Project GEAR UP at Charlestown High School

GEAR UP is proud to be a part of Charlestown High School, a state championship school

This page was created by the GEAR UP Service Assistants, a group of 10th Grade students, dedicated to helping their peers gain access to college. This webpage is about college -- why you should go, and how to get in

What is GEAR UP?

Gaining Early Awarness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs

GEAR UP in Boston ensures that participating students in public schools are prepared for, pursue, and enter college.

We offer:

• Afterschool tutoring
• Mentoring
• College visits and awareness activities

Why go to college?

• Earn more money
• Get a better job
• Make new friendships
• Have more choices in life

Ways to get good grades

• Believe in yourself
• Be organized -- use your planner to keep track of tests and deadlines
• Do at least 1 hour of homework per night
• Attend school every day
• Be successful in the classroom -- stay focused, take notes, participate
• Take good notes
• Know how to read a textbook
• Study hard
• Get help when you need it

How to get into college

• Get a good Grade Point Average and transcript
• Get recommendations from teachers and employers
• Write a good personal essay - Some schools have topics which they use
• Participate in school sports and/or extra-curricular activities
• Take ACT/SAT test- Get good scores
• Apply for financial aid and scholarships
• Research and visit colleges early to find out about deadlines, requirements and financial aid

Useful links

• www.collegeboard.com
• www.review.com/college
• www.fastweb.com
• www.fasfa.ed.gov
• www.wiredscholar.com
• www.kaplan.com
• www.ets.org