Plan Now

If you’re doing well in your regular classes and think you can handle an advanced course, why not give it a try?You can increase your odds of getting into a four-year college by taking Advanced Placement, Running Start, International Baccalaureate or Tech Prep classes. These aren’t required for high school graduation, and they do take hard work. But students in these programs can graduate from high school with a two-year degree already completed or save on college costs by paying little or no money to earn transferable college credits. Read more

Make sure you are prepared for college by testing your progress as you go. Read more

Know your high school graduation requirements.This chart shows Washington’s minimum high school graduation requirements as of September 2003 and recommended college-prep courses for high school students. Your high school or college of choice might have additional requirements. Be sure and talk to your principal or school counselor for more information.EnglishMinimum State Requirements for High School Graduation: 3 yearsMinimum State Requirements for Four-Year Public Colleges and Universities: 4 years Read more

 Don’t wait to make sure you’re taking the right classes.  Read more

Even the best students often struggle with their studies. Fortunately, each problem has a solution.You can cure bad study habits by learning to recognize them in yourself. Once you’re able to do this, you can explore a variety of tactics to help improve the way you study and change the way you approach your assignments.Some basic solutions to for the most common problems: Balancing school and friends. Read more

The best way to get good grades is to start using good study habits now.It’s a lot easier to maintain good grades than to improve poor grades later. Plus, the study habits you learn now will help you in college and in your future career.Study tips you can’t live without:  Read more

Making a plan and sticking with it is one of the most important steps in college and career planning. If it’s starting to seem like the whole college thing is a lot of work, it is. Sometimes people make it look easy. But not everyone starts the college and career planning process with the same knowledge or skills. That’s why you need to develop a plan to track your progress and get ready for college. And don’t forget, it’s always good idea to visit with your school counselor, teacher, parents and GEAR UP staff if you have questions or need specific advice. Read more

The sooner you start planning for college, the easier it will be to meet and exceed your goals. It’s up to you to challenge yourself with core classes and after-school activities. Parents, school counselors, friends and others can give you information and help you along the way. But it’s your responsibility to do your best work. A personal planner can help you with this. Remember, you have to apply to get into most colleges.   Read more