Consider College
Why should I go to college? What are the benefits? Can I afford to pay for this?
If you’re considering whether to go to college, these are just a few of the questions that may be top-of-mind. Here you’ll find the tools and resources to help figure out what kind of school is the right fit and see why college is an achievable, exciting possibility for any student’s future.
What does it mean to go to college?
There is no one-size-fits-all process when it comes to finding the right school. Everyone has a unique experience because everyone gets something different out of college. Watch as students explain how they picked their type of school and why they chose to go there.
What do I want to get out of it?
To really know the best next step after high school, start thinking of what you hope to get out of college – that includes thinking about the type of degree that’s best for the career you want. If you’re not sure about your career, thinking about your goals for college can help you figure it out. Explore the degree options to find your best fit:
Technical Certificate and AAS Degree
Typically offered through a technical or community college.
Between three months and two years to complete, depending on the program.
Students have a specific career path in mind and enjoy hands-on training and learning.
Already have an idea of which degree you want to go after? See which types of schools could be a good fit for you.
Learn More
How do I know if I'm going to be successful?
College can seem like a mysterious and daunting place. The best way to really figure out if college is right for you is to talk to current and past students about their experiences. Hear from some first-generation students about how they navigated the transition and found success in school.
How do I know if I can afford college?
Paying for school can be intimidating. Not only are you trying to wrap your head around paying tuition; but you’re also navigating the confusing, sometimes stressful financial aid process.
Often, the tuition price tag you see is not the amount you will have to pay. College can be affordable thanks to the many options out there for financial assistance.
In fact,
0%
of students receive some sort of financial aid to pay for college – you are not alone.
Learn about financial aid
How do I prepare for college?
It’s never too early to start the college process. You can be using your middle school and high school classes to explore what you may want to do and begin the process of creating a strong, well-rounded application.
Hear from current college students about how they prepared for school. From joining clubs and teams to practicing your writing skills, there are many things you can do now to make your application stand out later.
High School
There are many things you can start doing in high school to help prepare you for college:
- Set academic goals
- Plan your coursework
- Look for summer opportunities
Check out the rest of our checklist for guidance on figuring out what type of college is the right fit for you.
Download the checklist
Middle School
Even though it may feel far off now, it’s never too early to consider college. This checklist can help you get ahead so you enter your freshman year of high school well on your way to being college-ready!
Download the checklist
If you think your middle schooler is interested in going to college, here's a list of things to help start the conversation.
Download the checklist