# Getting into College

## Introduction


### Student Survey

How do you feel about the process of applying for college? These questions will help you determine how the chapter concepts relate to you right now. As we are introduced to new concepts and practices, it can be informative to reflect on how your understanding changes over time. Take this quick survey to figure it out, ranking questions on a scale of 1—4, 1 meaning “least like me” and 4 meaning “most like me.”
Don’t be concerned with the results. If your score is low, you will most likely gain even more from this book.
1. I am confident that I know the process for applying for college and selecting the right school for me.
2. I know how to increase my chances of getting into a college that fits my needs and long-term goals.
3. I am on track now to be prepared for applying for scholarships and figuring out how to pay for college.
4. I feel comfortable with my goal of going to college.
You can also take the Chapter 1 survey anonymously online.

### About This Chapter

Deciding to go to college can be an exciting and nerve-wracking time. Will you be able to balance your high school work and activities with the process of applying to college? Will you find a school that you want to go to? Will you be able to afford it? Will you make new friends and feel comfortable there? How far away from home will you be and will a new community feel welcoming? All of the thoughts and the accompanying emotions will come and go as you move through high school and towards making a decision as to what you want to do after earning a diploma. Be assured that you can complete the requirements for getting through high school and plan for setting yourself on the pathway to what we call “postsecondary” education, or the training program or college that you attend after you complete the 12th grade or earn a general education diploma (GED).
In this chapter, you will learn about the purpose of a college education, the process of applying to college and what you need to think about to make the most of the time you have now to prepare yourself. By the time you complete this chapter, you should be able to do the following:
1. Understand the benefits of a college education.
2. Describe how to create your academic and personal story.
3. Identify institutions and their characteristics so that you can determine the right “fit.”
4. List the steps for applying to college.