Determining what I was interested in before I got to high school and how it fit in with my pathway helped me immensely. Choosing a career pathway allowed me to focus on making the best grades possible in classes that would prepare me for my college program. Even if you don’t know exactly what you want to pursue, it’s always good to explore your interests and take AP courses to show that you can handle the rigor of college as well as potentially use those credits in the future to exempt you from college requirements. It makes the focus on school and going to class purposeful rather than just an exercise to get good grades. Even if the courses seem ridiculously hard, it’s still worth it in the long run, I know from experience. Don’t forget to always try your best in your classes too. Taking AP courses and making good scores on the exams as well as taking Dual Enrolled courses has enabled me to exempt certain classes in college. Even AP courses I took my Freshman year were useful to me when transferring credits to my college for exemption. Developing this type of rigorous course schedule has significantly enhanced my resume and will enable me to potentially graduate from my undergraduate program and begin my masters program early.

Participating in Student Leadership Johns Creek has enabled me to gain valuable leadership skills. Most importantly, I was able to create an extensive portfolio which I used as a part of my college application process and scholarship applications. With the major of architecture, most schools require the submission of a portfolio, which can set you apart from the other applicants. After I created my portfolio I was then given valuable feedback from a SLJC board member as to how I could revise it. The portfolio will continue to help me throughout my college career as I continue to update it with new information and work, and it will also be beneficial when looking for jobs and internship opportunities.

Selecting a college is all about the right fit. I started looking at schools as a sophomore and continued until it was time to apply to schools my senior year. For most of my high school years I had one top school in mind. However, after my first college visits, I learned that the size of the school, the amenities, and my comfort with being on campus were important. The degree offered for my major and discussions with professors and other students had an impact on where I decided to apply. My first choice became a third choice. Don’t overlook schools because they seem out of reach or because you haven’t fully researched them. Apply to more than one school so you will have options. Take time to talk with people within the school, the admissions office and the financial aid office; visit schools more than once if you can. It makes a difference and gives you a chance to stand out from the crowd. If you apply to a school that is out of state, be in contact regularly with the recruiter that is assigned to Georgia, and make sure you take every opportunity to attend local events hosted by the school. These individuals will get to know you and will hear your passion and interest in the school. They can also share this information with others who might be able to make a difference in your selection as a student.

Most importantly, complete the early application process. This is important for two reasons. First of all, if you are interested in applying for scholarships, the odds of you being awarded with one are higher when you apply early. Applying for scholarships that are specific to your area of interest is also important. Second, schools are now accepting an overwhelming number of students during the early admissions process which doesn’t leave as many slots for regular admissions. It might seem like torture while applying to schools during the first semester of your senior year, but trust me, it’s worth it in the long run. Enjoy your high school years, plan for your future carefully, and use opportunities like your participation in Student Leadership Johns Creek as a chance to grow.