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You have options for college. But you need a plan.
 

Discover Your Future

You can go to college. But getting there isn’t automatic. You have to start planning now. The resources in this section will help you think about your options and prioritize your goals for the future.

Your Options [PDF]

Too many options? This guide helps you explore your interests, abilites and goals. You will also learn about different types of colleges and careers pathways.  
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Discover Yourself [PDF]

Don’t know where to start? Take an inventory of your interests, goals, values and priorities to determine what your options are. 
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  • Guide
  • High School

Career Pathways

You have more potential than you probably realize. But understanding the options will help you focus on a career pathway that’s right for you. Everyone recognizes high-profile jobs like lawyer, doctor, dentist and engineer. But what about jobs in art, radio and television, manufacturing, finance, construction or scientific research? There are thousands of jobs. Learning about different career pathways can help you find one that fits with your unique interests, talents and goals.  Read more
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Career Research Worksheet [PDF]

Get the answer to, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" This worksheet will help you discover your careers options. 
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  • High School
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  • Tools & Worksheets

Self Discovery Worksheet [PDF]

Who are you and what do you want for your future? This worksheet will help you start to answer these questions.  
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  • Discover Your Future
  • High School
  • Middle School
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  • Tools & Worksheets

High School Guide [PDF]

Need all the information in one easy download?  This is the comprehensive high school handbook. 
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  • Apply for College
  • Discover Your Future
  • Guide
  • High School
  • Pay for College
  • Plan Now

Explore Your Options

Your future has no limits. Which is why you’ll want some help finding a path that’s right for you. Choosing a college and a career path is a big decision. College costs money and it takes time. So it’s best to shop around, see what’s out there and then make the choice that’s right for you. You can start by researching and comparing your options for the future, including career paths, job opportunities, college degrees and types of colleges. Then, think about how they match up with your interests. Read more
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  • High School
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  • Tips & Advice

Discover Yourself

Now’s the time to start thinking about who you are and what you want for the future.Maybe you already have ideas about colleges, jobs and careers. But there are some important questions you should be asking yourself before you get too specific. It’s also a good idea to talk to someone you trust, like a family member, school counselor, teacher or friend. School counselors and career centers often have interesting inventories or short questionnaires to help you narrow your career focus. Parents, friends and teachers can also point out talents you didn’t know you had. Read more
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  • Discover Your Future
  • High School
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  • Tips & Advice

Getting Started

Getting started is easy if you take it step by step. It’s true that some people are sure about what they want to do. That’s great. But many young people struggle to find direction, and that’s OK too. Don’t worry if it’s your senior year and you haven’t made a decision, and don’t focus too much on any one specific job. Wherever you are in the college and career planning process, keep your options open.   Read more
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  • Discover Your Future
  • High School
  • Tips & Advice

Get the Facts

Grades and test scores do matter, but colleges look at other things too.You’ve heard that good grades and money will help you get into college. But it’s important to remember that everyone has different strengths and different goals. Plus, not everyone has a lot of money. Once you get the facts straight, your options become clear and you can start planning your future.Consider these common misconceptions that many students have when thinking about their plan for college: Read more
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What you can expect to make without higher education.
In 2005, the median income of a high school graduate or GED recipient was $24,435. That’s $16,699 less than they would have earned with a bachelor’s degree.

Middle School Student

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