt fits best for you. And that leads us to our next tip...
7. Do not hesitate to go to the college counselors with any questions. They are there to help you, and truly want to see you succeed.
8. Make sure you are choosing a college for the right reasons. Do not choose a college only based on your friends or even your family's opinions. Visit these schools and see which is best for YOU.