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Roadmap to College

Home : Roadmap to College

It’s never too soon to start thinking about college! Below are some tips to help you use your Middle School and High School years to prepare for college.

 

What is College?

  • Education beyond high school at a 2- or 4-year school
  • Students earn an Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree
  • Graduate School comes after earning a Bachelor’s degree (Masters and Doctorates)

2-Year Colleges: Community Colleges and Technical Colleges

  • Learn a trade (like welding!)
  • Take General Education Courses before transferring to a 4-year college
  • Earn an Associates degree in a specific subject/field that doesn’t require a 4-year degree

4-Year Colleges: Public and Private:

  • Bachelor’s degrees in specific subject/field + General Education
  • Career preparation
  • Expand horizons – expand knowledge
  • Opportunities
  • Independence

 

 

What can you do now to get ready for college?

  • Develop strong study habits to help you earn good grades and test scores
  • Participate in class activities
  • Read at least 1 book a month, just for fun
  • Keep a journal to develop good writing skills
  • Meet with your guidance counselor
  • Talk to family, friends, and teachers who have been to college or who are in careers that seem interesting to you. Ask them what they like about their job and what education they needed for it.

 Academic Preparation

 

 

Explore Colleges

  • Visit Niche.com or Appily.com
  • Visit school websites
  • Submit Request for Information forms
  • Attend college fairs
  • Visit when you can
  • Take virtual tours
  • Attend virtual information sessions

Considerations

  • Majors
  • Location
  • Size
  • Social activities
  • Athletics
  • Cost
  • Religious/non-religious

 

 

Application Process

Create a spreadsheet of schools you are interested in and take note of the following:

  • Cost to apply
  • Application Requirements
  • Application deadline

Typical Requirements:

  • App fee
  • Transcripts (GPA requirement)
  • Essay
  • Recommendation
  • Test Scores

 

 

Paying for College

  • Federal and State Aid
  • School Scholarships
  • Outside Scholarships
  • Personal/Family Savings
  • US Military