While most think college planning begins senior year, this planning must start much earlier.
According to “Forbes,” a key factor is gathering as much information as possible to make the best decision. This approach can include talking to older friends, meeting with counselors, and visiting the colleges themselves, which all can be done before ever entering senior year. Students can access a “College Comparison Worksheet” by going to www.act.org and weigh options of schools such as location, size and financial aid.
Also, preparation must start early to ensure one meets admission requirements. Taking challenging courses now will help equip a student for rigorous college classes. Also, knowing the requirements involved and ensuring that all required classes and tests have been completed are both keys to being prepared now. College and career counselor Fran Odom suggests waiting until second semester junior year to take the ACT. Also, now is the time to start preparing a resume, writing down extracurricular activities and volunteer work. Junior counselor Dr. Wendy Willingham suggests writing them now will help see what you are or, in many cases, aren’t doing.
As one prepares for life after high school, the most important factor includes understanding the best route for a future career. Some professions may require only an associate’s degree while others may require a master’s degree. The ACT website offers an interactive “World-of-Work” map that allows students to search potential professions, and find requirements and even potential salaries.
Of course, no talk of college would be complete without addressing finances. ACT suggests even as early as freshman year to start researching costs. Look into FAFSA requirements early as the process can be lengthy and is required by any student receiving financial aid. Research Hope Scholarship requirements and Tennessee Promise opportunities to help alleviate the burden of paying for college. Consider costs associated with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Also, talk to parents to develop a budget for potential college costs.
Any questions you have can be directed to your counselor to help start the process. It’s not too late to start this search, especially when it can determine the rest of your life.
According to “Forbes,” a key factor is gathering as much information as possible to make the best decision. This approach can include talking to older friends, meeting with counselors, and visiting the colleges themselves, which all can be done before ever entering senior year. Students can access a “College Comparison Worksheet” by going to www.act.org and weigh options of schools such as location, size and financial aid.
Also, preparation must start early to ensure one meets admission requirements. Taking challenging courses now will help equip a student for rigorous college classes. Also, knowing the requirements involved and ensuring that all required classes and tests have been completed are both keys to being prepared now. College and career counselor Fran Odom suggests waiting until second semester junior year to take the ACT. Also, now is the time to start preparing a resume, writing down extracurricular activities and volunteer work. Junior counselor Dr. Wendy Willingham suggests writing them now will help see what you are or, in many cases, aren’t doing.
As one prepares for life after high school, the most important factor includes understanding the best route for a future career. Some professions may require only an associate’s degree while others may require a master’s degree. The ACT website offers an interactive “World-of-Work” map that allows students to search potential professions, and find requirements and even potential salaries.
Of course, no talk of college would be complete without addressing finances. ACT suggests even as early as freshman year to start researching costs. Look into FAFSA requirements early as the process can be lengthy and is required by any student receiving financial aid. Research Hope Scholarship requirements and Tennessee Promise opportunities to help alleviate the burden of paying for college. Consider costs associated with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree. Also, talk to parents to develop a budget for potential college costs.
Any questions you have can be directed to your counselor to help start the process. It’s not too late to start this search, especially when it can determine the rest of your life.