PREPARING FOR COLLEGE/ POST- SECONDARY EDUCATION WHAT ARE COLLEGES LOOKING FOR?

COLLEGES WANT Students with strong academic preparation (succeeding in challenging classes) Students with college prep skills Students that have been involved in extra-curricular activities and community service Meet academic course requirements for college admission Meet college entrance exam (ACT or SAT) requirements

COLLEGE PREP SKILLS INCLUDE: Excellent writing skills Being able to read and comprehend information quickly Excellent study habits and self-discipline Excellent mathematics skills Excellent computer/technology skills Excellent public speaking skills It is a good idea to consider taking AP level coursework. Colleges are impressed with students that take AP (Advanced Placement) coursework.

STRONG ACADEMIC PREPARATION INCLUDES: Taking rigorous courses and getting high grades. This will help you prepare for college and college entrance exams. GPA (Grade Point Average) standards set by the college (this determines rank and percentile.) The higher, the better. College Entrance Exam (ACT/SAT/Accuplacer) score range set by the college. Students that are successful in college consistently indicate that taking challenging courses in math, science and English every year of high school had the greatest impact on their success. Know what you can handle. Don’t overload yourself with classes that are too difficult for you – set realistic goals. Colleges often look to excellent grades in English classes and high verbal scores as a predictor of future college success.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR AND COMMUNITY SERVICE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE: Joining a club, sport or organization at Owatonna High School Volunteering in the community Getting involved in extra-curricular activities and community service activities shows colleges that you care about contributing to a club or organization, can work with others in a team environment, and in many cases can demonstrate leadership skills. Students often find that getting involved in extra-curricular and community service activities is fun, rewarding and can often make a positive difference in the lives of others.

MINIMUM ACADEMIC COURSE REQUIREMENTS FOR 4-YEAR UNIVERSITY ADMISSION INCLUDES: 4 credits of English (OHS requires 4.5) College involves a lot of reading and writing. The greater your reading speed/comprehension and ability to write effectively the better. 3 credits of math (minimum: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II and Pre-Calculus if possible) It is best to take math every year of high school and take as many courses in the math curriculum as possible. 3 credits of science (minimum: Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry and Physics if possible). The more science classes you can take, the better. 3 credits of social studies (OHS requires 3.5). 2 credits of a single world-language (Spanish, German, French). This is not a requirement for admission to a community college or technical college. 1 credit in the fine arts (drama, visual art, orchestra, band, choir, etc…)

COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAM (ACT OR SAT) REQUIREMENTS INCLUDE: General ACT score standards (can score between 1-36): Open (example: community colleges) = Traditional (example: state universities) = 18 – 24 Selective (example: private colleges) = Highly selective (example: private colleges and universities) = The SAT Reasoning test score range is between on each section of the critical reading, math and writing tests (which has 2 sub scores). Score ranges are: 50 th percentile = 1500/ th percentile = 1720/ th percentile = 1930/2400 To prepare for the ACT or SAT, students should have completed the following coursework prior to taking the test: Pre-Calculus or Pre-AP Pre-Calculus, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, American Literature and College English Skills or AP Literature and Composition. Most students take the ACT or SAT at the end of their junior year (June). You have nothing to lose if you chose to re-take the ACT exam. Colleges always consider your highest score.

BEST ADVICE Take challenging classes Earn good grades Get involved in extra-curricular activities and community service Explore interesting careers and job shadow if possible Go on college visits or visit college web sites (many have virtual tours) Set realistic, yet challenging goals Colleges look for grade trends. If you didn’t do well in 9 th grade, it’s not the end of the world. Do better in grades 10 – 12. Start saving money for college.

START THINKING ABOUT YOUR LIFE AFTER HIGH SCHOOL TODAY You can better plan for your future if you start early. Set your priorities. Decide on what’s most important to you and focus your time and energy on it. Talk to people who can help you plan for your life after high school (counselors, teachers, parents, college admissions representatives, etc…..) Set realistic academic goals. Work hard, but don’t get in over your head. Research careers and colleges. Have fun! It’s your life – make the most of it!