Earning a college degree is a major goal for many high school students, including freshmen and sophomores who are too young to start applying. If you want to pursue higher education but it’s a bit early, there are still several steps you can take to start your journey. Consider the following strategies to make the admissions process smoother and increase your chances of enrolling in the school of your choice.

Choose classes that demonstrate your strengths and interests.

It’s important to take classes that look good on your transcripts, but you certainly don’t want to take any that are more than what you can handle. If you’re a skilled writer, think about taking an AP Literature class. If chemistry isn’t your strong suit, you might not be ready for AP Chemistry, but you can still learn a lot and could likely handle a regular chemistry course.

You should also be selective when choosing which electives to take. If you have an idea about your career goals, look for classes that align with these interests. For example, if you like making videos, consider taking a multimedia class in which you can build your skills in this area.

Plan summer activities that make you stand out.

Summer activities can play an important role in your future college admissions process, so it’s important to show colleges and universities that you’re engaged in activities that make a difference in the community. They can also demonstrate other strengths and interests you have outside of your academic work and help expose you to different people and environments. Examples of these include:

• Participating in a summer program hosted at your high school or in the community
• Finding volunteer opportunities through student clubs
• Working a summer job such as a lifeguard or camp counselor
• Starting a business with friends to provide a service in your community such as dog walking, lawn mowing, or babysitting
• Getting into content creation by starting a YouTube channel or podcast

Participate in extracurriculars.

Aside from your GPA and test scores, colleges value soft skills such as leadership, problem-solving, and the ability to work well with others. You can develop these skills through student clubs, sports, volunteering, internships, or team projects offered within local organizations. These activities will help you build a more compelling application and prepare you for opportunities down the road. 

Keep an eye on your favorite schools.

Start making a list of colleges and universities you’re interested in applying to before you reach your junior year. Check out what they’re posting about on social media, subscribe to email newsletters, and get a good sense of each school. Try imagining yourself being on campus and what you’d enjoy most about it.

Taking a campus tour is another great way to narrow your search. Most colleges host Open Houses and tours. Full Sail offers both in-person and virtual campus tours each month. Learn more about your tour options at Full Sail.

Create a financial plan.

Learning about money is essential, especially before you start college. While you’re still in high school, open a bank account, track expenses, or even set aside money to save every month. Knowing how to be responsible with your finances will be a key skill in college and beyond.

Check out more tips on building a personal financial plan before you start college.

Focus on your mental health.

The demands of high school combined with planning for college can be stressful. Learning to manage your mental health early on can help you thrive in college when you’ll likely have more responsibilities on your plate.

Try to exercise regularly, eat right, or practice mindfulness or yoga. Consider seeking counseling if needed. Putting these things into practice now will help set you up for a brighter future.