Considerations
Academics
Challenge yourself academically throughout the next four years. Being at a preparatory school that is considered academically rigorous by colleges is an excellent start. However, while you are here, you should also take the strongest possible academic program. Colleges are looking for students who challenge themselves. As a matter of fact, one of the questions asked of the counselors by most colleges is to rate how rigorous a student's program is in comparison to other students. If you shy away from that fourth year of math or foreign language or do not take all of the Advanced Placement courses available to you, we will not be able to respond honestly that you have taken the strongest possible program.
Colleges are looking for strong college preparatory programs. Ideally, they would love to see each student take more than the school's minimum requirements in such areas as mathematics, science, and a foreign language.
Grades are important. Although the strength of your academic program is probably most important, strive for excellence in everything you do.
Consider summer programs. Many colleges offer strong academic programs on their campuses during the summer. These will not only give you a knowledge base that will make you a better scholar, but will also impress the college of your choice. The school has a file in the Resource Room that contains information about a variety of summer options.
Activities
Colleges are usually looking for the well-rounded student who is involved in activities both here at school and in the community. Get involved while at Episcopal; play sports, join clubs, run for office, become part of the music and drama programs, or write for the newspaper.
Although involvement in many activities can be important, often a strong commitment to excellence in one or two activities is even more important. That student who is an excellent soccer player because he or she plays twelve months of the year, or that journalist who writes for the local newspaper, or that volunteer who accrues one thousand volunteer hours in high school is often looked upon more favorably by a college than someone who does a little bit of everything.
The community
The school has a community service requirement for many reasons. First and foremost, we feel that it is never too early to learn the importance of giving something back to your community (to the school or to Jacksonville). Volunteering is also valued by college admissions officers. Start early and build a genuine commitment.
Other community commitments are also very valuable. Involvement in community theater, in scouting, in athletic activities, and in church groups can also add to your college resume.
Some warnings
Many colleges actually inquire about how many school absences a student has had. I believe that they see too many absences as a 'warning sign.' Obviously, regular school attendance also leads to success.
Most colleges do inquire about the character of the applicant. In addition, some colleges even ask if students have ever been in any major trouble at school. The school also may be asked if a student has ever been placed on academic warning or probation because of academic dishonesty.
The search
It's much too early to worry about identifying a specific list of colleges to which you will apply. Your job is to be the best student and best school and community citizen you can be. However, you can start thinking about the first important step of identifying the college of your choice. Start thinking about what you are looking for in a college. How big should it be? What majors should it have? In what kind of atmosphere do you feel most comfortable?
Listen to the college discussions of some of your friends who are juniors or seniors.
If you have an older brother or sister, go along on his or her college visits. These visits are valuable in helping to give you insights into the college search process.
If you are passing through a college town during a vacation or a trip, stop and look around. Don't hesitate to go to the Admissions Office and get information or a tour. Even if this isn't the "right" college, this visit will make each succeeding visit more valuable because you are starting to know what to look for or what questions to ask.
Consider a program at a college during the summer or attend a sports or arts camp.
Financial considerations ( for parents)
One may argue that it is either too early or too late to start worrying about college finances. The rule of thumb seems to be that if you are very wealthy or very poor, you have nothing to worry about. The very wealthy find tuitions easy to pay, while the poor are able to get full scholarships. Most of us struggle with either no or limited scholarships.
It is definitely not too early to talk to a financial planner, or at least to an accountant. In particular, it is important to talk about the best way to protect your college savings so that you will have the most money available for college. In particular, talk to a financial planner about Plan 529. It may allow your child to accumulate tax-deferred resources for college during the next four years. If you are planning to get need-based financial aid, it is not the best option to put money in your child's name, because the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) actually requires that 35% of a student's assets be made available for college tuition while only 6% of parents' assets are to be used each year.
If you want to get a good overview of financing a college education, a couple of great sites to consult are: