College Planning: How to Choose a College

Here's how in 5 steps!

Step 1: The Career Skills Assessment Worksheet

Begin the process of identifying job and career paths you may follow, based on your own personal interests and strengths. This worksheet will help you assess your skills and preferences. Write your interests and skills on this worksheet and transfer them to the College Planning Summary. Then, go to Step 2.

Step 2: Matching Careers Worksheet

Visit MyNextMove.org, the NY Career Zone or the federal Occupational Outlook Handbook to:

• Learn how your personal interests and traits fit with different jobs;
• Explore your career options and the educational requirements;
• Find matching careers and identify the education requirements for each career path;
• Write your results on this worksheet and on the College Planning Summary, then, go to Step 3.

Step 3: College Preferences Worksheet

Once you know what educational program you need to pursue a particular career path, you'll need to decide what type of college you need to attend and
the traits of a college or trade school you wish to attend. Developing a list of preferences will help narrow down your college search. Answer the questions
on this worksheet and transfer your results to the College Planning Summary. Then, go to Step 4.

Step 4: Matching Colleges Worksheet

Go to College Navigator and begin searching for colleges that match your preferences and offer the program of study you would like to pursue. Write your college matches and their URLs on the College Planning Summary.

Step 5: The College Planning Summary

Use your College Planning Summary to review your results and keep track of college fair visits, campus tours and admissions office appointments.