College Success

Success Boston "Getting ready, getting in, getting through"

Launched by Mayor Thomas M. Menino, the Boston Foundation, the Boston Public Schools, and numerous college and nonprofit partners, Success Boston seeks to double the college graduation rate for the BPS  class of 2011, while increasing the rate by 50% for the classes of 2009 and 2010.  Mayor Menino set this goal in response to a groundbreaking study, released by the Boston Private Industry Council and the Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University, which found that 35.5% of the BPS class of 2000 who enrolled in college earned a diploma seven years later. 

Success Boston focuses on three key areas to ensure that Boston Public Schools students are: (1) Getting Ready, (2) Getting In, and (3) Getting Through.

5 Tips for College Success

1) Prepare: Start preparing now. Do your homework and keep your grades up because if you do, your choice of colleges can be dramatically improved. Make sure you are taking college prep classes (AP and honors classes) and the required entrance exams (SAT I, ACT subject tests)

2)  Research: Picking the right school for you will greatly improve your chances of getting your degree, so do some research. Look at colleges online or in catalogs in the college/career center or guidance office.  Spend a Saturday morning visiting a college campus and taking a tour. Attend college fairs and presentations by college representatives. Additionally, visit the College Board website to determine what the right college and major is for you.

3) Select: Make a list of schools that look interesting and next to each one, write why it interests you: courses of study, location, size. Visit your college/career center or guidance office at school and talk to a counselor for additional support with selecting potential colleges.

4) Apply: Make a chart of the application and financial aid deadlines, required entrance exams, and other application requirements for the colleges you intend to apply to, and be sure to get materials in on time. Remember to double check for additional supplemental forms for each school if you are planning on using the Common App! Visit your college/career center or guidance office at school for assistance. Talk to the ACCESS counselor in your high school about applying for financial aid and preparing financially for college.

5) Participate: Take advantage of the array of events being offered by the BPS and community partners in honor of College Month!