| Complete the FAFSA.
Students must submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student
Aid) each year of college. You're encouraged to complete the FAFSA
as soon as it becomes available each year. Contact the financial
aid office at your institution to make sure they have your FAFSA
results. |
FAFSA.gov |
| Check on your financial
aid. Many schools have an online portal to monitor your
financial aid including scholarships and grants. Talk to your
financial aid office if you don't see a scholarship you are
expecting or if you have questions on how to monitor this
information. |
|
| Check your email.
Colleges typically use email as their primary form of communication
with students. Be sure to check your inbox often for updates about
financial aid, campus activities and messages from
instructors. |
|
| Maintain good study
habits. In college, it's important to schedule adequate
study time. Download The Perfect 10 Study Habits at UCanGo2.org for
some great tips. |
UCanGo2.org |
| Use a planner. Marking
test dates and other class deadlines will make coursework more
manageable. |
|
| Talk about it. Complete
the Individual Career Academic Plan (ICAP) activities assigned by
your school and discuss your future plans with your counselor,
teachers, family members or other trusted adults. You can explore
careers you're interested in on OKcollegestart.org. |
|
| Consider your interests.
How could your interests, skills, and values connect you to
potential careers? Take the "Learn About Yourself" assessments at
OKcollegestart.org to review career options that may be right for
you. |
Learn About Yourself Explore
Careers |
| Look for opportunities.
Most campuses post job shadow and internship opportunities on their
websites and in campus bulletins. Find out who you can contact on
campus to learn about these options. Arrange informational
interviews with people in careers that interest you. |
|
| Participation is key. You
can meet new people and gain great experience by getting involved
with campus clubs and organizations. |
|
| Remember your resume.
Keep track of your awards, volunteer work, and scholarships
received. Add them to your resume with the Resume Builder. |
Resume
Builder |
| Use office hours. If a
certain college major interests you, talk about it with department
professors during their office hours. Building relationships with
those in your field will enrich your college experience. |
|
| Check with an advisor.
Visit your academic adviser to see if you're taking the right
classes for your major and career goals. Remember that meeting the
requirements for degree completion is your responsibility, so
educate yourself about the requirements for your degree path to
make sure you're enrolled in the correct courses. |
|
| Interview others. Explore
a certain career by interviewing someone who works in that field.
Use the Explore Careers tool to learn more about your specific job
interests. |
Explore
Careers |
| Work wisely. If you're
considering a part-time job, be sure it will work with your class
calendar. Try working a campus job - these positions are usually
compatible with your schedule. |
|
| Visit the career center.
It's okay to be unsure about your college major. Your school's
career center may have some assessments that could steer you in the
right direction. |
Explore Programs and Majors |
| Manage your money. It's
important to develop healthy money habits while in college. Learn
to manage your money, avoid debt, build wealth and live a lifestyle
you can afford during and after college at OklahomaMoneyMatters.org. |
|
| Walk the career fair.
Attending career fairs will give you great exposure to various
careers. Check your campus email or ask the career center for
information about upcoming events. |
|
| Consider a different
course. Enroll in classes that are interesting to you.
Your freshman year is a good time to take introductory courses that
will give you an overview of specific subjects. |
|
| Summertime options. Spend
some time planning your summer activities. You can have an
enjoyable summer while exploring career options through
internships, volunteer work, or unique summer jobs. |
|