10 Things to Know About Preparing for College

1. Start Taking AP Courses or Dual Enrollment Classes in High School

Advanced Placement (AP) courses and dual enrollment programs allow you to earn college credits while still in high school. This strategy has multiple benefits:

• Reduce future course loads: Enter college with credits already completed, lightening your academic workload
• Save time and money: Graduate earlier or have more flexibility in your schedule
• Demonstrate academic rigor: Show colleges you're ready for college-level work
• Explore potential majors: Try different subjects before committing to a degree program

Talk to your high school counselor about which AP courses or dual enrollment opportunities are available at your school. Many Idaho high schools partner with local colleges to offer dual enrollment programs.

2. Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities Like Sports, Clubs, and Volunteering

Being well-rounded is crucial for college admissions. Colleges want students who contribute to campus life beyond academics. Extracurricular activities demonstrate:

• Leadership skills: Captain of a sports team, club president, or volunteer coordinator
• Time management: Balancing academics with other commitments
• Passion and commitment: Sustained involvement in activities you care about
• Community engagement: Making a positive impact through volunteering

Important: If you're applying to test-optional schools (those that don't require SAT/ACT scores), extracurriculars become even more critical in demonstrating your capabilities and character.

Consider activities like sports teams, student government, debate club, theatre, band, community service organizations, or part-time employment. Quality matters more than quantity—deep involvement in a few activities is better than superficial participation in many.

A Word for Student Athletes: You may be an aspiring track athlete, a football star who's made the all-state first team, or a championship-winning basketball player. While athletic achievements are impressive and can open doors to scholarship opportunities, not every athlete will secure a full ride. If you're not planning on going to college on an athletic scholarship—or even if you are—you'll still need to plan accordingly. Academic performance, financial planning, and a well-rounded application remain essential. Remember: your athletic career will eventually end, but the education and skills you develop will serve you for a lifetime. Document your athletic achievements with professional sports photography for your portfolio and yearbook, but invest equal energy in your academics and college preparation.

3. Check Into the AVID Program at Your School

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) is a nonprofit organization that trains educators to help students prepare for post-secondary education. The program focuses on:

• Organizational skills and study habits
• Note-taking strategies for college success
• Scholarship hunting and application assistance
• College application guidance

Major Benefits: AVID students receive fee waivers for SAT/ACT exams and up to five free college applications—saving hundreds of dollars in the application process.

Ask your school counselor if AVID is available at your high school and how to enroll.

4. Open a 529 College Saving Plan and Start Contributing as Early as Possible

A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings account designed specifically for education expenses. Here's what you need to know:

• Tax benefits: Withdraw up to $10,000 annually tax-free for qualified tuition expenses
• Idaho-specific advantage: Idaho residents can deduct up to $6,000 in annual contributions from state income taxes
• Investment growth: Money grows tax-free when used for education
• Flexibility: Can be used at most accredited colleges and universities nationwide

Even small, regular contributions add up significantly over time thanks to compound interest. Parents, grandparents, and students themselves can contribute to a 529 plan. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to grow.

5. Apply for Scholarships, Grants, and Other Financial Aid Opportunities

Financial aid can make college affordable. Don't assume you won't qualify—many families are surprised by the aid available.

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

• When to apply: Opens October 1 of your senior year—apply as early as possible
• What it covers: Federal grants, work-study programs, and student loans
• Required by most schools: Even for merit-based aid, many colleges require FAFSA completion

WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange)

This program allows Idaho residents to attend participating colleges in 16 western states at reduced tuition rates—typically 150% of in-state tuition rather than full out-of-state costs. This can save tens of thousands of dollars over four years.

Scholarship Resources

• Your high school counselor's office
• Local community organizations and businesses
• College-specific scholarships
• Online scholarship databases (Fastweb, Scholarships.com, College Board)
• Employer tuition assistance programs

Pro tip: Apply for many smaller scholarships—they add up! A few $500-$1,000 scholarships can cover textbooks and supplies for a semester.

