How High Schools Can Prepare Students For Higher Education

The four years you spend in higher education will be some of the most formative years of your life. Your high school education plays a vital role in university and other post-secondary institutions. Studies have shown that students with a post-secondary education increase their upward trajectory post-college. They are capable of making relatively higher wages. They also possess more opportunities than those who don’t.

But applying for college is not what it used to be.

These days, higher education institutions are more competitive. Post-secondary admissions demand more from high school students than ever. High school therefore becomes an all-important transition period for students entering post-secondary education.

High school possesses the underlying architecture necessary for students to excel in post-secondary education. The fundamental skills developed in high school will exceed far beyond classroom walls. AP courses are excellent college credits. They also give you an edge in the applicant pools when selecting a college or university.

Specialised classes

Classes like algebra and calculus are invaluable to STEM-related majors. Those high school English courses can afford you a college-level vocabulary. They not only develops your verbal skills but also your reading and writing comprehension skills.

Extracurricular activities

During their high school years, many students will take part in a variety of extracurricular activities. For some, this may take shape in the form of athletics. Others will thrive in the various school clubs and committees. Some will be student governments and academic teams and clubs. Volunteer work and community service are also a favorite among students.

The benefits of participating in these activities are transferable to both post-secondary and real world situations. Getting involved in many extracurricular activities develop time management and prioritization skills. They build diversified interests and build solid relationship skills while raising their self-esteem.

Relationship building

The time you spend in high school is transformative in your academic career and in cultivating good relationships. Your relationships with classmates and high school teachers are fundamental. They provide training in soft skills like communication and problem-solving.

The importance of these comprehensive set of individual skills are important to both the college admission process and the work place setting.

Strong lasting relationships forged with like-minded peers during high school prepare students for the weighty group projects your post-secondary grades often rely on. Your relationships with your high school teachers can frame the experience you have during your post-secondary education.

Teacher mentorship

Mentorship goes beyond your four years of high school. Your high school teachers provide great networking opportunities. The relationship you build with them during high school pays dividends. This is especially true when you are seeking recommendations for internships, job opportunities, or even graduate school consulting.

Pre-college programs

High school is also the perfect opportunity to engage in pre-college programs. These academic summer experiences are essential educational tools for high school students. Pre-college programs are an invaluable resource. Particularly in today’s more demanding world of post-secondary admissions.

For the ambitious and high-achieving student, pre-college programs are ideal. These programs challenge students in their fields of interest. They also give a glimpse of the residential side of university life. For students looking to experience life beyond a university’s classroom a pre-college program is invaluable.

These academic programs provide the essential framework for students to exel in the years ahead.

Students are also given opportunities to sharpen pre-professional or non-academic skills. They can also meet and liaise with ivy league consultants who can advise on the necessary steps and skills they need to succeed. Many of these programs are taught by carefully selected educators who excel in fields of academia.

While not every experience in high school impacts a student’s transition into higher education, high school is nevertheless an important time for personal and academic growth. High school enhances students’ abilities to make informed decisions, increase their critical thinking skills, become responsible citizens, and be more effective stewards economically and socially. These skills are critical to cultivating success within higher education

AUTHOR BIO

Brian Giroux is an experienced college admissions advisor and co-founder of Capital College Consulting. Brian is a Professional Member of Independent Educational Consulting Association (IECA). Brian has worked with students from over 30 countries to help provide guidance through the US admissions process.

Brian’s experience includes 18+ years in education serving multiple roles as educator, athletic director, and college admissions consultant.