Thinking About College

This book provides an introduction to college life, highlighting what makes it different from the high school experience. It's a perfect guide for both reaching academic success and having a rich and satisfying campus life. Chapters include tips on designing one's academic program, studying and staying organized, navigating social and extracurricular opportunities, staying physically and mentally healthy, and managing money.

Choosing whether to attend college is one of the biggest decisions that high school students face. This book helps readers to carefully consider all of the options available after high school and to choose the educational route that is the best fit. The author covers traditional paths as well as newer trends, such as taking a "gap year" prior to college and participating in distance learning. Later chapters give a helpful overview of the application process, including researching and narrowing down schools, writing essays, and filling out applications. Emotional and financial aspects of the decision are also explored, and tips for successfully navigating familial expectations are given.

This guide will help readers overcome one of the greatest barriers related to higher education today-paying for it. A college education is more expensive than ever, but today's high school students and their families do have options. With an optimistic and encouraging tone, the text helps readers understand and navigate the different options for college financing, including grants, scholarships, loans, working, and strategic school choices.