Step #1 

What are your strengths and abilities? Do you work well with others? Do you have a strong mechanical ability? Are you artistic, creative? Thinking about these things may help you in thinking of what you would enjoy, and what you would be best at. Throughout high school and middle school you have taken many interest inventories, to help determine what you may like or be good at. Think about these, if you would like to take another interest inventory, our CHOICES program in the computer lab has an inventory that is very user friendly. Remember, careers change as do your interests, but you can get a good idea of a direction that you could possibly be pointed in.

Step #2

What values do you have?

There are many different values and preferences that can narrow down where you would attend a college or university. 

Step #3

Thinking about other considerations.

You will also want to consider other aspects of a college campus. In particular:

• Student Body-meeting new people, broad culture, etc.

• Social Aspect-what types of social activities does the school offer

• Religious-what types of services are available

• Residency-does the campus require on-campus housing, or could you live off-campus

• Services-programs for disabilities, counseling centers, remedial or tutorial services

• Programs-do they offer ROTC, study abroad, independent studies

Step #4

Explore different colleges

Research different colleges and schools. Find out their freshman statistics, admission requirements, etc. Talk with representatives, go to the college web site, think about what is important for you and your education.

Step#5

Visit the School

Get a feel for what the school is like. Take a visit to a few colleges that you are the most interested in. When you go, bring a copy of an unofficial transcript. See where the campus actually is, and what the student body, and class size are really like.

Step #6

Cost

How much does the school cost? What scholarships are available through the school? How are you going to pay for this college and can you afford it? What types of grants and loans are available for me. Remember, financial aid is need-based (the less your family income, the more money that is available to you). These are all important questions, talk to your parents and also talk with your guidance counselor and a financial aid adviser.

Step #7

Think it over

Now comes the tough part...making the final decision. Weigh what you are looking for in a college program, as well as cost. Then make the best decision based on all of the information that you have collected.