Applying to college can seem overwhelming. There’s a lot to consider, a lot of rumors about what matters, and a lot of stress trying to figure out what school you want to go to—not to mention getting into that school. Having a plan in place makes the whole process easier.
Taking the time to create a pre-college plan is a great way to reduce college prep stress. Plus, you will learn valuable organizational and time management skills while you are at it. Think of it this way: where you choose to go to college is the first big decision you will ever make about the direction of your life. That means it is a decision that deserves a lot of thought and is well worth planning ahead for. If you start now, you will have a lot more college options when the time comes to actually apply. So get started now incorporating college prep into your life.
Use the information in this section—whether you are in middle school or in high school—to start choosing appropriate classes and activities now so you don’t get caught unaware, or lacking the courses you need, when the time to apply to your dream school comes.
Don’t sell yourself short. Ever. On resumes, colleges want to see everything you’re capable of doing and have done. With your passions and talents, don’t let self-doubt stop you from growing and getting better. -Tyler T., Duke TIP alum