Middle and High School Students
No matter what grade you're in, it's never too early to begin planning and preparing for college. The sooner you start thinking about what you're interested in doing, the easier your choices will be later.
If you're in middle school, start studying a little harder and exploring your interests. If you're in high school, start raising your grades and preparing for standardized tests. As your interests become more clear, start learning about colleges that will be a good fit.
Working hard now will pay off later. You may have a lot to learn, but you can do it!
Why College
Just as high school isn't just an extension of middle school, college isn't just a harder version of high school. There are real reasons why college is an important step in your education, both personally and professionally.
Reason 1
The more education you get, the more likely it is that you'll be able to adapt to a wide variety of jobs and careers. According to one estimate, by the year 2028, there will be 19 million more jobs for educated workers than there are qualified people to fill them. Businesses want to hire people who know how to think and solve problems.
Reason 2
Every bit of education you get after high school increases the chances you'll earn good pay. Most college graduates earn a lot more money during their working years than people who stop their education at high school.
Reason 3
College provides plenty of options for exploring your interests, whether you choose to dive right into a major field of study or try classes in a variety of different subjects. Continuing your education after high school allows you to choose what suits you best!
Reason 4
Education beyond high school gives you a lot of other benefits, including meeting new people, taking part in new opportunities to explore your interests and experiencing success. A college campus offers you a whole new world of ideas and people to explore!
Reason 5
College is one of the best places to learn about yourself. You'll encounter new ideas and challenges. You'll discover new passions. You'll bond with new friends who might be very different from your friends in high school. College opens doors to your future and offers opportunities for you to grow into your best self.
