| What can a college degree do for your | | | | way to develop talents and interests. |
| child? Well for starters, it can earn | | | | Colleges like to see that applicants |
| them an average of $2.1 million over | | | | have interests beyond their school work. |
| their lifetime which is nearly twice as | | | | Students should maintain a list of these |
| much as a high school graduate can | | | | activities, so they can include them in |
| expect to earn. Â As students prepare | | | | their college applications in 12th |
| for summer break, they should take the | | | | grade. |
| time between mall visits and pool | | | | 3. Discuss colleges with other |
| parties to do some college research, | | | | people. |
| it will great benefit them later on. | | | | Students should try to always talk with |
| This used to be a subject that came up | | | | their family, teachers, and other adults |
| only during the senior year but that has | | | | about their desires to go to college and |
| changed. | | | | about which careers they are interested |
| These days, students are starting much | | | | in. The more people students talk to, |
| earlier at the advice of parents who see | | | | the more support they will have in |
| the advantages of planning early and | | | | reaching their goals. |
| avoiding procrastination.  This | | | | 4. Visit, Visit, Visit! |
| process keeps the student on track and | | | | There are over 3,000 colleges and |
| focused as well. Having a bachelor's | | | | universities in the country. Students |
| degree is becoming a requirement for | | | | should take advantage of this by |
| most well-paying jobs in today's world. | | | | visiting schools to get a feel for each |
| With more and more students applying to | | | | one before they apply if at all |
| college (3.2 million+ in 2008!!) it is | | | | possible. I compare this frequently |
| imperative to begin this process early | | | | to car shopping. You wouldn't |
| to avoid any heartache. | | | | purchase a car without test driving it |
| Here are 5 tips for 10th and 11th grade | | | | would you? You definitely look under |
| students over the next few weeks | | | | the hood first right?  The same |
| before summer break arrives to | | | | goes for college selection for your |
| consider: | | | | student, especially with the price-tag |
| 1. Meet with a guidance counselor, | | | | these days. Those who are ambitious |
| and sign up for college preparatory | | | | should call the admission office in |
| courses, but don't bite off more than | | | | advance to schedule an appointment and |
| you can chew! | | | | or college tour. |
| Colleges favor students who take more | | | | 5. Request College Catalogues. |
| difficult courses. By not taking these, | | | | After students have visited a few local |
| students may limit not only the colleges | | | | colleges, they may be interested in |
| to which they are accepted, but also | | | | what's outside of Virginia. They should |
| their ability to succeed in college. Â | | | | request catalogues from those |
| They are labeled "college prep courses" | | | | institutions, over the phone, in writing |
| for that reason. It is important to | | | | or online. These catalogues explain what |
| do this starting in the 9th and 10th | | | | admissions departments look for, and |
| grade year. | | | | help with early planning. Don't let the |
| 2. Start getting involved in | | | | price tag of colleges intimidate you. |
| extracurricular activities in your local | | | | That's where financial aid and student |
| community. | | | | positioning come into play. |
| Extracurricular activities are a great | | | | |