Preparing for school

Know what you want to do after graduation? Where do you see yourself in five years? In 10 years? Getting there can mean getting ready now.

Female student planning

No matter your education or career goals, it's helpful to begin preparing early. Sometimes, depending on what you want to do, you may even need to prepare as early as high school or junior high.

Need help catching up?

If you're worried you haven't given the matter any thought, it's not too late.

Do you already have a good idea of what you want?

Perhaps you can start selecting schools to apply to.


It's summer!

Juniors

Continue searching for scholarships and ways to pay.

Combine vacation plans with campus visits.

Start working on your college application essays.

Talk to people in interesting careers. See how they got there and what they do.

Talk with college friends about their schools.

Seniors

Confirm housing arrangements and meal plans.

Finalize your budget.

Apply for private student loans if more funding is needed.

Notify the financial aid office of all scholarships and loans.

Review College Answer's Getting college advice for freshmen tips from around the country.


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