To begin, meet with your school’s guidance counselor to discuss your grades, and various ways you can improve. “Eighth graders need to talk with their parents about their future and which careers best suit their interests,” says Jim Henderson, Snow Hill Middle School Guidance Counselor, “College education is a must for many careers. Information about colleges and course offerings can be found on the Internet and in discussion with guidance counselors. In this day and time, early exploration is of utmost importance because of the highly technical nature of many careers.”
Continuing with a foreign language will also greatly improve your chances of admission, providing you remain diligent. Colleges look for a well-rounded student, therefore it is important to engage in a variety of activities in high school and your community. Think about visiting colleges you are considering applying to, this will aid your decision process. Scholarship opportunities can be available to students as early as 8th grade and obtainable for those that may not be able to afford tuition. Also consider community colleges, as they are generally less expensive than larger universities, with the same benefits.
Although the college experience can and will be a rigorous one, it can also be enjoyable. Attending a school away from home can be the perfect time to learn methods and techniques of independent living. Dorms or other student housing facilities can be excellent foundations to lead you to becoming self-reliant and efficient, while getting an education that will provide incredible career opportunities.
According to news sources, someone with a four-year bachelor’s degree is expected to earn at least $20,000 a year more than someone with only a high school diploma. Chances of finding and keeping a job after graduating also increase dramatically, giving you the insurance that you will always be able to find a job regardless of where you live.
With these benefits and more, college is definitely something to consider as a road out of high school, or to prepare for as early as 8th grade. Make it a point to discuss with your parents, and in doing so grant yourself the education that will affect you and your family for the rest of your life.
Jacob Mast, who attended Snow Hill Middle School, hopes to become a University of Virginia Cavalier.
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