New for Consumers

Release Date: August 2004

PREPARING FOR COLLEGE

High school can be crazy. You participate in extracurricular activities, check out colleges, search for financial aid, and try to find a few minutes to think about what you might want to be when you grow up. Don't stress -- explore your options with Preparing for College, a free package of information from the Federal Citizen Information Center (FCIC).

If you're thinking about becoming a zookeeper, an artist or wondering if you have what it takes to be a police officer, there's no better way than volunteering to learn more about these careers. Use Catch the Spirit: A Student's Guide to Community Service from the Prudential Insurance Company of America and FCIC to find volunteer opportunities and learn how to make them successful. Not only are you helping others when you volunteer, but you also develop new skills and interests. Volunteering can also increase your chances of getting into college by showing recruiters that you're well rounded and concerned about your community.

In addition to getting an idea about future courses of study, you need to research colleges and look for ways to finance your education. Learn about different strategies for funding with Financial Planning for College from the MetLife Consumer Education Center and the Department of the Treasury. Talk to your parents about U.S. Saving Bonds, prepaid tuition plans, or home equity loans. Consider applying for traditional sources of financial aid­­ such as scholarships, grants, work-study programs and government tuition loans. You can also look into advanced placement exams or college courses offered through your high school that count as college credits.

Start high school off right by ordering the free Preparing for College package. There are three easy ways to get your free publications:

  • Send your name and address to Preparing for College , Pue blo, Colorado 81009 .
  • Call toll-free 1 (888) 8 PUEBLO . That's 1 (888) 878-3256 , weekdays 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time and ask for the Preparing for College package.
  • Visit www.pueblo.gsa.gov to order online and to print out these and hundreds of other federal publications for free.

Get even more information and take advantage of federal online resources at www.FirstGov.gov —your official front door to federal and state government websites.

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  • Please check with Shantae Goodloe if you plan to use this release after November 15, 2004.
  • If you would like to receive these releases by e-mail send a request to shantae.goodloe@gsa.gov or call (202) 501-1794.

GSA # 2631

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