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No matter which grade you are in, chances are you’ve been asked “What do you want to do after high school?” at least once. Often people ask this question casually, as if it would be an easy choice.
If you belong to the many people for whom the answer is more tricky, we’d like to help you start considering attending a college or university.
This process will take time and your preferences may change, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself and enjoy envisioning yourself in different situations and careers.
Think About
What You Want
Think About
What You Want
You don’t need to know 100% which job you want (congrats, if you do!), but you need to narrow down your choices to a career field, so you can check if a college degree is needed or recommended, or if you should pursue a certificate at a trade or vocational school. Start thinking about the jobs of the people in your environment and jobs you see on TV or hear about in podcasts. Do you see yourself doing something similar?
Have Conversations
Have Conversations
Speak with your family, friends, mentors, neighbors - anyone you think can answer your questions or guide your search. Keep in mind that their experiences, opinions and expectations should not be the basis of your decision, even if they know you very well. Meet with your School Counselor. They will be able to recommend aptitude tests, narrow your options based on your academic achievements, and provide you more resources.
Make A List
Make A List
Now that you are more clear on why you want to attend college and what you want this experience to look like, make a list of non-negotiables. What do you absolutely want your college to provide, what would be nice to have, and what is a no-go criteria for you? Look at colleges or universities that are a good option for you and make a list of Reach, Target, and Safe Schools, depending on the probability of you getting admitted to your program of choice.
Explore Online &
In Person
Explore Online &
In Person
If you are interested in a college, the first step is to research it thoroughly. The internet is a great resource for information, so start by visiting the college's official website and move on to online forums, social media, etc. Read and listen to the information you’re presented critically. To get a more in-depth understanding, consider attending an information session or campus tour in person.
California Colleges
California Colleges
California Colleges is a free, all-access website where students can explore, find their path, build knowledge, skills, and a plan to achieve their dreams. Parents and educators guide and support every step of the way.
Discover your interests and values.
Find careers, colleges, or training to reach your goals.
Learn how to find money to pay for college.
Launch college and financial aid applications.
Monitor all your progress in one place.
California State University (CSU) and the University of California (UC)
California has two state university systems, California State University (CSU) and the University of California (UC). While all schools are public, 4-year institutions, there are some differences. For example, acceptance rates are typically higher in the CSU system, while the 6-year graduation rate is higher for UCs. We also see a trend in the cost of tuition, with UCs charging twice as much for in-state tuition. Ultimately, which school you want to attend depends on many factors, but to start we recommend this article by PrepScholar: UC vs CSU: What’s the Difference? Which Is Better?
California State Universities
California State Universities
With just one application, 23 universities spanning the state, and thousands of degrees to choose from, the CSU offers you more choices and connections than any other public higher education institution in the nation.
Universities of California
Universities of California
The University of California began more than 150 years ago on a simple but revolutionary idea: that college should be available to everyone. That same spirit still guides them today. You can apply to all UC campuses using the same application, My UC Application. Learn more about UCs.
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
Providing an equal footing for all students entering college is no easy task. With so much varying information and an enormous number of statistics out there, it is a tough space for future and new college students to navigate. The following resources provide support for applying to college and accessing scholarship opportunities.
BestColleges.com has curated a Preparing for College Series to improve a student’s readiness for college:
CAP's Glossary for
Post-Secondary Students
Postsecondary Glossary-L4L.pdfCollegeBoard College Planning:
12th Grade
CollegeBoard BigFuture-College-Planning-Calendar-Seniors.pdfU.S. Department of Education College Preparation Checklist
USDOE College Preparation Checklist.pdfReport abuse