Ace Your Way to the Top
So, you want to be an engineer, astronaut, computer scientist, or perhaps a nuclear engineer after college? Even though you may think you’re light years away from realizing your dreams, the truth is you’re closer than you think. Whether you’re in the 6th or 12th grade, there are many things you can do to get a jump on college and on your career. There are also lots of resources that can help you in the process, but it all starts with making good grades today.
One of the first things that students should do is to explore the careers they’re interested in. Once you narrow down the list to several possibilities, devise a game plan to get on the right academic track. For instance, if you’re considering engineering, then it’s key to take pre-Algebra in the 7th grade and Algebra I in the 8th grade. This way, when you get to high school, you’ll have time to take Algebra II, Geometry, Trigonometry, pre-Calculus, Calculus, and the science required for entry into an engineering program. It’s also helpful to take specialized classes like robotics, computer science and computer-assisted drafting, if they’re offered by your school.
No matter what major you decide to pursue in college, get a head start by taking accelerated high school classes like honors and Advanced Placement (AP). Students who take AP classes usually have a leg up on those who don’t, since they’re basically taking entry level college courses.
While watching the exciting line-up of sitcoms and sporting events can be entertaining, reading a magazine, newspaper, or book can be both enjoyable and educational. By getting into the habit of reading, you will expand your vocabulary and your comprehension skills.
It’s vital that students read beyond the assignments given in school in order to enhance your analytical skills. Those interested in science and technology should read science-related articles and broaden their reading material to include magazines like Popular Science.
Okay, so how do you know if you’re on the right track? Ask your teachers and guidance counselors. They’re good sources to help you determine which classes, clubs, majors, and colleges are best.
Developing a student-mentor relationship with guidance counselors and teachers will also be instrumental when the time comes to request letters of recommendations. The better they know you, the better able they are to write good letters of recommendations.
In addition, teachers, counselors and mentors can help you pave the way to college by providing academic and career direction. A mentor can be anyone in your family, school, club, community, or church who has the same interests as you – or has a strong desire to see you succeed.
College admissions counselors can also be helpful by providing specific advice about getting into their schools. Contact them to find out what their requirements are and what you should do to increase your chances of being admitted.
In addition to taking the right classes, talking with teachers, and contacting college admissions counselors, students should become active in school clubs and organizations. In doing so, they can develop leadership, teamwork and time management skills. It’s also very important that students utilize available resources, such as the library and the internet.
Join the Club
Along with grades and SAT scores, colleges look at the things you’ve done to shape your academic and personal development. Students are advised to participate in as many extracurricular activities as they can. Participation in clubs, sports and leadership organizations not only look good on your application, but it also allows you to meet people with common interests.
So, what types of clubs should you join? Student government? School newspaper? Sports? It really doesn’t matter, as long as you explore your interests. If you’re drawn to engineering, then join a math or science club, or a professional engineering society that has a student chapter. It’s always a good idea to show an early interest in your chosen field.
Gain Practical Experience
Working as an intern in a field you’re interested in provides tremendous opportunity to get hands-on experience, find mentors, and get a leg up on the competition. Students who plan to pursue engineering should spend the summer working with an engineer to learn the basics, advise some science instructors. However you choose to do it, you must get yourself involved – even if it is an unpaid internship.
Participate in Enrichment and Pre-College Programs
If you like to keep busy after school or in the summer, there are programs that are designed to improve skill levels in specific subject areas. At colleges across the country, students can participate in pre-college summer programs. If you’re about to graduate and need to brush up before beginning college, you’ll be glad to know that many schools offer summer programs for incoming freshman.
When it comes down to your future, you can’t afford to be a backseat driver. Be proactive. Take control of your options and use the resources that are available to you.