1. What do you want to be?

Make the connection: School can be the ticket to a great career. What careers are you considering? Knowing your goals can help weed out schools that don't offer the programs or degrees you need. Pick a school that offers classes for a couple majors you are considering. Then if you change your major, you won't have to transfer to another school.

2. What do you like about high school?

Something to think about:The classroom environment that you like now can give you a hint to the type of class settings you want in your next school. Are you a hands-on type of learner? Consider a technical school or a certificate course. Gotta have sports? You may want to see if the school offers opportunities to join intramurals.

3. Where do you want to be?

Here's a tip:Close your eyes and picture yourself at your next school. Is it close to home? A big, green campus? In a fast-paced, downtown or business area? Think about what, besides classes, goes on at your dream school.

4. Do you know what your options are?

Do your homework: Get as much information as possible about the schools you are considering. College fairs and websites are great tools for finding out what's available. Check out the great Guidance webpage for more information.

5. What can you afford?

Don't forget:What you can't afford is to overlook scholarship, grant and financial aid opportunities. Consider how some options will be easier on your wallet. A school close to home can mean less money and time spent traveling home for the holidays.

Types of Schools

� One-year certification training schools specialize in teaching the skills that can lead to jobs in areas like computers, massage, construction trades and much more.

� Technical, trade or vocational schools offer a hands-on learning environment that focuses on real-world skills for a particular career. Most programs take two years.

� Community colleges offer A.S. degrees that will allow you to enter the workforce and A.A. degrees that will help you transfer to a four-year institution.

� State colleges and universities give students the traditional college experience, a wide range of degree programs and a ton of extracurricular and social activities.

� Independent colleges and universities can be small colleges or big universities. Tuition is usually more expensive because they aren't state-funded. But don't forget to look into scholarships just for students attending these schools.