College provides many benefits outside of a well rounded education like higher earning potential, expanded career and networking opportunities, and the chance to develop important skills. One of the greatest benefits is the chance to meet new people.

The school that is right for you should have the major you want to study, have extracurricular activities and support services. The amenities of the campus should be to your liking, as well.

Research should begin in the 9th grade but no later that your junior year of high school. It is important to visit any schools you are interested in and you need your summers to plan with your family to do that. Most students apply during the fall of their senior year.

Most colleges require an application form, your high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, Standardized Test (SAT/ACT) scores, essays and an application fee. The Common Application is used by many colleges to save you time and money. Some students can have the application fee waived.

Decide early in high school that there may be a reason you want to attend college and focus on your grades. A good GPA is important, not only for acceptance but for financing your education. Volunteer in your community, participate in extracurricular activities, practice your writing and be prepared to demonstrate leadership or passion for your interests so you can easily discuss them on applications or in an essay.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) determines your eligibility for federal financial aid like grants, loans and work-study programs. You must complete it to get help with paying for school and to apply for most scholarships, even private ones.

There are many ways to search for scholarships like online databases, your high school’s guidance office, community organizations, your parents’ workplaces and/or organizations they are members of, and the colleges you want to attend. There are books that show you how to get scholarships, and social media influencers that make a living telling you how to pay for school on someone else’s dime. This can be done at no cost to you so watch out for scams that require you to pay for the FAFSA or to find scholarships for you.

Once you have your acceptance letters and have visited the campuses, accept the offer that gives you more for your dollar or gives you the most dollars. If your top 2 choices are giving you the same benefits, let the free financial aid decide your choice. However, if getting to the school is costly every year, the money you spend getting there may equal the extra money you pay at a closer school. You have to way the pros and cons.

An enrollment deposit is a fee paid to the college that tells them your intention of coming to that school. It is non-refundable and goes toward your tuition.

I would download a list of items to bring to college as that list is subject to the climate and activities you will participate in. DON’T OVER PACK.

This is discussed at length in the book, but know that you are expected to act like an adult even if you just became one.

Academic integrity is being honest and ethical in your academic work. Avoid cheating, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty. It’s a big deal on college campuses. You have been warned.

This is also discussed at length in the book.

Yes, you will have other expenses and this will help you grow into an adult as you learn to manage your own money. Plus, you will have time unless you are an athlete with a long season.

By keeping in mind your goals, you will develop ways to handle relationships. This will require growth on your part and communication so your family and friends can understand what you're going through and support you without adding more problems, stress or pressure on you. You may have to remove yourself from home issues to get through the semester, but assure your family/friends that you will be back home soon, and you will discuss those issues then.