yourcareerday.com

Today you have taken an important first step for your future, research.  You will find many answers to some the obstacles you will face through research. It is important to leave no stone unturned to find out all you can about college and what you will face.

Preparation

To prepare for college you will need to speak with your high-school counselor as soon as possible. If you haven’t developed a relationship with your counselor it is important to do so. Your counselor can be a valued source of information to help you now, and to prepare you for college.

Your counselor will stress the importance of taking the right courses, keeping your grades up, and being active in extra curricular activities.  Your counselor will also inform and encourage you to take the SAT or ACT tests, which are important to your admission to college.

Applying

During your research you should identify several schools that you would like to attend. These schools should offer the major or concentration that you want to study. The school also should have in place many different aspects of support should you need it.

Your application to college will be filled out online and you will have to pay an application fee.  If you cannot afford to pay the fee, ask the school if they offer a fee waiver.

To complete the application you may need to write an essay or two. The essay is your way of telling the school who you are and why you will be an asset to the school’s student community.  Also you will need to obtain recommendation letters from teachers, counselors, employers or other who can write about your skills  to complete the application. See the instructions on the application to know from whom letters of recommendation should come from.

Last but not least, be mindful of the application deadline. Typically the application process begins around August of your senior year. Each school has its own deadline and your material will need to be postmarked by that date to be considered for admission.



Admission

Once you have been admitted the work isn’t over, it is just beginning. Should you be admitted to more than one school, you will need to determine which school is the best fit for you and what you hope to accomplish academically in college.

Once your decision has been made you must plan to attend freshmen orientation. This is the time you will learn more about the school and register for courses for your first term in college. It is great time to meet your classmates as well.

 

Financial

Of course, how you are going to pay for college is very important as well. One of the first things you need to do is to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid  (FAFSA). You need to submit the form in January of the year you plan to attend college. This form can be helpful in determining and providing the right type of financial aid for college.

Also remember to apply for scholarships anywhere and everywhere. Scholarships are available through many religious organizations, foundations, local groups and associations. Again, please leave no stone unturned when searching for money for college.