GEAR UP Resources for College Planning

Are you a student athlete planning for college? This handout offers some important tips and advice. 

Good study habits will help you achieve your goals. This handout offers the key studying tips and advice. 

All the information you need in these easy downloads. 

How much does college cost? How do you calculate your expected family contribution? How do you find scholarships? This guide walks you through the process of paying for college. 

Overwhelmed by the prospect of applying to colleges? This guide provides an overview of the college application and admissions process. 

Start planning now to graduate from high school and get into the college of your choice. This guide will help you create an action plan. 

Goals give you a sense of direction – an idea of where you’re headed.Hopefully, you’ve talked to a parent, friend, family member or school counselor about your options for high school and beyond. Maybe you’ve even chosen a career or educational pathway. The next question is, “How will you get there from here?” And the answer is to set SMART goals.Setting SMART GoalsSMART goals challenge you to get things done on time. They also help you track your progress and record your achievements. Specific Read more

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

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

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