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Because you may be reading this guide as an eighth-grader or freshman does not mean that it's panic time. Although as a ninth grader you are already building your credentials for college admission, don't feel compelled to make any important college decisions yet. During your junior and senior years we will be working with you, step by step, in order to achieve your objectives. You or your parents may come and see any of the college counselors at any time. On the other hand, there are important things that you should consider when you are looking at the next four years at Episcopal.
Academics
Challenge yourself academically throughout the next four years. Being at a preparatory school that is considered academically rigorous by colleges is an excellent start. Colleges are looking for students who challenge themselves. One of the questions colleges ask us is to rate how rigorous a student's program is in comparison to other students. If you shy away from that fourth year of math or foreign language or do not take the Advanced Placement courses available to you, we will not be able to respond honestly that you have taken the strongest possible program.
Colleges would love to see students take more than the School's minimum requirements in such areas as mathematics, science, world language, English, and history.
Activities
Selective colleges are looking for a student who is involved in activities both here at school and in the community. Get involved while at Episcopal; play sports, join clubs, run for office, become part of the music and drama programs, or write for the newspaper.
Although involvement in many activities can be important, often a strong commitment to excellence in one or two activities is even more important. That student who is an excellent soccer player because he or she plays twelve months of the year, or that journalist who writes for the local newspaper, or that volunteer who accrues one thousand volunteer hours in high school is often looked upon more favorably by a college than someone who does a little bit of everything.
The Community
The School has a community service requirement for many reasons. First and foremost, we feel that it is never too early to learn the importance of giving something back to your community (to the School or to Jacksonville). Volunteering is also valued by college admissions officers. Start early and build a genuine commitment.
Other community commitments are also very valuable. Involvement in community theater, in scouting, in athletic activities, and in church groups can also add to your college resume.
Some Warnings
Most colleges do inquire about the character of the applicant. In addition, some colleges even ask if students have ever been in any major trouble at school. The School also may be asked if a student has ever been placed on academic warning or probation because of academic dishonesty.
The Search
It's much too early to worry about identifying a specific list of colleges to which you will apply. Your job is to be the best student and best citizen you can be. Earn good grades now!
Listen to the college discussions of some of your friends who are juniors or seniors. If you have an older brother or sister, go along on his or her college visits. These visits are valuable in helping to give you insights into the college search process. Or, consider a program at a college during the summer or attend a sports or arts camp.
Financial Considerations (For Parents)
One may argue that it is either too early or too late to start worrying about college finances. The rule of thumb seems to be that if you are very wealthy or very poor, you have nothing to worry about. The very wealthy find tuitions easy to pay, while the poor are able to get full scholarships. Most of us struggle with either no or limited scholarships.
It is definitely not too early to talk to a financial planner, or at least to an accountant. In particular, it is important to talk about the best way to protect your college savings so that you will have the most money available for college. In particular, talk to a financial planner about Plan 529. It may allow your child to accumulate tax-deferred resources for college during the next four years. If you are planning to get need-based financial aid, it is not the best option to put money in your child's name, because the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) actually requires that 35% of a student's assets be made available for college tuition while only 6% of parents' assets are to be used each year.
If you want to get a good overview of financing a college education, a couple of great sites to consult are: