GET READY FOR COLLEGE!

Getting into college is a process that requires years of preparation. You're getting a great head start by visiting this website and viewing the World Class Student modules and attending to what our business representatives have to tell you about how to get ready for your future.

The websites listed below will provide you with information on how to choose and apply for college, gain an edge over the competition and cover the cost of tuition (and room and board if you live on campus).

NOTE: The websites listed below are outside of the LearnDoEarn website. LearnDoEarn is not responsible for any content, materials or opinions contained in these websites.

Get Ready for College

Maybe you haven't made up your mind yet that you want to go to college. Look at the information below early in your high school or middle school career to make the best decision for your future.

http://www.ed.gov/pubs/GettingReadyCollegeEarly/step1.html

College Selection

Getting into college is a process that requires years of preparation. Of course, you can't apply to a college unless you first find the right college for you. It's a decision that shouldn't be taken lightly. Find out what you should consider when choosing a college:

http://www.aie.org/HighSchool/hs_find.cfm

College Requirements and Admissions

Remember, the competition can be very stiff for gaining entrance into the college of your choice. Many colleges use similar application processes and have similar requirements. Check out the common application requirements used by many colleges at:

http://www.collegeboard.com/article/0,3868,5-25-0-115,00.html

Learn more about the college application and admissions process at the following sites:

http://www.sayplanning.com/offtocollege/first_time/college-prep.html

http://www.offtocollege.com/first_time/college-admission.html

You may need to interview with an admissions counselor before your application is approved. Learn how to prepare at this site:

http://www.collegedata.com/cs/content/content_getinarticle_tmpl.jhtml?articleId=10058

The College Entry Test

Colleges often require you to take a standardized test that will help them decide whether or not you are ready to take on the challenge of college. There are a variety of tests that colleges use.

One test that colleges use is called the SAT, which stands for the Scholastic Aptitude Test. You can learn more about the SAT and the Math, Critical Reading, and Writing practice questions:

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/prep_one/practice.html

You can learn more about the SAT essay question at:

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/prep_one/essay/pracStart.html

You can download, print and take a full-length practice SAT test, obtain explanations to test answers, and review a free score and skills report, at:

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/prep_one/test.html

Another test that is accepted by virtually all U.S. colleges and universities is the American College Test , or ACT. This national college admission examination consists of subject area tests in English, Mathematics, Reading and Science and can also include a 30-minute writing test. You can prepare for this test online at:

http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/

You can review a sample writing prompt and get tips for taking the writing portion of the assessment at:

http://www.actstudent.org/writing/sample/index.html

You can take an online, full-length, practice ACT assessment and review answers and explanations at:

http://www.actstudent.org/sampletest/index.html


Paying for College

Once a college accepts you, there will be tuition bills to pay. Regardless of your financial situation, there are ways for you to get a college degree. You can find out what kind of financial aid is available to you, if you are eligible and limits on the funding at:

http://offtocollege.com/financial-aid/undergrad.html

Scholarships are available through the college of your choice and through many other organizations. You can find out more at:

http://www.aie.org/HighSchool/AidType/hs_scholar.cfm

Scholarships and grants are available through federal and state programs. Scholarships and grants do not have to be repaid. These are primarily based on need and target students from low -income families. You can learn more at this website:

http://www.aie.org/HighSchool/AidType/hs_fedgrnts.cfm

There are also federal and state loans available. These loans have to be repaid, but may be no- or low-interest. You can find out more at:

http://www.hesaa.org/students/index.asp

http://www.fafsa.ed.gov

You can figure out your budget with this online resource:

http://www.aie.org/highschool/worksheets/hs_inwkst.cfm

You can use the handy calendar on this website to help you define critical application dates:

http://www.aie.org/HighSchool/hs_facalendar.cfm