How To Prepare for College

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Step 1: Educational Interests

This helps us connect you with the right enrollment counselor to help you through the process.

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Overview

Preparing for College in High School

Whether you already know you’re destined for college, you’re on the fence or just checking out your options, this page is designed by Grand Canyon University to provide students and their parents or guardians with the know-how to prepare for college.

At GCU, our students are encouraged to find their purpose and shape their own perspective. Did you know you can prepare for college now while you’re still in high school?

Even before your freshman year in high school, your academic journey has already begun. As you progress through each academic year, we have provided the below guide to help you prepare for becoming a Lope.

Freshman

Your freshman year in high school is the exploration year. It’s your opportunity to challenge yourself by trying new things and discovering your passions. Here’s how to prepare for college at GCU beginning in your freshman year:

Start academically strong (GCU looks at your overall GPA, including your freshman year, in determining admissibility and scholarship eligibility)
Review GCU’s admission requirements and scholarship opportunities
Participate in scholastic and extracurricular activities outside the classroom — GCU had over 120 clubs and organizations during the 2024-25 academic year

Sophomore

Sophomore year is your building year in high school. Keep the momentum going by building upon your efforts and accomplishments from your freshman year.Preparing for college at GCU as a sophomore includes:

Continuing to focus on your academic performance
Exploring your potential career paths using the GCU Career Compass (Access code: PURPOSE)
Learning the costs to attend GCU and about your state’s 529 college savings plan
Starting to learn the difference between tuition and costs for attending college online versus on campus
Taking dual enrollment courses to earn college credits and get ahead

Junior

Your junior year is often your year of discovery in high school. You have likely discovered new interests and now it’s time to learn how and where to pursue those interests further. Follow these steps in preparing for college at GCU in your junior year:

Track your academic and extracurricular accomplishments, which may be needed for outside scholarships
Meet with your school counselor to track your progress for going to college at GCU
Explore GCU’s campus virtually or through a GCU LIVE tour
Learn about financial aid and scholarships available at GCU
Explore outside scholarship opportunities
Earn college credits with dual enrollment courses to get ahead
Although GCU is test optional, take the PSAT, SAT or ACT to potentially increase your scholarships based on your test scores
Understand GCU’s admission, housing and decision deadlines
As your junior year ends, make sure to apply to GCU — no application fee — and submit your transcripts after your sixth semester

Senior

As a senior preparing for college, this is your year for action. Follow along with GCU’s college planning checklist to complete any necessary tasks and stay on top of important deadlines. Get ready for GCU with these final steps in your senior year:

If you haven’t yet applied to GCU, connect with your university counselor to learn more about steps to enrolling
Upon acceptance to GCU, schedule your all-expenses-paid1 Discover GCU visit
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®), if applicable
Apply to outside scholarships
Continue to take dual enrollment at GCU. Also consider taking AP, IB or transfer courses
Retake SAT or ACT in order to potentially increase your scholarship eligibility (GCU is test optional)
Register to GCU early to take advantage of the benefits, including potential additional scholarship opportunities, preferred housing and schedule preference
Study and take placement exam

Why GCU

How GCU Can Help You Prepare for College and Your Future

At GCU, we believe your time in college isn’t just about the next four years or so, but how these formative years can prepare you for the rest of your life. It’s important to choose a university that best fits your interests and goals. For more details on admission requirements at GCU, view our University Policy Handbook.

Here’s how GCU can help as you begin preparing for college in high school:

Start by visiting campus.

Taking a tour of GCU’s top-rated Phoenix campus is an excellent way for future Lopes of any age to get a glimpse of campus life and ask questions of student representatives.

Explore financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

As you prepare for your next educational journey, you will need to consider how you will fund it. At GCU, we are committed to providing an affordable and transformative higher education for our students. Our university counselors will walk you through scholarship and financial aid opportunities available to you.

Learn about the admission requirements.

Admission to GCU is based on your academic achievements in high school. Here are GCU’s high-level requirements for high school graduates:

Unweighted GPA of 3.0+ — No SAT or ACT scores required! or
Unweighted GPA of 2.5+ and a qualifying SAT or ACT score

Checklist

Considerations for Your College Planning Checklist

To get you started on your college research, GCU has prepared a college planning checklist with questions to be answered in key areas. Keep a separate checklist for each school you are interested in.

Answers to these questions can often be found by:

Reading through the college websites
Talking with friends and family members who have attended the schools of interest
Reaching out to admission/university counselors
Visiting the campuses and talking with student representatives

Start Your College Planning Journey

Keep the following factors in mind as you explore your college options and make informed decisions about your future.

Costs

Curriculum

Does my chosen degree path prepare me with the knowledge I need to become hired in my desired career?
Does the school offer hands-on experiences inside or outside of the classroom that can prepare me to enter a career in my chosen field?
If I need further education after receiving a bachelor’s degree, will this school prepare me to get into a post-graduate program?
What is the teaching experience of the faculty and instructors?
What is the typical student-teacher ratio in the classroom?

Read more about GCU’s degree programs and innovative colleges:

Campus Amenities and Community

What is the learning environment like?
What student resources are available on campus?
What is the community atmosphere like?
Will I be able to meet new people? What opportunities exist for me to connect with others?
What are the living areas like?
Is there a health and wellness center on campus?
What recreational activities exist?
Do they have college athletics?

Learn what makes GCU different:

Location

Support Provided

What parent connection opportunities are there?
What support is offered that will help prepare me for my professional career?
What test preparation opportunities does this school have for graduate entrance exams?
What tutoring services are available for students?
What admission support is available?

Learn how GCU can support your academic journey:

Focus on the End Goal

For Those Who Are Undecided

Terminology

College Terminology and Acronym Guide

If you or your student is experiencing new college vernacular or acronyms during the admission process, it can lead to confusion and frustration during an already trying time.

In an effort to lighten the load and have you well-versed during the college application process, GCU has provided a glossary of common terms and definitions. Not to worry, you won’t be tested!

Glossary of Terms

Take the First Step Toward Your Future

If you have been preparing for college since your freshman year or you are still considering your post-high school options, GCU invites you to complete the form on this page to get started on your next steps. This can mean applying to GCU or talking with one of our friendly university counselors for more information.

Let GCU help you start on your future today!

Apply Now

Travel reimbursement is only available to students who demonstrate their ability to meet admissibility for the traditional campus, plus one legal guardian, from a student’s home city/state to Phoenix, Arizona. School/district/organization staff, faculty and/or personnel are also eligible. To participate, the program requires a signed MOU by both the student and parent/guardian or personnel, approval of travel dates by GCU and receipts submitted per GCU requirements. Travel reimbursement thresholds vary based on location and education sector. Only one form of travel will be reimbursed (air or ground). GCU does not reimburse hotel expenses, baggage costs, early check-in or travel insurance fees. Travel reimbursement usually occurs within 45 days.