Other Ways to Prepare

Your schoolwork should come first, but these other experiences can be an important part of your college preparations.

Extracurricular activities

Playing sports, working on the yearbook or newspaper, acting in a play or joining clubs can teach you how to work on a team toward a common goal, and may also spark an interest in career possibilities.

Volunteerism

Volunteering in your community is rewarding on so many levels. You’re helping others, building skills and adding valuable experiences to your résumé. Everybody wins.

Employment

Jobs can have the same benefits as volunteering, with the added bonus of a check every couple of weeks.

Job shadowing

Following a professional in a field that interests you can give you an inside perspective on why the courses you’ll take in college are so important in the workplace.

Military service

Serving in the Armed Forces can help you pay for college while you learn technical and leadership skills.