by John Oystein

Created on: September 02, 2009

As you enter the waning years of high school, it's really time to think, think hard, about what do you want to be when you grow up. Bear in mind, most high school students will be growing up within about two years, once they pass that magical age of 18. A few more years, and it's 21. And the not-so-magical, but still important age of 25, is not as many years away as you think. In truth, 18 is an excellent age to start thinking about your retirement. (Don't believe me? Look at some charts of someone who invests a lot of money into a savings account at an early age, and lets compound interest go to work. But that's a different article.)

Fortunately, you can somewhat postpone growing up by switching that question into what's your major? That is to say, you can go to college. So what does a high school student need to know about applying to a college?

First, never forget this is very serious stuff. Your education is your greatest tool for wealth building later in life. A high school student should write on paper all the potential careers they might be interested in, strongest interest at the top, lesser interests at the bottom. If you're positive about what you want to do, great! If not, don't worry, so much, you've still got some wiggle room. If you've got several choices, it's a good idea take a few entry-level classes in each of your prospective majors, as well as your general education required classes.

Next, select your college. Each college is different, and has different areas of strength in their curriculum. Some schools offer outstanding programs for business-oriented students, others for education, and still others for agricultural sciences. Don't select a college because you like its colors, you've always rooted for their football team, or your granddaddy went there. Family tradition and football are nice, but have little to do with your career goals. If your school doesn't have what you need, look else where. Grandpa will understand.

Consider how your own academic performance will play into college. This means, you have to examine your grades. Do you have the necessary GPA and other requirements to make it in the top schools, or will less prestigious schools have to do? Less prestige doesn't always mean inferior education.

Never forget about the money consideration. Do you have the resources and credit to go to your chosen school? College is expensive, so don't make any capricious choices, and get your money's worth.

Finally, consider the school's location and other facts about the college life. Living away from home has its advantages, but staying at home is OK too. And even if you're not bothering being away from home, is your school's locale worth living in? (The author rejected offers to attend one university because, while he found the campus a beautiful and friendly place, the college's town was a trash pit. He inside went to a scuzzy-looking university in a beautiful and friendly town.)

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