College-Prep

Things to do this year to help prepare you for college

Wendy Turnbull — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 22:00:00 +0000

Things to do this year to help prepare you for college Wendy Turnbull Mon, 07/13/2026 - 16:00

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 ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, 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 ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, 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.

Have questions about college prep? We're here to help.

Written by ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Office of Admissions

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.

Off

Traditional

White

Boost your high school academics

Wendy Turnbull — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 21:00:00 +0000

Boost your high school academics Wendy Turnbull Mon, 07/13/2026 - 15:00

Part of doing well academically is getting to know yourself better: how you learn, what helps information stick and what throws you off. We have five tips to help you discover your academic strengths and build habits that will carry you through college.

1. Build a note-taking system that works for you. Good notes become great study guides, so find a system that works for you. This could look like handwriting in a notebook (research shows this helps with retention), typing into a structured app like Notion, recording voice memos or using a combination. The format matters less than the habit. The goal is to capture ideas in a way you'll actually revisit. Active listening in class plus a system for organizing what you hear is one of the highest-leverage academic habits you can build right now.

2. Create a study schedule and protect your rest. Learn how to set aside focused time each week to keep up with your studies. Starting a solid study schedule now will set you up for success once you get into college. One thing students often learn the hard way: more hours doesn't always mean more learning. Quality, focused study time, paired with real breaks and enough sleep, tends to outperform marathon cramming sessions. Build recovery into your schedule, not just work.

3. Know how you process information. We all take in and make sense of information differently. Do you understand concepts better when you see them visually or when you talk them through? Do you focus best in short intense sprints or long slower sessions? Do you need silence or background noise? Getting clear on how you actually learn rather than how you think you should learn, can transform your academic performance. Pay attention to when studying feels effortless vs. when it drains you, and let that guide how you set up your environment and schedule.

4. Learn to advocate for yourself. One of the biggest academic shifts between high school and college is that no one is going to check in on you. Professors have office hours, tutoring centers exist, writing labs are there, but you have to use them. Start building this muscle now. Email a teacher when you're confused. Go back to review a test you didn't do well on. Ask your high school counselor or advisor how to strengthen a weak area. Students who seek help proactively rather than waiting until they're stuck, consistently do better in high school and beyond.

5. Use AI tools wisely. AI tools can be genuinely useful for things like breaking down a confusing concept, getting feedback on a draft or organizing your notes. But they can also become a crutch that short-circuits the kind of deep thinking that school and college is actually trying to develop. The skill that matters isn't knowing how to get an AI to write something for you; it's knowing how to think clearly and communicate your own ideas. When you use AI as a thinking partner rather than a shortcut, it can actually make you a stronger student. Colleges, including ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, expect students to engage authentically with their work, and that expectation only grows once you're on campus. Before using AI tools for any school or application work, check the AI and academic integrity policies of each university you are applying to, as guidelines vary by institution.

Have questions about college prep? We're here to help.

Written by ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Office of Admissions

Off

Traditional

White

Want to write a college essay that sets you apart? Three tips to give you a head start

Wendy Turnbull — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 18:30:00 +0000

Want to write a college essay that sets you apart? Three tips to give you a head start Wendy Turnbull Mon, 07/13/2026 - 12:30

Writing the personal essay for your college application can be tough, but we're here to help. The Common Application essay (250-650 words) and ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��'s short-answer academic interest question (250 words) are your opportunity to speak directly to an admissions reader as a person, not just a transcript. The sooner you start, the more time you'll have to write something that actually sounds like you. Here are three tips to get you going.

1. Keep it real. It's normal to want to make a good impression, but admissions readers review thousands of essays, and they can tell when someone is performing a version of themselves rather than actually showing up on the page. The essays that stand out aren't always the ones with the most dramatic stories. They're the ones where a student's specific voice, perspective and way of seeing the world comes through clearly.

Compelling stories don't need to be perfectly linear or have a tidy ending, and that's OK. A moment of genuine uncertainty, a small observation that changed how you think, a challenge you haven't fully resolved yet: these can all make for a more memorable essay than a neatly packaged success story. Be authentic instead of telling schools what you think they want to hear.

