Having A Good College Planning Program Is Critical !

Career Selection. Career choices should be made in a systematic way. Secure all available information from a variety of sources that match your interests, abilities, and goals. Knowing what you want to do should come before where you want to study, since some colleges might not offer your major.

College Selection. The decision regarding where to attend college depends upon a number of factors such as entrance requirements, cost, college major, plans for the future, size, and location.

Test-Preparation Improvement Skills. All four-year colleges and universities require entrance exams for admission. The better prepared you are to take the SAT or ACT test, the better your chances of getting into college and securing scholarships. All test scores can be improved with study and planning. Secure available test improvement books, programs, classes, or tutoring.

Scholarships, Financial Aid, & Loan Sources. Being able to finance a college education is essential. Scholarships, financial aid, grants and loans are available. However, you need to know where they are found, how to apply for them, and the best approach to take in securing them.

An effective process for high school students to follow in college planning and to achieve his or her goal of properly gearing up for attaining a scholarship and financing a college education should consist of the following five steps.

Step One. Decide on a career and a program of study. Then select and plan high school courses to fit your particular career objectives. College students should make similar choices to fit college courses.

Step Two. Familiarize yourself with test-taking procedures, test content, and strategies. Use practice tests as well as the actual tests you have taken to help you study for future tests. The test result printout can help you to focus on areas of weakness. This advice applies to SAT, ACT, or any other undergraduate test for admission.

Step Three. Explore all available resources to secure information on a variety of colleges that fit your particular needs. Be systematic in your decision-making for college selection.

Step Four. Secure all available information for scholarships, financial aid, and loans. Prepare yourself for selection by maintaining high grades, a good reputation, and involvement in school and community activities.

Step Five. Follow through with all your plans by completing applications, course of study, and other requirements on time and in an appropriate manner.

For help in the development of a good program for college planning, refer to this Comprehensive Common Sense College Planning Guide For Students Seeking College Scholarships.