Start Planning for College Today!

 

Students and their families should begin planning for college from the very start of high school. Here are some tips to help you be more prepared for applying to and gaining entry into college:

 

Take a Challenging Course Load

• Receiving good grades in challenging courses is the most important factor for gaining admission to college.

• Students should strive to go above and beyond the Michigan Merit Curriculum requirements. For example, students should challenge themselves with:
     - Four Years of Science 
     - Academic Electives
     - More Than Two Years of a Foreign Language
     - Independent Projects Based on Student Interests
     - Dual Enrollment

• FlexTech High School's project-based curriculum allows students to                                                                      have a lot of control over their learning. As such, students should work                                                              closely with their Advisor and Counselor to develop an individualized                                                              academic plan that ​will provide the right amount of challenge.

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​Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities

• Colleges want to see more than just good grades and test scores.                                                               Extracurriculars are a great way to learn things about yourself and to let                                                           colleges learn more about you.

• Examples of ways to get involved at FlexTech:

         - Student And Community Outreach (SACO)                  

         - FlexTech Coffee Bar                                    

• Get involved in community activities like Dance, Sports, Scouting, Youth Groups, and more.

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Volunteer and Participate in Community Service

• Colleges want students who are interested in giving back to the community and making the world a better place.

• Find something you are passionate about out in the community and make a sustained commitment to it.

• Example of ways to get involved at FlexTech:

         - Community service through Advisory (Habitat for Humanity, Gleaners Food Bank, etc.)

         - Volunteer at Open House, Graduation, and other after school events

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Take on a Leadership Role

• Acting in a leadership role lets colleges know that you have the skill set, initiative, and personality to make a positive contribution to their institution.

• Examples of ways to get involved at FlexTech:

         - Take on a leadership role in a group project

         - Start your own club or student program

           (Remember- FT is High School Defined By You!)

 

Utilize Your Summers

• ​Continue to stay involved over the summer!

• This shows colleges that you are motivated and
  committed to learning, the community, and/or the
  world

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Resources:

https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-started/outside-the-classroom/extracurriculars-matter-to-you-and-to-colleges

College Is Yours 2.0 by Patrick J. O'Connor