• Try to do your best. Keeping your grades up always help your application. Admission requirements, however, vary between schools: some have minimum academic requirements; others judge each application on a case-by-case basis. Because there is no universal standard, doing as well as you can now is a good way to be prepared.
  
  
• Build relationships with teachers and others at your school. Some high schools in the USA request a reference from a school official (such as the principal) or your teachers. This also means you want to stay out of trouble at school and avoid any kind of disciplinary record.
  
  
• Work on your language skills and find out about potential testing requirements. Different schools will also have different English language proficiency requirements. Some will require a minimum ability to speak English, while others will test students to place them appropriately. Some may even have no language requirements at all. It is very important that you clarify this requirement with your school, as that requirement will change what you need to do in your own country.
  

Personal
Personal preparation can be as important as academic preparation. There are many things you can do to prepare yourself for life and study in the USA.

• Research the extra-curricular activities that are offered by the school you wish to go to, or that are available in the local community. You may find your favourite sport or other activity, or you may find something new that looks interesting. Either way, it will help to get you involved in your new community, and showing that you are ready to get involved will improve any application.
  
  
• Get in contact with other international students already studying at the school you wish to attend. The school's administration may be able to put you in touch with current students who can share their experiences and advice with you. You might also want to find out if there's anyone in your home community who has done a similar study abroad program that you can talk to.