Post Graduate Center

Steps to College Admission

(Getting Into "Your" School)

1.  Choose Challenging High School Classes

• Colleges know how many advanced classes are available to you
• Get the best grades you can
• Review High School Timeline for planning  

 2.  Take the ACT and/or SAT Exams

• Review Everything You Need to Know About Testing
• SAT, SAT II, AP Testing Info --www.collegeboard.com
• ACT -- www.act.org

3.  Document Outside Activities ( Activities, Jobs, Community Service, Clubs, Hobbies, Significant Travel) 

• Colleges want to see outside activities and interests
• Document activities during your entire high school career
• Use Fairview Student Profile/Resume Worksheet 

4.  Request Recommendation Letters

• Some colleges require recommendations from teachers, counselors, or community members who know you
• Use Teacher Recommendation Letter Form 

 5.  Write Personal Essay 

• Most Colleges want to get to know you better through your personal essay
• In your Junior year English class, you will write a practice college essay
• Read How to Write Your College Essay