by Jack Kelley

Created on: January 18, 2009

High school can be one of the most important times in your life. It can also be one of the most mentally strenuous times. Not just due to academics, but also because in the end you have to decide on the next step. Some students choose to work or go in the armed services, while most choose to attend institutions of higher education. If you know studying at a university is the next big step for you or you are simply unsure, then this guide will give you a path to making these tough decisions because you should begin making them NOW.

As a freshman in high school you must decide some of your courses. Make sure you take a math, English, and foreign language course. Most, if not all universities require training in these key areas. Start off on the right foot and get involved. Go to meetings for school organizations and get involved in athletics or the theater. This will create a base for you that will position you as an academic student but also a socially involved student. Just make sure you accomplish these first two steps and you will be on the right path for higher education if you so choose.

Get a summer job that interests you. Sometimes these may be tough to find but there are many resources out there and websites that will help students find summer jobs and internships. Set goals for your next year and make them challenging. By writing down your goals it will be easier to keep track of what you have done and what you need to get done.

As a sophomore you should think about taking tougher or upper level courses. This will help you in multiple ways but in the end it will show that you are a devoted student. Schedule a meeting with your guidance counselor and ask him or her what you can do now to prepare for colleges. Stay on top of your grades and begin to do research on your own. There are many websites that can help you with this such as Princeton Review or Kaplan. Above all, stay focused and live by your goals.

Continue to work the following summer. This will give you valuable experience and it will give you the ability to save money for school. Start putting away 25% of your paycheck. Think about it. If you make $300 a week and save $75 each time. By the end of the summer you could have as much as $1000 barely saving anything at all.

As a junior you should continue with your classes and possibly get involved in some AP courses. This will undoubtedly strengthen your application. As for your organizations, you should begin taking leadership roles within the organizations

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