Going to college requires organization, planning, and preparation.  To be prepared for college, do the following throughout your high school years:
Take college prep courses
Make the best grades your possibly can
Get involved in school and community activities
Develop your skills and talents and pursue your personal interests
Gather information about your college choices and options
Save money for college

What should I be doing as a freshman to prepare for college?
Get off to a good start academically.  Remember, all of your 9th grade courses and grades will be on your transcript, and your freshman grades will be used to calculate your GPA.

Develop a 4-year high school plan.  This plan should list all of the courses you plan to take each year.  Make sure that your 4-year plan includes the recommended college prep courses.

Talk to your parents and your high school counselor about your plans to attend college

The most important thing you can do to prepare for college is to follow a college preparatory program in high school.

Below is a list of the courses that most 4-year colleges recommend students take in high school.

• 4 years of English
• 3-4 years of math (including Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2)
• 3 years of science (with laboratory experience)
• 2-3 years of the same foreign language
• 3 years of social studies
• 1 year of fine or performing arts

Competitive schools consider the above to be the minimum requirements.  They recommend that students challenge themselves by taking advanced, honors, and AP (Advanced Placement) courses whenever possible.

As you plan and prepare for college, learn as much as you can about college admissions, choosing a college, college majors, paying for college, etc.  These Web sites have excellent information for students and parents.

www.collegeboard.com
www.act.org
www.educationplanner.com
www.studentaid.ed.gov
www.petersons.com
www.gocollege.com