what i know now by savanna

what i know now by savanna - April 2016 Scholarship Essay

Knowing what I know now I would tell younger students to focus on your ACT scores. I know academic advisors push AP and DC courses but that's not what colleges look at today.

Yes, colleges look at your GPA and class rank but scholarships are given based on ACT and SAT scores. College acceptance is also granted on your ACT\SAT scores.

If I could start my high school career over again I would take weekend boot camps that focus on bringing up your test scores. Even if I had to drive out of town for them. I would probably also hire a tutor who guaranteed a certain point increase on test scores. Certainly take any test prep course that your high school offers.

I have learned that by even by taking those college prep classes and dual credit classes and doing okay in them, mostly b's, unless you are first or second in your class you aren't eligible for academic scholarships.

Academic advisors also tell you to volunteer or community work. Although that may be intrinsically encouraging, colleges don't look at that either for acceptance or scholarships.

I personally am in a high school class that teaches and promotes and provides lots of opportunity for volunteerism but colleges do not look at that.

When you fill out college applications and scholarship applications they want to know ACT/SAT scores, period.