You CAN Go To College!

As a High School Junior, we can help make sure you reach your goal of being College Bound.

Did you know that by earning a college degree, you will earn over a million dollars more in your lifetime than you would with only a high school diploma?

Adults without a college degree are twice as likely to be unemployed. And get this: people with a college degree live longer than those who don't graduate from college - that's a fact!

What It Takes To Become College Bound

• Make a list of your expectations of a college to help find the right school for you.
• Visit at least five college campuses to see first hand what appeals to you.
• Take the PSAT - great practice for the SAT and you could earn a scholarship if you score well!

Step By Step Through Your Junior Year

• August: meet with your access advisor for a coursework/grades checkup. Get involved in activities at school and the community. Make your list of what is important to you in a college.
• September: Enroll in a PSAT practice program. Identify schools you may be interested in. Take the Early Math Placement Test (EMPT).
• October: Attend college fairs. Take the PSAT. Search for scholarships.
• November: Visit college web sites and take their virtual tours. Talk to teachers and others about writing letters of recommendation to colleges. Use available tools to identify a career path and major.
• December: Learn about Advanced Placement courses at your school. Consider which test - SAT or ACT - is the best option for you.
• January: Schedule visits to colleges. Attend financial aid events. Evaluate your finances and get an idea of your likely education expenses.
• February: Meet with admissions and financial aid secialists at schools you visit. Pick up books about how to fund your education. Write practice application essays and have them reviewed.
• March: Register for the SAT or ACT. Work on a resume you can use for job applications, college admissions, and scholarship applications. Research potential careers.
• April: Enroll in an SAT or ACT practice program. Apply for summer jobs. Visit more college campuses.
• May: Finalize your senior schedule to line up with your college's requirements. Take the ACT or SAT. Take the Advanced Placement Test.
• June: Work and volunteer to gain experience and skills. Talk to alumni and students attending schools you're considering. Work on calculating your family's expected contribution toward your education expenses.
• July: Study for the fall SAT. Narrow down your college list - request catalogs and admissions packets. Compare your test scores and GPAs to requirements of colleges that still interest you.