You are in eighth grade and everyone around you is trying to get into a good high school. Only they are very competitive schools. How will you get in there? This article will tell you how admissions work and how to get you chosen.
Steps
Step 1. First you should apply to at least two schools; but three would be even better
If you have a lot of choice it will be easier to get in. In any case, it is not necessary to apply in more than four schools, because it would cost you too much and you would have to go and do too many interviews.
Step 2. Start early
The right time to start is at the end of elementary school and certainly not after middle school! You need to maintain good grades and participate in more extracurricular activities. If you start doing it only at the end it will seem that you are doing it only to make a good impression and not because you are really interested in it!
Step 3. Watch your grades
High schools carefully look at your report cards for the last few years. If you have good grades I would make a good impression. Make sure you are among the best in your class. And if you have other interests show them in your application.
Step 4. Test
Prepare for tests, most schools do admission tests. There are those for private schools and those for Catholic schools. Colleges do it too. You have to sign up to get them from them, so as to show them that the schools you would most care about are admitted. If this is not possible, you can also do them in other locations and then have the results sent to you. Obviously you have to put a lot of effort into these tests and do a lot of them to prepare. If possible, ask for the help of a tutor at least three months in advance. This will give you time to learn the vocabulary and learn the tricks for the math section. You could use a private tutor to cover your personal needs. If you don't want to be followed by a tutor, take the preparation books. Take at least one practice test before taking the real one.
Step 5. The curriculum
Take part in activities outside of school as well. Sports, the choir, martial arts, piano or other musical instruments, chess, dance and the student council will all make a good impression. But only do them if you like them and not to impress others. And in any case, don't do too many, otherwise your grades will suffer.
Step 6. Teachers' recommendations
Your teachers have your future in their hands. If you're a talkative student who never does homework, your teachers won't lie! Again, it's best to start preparing early. Always do your homework, don't talk in class, and if you have any problems talk to your teachers. Try to befriend your teachers - if they like you, they'll write you a good cover letter!
Step 7. The interview
The interview is a very important part of the admission process. If you have a full curriculum, high grades, excellent test scores and good references, this is the right time for the school to see who you are as a person and if you are really suitable. If you shake hands with the interviewee, make eye contact. Try to include your extracurricular activities when asking questions. The hard part is not looking like a braggart - always be yourself! If you fake it, they'll know for sure. Instead, if they ask you if that high school is your first choice, then you lie! They will never accept you if you give them the feeling that they are just spare tires! IF YOU WANT TO BE ACCEPTED YOU MUST SAY THAT HIGH SCHOOL IS YOUR FIRST CHOICE! Show how unique you are and what you can offer the school community. Be extremely kind, don't wear casual clothes, and don't get too nervous. Remember: even though the interview is extremely important, it is only 1/5 of the criteria by which you will be judged!
Step 8. Go to school events
Go to the orientation days, ask for a trial day, if the school organizes a musical, participate! Not only will it give you a good taste of school life, but it will show teachers how determined you are and how much you want to attend their high school.
Step 9. Make sure your admissions applications and reference letters arrive on time
In many schools, teachers will do it, but in some schools, you will have to do it. Most high schools require reference letters from the English and Mathematics teachers. In any case, you can ask other professors about personal letters.
Step 10. Admission applications and reference letters are normally done in December
The assessment test must be done in January or at the latest in February. Either way, you won't know the outcome until March. Don't waste time and energy worrying! Keep your grades high and engage in extracurricular activities. Don't let your grades drop during the second term; some schools have waiting lists, and some admissions only happen if you keep your grades high all year round.
Step 11. If you don't get admitted to your first grade school, don't get too angry
Maybe it's not the place for you. Most high schools allow you to enroll until the end of March, so don't rush to say yes to the first school that accepts you. If you haven't entered, you are probably on the waiting list, so wait until the end of March before making your final decision.
Step 12. If you are chosen by the school you selected, then congratulations
Send them a reply letter right away, so they will know you will go to them. And send rejection letters to all the others, so as to free up your place for those on the waiting list.
Step 13. Never stop working hard, even after being admitted
If this path has led you to study better, don't lose this habit. The school that accepted you is probably very tough, so it's best to keep up with the times and keep learning!