2. Be reflective. Think about how you've changed during high school. How have you grown and improved? What makes you feel ready for college, and how do you hope to contribute to the campus community and society at large? The strongest essays don't just describe what happened; they show how the writer thinks about what happened. That layer of reflection is what helps an admissions reader understand who you are beyond your grades and activities.

3. Look to the future. Consider your reasons for attending college. What do you hope to gain from your education? What excites you most about it, and what would you like to do after you graduate? You don't need a fully formed plan. In fact, showing intellectual curiosity and openness can be just as compelling as certainty. What colleges want to see is that you've thought seriously about why this next step matters to you personally.

Before you submit: draft, share, revise.
Give yourself enough time to write a first draft, step away from it and come back with fresh eyes. Then share it with at least one person you trust (a teacher, counselor, family member or friend) and ask them: Does this sound like me? Is anything unclear? Their perspective can catch things you've read past a dozen times. When you revise, pay attention to whether your voice is still present throughout. The goal isn't a perfect essay; it's a true one.

A note on using AI tools.
AI tools have become a common part of how students brainstorm, organize and draft written work. Before using any AI tool in your essay process, check the application and academic integrity policies of each university you are applying to, as guidelines vary by institution.

If you do use AI in a way that is permitted, keep in mind that it works best for early-stage tasks like getting ideas flowing or catching small grammar issues in a draft you have already written. What AI cannot do is show your personality through your writing the way you can. It does not know what it felt like to be you in the moment you are writing about, and it can produce writing that sounds polished on the surface but feels flat or generic to an admissions reader looking specifically for you.

Regardless of how you approach the drafting process, always have a real person review your final essay, someone who knows you and can tell you honestly whether it sounds like you. Your story is the one thing no tool can tell for you.

Have questions? Find your counselor.

Written by ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Office of Admissions

Writing the personal essay for your college application can be tough, but we're here to help. Here are three tips to get you going.

Off

Traditional

White

9 Ways to Turn Your Goals Into Reality

Wendy Turnbull — Thu, 26 Sep 2019 20:00:00 +0000

9 Ways to Turn Your Goals Into Reality Wendy Turnbull Thu, 09/26/2019 - 14:00

College is about being who you want to be. So the question is, who do you want to be? At ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, we have eight colleges, schools and programs that can set you up for success. Of all our options, which one are you?

The Artist

Interested in culture, art and human experience? Our College of Arts & Sciences offers over 20 areas of study in the arts and humanities.

Learn about our College of Arts & Sciences

The Boss

Want to be a boss? Our Leeds School of Business is a top-ranked program in the nation.

Learn about our Leeds School of Business

The Communicator

Do you communicate creatively? We do, too. With data, words, strategy and media, you can create ways to inform and connect in our College of Media, Communication and Information.

Learn about our College of Media, Communication and Information

The Designer

From architecture to sustainable planning, a degree in our Program of Environmental Design allows you to design your world.

Learn about our Program in Environmental Design

The Educator

If you value diversity, equality, equity and justice, join the School of Education, which is full of community and classroom leaders.

Learn about our School of Education

The Engineer

Want to tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges? From building bridges to improving health care to designing video games and computers, our top-ranked College of Engineering & Applied Science will allow you to help create our future.

Learn about our College of Engineering & Applied Science

The Explorer

Not sure what major is for you? No sweat, our Program in Exploratory Studies allows you to try out classes from various colleges and schools while working with a mentor to pick the perfect major for you.

Learn about our Program in Exploratory Studies

The Musician

Get in tune with us! Our College of Music offers more than just a music degree—it allows you to explore composition, performance, technology and entrepreneurship.

Learn about our College of Music

The Scientist

Interested in the natural sciences and the way humans interact with each other and the world? Our College of Arts & Sciences has you covered with over 25 areas of study in the sciences.

Learn about our College of Arts & Sciences

At ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, we have eight colleges, schools and programs that can set you up for success. Of all our options, which one are you?

