Dear Students,

Do you realize that you have been preparing for college entrance exams and college from the day you entered kindergarten? You have already done most of the work! The next few years will not seem so daunting if you pause to think about how much you have already accomplished!

Over the course of the next year or so, you will notice that many conversations start to focus on college. To some, the topic will seem trivial. To many, the college admissions process will become an obsession. The best advice we can give you is to remember that you are in control of your sanity! If you want to attend college - you will. Can you think of anyone who did not get into a school somewhere?

If you are realistic about your strengths and weaknesses, knowledgeable about the dilemma that colleges face with far too many applicants, and willing to explore the number of options that are available to you, the upcoming years will be a wonderful time of dreams and self discovery.

Here are some things to keep in mind when you start to think about how you will fit into the college admission's picture:

• Keep everything in perspective: the SAT or ACT becomes the "make-it or break-it" piece of your college application ONLY if you have nothing else to offer.
• The most important part of your college application is still your GPA.
• Stay active in school activities - have an impact.
• Foster great relationships with teachers so that your recommendations will have the personal flair.
• Take courses that challenge you to work harder.
• Step out of your own world - commit to community service.

And remember...

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!