We say this all the time: the earlier you start on college prep the better. But how early is too early? The reality is that colleges look at everything from 9th grade on – meaning students need to show up to day one of high school ready to go.

Mathematics is one of the most useful skills to gain in high school and college, as it helps open the door for many lucrative and fulfilling careers. As a math student and a professor, I’ve seen a lot of students go on to do great things with their math degrees. Math majors can get hired as actuaries, statisticians, financial planners, cryptographers, and accountants straight out of college. Of course, math and engineering majors of all kinds also have the option of continuing their education as far as the Ph.D. level, if desired.

The process of preparing for, taking, and responding to standardized test scores is a stressful and overwhelming one for students and families, and with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, this process has only become more stressful in recent years. One of the ways that colleges have responded to the pandemic’s obstacles is to implement test-optional admissions policies to avoid disadvantaging students who have been unable to sit for an ACT or SAT.

You have so many factors to consider during your college search. Students are thinking about everything from, “does this school offer the major I want to pursue?” to “will there be pick-up games of Ultimate frisbee on the quad?” Not to mention the cost of tuition, how far away from home campus will be, the selectivity and reputation of the school, and even how the size of the campus will impact all their priorities.

“To get into a good college, do I need to play an instrument, join a team sport, participate in community service, run for student government, win robotics and writing competitions, sing in the school musical, write for the newspaper, and design the yearbook cover?”

“You know, there’s math in music” my piano teacher said as I lowered my hands from the keyboard. With one simple phrase, she sent my 12-year-old mind into a cyclone, questioning the sneaky places that math might also be hiding without warning.

Learning doesn’t have to stop just because class is no longer in session. In fact, summer break is the perfect opportunity to learn a new language. Investing time in your daily life to learn a language is not only great for personal growth and cultural appreciation, but it also demonstrates to college admissions committees that you’re motivated to learn outside of the classroom. Keep reading for some language learning strategies and tips.

As a former high school English teacher, I always tout the importance of reading as a means to improve one’s writing, especially when it comes to the college essay.
Author Annie Proulx perhaps sums it up best: “Writing comes from reading, and reading is the finest teacher of how to write.”  Reading exposes you to different writing styles, diction, and sentence syntax which can influence, improve, and even inspire your own writing style.

Just as in undergraduate admissions, the graduate admissions process often requires standardized testing as part of the application process. Whether you are a current college student considering your postgraduate options, or a professional looking to advance in your current field or make a career change, studying for the GRE is an important way to prepare your strongest application to graduate school.

The most important document in a college application, as I tell all my students, is the transcript. Admissions committees are keen on applicants who have challenged themselves and excelled academically throughout high school, not just in junior or senior year when they think it “counts.”