Getting Started - In Search of the Right Fit
Relax! Nobody expects you to have your whole life figured
out. Although some college freshmen have selected a career
path, most students are just beginning to explore career
possibilities. That's part of the college experience. Think
of your college search as a form of matchmaking – matching
your interests and preferences to the best possible schools.
The first step in looking for a college is to take an inward look at yourself:
your goals, personal interests, values, and learning style. The next step is
to explore the world of colleges. The last step will be to draw some conclusions
from what you have learned about yourself and the world of colleges to find the
types of colleges that would best suit you.
There will be times that you will be highly energetic and involved in this process
and other times when you will need to sit back and reflect on what you have learned
about yourself and the world of colleges. But, keep in mind that there is a timetable
for action and eventually you will need to file a series of college applications,
all of them with deadlines. It is important to stay organized and included in
this website are the tips and tools to help you negotiate your way through this
process that is both exciting and challenging. There is a lot of help available
and we at Invest in your Future are available to assist you every step
of the way. Your parents and your school counselor are valuable resources for
you. Use them.
A simple and quick way to have college information mailed to your home is to answer yes to the Student Search Services question when you take the PSAT. Your profile will be shared with a number of colleges and universities and before long you will be receiving college viewbooks and brochures. You can also pick up college literature by attending a college fair. Visit the National Association for College Admission Counseling website at www.nacac.com/fairs.html for a listing of college fairs. The brochures and viewbooks that you receive can give you an overview of a college but to get a complete picture of what a college has to offer, you should use a variety of sources including, online resources, print materials, and campus visits.