Many people can remember a time in their lives when adults pinched their cheeks and ask "What are you going to be when you grow up?"...How could you worry about things like that when you couldn't even tie your shoes yet? In High School, your relatives, teachers or guidance counselors may have asked you, "So where are you going to go after High School?"

If you didn't know the answer to this, especially as a Junior or Senior, little alarms may have gone off in your head. It isn't fun to not know the answer, but there is something you can do about it. Start to investigate. The best way to find out what you like and who you are is to experience life in a new ways. Look for opportunities by getting involved in clubs or organizations in your school or local community. You will be surprised by what your learn about yourself. Once you think about what you want out of life, your path to success will seem much clearer. Talk to your guidance counselor, family, and someone that you respect from school or work. Before you start college.....

Don't stress out !!!

There is a flow to the process you are about to embark upon:

• First thing is to think about where you would like to go to school. Follow me to do some research. Once you decide which, let's say 4, colleges appeal to you, request information and an application from them. Also check out what their deadlines are for applications,their financial aid packages, and ask if there are special admissions opportunities like do they have early admission.

  If you begin doing this by your Junior year of High School, you will be ahead of the game. Take this time to really explore your dreams and desires. If there is a college fair at your school go to it, introduce yourself to the admissions representative, shake hands, speak well and ask for a business card. You never know when you may need to speak to someone directly at at college, and this is your first point of contact. If you can't get to a college fair, go and visit the school. Call up the admissions office of that institution and request to be given a tour. Most colleges have standard tour dates, but special arrangements are usually possible. When you go to campus......ask the students who go there your questions, take them aside if you are uncomfortable asking in front of others.

• Next you will Apply to that school.
• Once you get to this point you may need to think of a Major to put on your application. If you don't know what to major in, you could put down undecided/undeclared. Many students begin their college career this way.

  If you know what you want to do, but people around you are not in support of your decision, it will be VERY important to remember .... YOU are beginning to create YOUR OWN PATH in life. Parents, and others that are close to you, love and care for you, but may not always support your decisions. THIS IS OKAY. YOU need to be happy and feel successful with your life.

• You usually need to take the SAT or some other standardized test for most college admission. To apply for SAT online.

• There are some skills that will help you to be successful on your journey.
• You may want to know how you can afford the college of your choice.
• Not knowing what college life is like can cause some people anxiety.

• If you would like to check out a typical first year is like follow me.
• Another great way to check out the "real Life" at an institution is much easier nowadays. Go to the website for the university. OR go to the website for the Community College. Once there you may find info on different Activities or Programs that are run by students. Try and send an email message to someone. Ask them what they think about the school, major, whatever you want to know. Students speak very freely of their impressions of their college.

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To gain more insight on how to make
your time in high school count, visit here.

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