Save for College

It's never too early to begin saving for college. The sooner you and your parents begin saving, the better off you'll be.

Saving is the best way to prepare for the costs of college. Get a summer job and consider working part time during the school year. Plan to set aside as much as you can out of each paycheck and don't forget about allowances and money you receive as gifts. Set goals, like planning to save enough to pay for your books for your first year, or enough to avoid taking out a student loan. Every little bit will help.

Plus, there are great programs available to help your parents save. Learn more.

Take the ACT/SAT

A very important part of getting into college is taking the ACT and SAT assessment tests. These tests are designed to provide colleges a good idea of what you learned while in high school and help them predict how well you may perform in college. Here are some tips that will help you give the very best impression to the college of your choice.

• Every high school student should take the ACT, even if you aren't sure that you'll end up going on to higher education.
• Taking the SAT provides schools with another source of information on you, and is required by some colleges.
• Take the test(s) in spring of your junior year - this gives you plenty of time to retake the test if you want to try for a higher score.
• Put advanced classes on your class schedule. The further you go in math, science, and English classes in high school, the more you'll know when the ACT/SAT tests what you've learned.
• Prepare for the test(s). Download the free guide, Preparing for the ACT, at www.actstudent.org/testprep/ and take advantage of a free full-length SAT practice test at www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/newsat/prep/prep.html. Both sites also provide preparation services for a fee. Be sure to think seriously and consult your parents before spending your money.
• Learn about test dates and registration at:
• ACT - www.actstudent.org
• SAT - www.collegeboard.com
• Get a good night's sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and do your best on test day.

Choose the Right College

This is an exciting time in your life. Selecting a college may be one of the most important decisions you've made so far. As you gather information about careers and your future, you will look at different types of colleges. They may include:

• State colleges and universities
• Private colleges and universities
• Technical schools
• Local community colleges

Each type of college has advantages and disadvantages. What's important is that you think about your options and select the school that best meets your needs.

What to think about when selecting the right college for you:

Programs offered
Make sure the colleges you look into offer the major or degree you'll be working toward, and that the quality of their program meets your standards.

Cost
Cost should be a major consideration when choosing a college, but also consider the financial aid package offered and make an informed decision based on what you and your family can afford.

Financial aid package
Look at the financial aid package colleges offer you to help you determine the college that you and your family can best afford.
Need help? Visit our Award Letter Comparison Worksheet.

Location
Looking for something close to home or are you yearning to move across the country? Take this into account when choosing a college. Thinking about attending an out-of-state college?

Size and faculty-to-student ratio
Small colleges may provide more hands-on, personal attention while larger colleges may offer more diversity, more programs, and more options. Think about what you expect out of your college experience.

Student housing
Visit the dorms or look into the possibility of off-campus housing and think about what will help you have the best college experience you can.

Placement rate
Talk to professors, other students in your program, and the college's placement office to learn about the college's and your major's placement rate.

Athletic/Extracurricular Programs
Is a great football team or marching band important to you? Are you looking for a wide selection of clubs to join? Take extracurricular activities into account when choosing a college.

Do your research. The more you know, the more likely you are to be satisfied with your college choice.

Campus Visits

Before You Go

• Get a college catalog and calendar of events.
• Make sure you have a campus map and call ahead to check on parking.
• Plan to be on campus for a full day.
• Make sure classes are scheduled that day.
• Make an appointment with an admissions counselor.
• Prepare a list of questions you would like to ask.
• Bring your parents with you. They may have questions also.
• Check out www.collegenet.com and www.campustours.com for great campus visit information.

The Campus Tour

• Meet with the Financial Aid Director, the Student Services Director, and the Placement Coordinator. They can help you with any questions you or your parents may have about financial aid, campus life, and job opportunities after college.
• Meet with a faculty member in your field of study. Ask about placement rate, internships, and what the pros and cons of this field may be.
• Attend a campus activity (such as a sports game, concert, or play), if one is scheduled.
• Check out student housing, student center, library, and cafeteria.

Visit College Web Sites

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