KnowHow2GO

the 4 steps to college

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Department of

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For a Free Application for Federal Student Aid and other information

about financial aid, visit www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov
“But college is so far off,

” you

may be thinking. “It’s too early to

start preparing now.” Think again!

Planning for college takes time.

There are lots of things you need

to know and do. Now is exactly

when you need to think about

what you want to do after high

school. The choices you make

today will determine your

life tomorrow.

WHY COLLEGE?

COLLEGE IS THE FIRST STEP IN

PURSUING A SUCCESSFUL AND

FULFILLING CAREER. IT’S NOT ONLY

WHERE YOU EXPLORE DIFFERENT

CAREER OPTIONS, BUT ALSO WHERE

YOU LEARN ESSENTIAL JOB SKILLS.

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THE MOST COSTLY EDUCATION IS

THE ONE NOT BEGUN

Every bit of education you get after high school increases your

chances of earning a good salary. College graduates tend to

earn more money than people who stop their education at the

high school level.

1 A college education is a great investment.

The more education you get, the more likely it is that you will

always have a job. In a world where 90 percent of the fastestgrowing jobs require postsecondary education, a college

degree is becoming essential.

2

Continuing education after high school is much more

important for today’s students than it was for their parents.

Most good jobs today require more than a high school

diploma. Employers want to hire people who know how to

think critically and solve problems.

Education beyond high

school provides many

opportunities

for meeting new people,

exploring new interests and

experiencing success. Make

the most of your life!

PREPARE FOR COLLEGE TODAY

You have big plans, big dreams. You know college is the place to

start pursuing them. But going to college doesn’t just happen;

there are four steps you need to take to make college a reality.

Be a pain. Tell everyone you

know that you want to go to

college. Tell your parents,

teachers, counselors,

coaches and clergy

members. Don’t stop until

you find an adult who will

help you.

This step is essential. The next

three steps become easier with a

supportive adult, so get yours!

1

FACT

Studies show that the more

math courses students take

in high school, the more

likely they are to graduate

from college.3

1. U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 Population Division, Education and Social Stratification Branch,

Current Population Survey, Educational Attainment.

2. U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2000–2010 Employment Projections.

3. Clifford Adelman, “Mathematics Equals Opportunity” (U.S. Department

of Education, 1997).

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Push yourself. Find out

what classes you need to

take in high school to meet

college entrance

requirements. Colleges look

for students who’ve taken

classes that have challenged

them. In addition:

Study hard, turn in all assignments

on time and do your best to earn

good grades.

Read, read, read!

Participate in civic or other

extracurricular activities to acquire a

well-rounded education.

Find the right fit. There are more than 6,500 two- and four-year

colleges, universities and trade schools in the country, ranging in size

from fewer than 100 to more than 50,000 students and offering

thousands of courses, subjects, degrees and certificates. You have an

extraordinary range of options. Find a school that matches your career

interests and reflects your goals and personality:

Explore different occupations, and talk with friends and

family about possible career and college choices.

Review your academic strengths

and weaknesses.

Make a list of preferred

colleges and visit the

campuses to help you get

a feel for college and keep

you excited about going.

3

2

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Get your hands on

some cash. There is money

available to help you pay for

college or trade school. Each year,

Federal Student Aid gives eligible

students over $80 billion through grants, workstudy programs and loans. There is also over

$50 billion in state, institutional and private

funds! Fill out the Free Application for Federal

Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for federal financial

aid as well as scholarships and grants from

many state, regional and private aid programs.

Also:

Attend, with your parent or guardian,

programs about financial planning or

affording college at your school, church or

in the community.

If you’re a senior in high school, fill out

the FAFSA. You can submit it as early as

Jan. 1.

Not yet a senior? Not a problem!

Go to www.FAFSA4caster.ed.gov to

get an estimate of your eligibility for

federal student aid.

4

KNOW THE FACTS, BUST THE MYTHS

Getting into college takes self-discipline and hard work. Each year, more

than 16 million students attend colleges across the U.S.—so don’t get

discouraged or scared off! There are lots of myths about college out

there. Want the truth? Here are some myth-busting facts.

1

2

Myth #1—It’s better to get good grades in easy

courses than to get average grades in more

difficult courses.

Fact—It’s true that higher grades look better on a college

application. However, the more you challenge yourself now,

the better prepared you’ll be for the challenges of college. A

college preparatory program or some Advanced Placement

courses can help you succeed in college.

Myth #2—You need to decide on a career before you

can choose a college.

Fact—College is a time to explore. Many students discover

their ideal field while taking a course they didn’t expect to

like. If you aren’t ready to decide on a major or a career,

choose a college that allows you to keep your options open.

Take your time.

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3

4

5

Myth #3—You can’t get into college if you did poorly

in ninth or tenth grade.

Fact—Colleges look for improvement in performance as a

sign that a student can and will do the work. In fact, a vast

improvement as a junior and senior indicates to a college

admissions panel that the applicant has grown as a student.

However, one good semester as a senior will not make up for

three poor years.

Myth #4—The best time to visit colleges is after you

have been accepted.

Fact—Many students fall for this myth, only to find that none

of their first-choice colleges “feel” right when they actually

visit them. Try to visit colleges before you apply, and again, if

possible, after you are accepted. Make the visit with your

family or mentor.

Myth #5—Only the very best students receive

financial aid from colleges.

Fact—Although high-ability students or students with special

talents may receive merit-based scholarships, many

scholarships are based on financial need—colleges generally

want students they’ve admitted to be able to attend, and will

help them find the resources to do so.

TEN WAYS ADULTS CAN HELP

Recruit your parents or other supportive adults to

help you continue your education after high school.

Together you can:

1. Make high school count by preparing academically

for higher education.

2. Discuss your skills, interests and career options as

well as the schools you’re interested in attending.

3. Meet with your high school guidance counselor or

a college adviser to determine which schools match

your academic abilities.

4. Gather information about the schools you’re interested

in attending, including information on financial aid.

5. Save money as early as possible to help pay for

your college education.

6. Visit college campuses and ask lots of questions.

7. Apply for admission to college before the deadline.

8. Apply for financial aid. Complete the Free Application for

Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

9. Consider loan programs in addition to scholarships,

grants and work-study programs. Complete any

necessary applications or forms and submit them

before the deadlines.

10. Learn more about tax credits, deductions and other

options for managing education expenses.

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