College Planner
Why should you go to college?
Opportunities! A college education offers you greater potential in both personal and career growth. By exploring your interests and learning about the world around you, you will develop additional skills useful both on and off the job. And, college graduates generally earn thousands of dollars more than those without a degree or specialized training.
So how do I prepare for a college education?
Career decision may not be finalized while in high school, but the closer you are to making your decision the easier it will be to transition into college. Talk to your guidance counselor and begin thinking about what interests you. There are a number of tests you can take to help determine you career choice both online and through your guidance counselor. Don’t worry, you don’t even have to study for these tests and the results may really surprise you.
You can even get some ideas online at www.humanmetrics.com and or take a career assessment test at www.careerbuilder.com.
If you have decided on a specific career path, interview with professionals in the field. Ask them both their likes and dislikes of the profession. Research the field on the internet to discover everything you can before you begin taking college classes.
If you haven’t already done so, register to take either the ACT or SAT test. Most colleges accept either of these standardized test scores. Check with the online school you would like to attend to make sure they accept the test you wish to take. Visit the Test Prep section of this site for helpful tips on standardized tests.
Learn as much as you can about financial aid. Again, your guidance counselor is a great resource for this information. Additional financial aid information is provided in our Financial Aid Guide.
Request information about the online colleges you are interested in.
Adult continuing education students have generally been in the workforce for sometime and are looking for either a career change or additional skills to enhance their current career. In either case you will want to begin your preparation by researching the skills necessary for your career choice.
Define your current skills and what skills you need to succeed in your new career. Meet with other professionals currently in the career and determine if it is the right match for you. You can also research the career online to gain a better understanding of the job and it's demands.
Explore all of your financial aid options including any work related programs you may have. Does your employer have a tuition reimbursement program? If so, be sure to inquire about how you can qualify for it.
Research and select online colleges that most closely match your education needs. This site provides extensive information on several top online colleges and online education programs. If interested in learning more about any of the schools or programs, we will be happy to answer your questions and provide additional information.
