Things to do this year to help prepare you for college
You're probably already doing your research: scrolling through college content, comparing campuses, imagining your next chapter. That curiosity is a great sign. Getting into college is a process, and the work you put in during your sophomore and junior years of high school can make a real difference. Here are six things you can do now to set yourself up well and make the process feel a lot more manageable.
1. Use summer to research college. Start thinking about schools to add to your interest list. Ask yourself: Which colleges have my major of interest? Should I stay in-state or go out-of-state? What type of experience do I want?
2. Connect with colleges. Check out college websites to find all the ways you can connect and learn more about them through virtual or in-person visit programs.
There's a lot of college content out there (Reddit threads, YouTube vlogs, TikToks), and while those can be fun to explore, the most reliable information comes directly from the schools. Check out each college's official website and look for virtual tours, live Q&A events, webinars and info sessions hosted by the admissions office. Many schools also have official social media accounts where you can get a real feel for campus life. When in doubt, go to the source.
3. Explore your interests. Join a club or organization at school or in your community. You’ll be able to expand your experience and learn about your interests, helping you consider what you may want to join in college.
4. Take your academics seriously, especially your GPA and course rigor. Take a look at your grades so far in high school. Have you improved in any areas? Have you excelled in some subjects? These might show your strengths. Consider taking an advanced or honors course in a subject you're passionate about. Colleges look closely at the rigor of your coursework, not just your GPA number. And if you're wondering whether you need to focus heavily on test prep: many schools, including CU Boulder, have test-optional admissions, which means your GPA and the courses you choose to take carry significant weight.
5. Connect with your counselor. Email, call or visit your college admissions counselor to ask questions about which classes you should take your final years in high school, and how to best prep for the college application process
6. Use technology thoughtfully. AI tools are part of how many students study, organize and explore ideas, and colleges know it. As you start using these tools more, think critically about how you're using them: are they helping you learn and think more clearly, or doing the thinking for you? Colleges, including CU Boulder, care about your ability to engage independently with ideas. Developing that skill now will serve you well in college and beyond.
Before using any AI tool for school or application purposes, check the AI and academic integrity policies of each university you are applying to, as guidelines vary by institution.
A note before you dive in: it's completely normal if this process feels like a lot. There's no need to have everything figured out right now. That’s exactly what the next couple of years are for. Take it one step at a time and remember that you don't have to navigate it alone.
Written by CU Boulder Office of Admissions
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