These tips are brought to you courtesy of Mapping-Your-Future.org, a national collaborative, public-service, nonprofit organization providing career, college, financial aid, and financial literacy services for students, families, and schools. NHHEAF is proud to help sponsor this great organization! 

1. Prepare for college - Take the right classes to ensure you meet at least the minimum requirements for the college you would like to attend. Visit your guidance or career counselor for more information or visit the link provided for more guidance.
2. Make high school count - Keep your grades up, stay active in extra-curricular activities, and stay organized.
3. Gather information - Think about what you want to do as a career. This will help you decide on a major. Then, start to think about where you'd like to go to college (large or small school, urban or rural setting, near home or far away). Once you have decided on these options, use the U.S. Department of Education's College Navigator to search schools by program of study and/or location. mappingyourfuture.org/collegeprep/gatherinfo.htm and nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cool/
4. Find college access resources - Visit the Going2College.org website for information about career, college, and financial aid resources in your state.
5. Take the standardized admission test - You probably have to take a few standardized tests before applying for college. Check with the schools you are interested in to find out which standardized test they prefer. mappingyourfuture.org/collegeprep/tests.htm
6. Request letters of recommendation - Ask employers, teachers, coaches, or guidance counselors for letters of recommendation to accompany your college applications.
7. Write a great essay - Whether you're working on an essay for college admission or a scholarship application, or just want to improve your writing skills, Mapping Your Future's tips on writing your admission essay can be a big help.
8. Have others proofread your application - The more eyes the better, so give your application to someone else to go review to make sure you haven't neglected anything or made mistakes! Ask your parents, siblings, or an adult for their feedback. A teacher or guidance counselor may be able to help you perfect the application.
9. Prepare for college interviews - The schools you apply to may request an in-person or telephone interview. Even if they don't require one, an interview with an Admissions Officer may provide you (and your parents) with answers to any questions you have. Use this opportunity to sell yourself to the college so they'll realize they need you as a member of their incoming class.
10. Keep track of all deadlines - Keep a monthly calendar to track deadlines such as standardized test registration and test dates, deadlines for admissions for each school, financial aid application deadlines, etc.! Mapping Your Future's Senior Year College Planning Calendar can help.

For more great info and tips on college planning and financial aid, be sure to check out www.nhheaf.org or call 1.888.7.GRADUATE x119 to set up your 1-on-1 counseling appointment today.  Remember to check out our library workshops and webinars at www.nhheaf.org/events.asp!

Positive planning,

Rich