Preparing to go to college
When you’re preparing to go to college your checklist might be quite long. There are a lot of things to do before you even think about sending in admission applications. One of the biggest and most important things to check off on your list is taking the SAT.
The SAT is an important part of your admissions application because the score you receive on this exam will tell the college admissions board whether or not you’re an attractive candidate for their school. As I’ve said before, the SAT isn’t the only thing that admissions boards look at in an applicant. They want a well rounded person, a student who has mastered the art of balancing their life. There are things you can do to make yourself a more attractive applicant to the college of your dreams.
Volunteer work, outside of school has many benefits, not only does it look great on a college application it makes you a better person. Volunteering your time is an excellent way to connect with other people, to grow as an individual and to give back to your community. There are many places that need volunteers in your area, you only need to open your eyes and look to see where the needs are.
You know that Senior Citizen’s center that you pass on your way to the mall? Stop in there at some point and ask if they need volunteers. They will probably have a class you have to attend familiarize yourself with their clients. If that doesn’t sound appealing to you, try finding a pet shelter that works with wounded or abandoned pets. There are many of them out there that need more help, more hands-on volunteers that love and care for animals of all kinds. Hospitals need volunteers to help with things that would take up too much time for the nurses or doctors. There might be a hospital resident that has no family to visit. You might be able to sit and talk to them, to help relieve their boredom and show them that someone cares. Yesterday while I was in church they passed around a paper saying there was a 93 year old woman who was housebound and would love to have visitors. I signed up to visit her for ½ an hour this month. She can’t visit long because it tires her, but just a small amount of time can make a difference in someone’s life.
Another volunteer idea is a soup kitchen or a food bank. There is an increasing number of families and individuals in economic need. Some must choose between paying the bills or buying food; buying their prescriptions or eating. Thankfully many churches have foodbanks to help out the less fortunate. Think about volunteering there and giving part of yourself to others. You won’t be sorry.
Besides helping you become a better person, it looks good on your resume for college.
