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.
Middle School Guide [PDF]
Getting Started - Middle School
High school graduation might seem like a long way off. But it’s really just around the corner. When you get to high school, you’ll have more freedom, more choices…and more challenges. That’s why middle school is the perfect time to think about what you like to do and who you want to be. Believe it or not, the decisions you make now will have a big impact on your college and career options. Remember, you can do anything or be anything you want, as long as you have a plan. And getting started is easy if you take it step by step. Read more
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
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.
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.
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
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
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