Number Five: Research colleges and universities.
Talk to older friends and relatives about their experiences at different colleges. Look at college websites and request brochures. Attend college night at your high school or meet with college recruiters who come to your school. As you do your research, ask yourself, "What schools are right for me? What size school would be best? Do I want to be close to home, close to mountains, or in a city?"
Number Four: Are you ready for college?
Are you willing to do the hard work it takes to get into college and succeed while you're there? Do you know why you want to go to college rather than to a technical school? Do you have the social and life skills you need to live independently?
Number Three: Refine your study skills.
Look at which study methods work best for you. Do you learn more effectively with note cards or by outlining your textbook? This might be a good time to take a study skills course.
Don't forget to experiment with applications for your computer or iPad.
Number Two: Learn as much as you can about different jobs and careers.
Again, talk to family members and family friends about what they do for a living. What do they like about it? What don't they like about it?
This is also a good time to shadow someone in a career that might be interesting to you.
Number One: Tackle the ACT or SAT tests.
Apply for extended time early. You may need extra time to appeal the decision of a testing organization.
Also consider taking an SAT or ACT study course. Start studying by yourself or with a friend. Vocabulary and written composition are particularly important areas.
That's all for today.
Be well and make a bit of noise,
Dr. Michael Ryan