GO
FORGOT YOUR PASSWORD?
NOT YET REGISTERED?

Where do I go? What do I do?

By junior year you should have already narrowed some choices down and decided what colleges you're applying to. But if you haven't given it a thought, start now.

Like to travel?
Consider Foreign Exchange


Josiah went to Chile.

Another option is to be a foreign exchange student. Josiah, a student who went to Chile, says, "Being an exchange student was one of the best decisions of my life.

"It opened a whole new world of adventure and possibility that has shaped and formed my life," he adds. " It is a unique opportunity that I would recommend for almost anyone."CloseUsually you apply to colleges the first semester of your senior year. Your guidance counselor can help you with this. Think about It


What do you want?

Do you want to go to a community college or a university? Colleges in the state you live in are less expensive than paying out of state tuition. Visit a few schools to get an idea of what different campuses are like. (It's fun, plus you get a lot of free stuff!)

Don't like the idea of a traditional college? How about a trade or specialty school? There are even some schools that give a degree or certificate in 18 months. Close

Think you can't afford college? Think again.

Mrs. Hutchinson, a university financial aid specialist says, "It is so important to start planning early."

Hutchinson says she's "surprised at how many people show up for college in August asking, 'How are we going to pay for this?'"

"Applying for financial aid is not difficult, but it does take time, so start planning early!" says Hutchinson.

Be sure to fill out federal student aid form, FAFSA, by the deadline date. You may be entitled to some financial aid.

Check out grants and scholarships as well. Some schools automatically give you money for a good grade point average (GPA), or ACT, or SAT test scores.

Not all scholarships are merit-based though. Fastweb is good place to check out scholarships.

Grants and Scholarships

Not exactly at the top of your class? There are plenty of other scholarships; the key is to start looking.

Left handed? Juniata College offers $1,000-$1,500 scholarships for southpaws.

Are you creative? Then maybe you and your prom date should enter your prom outfits made of Duct tape.

Money is available! You just need to put effort into finding it. Start with GoCollege. And be careful to avoid scholarship scams. You can find out about them at the Finaid site. Close

Another option after high school is to join the military. Explore the different branches of the military. Recruiters will come to your school and will give you information as well. It's also a good way to gain experience and get your schooling paid for.

Down to the wire

One of the most important things to do your senior year is to constantly remind yourself of what's coming. It's better to start getting mentally prepared now than the days or weeks before you start college: Be Prepared

If you have to, go sleep at your grandma's house for a few nights, and see how it feels without your family being right there.

If you don't like that idea, maybe it's a good idea to get your dorm bed sheets and covers your senior year and use them in advance, that way you might feel like you are closer to home once yoy go to school.

Close
Growing Apart...
Growing Apart

Sometimes friends grow apart when they leave for college. Sometimes they don't. Either way, be prepared.

Don't let it hit you too hard if your friends don't call or text you. Wherever you are going next, you will find friends.

High school is only one chapter in the novel of your life. Don't live wishing you could go back. Look forward!

You know how you look at those dorky pictures of your parents when they were your age? Well guess what, your kids are going to laugh at your photos too someday!Close

• I am going to move out.
• I am going to college.
• I am going to the army.
• I am going to a foreign country.

Whatever the case may be, make a conscious choice to think about it. Whether it's five minutes or five hours away, it's going to be a change.

Enjoy your last year with your friends, knowing it might be the past year you get to see them every day.

Last Year With Your Friends

This is a good time to get an address book and write down addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses.

Sending notes, making a phone call or remembering birthdays might be a good way to keep in touch when you have all gone your separate ways.

Close

Senior year is a great time to reflect on how you've grown in the last four years and to get excited about your future because no doubt, the best is yet to come!