Who can help you?

Once you make the decision, you will find people willing to help you and encourage you. Tell your plans to:

	Parents and guardians
	Teachers
	Counselors
	Librarians

Don’t’ be shy. Ask for their help. Tell them you're interested in putting college in your future and ask them to be on your college support team.

Explore the career options nursing has to offer:

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Classes to Take

Find out which classes you should take in high school to prepare for college.
You should plan your high school schedule so that you take the following classes:

Mathematics		English		Science		History or Geography
6 to 8 credits (3 or 4 years)		8 credits (4 years)		6 credits (3 years)		6 credits (3 years)
	Algebra I		Composition		Biology		Geography
	Geometry		English Literature		Earth Science		U.S. History
	Algebra II		American Literature		Chemistry		World History
			World Literature		Physics		World Cultures
			Writing/ Composition				Civics
			Speech
Foreign languages		Visual & performing arts		Computers
(2 - 3 years)		(1 year)		(1 year)
	Spanish		Art		Computers
	French
	German

You want to take algebra and geometry as soon as possible. Algebra and geometry are the foundation for many advanced math and science courses (such as chemistry and physics) that some colleges want high school students to take.

This list of courses provides only a general guideline. School graduation and college entrance requirements vary. Students and parents should consult their school guidance office and college admissions offices.

Study, work hard, and do your best to earn good grades. How well you do in high school can play an important part in gaining you admission to college.

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Paying for college

Start planning for how you’re going to pay for college. If you are able to start saving some money, do it. But, don’t rule out going to college because of money.

There is plenty of financial aid available. Financial aid can help pay the costs of your education. It can help cover tuition and fees, housing, meals, transportation, books and supplies.

Financial aid is:

	Available to all students (not just full-time or four-year college students)
	Available whether you go to a community college or private university
	Universities and larger colleges often have the best financial aid programs

Check out Paying For College for more information about paying for school and links to scholarships, grants and other financial aid resources.

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Choosing a school

The time to start making your list of possible schools is now.

	Start gathering information
	Write for brochures and catalogs
	Attend college fairs
	Make college visits
	Surf the web

Check out Choosing a School for tips on choosing the right school or find a nursing school in California

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Tests you should know about

There are three main standardized tests you should be familiar with and take if you are considering going to college:

	PSAT
	SAT
	ACT Assessment

Click for more information:
http://mapping-your-future.org/selecting/standard.htm

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The Admission process

Familiarize yourself with the admissions process. These links can help:

	Applying for School
	College Admissions and Financial Aid Calendar
	The Application Process
	Getting Ready for College Early
	Getting into College
	Applying to College
	Mapping Your Future

What are other things that can help me?

There are also programs or activities that can help you reach your goal of going to college. Look for:

	Before-school or after-school Program that's especially for kids who are thinking about college
	A mentor program where you can meet regularly with a college graduate who can tell you what to expect and plan for
	Summer programs, internships, and advanced courses

	20 Questions to Ask Your Guidance Counselor
	Making the Most of High school
	Action Plan for High School Freshman and Sophmores
	Mapping Your Future: Middle and High School Students
	Getting Ready for College Early
	Collegeboard.com
	CollegeLink
	Embark.com
	College is Possible