Off

Zebra Striped

White

6 reasons you’ll love Colorado

Wendy Turnbull — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 17:00:00 +0000

6 reasons you’ll love Colorado Wendy Turnbull Wed, 09/25/2019 - 11:00

Think Colorado is a cool state? We do, too. Not only do we love our surroundings, but our campus environment offers something for everyone—allowing you to reach your full potential. From personal goals to career goals, we have some unique features to help you design your future:

#1 college town in U.S. We have been recognized by the American Institute for Economic Research (2017). Discover what's here.
Inclusive culture. We have a very friendly and welcoming campus community of people from all over the world. Learn more about ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��'s community and offerings.
The Rocky Mountains. Skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, biking, camping, rock climbing, fishing. The perfect place for a study break. Need we say more? Check out Boulder and campus.
Customizable education. Want education on your terms? That’s what we offer at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��. Customize your education to fit your goals. Explore our academic programs.
Be a Buff! Students join our community as a Buff and cheer on our mascot, a real bison named Ralphie, as she charges the field during our Pac-12 home football games. Learn about recreation and athletics.
Research. Not only do we offer hands-on learning and research opportunities, we also are surrounded by national research labs. Learn more about research and creative work.

Connect with us to learn more.

Written by ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Office of Admissions

From personal goals to career goals, we have some unique features to help you design your future.

Off

Traditional

White

Customize your education and pursue your passions

Wendy Turnbull — Mon, 25 Mar 2019 21:00:00 +0000

Customize your education and pursue your passions Wendy Turnbull Mon, 03/25/2019 - 15:00

What makes ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� different from the rest is our customized education. With more than 4,400+ courses offered in 166 fields of study, we encourage our students to explore their interests by taking courses across academic disciplines and establishing an individualized educational journey.

Majors

120+ bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs

Minors

60+ minors that you can add to your degree

Concurrent

40+ 5 year bachelor’s-accelerated master’s degree programs

Certificates

90+ undergrad and grad certificates

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� offers a vast array of options and opportunities for every student, preparing you to enter a competitive job market with energy and tenacity. Whatever your interests and goals may be, ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� has a place for you!

Tell us more about yourself!

Written by ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Office of Admissions

What makes ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� different from the rest is our customized education.

Off

Traditional

White

Create your personal journey

Wendy Turnbull — Mon, 25 Mar 2019 17:00:00 +0000

Create your personal journey Wendy Turnbull Mon, 03/25/2019 - 11:00

College is about being who you want to be. At ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, we value individual expression and offer many opportunities to connect on campus, in Boulder, across Colorado and internationally.

Are you...

An entrepreneur? From New Venture Challenge to Silicon Flatirons, ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� gives students the opportunity to network with Boulder's local entrepreneurial community and gain hands-on experience.

A visionary? We're a top 25 college for students who want to change the world (Business Insider, 2016).

A naturalist? With more than 300 days of sunshine and the Rocky Mountains in our backyard, the opportunities to explore the outdoors are endless.

A traveler? We encourage our students to step out and explore, to meet new people and see the world from new perspectives, which is why we offer 400+ Education Abroad programs in 65 countries. But, you don’t have to travel the world to have a global experience at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��. The university hosts the Conference on World Affairs each year as well as iFest, which is the largest student run organization on campus.

A volunteer? With 450+ clubs and organizations on campus, and 300 organizations collaborating with the Volunteer Resource Center, students can get involved and explore passion projects.

An athlete? Get involved in varsity or club sports on campus, and cheer on our Division I Buffs.

A creative? Join a vibrant community of artists who will inspire you to expand your imaginative horizons.

A researcher? As a Tier I research university with 11 research institures and 90 research centers on campus, ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� provides the ideal environment to feed your curiosity and connect with innovators in your field.

Whatever your interests and goals may be, ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� has a place for you!

Tell us more about yourself!

Written by ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Office of Admissions

Learn about what interests you and how to establish an individualized educational journey at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��.

Off

Traditional

White

Six tips to boost your high school academics

Wendy Turnbull — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 18:00:00 +0000

Six tips to boost your high school academics Wendy Turnbull Mon, 03/18/2019 - 12:00

Part of doing well academically is getting to know yourself better—how you learn, what you like to study and your thought process. We have six tips to help you discover your learning style.

1. Take notes like a rock star. Take note, literally and figuratively. Written notes become study guides for finals, and active listening is an effective way to learn. Many college students do both.

2. Create a study schedule. Learn how to set aside time each week to keep up with your studies. Starting a solid study schedule now will set you up for success once you get into college.

3. Explore your study styles. We all learn differently—what works for you? Taking notes, listening to music, group study sessions? Take the time to explore different ways of studying and retaining information.

