College In Colorado
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Middle School Checklist

General

  • Begin thinking about the many career possibilities that are available and explore many different occupations.

  • Study, work hard and do your best to earn good grades. If you are having difficulty, don't give up — get help from a teacher, tutor, mentor or even a friend who is knowledgeable in that subject.

  • Play "Show Me the Future" to learn about how to manage money and other skills for living to help you prepare for your future.

  • Become involved in school- or community-based extra-curricular activities that will help you determine what you really like to do, meet new people and learn new things. Challenge yourself to try new activities!

  • If you are at least 13 years old, sign up for the College Opportunity Fund and establish an account on CollegeInColorado.org.

  • Start thinking about, and talk with your guidance counselor about, what classes you should take in high school. If you plan to attend a four-year college or university, there are certain courses you must take during your four years of high school to be admitted into those colleges.

  • Talk to someone — your school counselor, your teacher, a mentor or family member — about the following:

    • The different types of opportunities for education after you complete high school;

    • The importance that colleges and universities place on your grade point average, including which years colleges evaluate when making admittance decisions;

    • There are many academic enrichment programs, including summer and weekend programs, as well as career exploration opportunities available through your school or local colleges — ask about them!

  • Look into opportunities to shadow someone who has a job that interests you.

  • Participate in extracurricular activities such as working with local non-profit organizations, playing sports, participating in performing or visual arts, volunteer work or other activities that interest you.

  • Sit down with your family and look into 529 college savings plans.

  • Create the resume you can imagine in your future — if you plan it now, you can make it happen!

You will have more options in your life if you start planning now and keep your grades up.

Scholarships:

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