A guide to preparing for college [July 2008]

A Guide to Preparing for
College
Get a Goal. Get a Life. Get College!

A college education is an investment that pays back for a lifetime.
College graduates have better job opportunities, earn more money, and develop skills and knowledge that can never be taken away. Preparing for college doesn't begin during a student's junior or senior year of high school, it begins even before a student first sets foot in school, and it continues through middle school and high school.
What is GAcollege411? GAcollege411 is a powerful online resource that can help you plan, apply and pay for college. The website is a one-stop-shop where students can explore careers, store academic grades, prepare for the SAT, ACT and GRE, research Georgia colleges, apply online for college admission, learn about and apply online for financial aid and much more!
GAcollege411.org - Helping Students Plan, Apply and Pay for College

Plan for College
It's never too soon to start thinking about life after high school. Here are things you can do beginning in middle school.
Planning Your Career "What? I have to start now?!?" The answer is yes and no. You don't have to decide now where you want to work and what you want to do, but now is the time to start exploring your interests.
If you want to go to college, you can do it if you start planning now. There are some classes you should start taking as early as the ninth grade. Ask a teacher or your guidance counselor about career planning. Even the most general plans tend to pay off. And, don't forget the HOPE scholarship. With the right preparation, you can get free tuition to one of the public colleges, universities and public technical colleges or $3,500 a year to help pay for one of the eligible private colleges in Georgia.
One thing is certain; it is not too early to start learning about yourself. The more you know about yourself, the easier it will be later to decide on a career. Visit GAcollege411.org and discover your interests by using the tools and information in the different sections of the Career Center.
GAcollege411.org - Helping Students Plan, Apply and Pay for College

Paying For College $$$
SCHOLARSHIPS
Scholarships cover educational costs and are often given to students who have excelled in high school or who have special talents. There are many private scholarships available. BENEFITS: Scholarships do not have to be repaid. CONCERNS: Scholarships don't always cover the entire cost of your education. Applying for private scholarships can take a lot of time and research -- so start early!
GRANTS
Grants are generally given to students based on need alone. BENEFITS: Grants do not have to be repaid. CONCERNS: Grants can be difficult to obtain for families who fall just above the need requirement.
STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
Develop good work skills while in high school. If you need to get a job to help finance your way through college, the more skills you have the better job you may be able to find.
GAcollege411.org - Helping Students Plan, Apply and Pay for College

BENEFITS: You gain work experience and help pay for your education.
CONCERNS: It can be difficult to work and maintain good grades while in high school or college. In addition, student employment may not entirely fund your education.

LOANS
Most student loans are low-interest and provide a grace period after college graduation to begin repayment. Be sure only to borrow what you need.

"I was looking for information on Scholarships because college is kind of expensive to get into and my friends do not have the money to go to any college they choose. It showed me different scholarships available to pay for my college."
Bryan Peters Freshman, Statesville High School

BENEFITS: Loans help to pay for your education and you often don't have to begin repayment until after you graduate.
CONCERNS: Only borrow what you need to fund your education. Depending on your career goals, you could acquire a hefty debt by the time you graduate.
CASH AND SAVINGS
If you plan to use savings to finance your education, then invest your money and start saving now. If possible, set aside a specific amount of money each month as soon as possible. Many high school students get a part-time job to start saving for college.

GAcollege411.org - Helping Students Plan, Apply and Pay for College

BENEFITS: Your savings will finance all or part of your education, freeing you to concentrate on your studies. CONCERNS: Unless you and your family have been saving for years, you will probably need to supplement your savings with scholarships or loans.
OTHER
Keep your eyes open for alternate ways to pay for college. For instance, the military and certain volunteer organizations will finance part or all of your education in exchange for service. BENEFITS: You earn money for college while gaining important life experience. CONCERNS: You have to determine how much of your time you're willing to contribute. You may also have to postpone going to college for a certain length of time to work or participate in training.
Now is a good time to start planning and working for the future. Enjoy your time in school -- explore passionately the subjects that interest you and challenge yourself to excel in the subjects that don't grab your interest. The more you expand your mind, the more interesting all subjects become.
GAcollege411.org - Helping Students Plan, Apply and Pay for College

"The Journey to College BEGINS in Middle School."

The Right College
Visit a College Campus. Try to go on a "normal" day to see what an average day is like in the life of a college student--don't go during the first week, for example, or during homecoming. Most colleges and universities offer tours. Contact the admissions office for more information. When you're there, be sure to visit the following:
ADMISSIONS OFFICE -- they receive applications and determine acceptance and eligibility. FINANCIAL AID OFFICE -- explore programs available to help you pay for college. LIBRARY -- available to students for research. CLASSES, LECTURE HALLS -- college students attend classes of varying sizes. BOOKSTORE -- this is where students can purchase course books, computer software,
logo items such as sweatshirts and caps.
ATHLETICS -- range of facilities may exist. STUDENT CENTER -- studying, meeting friends, group meetings, etc.
CAMPUS RESIDENCES -- student dorms and housing, varying kinds
GAcollege411.org - Helping Students Plan, Apply and Pay for College

Choosing a Career
The Career Matching Assistant can help you decide what careers might be right for you. Learn more about yourself by taking the Career Key questionnaire and explore what careers might fit your personality type. Once you have completed the Career Key, use the Career Matching Assistant to see what careers are suggested for you. Read about the different options and see if they appeal to you.
Keep your options open by getting the best grades you can Explore your interests Take notice of the things you like to do Participate in after-school or community programs that you enjoy, such as sports,art, music, drama, or dance Volunteer for community service a few hours a week ASK QUESTIONS!
"GAcollege411.org can help you choose a career that matches your personality!"
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6th and 7th Grade
Talk to your school counselor about courses that will prepare you for college
Take English
Take mathematics, such as pre-Algebra.
Develop good study habits and earn good grades (As and Bs)
8th Grade
Take pre-Algebra or Algebra I
Take a language other than English
September: Take the PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Assessment|Test)
Start your Student Planner
Focus on your classes and keep up with homework assignments.This will help you master the study
skills you need to be successful in high school and college.
GAcollege411.org - Helping Students Plan, Apply and Pay for College

"You CAN afford to go to college, and GAcollege411 can help you put the pieces of the puzzle together."

GA-07 (07/08)