b'9Be a Successful Student Be Proactive About Academic DifficultiesColleges want successful, involved, well-rounded Colleges do not seek perfection. They look for students who are able to balance academics with improvement throughout high school, especiallyPreparing for Collegeout-of-school activities. during your junior and senior years. If you are having difficulty in a class, act quickly:Challenge Yourself Academically Ask teachers about improving your grades. To show your readiness for college-level work,Find out about tutoring options.choose the most demanding classes your high Consider attending summer school if needed.school offers and seek out enrichment programs: Get Involved and Show LeadershipAdvanced Placement (AP) Courses are college-levelclasses offered in high school. An AP exam is offered Volunteering, working, or participating in extra- at the end of each AP course. A high score on thiscurricular activitieswhile earning good gradesexam can qualify you for cost-savings in the form demonstrates your work ethic and commitment to the of college credits. Be sure to lean into your strengthscommunity. Long-term participation in sports, clubs, when choosing AP classes; it is better to take onevolunteerism, and part-time jobs showcases your AP class in a subject you excel in, and pass theresponsibilities, interests, and talents. Additionally, exam, than to take three AP classes you do not pass. consider the value of your contributions at home:International Baccalaureate (IB) is a rigorous caring for younger siblings and ailing adult family program designed to prepare students for a members, household management, working tocollege education; the IB Diploma Programme supplement household income, translating forrequires passing assessments in core knowledgenon-English speaking family members, etc.and specific subject areas. Volunteerism indicates you care about yourHonors Classes indicate an increased proficiencycommunity and others.compared to non-honors classes and have the Part-time jobs and internships showcase youradded benefit of increasing your high school GPA. responsibility and introduce you to career options Dual Enrollment Programs allow high school that fit your interests and talents.students to take classes at local colleges to earn Caring for family while also completing classwork high school and college credits. Ask your schooldemonstrates an ability to manage your time.counselor whether your school offers these programs.Pre-College Summer Enrichment Programs are offered on college campuses to help high schoolstudents learn more about subjects that interest them while getting a taste of college life. Manyprograms offer financial assistance.The Most Advanced ClassesMinimum Academic Requirements in Your Best Subject While academic requirements vary among colleges,When selecting high school courses, consider whatmost four-year colleges require applicants to have:subject is most useful for the field you might study in 4 years of English, college. For example, if you plan to major in engineering, 3 years of math, you should enroll in as many math courses as3 years of social studies,possible and take the highest level of math available, 2-3 years of (lab) science, and e.g., calculus. This will both prepare you for college-2-3 years of a foreign language. level classes in that discipline, and also demonstrateto colleges that you are academically prepared.'