1. Obtaining letter of recommendations from teachers - Students should obtain letter of recommendations from their teachers as early as sophomore year. By doing so, students have an assortment of letters to choose from during senior year's college application. Many students wait until senior year to reach out to their teachers. They realize they have no recommendation letters. I believe the UC schools requires 3 letters. Obtaining letters also encourages students to be proactive and talk to their teachers outside of the class (during office hours, for example). Sometimes, the career counselors do not cover the importance of this.
2. Do not spread yourself too thin in extracurriculars - Many students involve themselves in too many organizations so that they "look good" on their college resume. Students should participate in one extracurricular at a deeper level, rather than several. The college application essay often explores the motivation behind one extracurricular. It should be a story. The story should be authentic and strategic at the same time.
3. Choosing hard and easy classes - During the beginning of the year, students hear about each teacher's reputation (i.e. Ms. Smith is a tough grader but you learn a lot in the class). There is often a trade off between getting a good grade in a class and actually learning in the class. Students should be aware of their comfort level and choose a mix of hard and easy teachers so that they can strike a balance between padding their GPAs and truly learning the material.
Self-awareness is key. I think as long as students are aware of the choices they make, are purposeful in the extracurriculars they choose, and reach out to the right teachers, they will succeed at Uni high.
2. Do not spread yourself too thin in extracurriculars - Many students involve themselves in too many organizations so that they "look good" on their college resume. Students should participate in one extracurricular at a deeper level, rather than several. The college application essay often explores the motivation behind one extracurricular. It should be a story. The story should be authentic and strategic at the same time.
3. Choosing hard and easy classes - During the beginning of the year, students hear about each teacher's reputation (i.e. Ms. Smith is a tough grader but you learn a lot in the class). There is often a trade off between getting a good grade in a class and actually learning in the class. Students should be aware of their comfort level and choose a mix of hard and easy teachers so that they can strike a balance between padding their GPAs and truly learning the material.
Self-awareness is key. I think as long as students are aware of the choices they make, are purposeful in the extracurriculars they choose, and reach out to the right teachers, they will succeed at Uni high.
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