Preparing for Education After High School

	Think about your goals.
	Think about your values, interests, abilities.
	Talk to people about career opportunities.
	Read books about different careers.
	Ask questions about careers that interest you.
	Take high school courses that meet admission requirements for post secondary schools or colleges.
	List careers or occupations that interest you.
	Make a list of schools that might help you reach your goal.
	Think about where you want to live.

	Talk to people in your community.
	Try job shadowing.
	Conduct informational interviews.
	Find a mentor in your community.
	Try an interest inventory to match your talents and interests with careers.
	Write to professional organizations or companies for information.
	Volunteer or get a part-time job.
	Think about what kind of school will meet your needs.
	How would a 2 year or 4 year school help you reach your goals?
	Visit post secondary schools in your area to help you learn about your options.

	Get the application form from your guidance counselor.
	Find the dates and test sites.
	Choose a date and return the application.
	Prepare to do as well as you can.

	Ask for a catalog and general information.
	Request an application of admission.
	Request financial aid applications.

	Use a filing system to arrange information.
	Schedule the process so you won't miss important deadlines.
	Make a file of your vital information.
	Think about references and get permission.

	Admission & residency requirements
	Academic programs and majors
	Housing policies and possibilities
	Tuition & fees
	Financial aid
	Student support services
	Student life

Talk to your guidance counselor about possible sources of aid.

Get the correct need analysis form. Check with the schools that may interest you to find out which form each accepts.

Get info on scholarships & grants:

Federal government programs

State programs

State and regional scholarships

Parents employers

Civic Organizations

Make sure to check application deadlines!

Decide what you want in a school. What schools have what you are looking for?

	Make appointments to meet with faculty, counselors, and admissions officers.
	Prepare questions.
	Practice interview techniques if you will be interviewing for admission or scholarships.

	Evaluate each school.
	Decide which schools best meet your needs.
	Cross off ones which don't meet your needs.

	Discuss your application with references.
	Make sure you have all required forms.
	Photocopy forms and fill out sample forms.
	Follow instructions. Fill out applications neatly, accurately, and completely.
	Mail all required forms in on time.

	Complete financial aid and need analysis forms for each scholarship or financial aid program.
	Complete a financial aid application for each school you want to attend.
	Get a receipt from the Post Office when you mail important forms or forms that have a deadline.

	Decide which school to attend.
	Let the school you choose know in writing that you plan to attend.
	Let the other schools know that you no longer want to attend that school. Then, they can make offers to interested students.

Created by the East Bay Consortium of Educational Institutions/Oakland USD Success Guide

Edited by EUREKA Staff