Follow Your Plan - Take the Tough Classes!

You know by now that you need to meet certain requirements to get into college, and your guidance counselor probably helped you develop a plan. Take some time to review your plan with your counselor, make sure you’re on schedule and that you are making the most of your options. Some items to consider include:

• Core and Rigorous Core Classes — These classes provide students with the academic background necessary to attend four-year schools and help demonstrate worthiness for scholarships. For more information about college preparatory program requirements, such as Core and Rigorous Core classes, visit the Montana University System Web site at http://mus.edu/asa/hscp/index.asp
• Dual Credit/Running Start — This program allows high school students to receive both high school and college credit for the same course. Talk to your counselor about whether your school participates in the program, and if so, find out about the details of the program.
• Tech Prep — This program allows students to begin earning college credit toward technical or associate degrees while still in high school. Contact your counselor to see if your school participates in the program, and if so, what the procedures are to enroll.
• Advanced Placement Tests (AP) — AP testing allows students to earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nation’s colleges and universities, not to mention demonstrate their ambition to learn. For more information on this opportunity, visit www.collegeboard.com.
• Free Practice SAT and ACT Tests — Taking these tests allows students to familiarize themselves with the content, identify areas in which they need to invest additional study time, and simply practice their test-taking skills. To take the free practice tests, visit www.smartaboutcollege.org.