Dear Freshman,
Welcome to high school.
Right now, you are probably really nervous, I know I was. It's been a few weeks since your high school career has started. These next four years are going to be some of the busiest and most enjoyable time of your life, but you all have a lot to learn. Some of what you need to learn will come from experience from your time spent in the halls of your school. To help you out, the senior class has decided to tell you the top few things we wish we knew when we were in your shoes. Now as we apply for college we realize everything you need to know and I hope this helps.
- The positive relationships you develop with teachers will benefit you greatly as you apply to college. No teacher wants to write a letter of recommendation for a student who was distracted and put in little effort. By creating these relationships, teachers will be more willing to write letters of recommendation when you need them.
- It’s never too early to start looking at colleges or careers, so start your research now. Plus, although there’s no shame in not knowing, it feels better if you have an answer to “What major do you plan on taking for college?” Also, there are hundreds of colleges and universities throughout America, thorough research may help find the perfect place for you to call home in a few years.
- Hours of community service only count toward graduation when completed in your senior year. This is a requirement in some states, if it isn't in yours keep reading to learn why you should still serve. Lots of national scholarships will ask for a history of community service throughout high school, so make sure to volunteer whenever you can. Your wallet will thank you and so will your resume.
- Starting everything in your senior year is too late since colleges look at your resume and transcript from freshman year to the first semester of senior year.
- Don’t worry about how other people think about how you look or who you are. You will come to realize that high school is a four-year-long exploration of yourself. You will also realize that it is one of the most judgy places you will go every day and that it runs on gossip and overpriced frappuccinos. Be yourself and nothing else.
- If you are presented the opportunity to take advanced placement, dual - enrollment or honors classes, take them. Earning these credits before high school graduation will probably help you save both time and money in college. There have bee students who enter college with the same amount of credits as a junior and can complete their degrees in less time with more focus on their future career.
Its important to remember how fast these four years will go. Take every opportunity presented, go to every play, attend every pep rally, join all the clubs you can. Build your resume, focus on college and take this opportunity to find and love your self.
Much love,
The Seniors
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