Preparing for College
This page provides information and tips that will help you prepare yourself spiritually, academically, and financially for higher education in the United States.
Tip 1: Attend Seminary, Be Active in Church, and Commit to Attending Institute
Attending seminary is one of the most important things you can do during your high school years. Seminary classes will help you gain a solid understanding of the gospel, learn divine principles for acquiring spiritual knowledge, learn how to apply the doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ in your daily life, and strengthen your testimony. Four years of seminary attendance is strongly encouraged by the admissions offices at all Church Educational System (CES) higher education institutions.
Attending and participating in church on a regular basis, fulfilling your callings, and serving those around you are also great practices to maintain.
Commit now to attending institute classes, whether you are pursuing higher education or not. Continuing your gospel learning will bless your life as you move into a new, exciting phase of life. Institute classes are available year-round for all young adults. In many cases, there are institute of religion buildings close to college campuses. You can find out where institute classes are being held through the Institute Class Locator or from your ward and stake leaders.
Tip 2: Take Academically Rigorous Courses
High school students should enroll in the recommended academic courses as freshmen and continue to take them through their senior year. To be most prepared for the ACT and SAT exams and for college-level classes, it is recommended that your high school class schedule include the following:
- 4 or more years of mathematics
- 4 or more years of English or literature
- 2–3 years of laboratory science
- 2 years of history or government
- 2 or more years of a foreign language
You may also choose to enroll in concurrent and dual-enrollment courses or in Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) courses. Check with your high school guidance counselor to learn about options at your school and in your area to learn if they are (1) available to you and (2) a good fit for your educational goals.
Several CES higher-education institutions offer opportunities for concurrent and dual enrollment. For more information about concurrent and dual enrollment in CES institutions, click on the following links:
Tip 3: Take the ACT and/or SAT Exams
The ACT and the SAT are standardized exams that test students’ knowledge over various academic topics. Many higher-education institutions use these exams to gauge how well students may perform once admitted.
It is wise to take the ACT and/or SAT toward the end of your junior year of high school so that you can take it again at the beginning of your senior year. Because most college admissions offices consider only your highest composite scores, you should consider taking the ACT and/or SAT multiple times. Studies show that students who retake the ACT have a 55% chance of increasing their previous score by one to three points. Those points could make a big difference when you apply for admission and scholarships.
It is important to find out how each of the higher-education institutions you apply for utilizes ACT and SAT scores in the admissions process and to prepare accordingly. It’s also wise to take your final ACT and/or SAT exam at least two months before the application deadlines for your chosen institutions to ensure that those institutions receive your exam scores before their deadlines.
Tip 4: Participate in Extracurricular Activities
Get involved in a variety of service opportunities, athletics, employment opportunities, clubs, organizations, and leadership opportunities. These activities will help you to develop your talents, diversify your skills, and strengthen your interests. They will also make your application more attractive to college admissions offices. In fact, many college admissions offices give special consideration to students who have played a key role in activities outside of class.
Tip 5: Research the Colleges and Universities You Apply For
In order to make the most of your higher-education experience, apply to colleges and universities that have programs and majors that interest you. Learn about the costs of attending each institution, including housing and living expenses, to determine if you can afford to attend that institution. Apply for all scholarships and grants that you are eligible for. Consider how far away you would be from your family and support group.
Tip 6: Live the Honor Code (especially if you plan to attend a CES higher-education institution)
The Honor Code is a set of rules that students who attend CES higher-education institutions commit to follow every year before attending school. It requires that students maintain high spiritual standards. With the Honor Code, students from each of the Church schools enjoy a high standard of living among peers with shared values. The Honor Code is also a good standard to live by for young adults who attend public colleges and universities as well.