GPA

The best thing to do to start preparing for your college applications is maintain a strong GPA. The most important component of your college application is your GPA, as it demonstrates your academic strengths and work ethic. With a strong GPA, you'll have a much better of chance of getting admitted to selective colleges and getting scholarships. 

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Get Involved

Colleges like to see that you're involved in something. Whether it's a sport, theater, dance, an after-school job, or club, it's important to show that you're doing something productive with your time outside the classroom. You do not have to have a list of fifteen extra-curricular activities to be a competitive applicant; rather, colleges like to see that you're passionate about something, have stuck with an activity for four+ years, or that you've contributed to the school and/or your community in some way. With that said, colleges understand (and want to know) if you have responsibilities at home, such as taking care of siblings or maintaining a job, which could make it difficult to get involved at school. 

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Curriculum

Colleges will know that Bodine already offers a rigorous curriculum for its students, but colleges really like to see that you're challenging yourself when possible. If you have the option of taking more IB and/or AP classes, and you want to get into a selective college, opt to take those demanding classes. However, you don't want to compromise your grades and mental health with a rigorous course load; you want to challenge yourself, but not to the point where you're overly stressed and unable to keep up with the course material. 

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Standardized Testing

Study for the SATs and ACTs! Use Khan Academy, a free SAT prep resource. There are other free and low-cost test prep programs out there, which are listed on the SAT/ACT page. Strong test scores can definitely help you get into college, and they can definitely help you get more scholarship money. With that said, if you're not a good test-taker and/or you don't feel like your test scores represent your academic abilities, you can always apply to college test-optional. There are hundreds of colleges that don't require test scores, where your applications will be evaluated just the same. You will not be disadvantaged in any way by not submitting them; more weight will simply be placed on your GPA, recommendations, essay, etc. 

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Pre-College Programs

There are a variety of programs out there to help prepare students for college. Check out the "Pre-College Program" section of the website to see what you might be interested in. 

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Get to Know your Teachers and Counselor

When you apply to college, you'll ask two teachers to write letters of recommendation for you, and it's important that these teachers know you well. Colleges want to know what type of student you are to determine if you'll be a good fit for their campus. How do you engage in class discussions? How to you react to setbacks? How do you advocate for yourself? Getting to know your counselor well can help us advise you on your post-secondary plan, and it will also help us write thoughtful, detailed letters of recommendation. 

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Portfolios and Auditions

If you're thinking about applying to art school, getting a head start on a portfolio is a good idea. Start collecting work you've done. Some music and theater programs also require auditions. Make sure you research each school's requirements before applying!

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Research and Visit

Research, research, research. Check out websites. Do a virtual or in-person tour. Read about the majors you're interested in. Here's a good place to start!

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