Grades are of paramount importance and are the single most important thing in your control. Hard work in the classroom will always pay off!
Coaches know that athletes who do not perform in the classroom are more likely to become academically ineligible or have issues in college, which is a risky proposition from their standpoint. If a coach has only one spot left and must choose between two athletes of equal talents, they will always select the better student.
Here are a few tips to ensure you are doing your job in the classroom.
Do Your Best To Attain the Highest GPA Possible
Academically, one of your goals should be to graduate ranked as highly in your class as possible. Work hard each year, and avoid “senioritis” at all costs.
Colleges will notice if you drop an AP course, take an easy schedule, or let your GPA slide in your senior year.
Simply put – do not coast, but work as hard as you can!
Take AP or Honors Classes
College admissions offices will view you as a motivated student if your high school transcript features AP and honors classes. While your GPA may not be as high as if you stayed in a regular class, your resume will be more impressive as a result. You will also show the willingness to challenge yourself – a trait that most colleges will value very strongly.
Having said that, it is wise to take these classes in areas of strength. Usually this will be self-policing, as there are various prerequisites to qualify. If your math grades are good, focus on things like AP Calculus. If you are good writer, look into AP Language & Composition or similar courses.
Your transcript is the most important piece of your application, so make it as impressive as possible!
Take an SAT/ACT Prep Course
Taking an SAT/ACT prep course will boost your confidence tremendously before a test while also helping to develop the skills necessary to do your best on these exams. There are plenty of options, from review books to online courses to private tutors. Whichever you choose, commit yourself to getting the most out of the experience – you will only be cheating yourself by coasting through.
If you have to, take these exams several times until you are satisfied with your scores. Regardless of which you take, do not assume a higher-than-average score will guarantee acceptance to your dream school. Test scores are not weighed as heavily as most people think they are, although very poor scores can be difficult to overcome. They essentially serve as a baseline, and are only part of the package.
Try not to put too much pressure on yourself on test day. Prepare as best you can, have confidence in yourself and remember these scores are only part of your equation.
Manage Your Time Effectively
Your days are going to be very full, with sports, extracurricular activates and more filling your schedule. That is no excuse for not dedicating time to your schoolwork. Make it a priority and be disciplined – you will feel the rewards for many years to come!
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