COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY PLANNING HELP

1. Identify your interests. What do you do well? What are you passionate
about? Job/career satisfaction is directly related to doing work that relates
to your interests. If you need assistance identifying your interests and
understanding how they relate to what you are going to do after high school,
talk to your teacher, counselor, or career advisor about completing either
DISCOVERY, EXPLORATIONS, or EXPLORATIONS ADVANCED.

The book "AFTER HIGH SCHOOL" is specifically written to help you plan
your future after high school.  This 48 page book will help you to identify
your interests, abilities and values and show you which careers best
match these.  You will also learn how to identify which college/university
programs or other forms of educational/training programs would be best for
you.  Tips are also given on setting goals and achieving success.

PURCHASE THIS BOOK NOW

2. Once you have identified your interests, it is important to ask yourself
how your abilities relate to these interests. Do your marks in specific high school
subjects support your interests? For example, if you want to pursue a
career as a veterinarian, do you have strong marks in mathematics and science?
If you want to pursue a career as an auto mechanic, do you have strong marks
in this area in high school? If you want to be a professional football player, or
a professional singer, do your abilities support either of these choices?
If you are unsure of your abilities, discuss these with your school counselor,
career advisor, teachers and/or parents. If you need some assistance
identifying some careers that relate to subjects you are studying in
high school, select the following words HIGH SCHOOL SUBJECTS + CAREERS.

3.  Visit as many colleges, universities, trade schools, etc. that you are able
to.  Whenever guest speakers from any of these institutions attend your school,
ensure that you make time to listen to what they have to say.  Attend
career and university/college fairs whenever they are available.

4.  Choose the college/university that has the best program that
relates to your future plans.  Talk to your counselor, teachers, career advisor
and parents about this.  In addition, talk to people who are already in the
career you are seeking to get their advice on which colleges/universities
have the best programs for what you want to do.  In thinking about your
college/university choices, this is one time that is important to consider
your future career needs before the comfort of being with your friends.

5.  Post-secondary education can be expensive.  Determine exactly how
much your future education/training is going to cost.  Explore financial
assistance possibilities as well as grants, awards and scholarships.
You and your parents need to discuss how you will pay for your future
education/training.  For some students, it may be necessary to work for
a year or two before attending a full-time program.  If this is the best
route for you, it might be beneficial for you to consider some part-time
evening or weekend college/university courses during this time.  For
some students, financial concerns may determine the location of
where you go to school as it is usually cheaper to attend a school near your home.

6.  When you have a choice of schools, consider factors such as
size, reputation, other majors available if you decide to change your
program at some time in the future, extracurricular activities such as sports,
and so on.  Wherever possible, visit the schools you are thinking of attending.
If possible, sit in on some classes in the program you are interested in.
Some students might be overwhelmed by suddenly being in a big city
while others might find it difficult to be in a small town.  Some students
might enjoy being on a very large campus while others might benefit
from being at a smaller school.  Ask yourself the question, "What is best for me?"

7.  Understand the specific requirements for getting into the program and
schools of your choice.  If you wait until the last minute to explore the
prerequisites for the program and school you desire, you might find you
did not take the appropriate high school courses or achieve the required marks.

8.  When you will be writing any form of entrance test (such as the SAT),
ensure that your well aware of the testing dates and prepare your very
best when writing the tests. 

9.  Understand the application process and ensure that you have identified
and meet all deadlines for applying.

10.  What is your backup plan?  If you do not get into the university/college
program that is your first choice, what will you do?  Have a backup plan
ready to put into action if you are unsuccessful in achieving your first
choice of either schools or program.