Take the hardest classes that you can do well in!

Remember:

• Four years of English

• At least three years of math (we recommend four including at least Algebra I, Algebra II, geometry) 

• Three years of science (we recommend four including at least two courses from biology, chemistry, or physics)

• Three years of social studies (we recommend four)

• At least 1 year of a foreign language (we recommend three).

Get involved with your school!

Clubs, sports, committees, music groups, student government. Choose what interests you. Not only do colleges love to see that you are taking advantage of opportunities at your school, this also can help you explore your interests and choose a college major and career path

It is never too early to start exploring careers and colleges

The more information you have, the easier it will be to make good, educated, and appropriate decisions about college during your senior year. Freshman and sophomores should absoluley be thinking broadly about their career and college goals. Take personallity tests, read up on careers you might be ineterested in, and try to find the intersection between your interests and what you're good at!

Remember: you're a teenager! Be one!

And don't forget to have fun! High school is a lot of work, but there is also a lot of fun to be had! Go to the movies on a Friday night with friends, play your favorite videogame, go for a hike in the woods, etc. Prioritize your education - but it can't be all work and no play!

... And do well in them!

GPA really matters! Colleges want to see that you're doing well in a college-prep curriculum. This is the best way that they can determine how prepared you are for college. Plus, the higher your GPA the more money you will likley get for college!

Take advantage of UB!

You were selected for Upward Bound because of your academic ability, work ethic, attitude, and potential for success in college. We spend a lot of the Government's money every year to provide a variety of opportunities and supports for each and every one of you. Take advantage of these opportunities to develop academically and personally, learn leadership skills, try new things, build community, and become more prepared for your future.

Read, read, read!!!!

Being a strong reader makes it easier to perform well in college. Reading may also lead to higher scores on the SAT -  but reading comprehension is not something students can cram for in the weeks leading up to the test! Plus the more you read the more you learn!

Prioritize your personal wellbeing

Academics are important, but you won't perform well academically if you aren't taking care of yourself. Make sure you are getting at least 8 hours of sleep, eating 3 nutritional meals a day, drinking plenty of water, and trying to exercise at least 2-3 times per week.