Adult

Steps to college

The college planning process can be daunting for everyone, so it's best to plan ahead and allow plenty of time. In fact, it's a good idea to start college discussions when your teen is in middle school.

6th Grade

  • Start practicing good study skills.
  • Make sure to take notes in class.
  • Learn to organize your work load in order to stay on top of assignments. If your school provides an agenda planner, use it! If your school doesn't use planners, ask a parent or relative to help you get one.
  • Be in school every day.
  • Always turn homework in on time.
  • Join clubs and participate in extracurricular activities that will give you an opportunity to explore a variety of interests.
  • Think about what you do well. The sooner you identify your interests and abilities, the sooner you'll be able to plan for college and your career.
  • Read at least 30 minutes a day in addition to what you read as part of your homework. Reading is one of the best ways to learn. It will pay off when you take tests to get into college in a few years.
  • Make good choices and decisions.

7th Grade

  • Do your best to know how to get good grades (be organized, manage your time well, be successful in the classroom, take good notes, know how to read a textbook, study smart, use test-taking strategies).
  • Work hard in all of your classes, especially in your academic subjects like math and English.
  • Ask lots of questions if you don't understand something. (Remember: There is no such thing as a dumb question. Your teachers are there to help you!)
  • Continue to read at least 30 minutes a day in addition to what you read as part of your homework.
  • Get involved in community service or take advantage of opportunities to explore something new.
  • Set goals for middle school or junior high, or revise your old goals.
  • Take the most challenging English, math, science and social studies classes you can handle.
  • If possible, take pre-algebra.
  • Add classes in art, computers or a world language.
  • Focus on learning and mastering key concepts as much as possible.
  • Ask questions and participate in class.
  • Get along with your parents.
  • Continue to develop good study habits.
  • Get involved in school and community activities.
  • Identify activities and subjects that interest you. If you haven't already done so, take an interest inventory.
  • Explore jobs and careers.
  • Keep talking to others about your dreams and plans.

8th Grade

  • Talk to your friends and family about the subjects you like best in school and explore careers in that field.
  • Study hard, especially for the classes that are most difficult for you.
  • Keep reading as much as possible -fiction, non-fiction and even magazines!  Share ideas about what you're reading with your friends.
  • Get involved with student leadership programs or other clubs and activities that help build on your natural abilities.
  • Ask teachers, coaches or your principal if there are leadership activities that you can participate in as part of a class, team or elsewhere at school.
  • Continue to read at least 30 minutes a day in addition to what you read as part of your homework.
  • Develop a plan for classes you will need to take over the next four years.  Take the most challenging courses in English, math, science and social studies that you can handle.
  • Take pre-algebra or algebra.
  • Take classes in art, computers and a world language if you can.
  • Focus on learning as much as you can, getting good grades and mastering key concepts.
  • Ask questions and participate in class.
  • Continue to improve your study habits
  • Get involved in school and community activities.
  • Take an interest inventory.
  • Start thinking about goals for high school.
  • If you are able to choose your high school, start visiting local schools to compare your options.
  • Do you want a school that focuses on math and science, arts and humanities, or one that offers programs for advanced or gifted students?
  • Explore jobs and careers.
  • Keep talking to others about your dreams and plans.
  • Go on college visits.
  • Develop good social skills.
  • Plan and prepare for your future.