Education at TIPS
Tips to Prepare for College
Once you've decided to go to college, knowing where to start can feel overwhelming. Use the tips below to prepare no matter when you start.
Right now, college probably seems like a million miles away. But middle school is the best time to start making plans for what happens after high school. Relax. You don't have to make any big decisions yet. But the sooner you start thinking about what you're interested in doing, the easier your choices will be later on. Get started!
Freshmen: College Starts in High School
Welcome to high school! In less than four years, you will be entering a new stage in your life that's even more important than high school. So the time to start planning for college is now, while you've got some time to really explore your options. Get started!
Sophomores: Picking Up Momentum
It's time to pick up the pace, dig a little deeper into your studies, and really focus on making your top choices of the colleges you'd like to attend. And in the meantime, you'll be preparing for and taking your first standardized tests. Get started!
Juniors: Time to Take Care of Business
By now you can probably see the finish line: graduation. You're closing in on college so this is no time to slow down. If you get good grades, finalize your college search, and do your best on standardized tests, your senior year could bring you some great rewards. Get started!
Seniors: Putting it All Together
You've worked hard throughout high school. Now it's about to pay off. As you head for the finish line, make each day count by meeting every deadline and completing every "to-do." From college admission forms to financial aid follow-ups to managing your schoolwork, you've got a lot to handle, but you know you can do it. Get started!
Learn from the KnowHow2GO Ambassadors who are recent college graduates and experts on preparing for college. They're currently working as advisers to middle and high schoolers across the country. And now they're available to help you by sharing useful tips.
There's no magic formula to make sure you get accepted into the colleges of your choice. But there are factors that help. Consider these as you plan to apply to college:
- Take the necessary high school courses. Review this list of recommended high school classes to make sure you're meeting the minimum requirements of most colleges.
- Keep on track. Consider activities for each year in high school using this helpful college prep timeline.
- Earn college credits early. Explore how you can earn college credit or advanced placement credits while in high school. Look at programs like College in the Schools and the International Baccalaureate. Also take advantage of Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO):
Tips for Adult Learners — It's Never Too Late
Did you know that about 43 percent of American college students are 25 years of age or older? Think that's only for other people? Not true. If you really want to be an adult learner, chances are that you can go to college.
Get started with one of these:
- Still need your high school diploma or GED? Read about Adult Basic Education programs available to you.
- Get credit for prior learning. You might be able to receive credit for previous activities or courses.
- Know you are not alone. The Adult Student Checklist is for adults applying to college, including those who left high school before graduating, graduated high school, completed some college courses, or may be in the workforce.
- Read more about how to succeed as an adult learner.
Time to Look at Schools
It's important that your college major is something you enjoy. You will do better in school if you like the subjects you're studying. You also may find it easier to explain to potential employers what you gained from school. Get started on choosing a college with the tips below.
Take some self-assessments. Assessments help you learn your interests, skills, and strengths. Create a list of your top skills, interests, and values to use it to explore majors and careers.
- Look at your interests to see how they match to career clusters.
- Take our Interest Assessment to see how your interests relate to career options. You can link to occupational descriptions and majors.
- Assess your employment-related values to help you choose careers, work environments, and industries that best fit you.
Research majors and type of degrees. Make a list of types of majors and degrees that best fit you. Then use that list to choose schools and programs.
- Start by looking at majors to learn about different programs (majors) that match you.
- Read about certificates, diplomas, and degrees to understand your education options.
- Discover how a liberal arts education can provide you with knowledge and skills to work in a variety of jobs.