Below are timelines to help students better understand college expectations well in advance of the application process. You want to choose opportunities, not have them chosen for you. Look at this list as you would a "preventive medicine" approach.  Start early and make it easier on yourself - don't let problems pop up later.  If you want more money and more options, implement suggestions on these lists. It's a lengthy read, but useful information for anyone wanting to completely understand expectations.

 

For MIDDLE SCHOOL Students: 

 

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Yes, middle school students should understand the big picture. How?  First, understand the social hierarchy in high school can be distracting. Sports and other activities can become all-consuming at the expense of college preparation. If sports are a passion, no problem - but don't sacrifice academic preparation and success (many Division I schools are full of foreign athletes who prep for both).

 

Know if you plan to attend college, colleges consider the AP and IB programs college preparatory (meaning Pre-AP/Pre-IB/AP/IB courses). Work with your school counselor to line up classes for high school-level college preparatory courses. Study and stay on track. Should you choose to pursue an IB, know it is an internationally respected program, so you will have an easy time applying for full time abroad if you want that option. 

 

Visit college campuses when you are near one; it's fun.  

 

Master grammar skills by the end of 8th grade so you can develop superb writing skills in high school. Work on your writing as often as possible. Enter writing contests.  Challenge yourself using online writing prompts. Write books. The world now demands this skill from anyone and everyone (emails, blogging, social media careers, etc.).  It is inescapable, accept that. Don't forget - writing can lead to huge opportunities, too. If you love writing, you can self-publish. Check out Paige McKenzie (first book penned when she was 17 years old) and twenty-something millionaire Amanda Hocking.  Those who write well have many options in today's content-driven world.

 

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FRESHMAN/SOPH timeline suggestions, click here.

JUNIOR YEAR timeline suggestions, click here. 

SENIOR YEAR timeline suggestions, click here.

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ADDED NOTE/WORTH THE READ: It might be tough for you to choose what you might want to study given you've had no prior exposure to the topics, so investigate by reading job descriptions. This is the best way to see what someone with your degree might or might not do on a day-to-day basis. If there are multiple things you see which are of interest, then you may want to combine degrees/areas of interest. In the future, having more specific skills vs. general will be the trend. Here are some thoughts and ideas:

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When you know everyone is doing the same thing, do something different. Think about it.  You are expected to have a degree.  Many now have one, including those that want the same job and life you do.  If learning makes you happy, and you have the resources to do more, then do.  Create a learning map for yourself.  Connect the dots. Take some time to read through job postings. As you do, you may notice some require advanced/graduate degrees.  There are other ways to gain these credentials as well.  When you opt for certificates and other credentials, you make yourself competitive as long as they come from legitimate sources (go to professional association websites and those of thought leaders to see what they recommend per industry).  Once again, you are unique - stay that way.  The following are general examples for you to consider:

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Example 1:  For those interested in business, you can combine any of these in a major/minor fashion with the others.  To add to your resume you can also get certifications in: foreign language, project management (PMI-Project Management Institute), CGBP (Certified Global Business Professional), CQF (Certificate in Quantitative Finance), etc.  Certifications may cost a thousand or two, but they do provide you with important skills and credentials.  Even IT credentials and certifications are a great combination.

 

• Economics w/minor in Management, CQF, and fluent in Mandarin

• Business w/minor in Communication, CGBP, and fluent in Spanish

• Management w/minor in Entrepreneurship, certification from PMI

• Marketing w/minor in Psychology, certified in graphic design/SEO specialist

• Entrepreneurship w/minor in Mandarin, and Certificate in Global Business Strategies and Project Management

• Finance w/minor in Entrepreneurship, CQF, Advanced Executive Certificate in Management, Innovation, and Technology

• International Business w/minor in Environmental Studies, Certification in Supply Chain Management, fluent in German

• Accounting, PMI, fluent in Mandarin

• International Business w/minor in Sociology, Certification in Management, Innovation, and Technology, fluent in multiple languages

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Example 2:  For those interested in communications:

 

• Sports Communication w/a minor in Business Management, Certificate in Project Management, fluent in German

• Public Relations w/a minor in Political Science, Certified eCommerce Consultant, and ability to speak German and Spanish

• Advertising w/a minor in Psychology, SEO Copywriting Certificate, fluent in Portuguese

 

Example 3:  For those interested in engineering/math/sciences/tech:

 

• Computer Engineering w/a minor in Communication, PMI, and Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation

• Math w/a minor in Economics, CGBP and Certificate in Global Trade Logistics and Operations, and fluent in Russian

• Aerospace Engineering, PMI, and fluent in multiple languages

• Civil Engineering w/minor in Communications, PMI, German and Russian

 

Example 4:  For those interested in education:

 

• Education w/a minor in Art, Certificate in Fundraising Management, fluent in Spanish

• Education w/a minor in Math, Certificate in Future Studies or Design Thinking, fluent in Spanish

 

Example 5:  Paths for those interested in healthcare:

 

• Bachelor’s or Associate’s in Nursing w/a continued accreditation for a Physician’s Assistant program, fluent in Spanish

• Bachelor's in Management with a MSc in Public Policy or Public Health

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These are just a few examples, but you see the pattern. Combine prep to meet the job requirements of your future. Be more active in seeking and shaping your education. Don't trust that your university is providing you with everything needed to gain employment. The rules and level of competition have changed, and traditional schools are not necessarily trying to change to meet future needs.