b'6In this section: Assemble Your College Prep Team, p. 6Assess Your Interests and Strengths, pp. 7-8Be a Successful Student, pp. 9-10Set Personal Goals, p. 10-11Create Your Resum, pp. 12-13Activities: Career Self-Assessment, pp. 7-8Create Your Action Plan, p. 11 Penn State UniversityPREPARING FOR COLLEGEBecoming a successful college applicant and college student takes planning, vision, and dedication. Understanding yourself, your goals, and your optionsand doing your best in high schoolputs you in a position to make good choices about your future.ASSEMBLE YOUR COLLEGE PREP TEAM A Special Message for Parents and Guardians: Getting to and succeeding in college requires a teamHelp Lead the Teameffort. One of your first steps on the path to college isYou are essential to your childs preparation for building your team of trusted advisersindividualscollege. The encouragement and assistance of parents who care about you and your future and who willand guardians is a valuable asset. Whether or not you support and guide you. went to college, supporting your child throughout Who Should Be on Your Team? this process and sharing your life experiences will make a big difference.Parents and guardians can provide personal support.Take virtual college tours with your child.Teachers can offer academic support, help withOffer personal and emotional support.your college application essay, and write collegeLog on to the NAVIANCE Family Connectionrecommendations. provided to students by the School District of School counselors can help you choose college prepPhiladelphia (and other schools your child mayclasses, focus your college search, meet applicationbe attending) to help make decisions about colleges, requirements and deadlines, and write college scholarships, and careers.recommendations. Use this publication! Step Up to College will guide Mentors (this can be a coach, trusted family friend, or you and your child through the college preparation,program adviser) can offer advice and encouragement. application, and financial aid processes. Family members and friends can share valuableinsights and emotional support.'