With every sports game, club meeting and project deadline high school has to offer, seniors may find it easy to lose track of time. In the blink of an eye, the first day of school becomes winter break and before seniors can even say “university,” they are being fitted for a cap and gown.

High school counselors recommend students start planning for post-secondary education by no later than junior year. Students are prompted to take the initiative and start the essential steps toward planning for the future.

“Juniors need to be signing up to take the ACT or SAT test,” Canyon High School counselor Robin Terry said. “They also need to start visiting the colleges they are most interested in attending.”

As students get older, Terry said they need to make sure they are well-prepared for the universities they would like to attend.

“Seniors need to apply to colleges,” Terry said. “They also need to make sure they have the ACT or SAT scores to get into the college of their choice.”

According to Terry, a common mistake made by students is not allowing enough time to finish the entire process.

“The application process is lengthy,” Terry said. “It will take a lot of time if done right.”

For students who cannot afford college on their own or would like to pay a little less, Terry said there are three really good ways to get scholarships.

“First, you can visit the website of your college,” Terry said. “Second, the counseling center will list all community and local scholarships available, and third, sign up for fastweb.com.”

Terry gave a few more options for students who do plan on attending a four-year university.

“Technical schools, trade schools and junior colleges are a great alternative,” Terry said. “Also, the military is a great fit for some students.”

When students are not sure how to plan for their future education, they can visit the counselors’ office.

“Come talk to us,” Terry said. “We don’t always have the answers, but we can guide and direct you to the options available.”
Click here for the junior year college preparation checklist.

Click here for the senior year college preparation checklist.

Click here for the Canyon High School Counselors’ page.