Take these steps now to prepare for future college success.
Explore careers. Find a college that fits your interests and skills. To get started, use these free online assessments: My Next Move, Nebraska Career Connections, and Big Future. Find additional resources on our Tools to Explore Careers page.
Get a Reality Check. Our Reality Check tool is a fun way to find out how much it will cost to support yourself after college – and if the career you want will pay enough to cover your bills.
Hit the books. Take the most challenging courses possible in high school to prepare for the rigors of college.
In general, you’ll need the classes below to be accepted into a four-year college.
- 4 years of math
- 3 years of social sciences
- 3 years of natural sciences
- 2–4 years of the same world language
If you plan to attend a community college, you need a high school diploma or GED.
Make the most of study time. Do your study skills need sharpening? Here are some tips:
- Use a planner or homework app to record assignments.
- Take notes from the lecture or reading assignments (try Rocketbook).
- Store your notes digitally so you can review them from any device (try Evernote).
- Make flashcards to test your knowledge (try Quizlet).
- Ask questions if you don’t understand the material.
- Find a place to study with no distractions.
Get involved. Scholarship donors and colleges are looking for well-rounded students, so get involved in school and community activities! Use our Activities Resume to track your activities, awards, volunteerism, and paid jobs. This information will be useful when applying for college admission, scholarships, and part-time jobs.