College Planning

Why College?

Senior year can seem like a blur, with too many things to do and not enough time. But it’s important to take a minute every now and then to take a deep breath and remember why you’re making this effort—and how your investment in college will really pay off:

• The more education you get, the more likely it is you will always have a job. According to one estimate, by the year 2028 there will be 19 million more jobs for educated workers than there are qualified people to fill them.
• Continuing education after high school is much more important for your generation than it was for your parents' generation. Today most good jobs require more than a high school diploma. Businesses want to hire people who know how to think and solve problems.
• Education beyond high school gives you a lot of other benefits, including meeting new people, taking part in new opportunities to explore your interests, and experiencing success.

Seniors: Talking to Adults

Planning for college isn’t something you do by yourself—it’s really a team effort. But it’s up to you to put together your team. And that means talking to the adults in your life who can help—from your parents, guardian, or other family to your teachers, coaches, guidance counselor, or religious leader.

Get the conversation started!

Learn How to Talk to:
Your Parents
Your School Counselor
Your Teachers
Other Adults

Explore Your Interests

What are you good at? Do you have
something you love to do? Whether it's playing sports, building models, or playing an instrument, your interests today say a lot about what career you might have tomorrow. To get there, follow these ten steps. And be sure to discuss them with your school counselor and your parents or guardian:

1. Make a list of your skills and interests. Think hard about what you enjoy and what you are good at.
2. Find out more about the kinds of the jobs that interest you, along with their educational requirements, salary,
   working conditions, future outlook, and anything else that can help you decide what's best.
3. Make a second list of possible jobs that you would like to have and compare it with your skills and interests. The job that matches your skills and interests the closest may be the career for you.
4. Choose your career goal. Once you've decided what occupation matches up best with you, then you can begin developing
   a plan to reach your career goal.
5. Develop a career plan. Think about what you want to do and find out more about the kind of training, education, and skills you will need to achieve your career goal.
6. Select a school that offers a college degree or training program that best meets your career goal and financial
   needs.
7. Find out about financial aid to help support you in obtaining your career goal.
8. Learn about job hunting tips as you prepare to graduate or move into the job market.
9. Prepare your resume, and practice job interviewing techniques.
10. Go to your career guidance center (at your middle school, high school, or college) or local library for additional information and help on career planning.