Middle School

Ask SICAN | Why College? | Get Ready | Ask for Help | Explore Your Interests

Get Ready!

There's an old Chinese proverb that says, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."

No matter how unsure you feel about taking that first step, every single one after that will be a little easier. It also helps if you have a road map to follow through your years in middle school—and here it is.

Find out what you want to do.

Start thinking about your future and career possibilities.
Explore different occupations that match your interests.
Keep your options open.
Use time outside of school wisely. Participate in clubs, sports, and other school-sponsored activities and get involved in your community.
Get help when it's needed.

Do your best in class.

Take control! Learn to be a good student.
Get off to a good start: study hard, turn in all assignments, and do your best to earn good grades.
Review your academic strengths and weaknesses.
Talk with friends and family about careers and possible college choices.
Sign up for pre-algebra, if at all possible.
Get to know your teachers.
Take the right courses.
Read, read, and read some more!

Start Saving

Start learning about different financial aid programs from your guidance counselor and teachers.
Visit colleges and talk with college students.
Save money now to pay for school—and keep saving. Saving even a little at a time makes a difference.
Talk to your parents about educational loyalty and affinity programs.
Attend, with your parent or guardian, any financial planning or "how to afford college" programs offered at your school or in the community.
Research on the internet and check out our Links [Programming note: Link to page 15.0: Links.] page for some helpful websites.

Talk to Your Guidance Counselor

Ask what it takes to be admitted to a college or university.
Find out which college-track courses to start taking in middle school.
Talk to your guidance counselor about the importance that colleges and universities place on grades, and at what year your school grades will start to matter in the admissions process.
Have your guidance counselor help you plan which college preparatory, AP, and other honors-level courses you should be take in high school (ninth through twelfth grade).
Ask your guidance counselor to help you find academic enrichment programs (including summer and weekend programs) available through your school or local colleges.

Other Tips