How to Start Preparing for College in Middle School

As a seventh or eighth grader, there are a lot of new things on your plate. You might be in your first honors class or picking out your first extracurricular activity. Your teachers and counselors have likely brought up college. That time may seem a long way off, but a little planning now can go a long way. College prep for middle school students is a great way to explore options and get excited about your future.

Why It’s Important to Start College Prep for Middle School Students

 There are many great reasons to learn how to prep for college in middle school. They include exploring:

·     How college works

·     Different majors

·     Admission requirements

·     Career opportunities

College prep means more than reading a bunch of stuff. It also helps you improve skills that make middle and high school much easier. With a little college prep, you might improve your:

·     Writing skills

·     Analytical skills

·     Critical-thinking skills

How does college prep in middle school make you a better writer and thinker? Let’s explore two different options and theirbenefits.

CollegePrep Programs for Middle Schoolers

 College prep activities include those you can do by yourself and those offered in programs. Both have unique advantages.

By Yourself

 You can do a lot by yourself to learn how to prep for college in middle school.

·     Take a college quiz: Organizations like the CollegeBoard offer career, college, and scholarship quizzes. This is a great way to start your journey, as the result will likely reveal new and exciting options.

·     Develop time-management and study habits: Succeeding in middle school, high school, and college depends on these important habits. Don’t feel bad if you haven’t mastered them yet. University guides can help you recognize good habits and reinforce them in your daily life.

·     Prepare to meet with your guidance counselor: If you don’t know where to start or continue with your planning, your counselor is there to help. Make the most of your meeting by preparing questions/comments beforehand. They might not have all the answers right away, but they will help you find what you need to continue your journey.

·     Read:Reading is one of the most important skills. No matter what you read, you’redeveloping those essential analytical and critical-thinking skills.

·     Use a calendar: Preparing for high school and beyond means becoming responsible for yourself. A calendar—whether on your phone or on your desk—can help you organize your study time, extracurricular activities, and other responsibilities. Don’t forget to leave some time for fun.

·     Research your high school: You probably know where you’ll be going to high school. Research their classes and extracurricular activities. Knowing what your high school offers can help you start planning your future.

With a Program

If you want to go further with college pre-programs for middle schoolers, consider an enrichment program. Top options include:

·     Stanford Middle School Scholars Program: Open to 6^th and 7^th graders, the SMSSP features in-person and online classes taught by university professors. Academic and social activities help you engage with learning in a new way. Classes may include history through graphic novels and real-life applications to mathematics.

·     Pre-College at Duke University: Duke offers 1–2 week on-campus programs for 6­­–11^th grade students. These programs simulate the college experience and help learners make lifelong connections.

·     Math, Science, and Technology at Michigan State University: Open to 7^th and 8^th graders, this one-week on-campus program helps students find connections among math, science, and technology.The curriculum emphasizes active learning, a skill necessary for success in high school and beyond.  

Researching programs like these is the same as researching colleges. You want to compare their:

·     Curriculum

o  What will you learn in this program?

·     Application requirements

o  An essay? A recommendation letter?

·     Tuition

o  Some are free, and others have scholarships.

·     Transportation requirements

o  Will you need to fly or drive long distances?

Don’t forget to find out what former participants are saying. You want to find a program that interests you and can give you a great experience!

Continuing College Prep in High School

 When you enter high school, you’ll be one step closer to college and adult life. While making the most of your classes,extracurriculars, and time with friends, there’s a lot you can still do.

To prepare for college admissions, you can:

·     Take honors classes

·     Take Advanced Placement classes

·     Stick with the same extracurricular activity throughout high school

·     Get involved in your community by volunteering

Don’t forget to pay attention to how your interests are changing. High school will open up new opportunities, and you want to keep an open mind.

FAQ: How to Prep for College in Middle School

Can my parents help?

Absolutely! Your parents can be a big help as you research and apply to college-prep programs for middle schoolers.However, the bulk of the work—researching programs, writing application essays—is your responsibility. Don’t forget that your parents can also help youget started with improving your study skills, creating a calendar, and finding interesting reading materials.

Where should I start?

Start by developing good study and time management habits. These skills will help you no matter how your interests change throughout middle and high school. Once you think you need extra help, turn to teachers, parents, and counselors. They can help you find other resources, such as online orin-person college-prep classes.

Are there alternatives to college?

Yes. There are career paths that require training rather than a college degree. Apprenticeships and trade schools educatethe next generation of:

·     Electricians

·     Plumbers

·     HVAC technicians

·     Carpenters

·     Line workers

Middle and high school counselors can help you explore these and other careers. A career interest survey can help you narrow down your search.

Should I think about money right now?

No. Don’t think about money while doing college prep in middle school. Although college can be expensive, you’ll have plenty of time to compare costs and research financial aid. One thing you can do now is research top scholarships for middle school students. Banking some scholarship dollars today can make the transition to college much easier.