Choosing
a college could be the most important choice a high school student has ever
made. Knowing what to expect and being prepared are vital for a more seamless
transition on the road to higher education.
1. Challenge yourself. High school students who take Advanced Placement classes can use AP test scores to waive English and math college assessment tests, notes Jessica Yakou, acting student success coordinator at Cuyamaca College. Likewise, getting an `A’ or `B’ in Algebra II at the high school level means no math assessments before going into college.
“The other advantage is that challenging yourself in high school will better prepare you for college,” Yakou said.
2. Think community college. At $46 per unit, courses at Grossmont or Cuyamaca College are a fraction of what you’ll pay at a UC or CSU campus. Why throw money away on expensive general education classes at a four-year university when you can take those same requirements in a more personalized setting at community college?