College Planning: How to Get Started

Step 1: Get Started

Assess your strengths, weaknesses, goals, passions, learning style and social skills.  What is most important to you in the college-search process?  What do you hope to learn from the process?

Step 2: Make Some Basic Decisions

• Where do you want to live? 
• Will you go to college full time or part time?
• What type of college/university would you like to attend?

Step 3:  Enlist Help

Who do you want to assist you in this process (parents, counselors, teachers, siblings, etc.)?

Step 4: Consult References and Websites 

Look at college directories (College Board's College Handbook, Barron's, Peterson's) and use college searches (https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/) or (http://knowhow2go.acenet.edu/).  Visit the websites of the colleges that interest you and review their admissions requirements.

Step 5: Talk

Discuss your goals and plans with your parents, teachers, and school counselor.  They can provide helpful advice.

Step 6: Meet with College Representatives

Visit with college representatives when they come to your high school.  Make a list of your important questions to ask the representatives.  Also meet college personnel at area college fairs.

Step 7:  Visit Campuses

Try to go to the college campus and take a tour, meet with admission and financial aid representatives, and ask students what they think about college.  Can't make the trip?  Many colleges provide virtual tours on their websites.

Step 8: Plan Ahead to Cover Costs

Seek out scholarships using various websites (www.mycollegeoptions.org/scholarships-search-by-major.aspx) or speak with your counselor.  Learn about Federal Student Aid & State Financial Aid (www.gafutures.org).  Learn how to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (www.gafutures.org/federal-aid-scholarships/fafsa/).  Speak with parents, other family members, and mentors about your options.