COLLEGE CHECKLIST

Want the facts without the fluff? Follow this Checklist!

• List out your interests
• Research Careers
• Make a list of career options and compare them to the job market in your area. (Or the area you want to end up in) NOTE: Just because you can’t find the job in your area does not mean there isn’t a need for it. Reach out to at least 3 trusted adults to talk about this and get advice.
  • Take some Careers Tests
• Research Majors that are needed or will benefit your fields of interest.
• Understand your Budget
  • Will someone be helping you pay for college?
  • Do you need Scholarships
  • Will you be living on or off campus?
• Research Schools that offer your desired major and complement your learning style.
  • Try this College Search Tool
• Send an Email to Admissions for each school to get information about applying but more importantly to start the conversation and demonstrate professionalism and create familiarity.
• Write out what you will need to do before applying.
• Take this list to your school counselors and ask for feedback.
• Fill out the FAFSA to qualify for Scholarships
• Work hard. Study hard. You got this!

Before you begin this list, consider opportunities that you may have only right now. Internships, travel, and work study, or even just a year off to work and help yourself to avoid student loan debt. This can be a really important step for a lot of people. Oftentimes you don’t know “What you want to be” right when you graduate and a break could give you an opportunity to explore your passions and get to know yourself. Someone once said, Do what breaks your heart, but we would add, try not to break your own heart in the process. Find the place that you feel fulfilled, and remember to have a work-life balance. There will always be more to do, and there is time. You are living YOUR life, it is on your own schedule and you are not running late or missing out. College (2-10 Years) Is such a short time in the grand scheme of things and it can be such a great opportunity to learn, grow personally and professionally, and to create connections that last a lifetime. Reach out to support when you need it and remember, YOU GOT THIS!

Find More Information on Next Steps