College planning

College-Bound High School Seniors Monthly Calendar

The College Planning Process

Choosing the college that's right for you is an important decision that many students find difficult and confusing. There are many pressures that add to the stress that surrounds how you go about selecting your school. However, like any important decision, the choice of college can be made easier by engaging in a proper planning process, examining your values, and seeking out the right information.

The Guidance office is an important resource to you and your family in finding a college that fits you well. Your college selection should start with a conference with your guidance counselor to discuss your reasons for wanting to attend school, the type of school you are interested in and what college characteristics are important to you. From there you need to begin to build a list of schools that interest you and seek out information about them. When you've gotten this far, you're on the right track and your search for the right college is well under way.

Outlined below are ten steps in the college selection process. If you follow these steps carefully, you will find choosing a college a much easier task. The guidance office and your counselor are ready to assist you with any or all of the steps listed.

College Planning and Selection Process

1. Examine your reasons for wanting to attend college.

2. Consider the types of college that fit your needs and goals. Those include universities, four year colleges, two year colleges, technical or trade schools, and nursing.

3. Identify which college characteristics and qualities are most important to you.

4. Identify and list colleges that have the characteristics and qualities you want.

5. Collect information about the colleges on your list.

6. Compare and analyze information about the colleges you've researched. Narrow your list to several colleges that appear to "fit" you best.

7. Obtain applications for admission and finalncial aid for the colleges you are considering.

8. Complete the college applications for admission and financial aid for those schools you would like to attend.

9. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in time to meet the deadlines at the colleges to which you have applied. Complete any additional financial aid applications required by the individual colleges.

10. Review your acceptances and make your final choice.

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Central Square Central School District
642 South Main Street
Central Square, New York 13036-3511
(315) 668-4220
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Updated - August 22, 2003