In addition to your research here at IllinoisMentor, you should ask your guidance counselor, teachers, parents and friends about going to college. Here are some of the things you should think about.

• Find out from your guidance counselor what you can do now to start getting ready for college.
• If you have a choice of classes in junior high, take ones that will challenge you and prepare you for college.
• Ask about the classes you'll need to take in high school to meet college admission requirements. In Illinois, it's recommended that college-bound students take at least the following high school courses:
• four years of English
• three years of mathematics, including algebra and geometry
• three years of laboratory science, including biology and chemistry
• three years of social studies, including history and government
• two years of electives, chosen from foreign language, music, visual arts, theater, dance and vocational education.


• Research college-prep course options with your counselor. You might be able to take Advanced Placement (AP) or other honors courses in high school to better prepare you for college. Your counselor will be able to help you decide what courses to take in high school.



• Develop good study habits because grades are important when applying to college. Make sure to set aside time every day to study; keep a notebook with all of your homework assignments and check it every day; and remember to ask for help when you need it. Your parents and your teachers want to help you learn.



• Think about getting involved in extra-curricular activities - such as sports, performing arts, volunteer work - that relate to your interests. What you like to do now may help you decide what you'd like to do in the future when it's time to pick a career.



• Explore different jobs and careers. There are a lot of different career opportunities, so see what's out there that might fit you to a "T"!