What do you want to be when you grow up? Don’t just dream it. Take ACTION on those dreams now!
For high school juniors, January of this school year is that latest to start focusing on your college career. Those 18 months are crucial to your college selection and acceptance success. Here are 5 tips to head you in the right direction.
- High School Resources: Meet with your counselor. To apply to a four-year college or university, you must take a sequence of “A-G Curriculum” classes in high school. Some high schools provide free programs such as Career Cruising to help students prepare for college.
- SAT: Take the pre-SAT if you haven’t already. Take the SAT during the spring of your junior year and again in the fall of your senior year. Check the College Board for testing dates and locations. See “Junior: It’s Time to Get Your SAT On.”
- College Tours: Visit 2 or 3 local universities to get a feel for the number of people, size of campus, and general atmosphere. For colleges of interest out of town, schedule a campus tour over Spring and Summer Break. Take a tour while college is in session, even if it’s during summer school. Don’t eventually settle on a college which you haven’t visited.
- Scholarships & FAFSA: With the rise in tuition and reduction in scholarships, seeking funding should be a part of your college preparation process. Sign up for sites such as Zinch and FastWeb for scholarships related to your interests. Complete the FAFSA starting as early as October of your senior year of high school. Note the new changes to the FAFSA process. The application is used to determine the amount you or your family will be expected to pay towards college expenses. All federal grants and loans are determined by the FAFSA, and nearly all colleges use the FAFSA as the basis for their own financial aid awards.
- Narrow Career Interests: You don’t need to have a major selected now! However, it helps to narrow your college search if you have a general idea of your interests. Create a list of classes you like, things you like to do, and careers in which you have shown interest. Look for themes. Select 2 to 3 college majors in which you are most interested. It is not uncommon to change your mind once you’re in college, but having a general idea saves you time and money in the long run. For a great assessment of your personality with some great online tools to help with career, college major, and college sections, try the Student Compass online tools from Living My Purpose.
Still not sure what you want to be when you “grow up”? As a life coach, I can help narrow your focus through discussion, activities, and/or assessments. Still overwhelmed and looking for someone to help you through the college planning process? Coaching can help. I also have a resource of individuals depending on your college planning needs. Call or email be TODAY to let me ease your time and stress, by helping you through the process.
Don’t wait to prepare for college and your future. Start now!
