<p>Hello CC Community, I am new to this website and would love the advice of all of you guys.
Since I have been behind as a freshman, I'm realizing how important it is for me to start now, but my parents and I have struggled, and I will be the first one to attend college soon in our family. But anyways, I have some questions about everything there is about the beginning, middle, and ending of college and what comes after? (And it's kind of long, but I appreciate if you make it through :D)</p>
<p>1) College Financial Matters:</p>
<p>College requires finance no matter what.</p>
<p>Question:
-Where can I find scholarships, grants, and any financial opportunity to reduce the "final price?" (I don't want to get involved with loans)
-How can I get the best financial aid through aggressive academic competition(merit-based) , extra-curricular activities, required things to apply for certain scholarships?
-What to do overall? </p>
<p>I have used fastweb and some other resources but can't find what I'm most applicable to. It seems every single one requires an essay or other demanding scholarships, which I don't mind, but I was wondering if there are any other easier ones for me to start on.</p>
<p>2) AP/DC/SAT/ACT/ Academics</p>
<p>Standardized testing that tests all students through the same test administered and a factor in one's acceptance to college/university.</p>
<p>Question:
-How can I prepare for these overall? (I have take two official PSAT tests freshman and sophomore year ( 150 and below :( ) and taking APWH this year).
-What do you recommend I do for each type of test, what test material to study from, personal experience?
-What is GPA and how does that factor in?
-Anything would aid me in this category.</p>
<p>Again, I have taken practice for some of the tests above but I would like to be well-prepared and be in the mindset of all this college-level courses and tests. I'm very well disciplined and ready to buckle down and study hard this next few months. I do well in school is all I can say though.</p>
<p>3) Extracurricular Activities/ Volunteer Work</p>
<p>This determines the well-rounded ability of the student, including things that are outside or inside of school. Volunteering is a way of giving back to the community which can also boost the resume work.</p>
<p>Question: -What is considered an outstanding extra-curricular activity? Where can I find these opportunities, in the local newspapers/community?
-What would help me in becoming extraordinary and making this part of the category amazing or unique?
-Making a small organization myself, writing a published article? </p>
<p>I have done some volunteer work (atleast 100 hrs.) and participate in piano (12 years) earned a black belt, and enjoy hobbies like artistry. Really these are what is considered my extra-curricular activities. I am in sports, clubs (in and out) and do voluntary work but how can I do more?</p>
<p>4) College/University System</p>
<p>This is where everyone dwells in their education to become a successful person in his/her career.</p>
<p>Question: How does the system work? Is it:
-High School (4 Years) -> College Bachelor's Degree (Undergraduate > or < 4 Years) -> Graduate School
-If I were to become something in the medical field, preferably a doctor/surgeon/pharmacist, what would be my major? The Pre-Med, Med, Internship, -Residency Process?
-DC or AP? </p>
<p>I haven't had much intel on this category but I would like a general idea of how everything works when I get there.</p>
<p>5) Resume/Admission</p>
<p>Basically, the report of everything that contributes to the acceptance into his/her college.</p>
<p>Question:
-I don't know where to begin on this so I would like to know what goes on this and how to make it strongly and academically competitive, unique and different from others, and contain the maximum capacity of my ability to acceptance?
-Example: One college I would like to go to is Brown/John Hopkins? Or is that too much?
-How should I prepare and organize myself for this portion of admission to the college?</p>
<p>I really have small knowledge but what I should do to prepare for this, so any personal experience, advice would be greatly appreciated in this section.</p>
<p>Overall, I'm trying to get involved because I have small transportation after school which is a big problem, but I will be able to drive soon (I hope) and will get heavily associate myself with the community because I love to help and interact, I just don't have the "opportunity" right now. I really want to make my parents proud but first I'm trying to get through these years enjoying myself and learning at the same time.</p>
<p>But as far I know, this is all I've known so far and I would love the advice, tips, help, aid in everything there is about college and the side aspects.</p>
<p>Thanks a lot from you guys; teachers, students, administrators for reading this far! I look forward to being part of the community and competing against some of you.</p>