© 2002 by ACT, Inc.
Keep
Your
Options
Open
MORE EDUCATION Can Equal MORE INCOME
It’s natural at
this age to
change your
mind often!
Here are some general
ways you can prepare
for WHATEVER
the future holds...
 Take
the right courses.
 Take control—learn to be a good
student.
 Use time outside of school
wisely.
 Start thinking about the future.
 If college is a goal, learn about
financial assistance programs.
 Get help when you need it.
Take the RIGHT COURSES!
 2/3
of 8th graders plan to finish college.
 But only 1/3 plan to take college prep
courses in high school.
 Without college prep courses,
YOU CANNOT ENTER COLLEGE.
High School Courses
ACT Recommends
English
4 years
 Mathematics
3 years (algebra and above)
 Natural Science
3 years (with lab experience)
 Social Science
3 years
 Foreign Language 2 years (of the same language)
 Other—visual arts, music, theatre, drama,
computer science, etc.

Take control—
Learn to be a
Good
Student
 Sit
close to the front of the
classroom.
 Join in class discussions.
 Ask questions.
 Keep up with class assignments.
 Ask for help when necessary.
And...
 Look
for ways to sharpen basic skills.
 Learn keyboarding.
 Learn to take good notes.
 Learn to correct/revise written work.
 Develop test-taking skills.
Use Time
Outside
of School
Wisely!
 Develop
habits that will lead to
success.
 Find a quiet place to study.
 Plan a daily homework schedule.
 Ask family or friends to read
your written work.
Also...
 Use
the local library.
 Read newspapers and magazines.
 Look up unfamiliar words in a
dictionary.
 Talk with family and friends
about career plans.
Start
thinking
about the
FUTURE
When thinking about college...
Make a list of interesting schools and
gather information about them.
 Register to take the ACT before
December of your senior year.
 Visit campuses, apply for admission
and financial assistance.
 Make a college decision.

When considering serving in
the Armed Forces...
Visit with friends, neighbors, and
relatives who have served.
 Study military literature and compare
training opportunities.
 Arrange visits with recruiters.
 Compare benefits, tour of duty,
training, etc.

When considering employment
right after high school...
Explore any special abilities and interests.
 Study materials about resume writing.
 Visit with people working in interesting
occupations.
 Become familiar with employers
in the area.
 Learn about vocational/technical
programs available in high school.

If college is an option…
Financial
Financial
help
help
will
willbe
be
available
available
 Try
to save even a small amount
each month.
 Work hard for good grades/test
scores for scholarship consideration.
 Learn about the types and sources of
financial assistance available.
 Attend financial aid programs when
offered.
 Apply for financial assistance during
the junior and senior years.
GET HELP
(and your questions answered)
When You
Need It
There are many agencies,
organizations, and
individuals who care
whether you are
successful in school
and in life. Use them!
Always start
with your
SCHOOL
COUNSELOR!
Call This Toll Free Number:
 1-800-USA-LEARN
(1-800-872-5327)
U.S. Department of Education
Information Services
Use the Internet
 www.actstudent.org
 www.finaid.org
 www.ed.gov/thinkcollege/early
 www.collegeispossible.org
 www.cityyear.org
Remember!
The choices you make now
will affect the choices
you will have for
the rest of your life.
Make High School
COUNT!