//Are You Ready?

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COLLEGE PLANNING

It is never to early to start looking into options you have for what to do with your future. There are a number of websites that you can use to explore careers that would be a good match for you as well as explore what schools have to offer. Where should you be in college planning?  Please contact guidance if you need assistance in planning.

 

 FRESHMAN & SOPHOMORES

  • Look for a great summer opportunity – job, internship, or volunteer position.
  • Evaluate your personality, interests, and skills.
  • Start a summer reading list.
  • Explore occupations, salaries, and requirements.
  • Understand basic college curriculum requirements.
  • Plan to visit college campuses to get a feel for your options.
  • Start investigating the cost of college.

JUNIORS

  • Improve your reading and vocabulary skills.
  • Attend college fairs.
  • Search for scholarships and ways to pay for school.
  • Start working on your college application essays.
  • Decide who you’ll ask to write letters of recommendations.
  • Scan local newspapers to see which civic, cultural, and service organizations in your area award financial aid to graduating seniors. Start a file.
  • Develop a list of 15 or 20 colleges that attract you.
  • Find a full-time or part-time job, or participate in a camp or summer college program.
  • Visit colleges. Take campus tours and, at colleges you’re serious about, make appointments to have interviews with admissions counselors.
  • Create a resume – a record of accomplishments, activities, and work experiences since you started high school.
  • Request applications from colleges to which you’ll apply. Check application dates – large universities may have early dates or rolling admissions.
  • Talk to people in careers that interest you.
  • Talk with college friends home for the summer.

SENIORS

  • Ask your high school to send a final transcript to your college.
  • Save some of your graduation money for school.
  • If you still need money to pay for college, consider applying for a student loan.
  • Respond to requests from the college you will be attending. Keep copies of everything you send.
  • Read and be familiar with your college catalog and semester class schedule.
  • Talk with friends who are home from college.
  • Make travel arrangements if necessary.
  • Send thank you notes or postcards to those who helped you get into college.
  • Register and attend a college orientation session.
  • Confirm housing arrangements and meal plans.
  • Notify the financial aid office of scholarships and loans you will receive.
  • Finalize your college budget.

Adapted from the College Board and SallieMae