4. Nail the essay. Essays are a central part of getting into college. Ask your high school teachers how to properly craft essays, so you can practice before you apply to college.

5. Right brain or left brain? Understand how you process. Do you think creatively, logically or both? Knowing if you’re more right- or left-brain inclined can help you choose a fulfilling area of study in college.

6. The art of asking. Universities are all about inquiry and discovery. Get comfortable asking questions now, so when you begin college you can engage in class discussions and make the most of your education.

Have questions about your college journey? We're here to help.

Written by ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Office of Admissions

Part of doing well academically is getting to know yourself better—how you learn, what you like to study and your thought process. We have six tips to help you discover your learning style.

Off

Traditional

White

Six things to do this year to help prepare you for college

Wendy Turnbull — Mon, 18 Mar 2019 18:00:00 +0000

Six things to do this year to help prepare you for college Wendy Turnbull Mon, 03/18/2019 - 12:00

Getting into college is a process, and it starts early in high school. Here are six things you can do your sophomore and junior years to help you along your journey.

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 attend in-state or out of-state? What type of experience do I want?

2. Meet recruiters in person. Check out college websites to see when recruitment staff are traveling to your area. This is your chance to get to know more about each college and ask questions in person.

3. Schedule the SAT/ACT. Take the SAT and/or ACT early in the fall of your junior year so you can have time to retake the test for a higher score, if necessary. It’s common to take these tests a couple of times.

4. Prepare for the SAT/ACT. SAT/ACT prep classes help you understand the format, questions and timing of the tests, so you can keep calm and feel prepared the day of the test. Be sure to sign up your sophomore year.

5. Connect with your counselor. Email, call or visit your college counselor to ask questions about which classes you should take your final two years in high school, and how to best prep for the college application process.

6. Sign up for college prep classes. These high school classes have a different curriculum, so you not only gain foundational knowledge that you can use in college, but also valuable study skills and perspective.

Have questions about your college journey? We're here to help.

Written by ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Office of Admissions

Getting into college is a process, and it starts early in high school. Here are six things you can do your sophomore and junior years to help you along your journey.

Off

Traditional

White

Want to have fun and pursue your dreams this summer? Three ways to make every moment count

Wendy Turnbull — Mon, 11 Mar 2019 18:40:00 +0000

Want to have fun and pursue your dreams this summer? Three ways to make every moment count Wendy Turnbull Mon, 03/11/2019 - 12:40

Take advantage of your summer to learn more about yourself and your goals. Check out three easy ways to expand your comfort zone and prepare for the college search.

Gain experience. Got skills? Use your time away from school to gain some real-world experience—whether that’s finding a new job, volunteering for a cool organization or completing an internship. Each opportunity you pursue will serve as education to help you decide the kind of future you see for yourself. Who knows? You might discover a new passion.

Location, location, location. Have an idea of where you’d like to live? Summer is the perfect time to visit campuses and get a feel for the type of environment that will be the best fit for you. Will you thrive in a small, intimate atmosphere or do you like the variety available at a larger school? Visit in person or check out a campus via virtual tour.

Do a passion project. Use some of your downtime to try something new. Maybe you’ll teach yourself a new language, experiment with painting or learn to code. It’s only by leaving your comfort zone that you’ll discover your strengths, and self-realization is key to college readiness.

Written by ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Office of Admissions

Take advantage of your summer to learn more about yourself and your goals. Check out three easy ways to expand your comfort zone and prepare for the college search.

Off

Traditional

White

College-Prep

Things to do this year to help prepare you for college

Off

Boost your high school academics

Off

Want to write a college essay that sets you apart? Three tips to give you a head start

Off

9 Ways to Turn Your Goals Into Reality

The Artist

The Boss

The Communicator

The Designer

The Educator

The Engineer

​The Explorer

The Musician

The Scientist

Off

6 reasons you’ll love Colorado

Off

Customize your education and pursue your passions

Majors

Minors

Concurrent

Certificates

Off

Create your personal journey

Are you...

Off

Six tips to boost your high school academics

Off

Six things to do this year to help prepare you for college

Off

Want to have fun and pursue your dreams this summer? Three ways to make every moment count

Off

The Explorer