It’s Never Too Early to Start Planning for College

By Cory Miller, TTU K-12 District Testing Coordinator

TTU K-12 welcomes Cory Miller our new district testing coordinator, as she presents tips to help you plan your awesome college life.

College planning involves much more than just filling out forms, taking standardized tests, and asking for recommendation letters. The process requires self-reflection and consideration of both your budget and the pros and cons of different types of colleges and universities. When planning for college, consider your interests and goals, and do your research to be best prepared for the true cost of going to college.

You may or may not have an idea of what you want to major in. A great way to start is by asking yourself the following questions:

• What fields am I most interested in, and what am I good at?
• What are my academic and professional goals?
• What career path do I wish to pursue?
• Do I want to attend college away from home?
• Would a four-year university, online college or community college work better for my goals?

Many colleges offer similar services, but the type of school you attend could impact how much you pay for your education, available fields of study and your overall college experience. It is important to research all the different types to see what might fit you best.

Consider each of these great choices as you continue your education after high school:

• Four-year public college or university
• Four-year private college or university
• Two-year community college
• Trade school or technological college

Keep in mind tuition costs and other key factors when deciding which schools to apply to. Tuition is by far the largest college expense. Many other costs, such as housing, meal plans, textbooks and supplies can also add up quickly. Make sure to research and apply for financial aid and scholarships.

College planning should start early. There are many dates and deadlines you will have to keep track of. When you start planning for college, try to use a calendar or planner to help you stay on top of each deadline.

College may seem like a lifetime away, but it can sneak up on you. My key advice is to create a checklist with important milestones and goals as you prepare for college. Remember to self-reflect to consider your interests and goals, research interesting career paths, and check into financial aid and apply for scholarships.