How to Plan For College
Planning for college now can increase your chances of getting into the best school for you. You have the power to define your future. It’s all about making the right choices.
Choices—the future is up to you
Planning for college while you’re in junior high means positioning yourself to excel in your high school years—the years that will be most important in the college admissions process. Getting good grades, developing hobbies or talents, and getting involved in community activities can position you well for college admissions and receiving scholarships or other merit-based financial aid.
Good grades pay off
Good grades pay off, not just by pleasing your parents or teachers, but by making you eligible for scholarships or grants. These important sources of financial aid can help you pay for a college education, and the best part is you don’t have to pay them back. Competition for scholarships and grants is intense, but developing good study habits will help you win valuable sources of college financial aid.
Sports, hobbies, and talents can help you get into college
Whether you excell on the soccer team, student government, or on the stage, being involved in school or extracurricular activities is a great way to have fun, develop a skill, and give your application a boost when you’re applying to college. College admissions officers want to admit well-rounded students to their schools. Working hard in class is important, but colleges also want students to contribute to the school community. You should pursue activities you love, and keep in mind that they may make you eligible for athletic, performing arts, or other types of scholarships based on being very highly skilled in a specific area.
Get involved
Getting involved in your school and community is a great way to have fun, develop your leadership skills, and make a difference! Contributing to your school and community will show colleges that you can be a leader. Ask your school guidance counselor for some ideas of how to get involved in your community, and sign up for some clubs or activities at your school that interest you. For ideas on how to in get involved in your community, check out www.dosomething.org, a non-profit organization created especially for teens who want to make a difference.
