Make It Happen

OK, so you’ve decided to go to college. Here’s what you need to be ready and keep your dreams on track:

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  1. Get those grades up.
  2. Take harder classes—they’ll really prep you for college.
  3. Hit the books—developing your researching, writing and problem solving skills will really pay off!
  4. Sign up for extracurricular activities—being a part of a sport, club or community group is something that colleges look for.
  5. Take the ACT, PSAT and SAT. If you need help studying for these, ask your teacher about how to get ready with sample tests and tips.
  6. Find a mentor. Get a parent, relative, teacher, guidance counselor, coach, religious leader or other adult to help you through this. Ask questions.
  7. Think about what you would like to do and research it. Where would you like to go? Which schools or programs would help you most after graduation? Can you afford it? Are there other choices?
  8. Make a plan. Be realistic. Certain jobs don’t necessarily need a four-year degree, while some professions earn certifications on the job.
  9. Apply. Write to the colleges or go to their websites and request or download an application. Don’t forget to fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Most colleges use the information on your FAFSA to determine how much financial aid you’ll get).
  10. And the most important step: Don’t give up.

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This Week's Q&A

Posted 09/03/2009

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Do I really have to take standardized tests?

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Learn From Others

The most important thing that I did was I went to the college career fair. That, by going to that it actually showed me around to different universities and I learned about different universities and what I was interested in and wasn’t and picking up college applications and actually going over them and visiting the college to see if it would best fit me and that really helped a lot.

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Darryl,
Virginia State University

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