6. The PSAT and SAT Exams

PSAT (Preliminary SAT)

• When to take it: Available starting in 8th grade; most students take it in 10th or 11th grade
• Purpose: Practice for the SAT and qualify for National Merit Scholarships
• Benefits: Identifies strengths and weaknesses before the actual SAT

SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)

• What it measures: College readiness in reading, writing, and mathematics
• Score range: 400-1600 (combining two sections of 200-800 each)
• How it's used: Colleges use scores for admissions decisions and merit scholarship consideration
• When to take it: Most students take it junior or senior year; can retake for better scores

Test-Optional Colleges: Many universities now have test-optional policies, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT/ACT scores. Research each college's current policy.

Preparation resources include practice tests, Khan Academy (free SAT prep), tutoring programs, and test prep books. Consistent practice can significantly improve your score.

7. Choosing a College Can Be the Hardest Part

Selecting the right college is deeply personal. Consider these important factors:

Distance from Home

• How often do you want to visit home?
• Are you comfortable being far from family and friends?
• Consider travel costs for breaks and holidays

Alumni Placement Rates

• What percentage of graduates find jobs in their field within 6 months?
• What companies recruit from this college?
• What's the average starting salary for graduates?

Campus Culture

• Small liberal arts college or large research university?
• Urban, suburban, or rural setting?
• Greek life presence
• Sports culture and athletic programs

Diversity and Climate

• Geographic, racial, and socioeconomic diversity of student body
• Weather and seasonal changes (especially if moving from Idaho)
• Cultural fit and values alignment

Remember: The "best" college is the one that's best for YOU—not necessarily the most prestigious or the one your friends are attending.

8. Create a List of Colleges That Are Good Fits for Your Interests, Skills, and Personality

Build a balanced list that includes:

Geographic Diversity

• Nearby schools: University of Idaho, Boise State University, Idaho State University
• Regional options: Universities in neighboring states (WUE eligible schools)
• Distant possibilities: If you want to experience a different part of the country

Social and Cultural Fit

• Schools that match your personality and values
• Institutions with strong programs in your intended major
• Colleges with the extracurriculars and opportunities you want

Financial Considerations

• In-state public universities (lowest cost)
• WUE schools (reduced out-of-state tuition)
• Private colleges with strong financial aid
• Schools where your academic profile might earn merit scholarships

Important: Research thoroughly before applying. College application fees typically range from $50-$100+ per school, so apply strategically.

9. Apply to at Least Three Colleges—One of Them Should Be Your Safety School

Strategic college applications should include a mix of:

Reach Schools (1-2 applications)

• Colleges where your GPA and test scores are below the average admitted student
• More selective institutions you'd love to attend but admission isn't certain
• Worth applying to, but don't count on acceptance

Match Schools (2-3 applications)

• Colleges where your academic credentials align with typical admitted students
• You have a good chance of acceptance
• Schools you'd be genuinely happy to attend

Safety Schools (1-2 applications)

• Colleges where your credentials exceed average admitted students
• You're very likely to be admitted
• You can afford and would be content attending
• Critical: Never apply to a safety school you wouldn't actually attend

This balanced approach ensures you'll have options when decision letters arrive in the spring. Don't put all your hopes on one dream school—keep your options open.

10. Visit Potential College Campuses

Virtual tours and brochures can only tell you so much. If possible, visit campuses in person to get an authentic feel for each school.

Best Time to Visit

• During the academic year: When classes are in session and students are on campus
• Avoid breaks: Summer, winter break, and spring break don't represent typical campus life
• Attend admitted student days: Special events after you're accepted

What to Observe

• Student interactions—do people seem friendly and engaged?
• Campus facilities and dorm quality
• Surrounding neighborhood and safety
• Dining options and food quality
• Classroom environments
• Athletic and recreational facilities

Questions to Ask

• Talk to current students about their honest experiences
• Meet with professors in departments you're interested in
• Visit the career services office
• Tour residence halls
• Ask about study abroad opportunities, internships, and research options

Campus visits can be the deciding factor between schools that look similar on paper. Trust your instincts—you'll know when you find a place that feels right.