Here's how to think about it:

The process of applying to and paying for education beyond high school can seem confusing and overwhelming. The best thing you can do, as a student, as a parent, is to start early so that you have plenty of time. It is never too early (or too late!) to start gathering information, saving money (even $25/month can make a big difference), visiting programs and schools, educating yourself, asking questions, and talking openly about goals and expectations. It may seem like an intimidating process, but there is a lot of help available at RCHS, on the web, and from the colleges. Take it one step at a time. The most important thing a student can do is to set a career or educational goal and plan towards achieving it. Then, come senior year, the question will be "Where?" and not "Whether?" when it comes to college.

"College is a step. Not a leap. Like the first day of kindergarten, or the first day of high school. You just have to keep going. Set small initial goals and meet them. Get advice at every level of your education. Use summers to explore careers. Investigate your options. Learn what questions to ask.... Education loans should not be scary. They are low-interest and once you get a job, the payments are not hard to make.... Many people don't end up 'using' their college degrees, but a degree is a foundation and the minimum requirement for many jobs."

-- Mrs. Raye Tupper, former Executive Director of Human Resources and Instruction, RCPS

Eighth Grade

The classes that you take in eighth grade are important in deciding what classes you will take in high school. Take the harder classes so that you will be ready for college prep classes later. The sooner that you begin to challenge yourself and learn good study habits, the easier the transition to high school and college will be. Get organized. It all starts now!

Freshman Year

Amidst the excitement of starting high school, remember to...

• Get help if you need it. Strive for A's.
• Get involved in clubs, sports, church activities, student government, yearbook, school paper, summer programs, etc..
• Research the PSAT test: collegeboard.com.
• Learn about college costs and how financial aid works. Start a savings plan for college -- ask your local bank about the Virginia 529 Plan or go to collegesavings.org.
• Visit schools while they are in session to get an idea of what kind of college you want. Large, small, public, private, in-state, out-of-state. Every college campus is different.
• Sign up for scholarships: fastweb.com.

Sophomore Year

Continue to work hard, seek help if you need it, learn about college admissions, and identify academic strengths and weaknesses. Yes, this year does "count." Along with guidance meetings, activities, campus visits, and keeping up your grades, remember to ...

• Take practice PSATs to get experience and possible scholarships - See collegeboard.com.
• Talk with Mr. Gochenour about the SATII tests (specific subject exams that are best taken right after the completion of the last course in a given subject.)
• Write a personal resume that includes accomplishments, activities, and work.
• Put money away for college. Get a summer job and set goals. Try to find a job in a field that interests you as a career.

Junior Year

Be warned! Junior Year classes tend to be more demanding. This year can make a huge impact on your college plans. Talk to Guidance, save money, keep up your grades, and...

• Attend college trips, fairs (offered in surrounding counties) and the financial aid night (usually in early December).
• Take AP Exams and the SAT (in the spring).
• Seek out leadership roles in your extracurricular activities. Colleges look at how you spend your free time. Don’t be afraid to start your own club, newspaper, band. Keep a folder of activities and any awards that you receive.
• Put together a list of colleges that interest you. Take time to research them on the web.
• Explore scholarship and financial aid options. Visit the sites on the resources page for free information.
• Before you end the school year, identify teachers, employers, activity leaders, etc., who will write letters of recommendation for you. Speak to these people as soon as possible

Senior Year

It is time to start getting excited about college! You are almost there. As always, meet with your guidance counselor, keep your grades up, and try to save money. Also...

• Monitor Mr. Gochenour's website for college/financial aid information.
• Research and record application, financial aid, and scholarship deadlines.
• Register early for the October SAT. Take practice tests.
• Try to narrow your college list to 5 schools; research and visit them.
• Know exactly what material each college expects and submit your applications. (Colleges have different deadlines.)
• Pick up the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) from Mr. Gochenour. For faster, easier processing, fill out the FAFSA on-line at fafsa.ed.gov. Fill it out in January, even if you have to estimate.
• Sign up for scholarship info: fastweb.com.
• In April, colleges will send acceptance letters. Review the financial aid award packages you receive. Make your choice.
• May 15th is the deadline for most of the local scholarships. Apply! This is your best shot at getting help with paying for college.