Transitioning from high school to college is a critical time when proper planning and preparation can significantly impact your college experience and future success. Yet many students tend to trip up on this step and make some decisions that may have lifetime implications without the proper guidance. With so many options and important decisions to make, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Class 101 offers families professional assistance throughout the college exploration, application, and financial aid procedures. Our team of experienced advisors provides personalized guidance to help students identify the right schools, navigate the application process, and secure financial aid. We understand that every student’s journey is unique, and we work closely with each individual to create a customized plan for success. Let’s get started on your college journey together.
Choosing a college is a big decision. It is an investment in your future, and selecting a college that aligns with your interests and goals will set you up for success both during and after college. So, it’s not just about getting a degree but also about finding the right academic and social environment to help you grow and thrive.
To start, think about what you’re passionate about and what drives you. What are your hobbies and interests? What subjects do you excel in, and what skills do you want to develop? These are all critical factors to consider when selecting a college. It’s not just about what you like to do – it’s also about your long-term career aspirations. What field do you want to work in, and what kind of job or career do you see yourself in after graduation? Researching different career paths and talking to professionals in those fields can help you better understand what kind of education and experience you’ll need to achieve your goals.
Now that you know what you want to achieve, it’s time to find a college to help you get there. You’ll want to consider factors like location, size, cost, academic programs, and campus culture. It’s important to visit campuses, talk to current students, and get a feel for the school’s community and atmosphere. Here’s a quick rundown of the different types of institutions out there:
In addition to traditional institutions, online colleges and universities are becoming increasingly popular, offering the benefits of studying from anywhere and at your own pace. However, they may also carry potential drawbacks, such as limited social interaction and accountability.
Attending college can come with a hefty price tag, but understanding the costs and available financial aid options can help you make informed decisions. Tuition, room and board, books and supplies, and personal expenses are all factors to consider. Researching scholarships, grants, and loans early on can make a big difference in your ability to pay for college.
There are many financial aid options available to help offset these costs. In addition to federal grants and loans, many institutions offer merit and need-based scholarships. Researching these options early and applying for as many as possible is important to maximize your chances of receiving aid.
It’s also a good idea to create a budget to help you manage your expenses while in college. This can include tracking your spending and finding ways to save money, such as buying used textbooks or living off-campus.
College preparation has many important deadlines, including application, financial aid, and housing. Keeping track of these deadlines and planning is critical to ensure you don’t miss them. To make things easier, consider working with a college planning service. Class 101 can provide personalized guidance and support throughout college planning. With different school deadlines and application requirements, it can be overwhelming to keep everything straight. A college planning service can help you create tracking tools to keep tabs on all relevant information, including deadlines, requirements, and contact information. By staying on top of deadlines, you can reduce stress and increase your chances of success.
If you’re wondering when to start planning for college, the answer is as early as possible. While it’s never too late to begin the college planning process, starting in grades 9 and 10 can provide ample time to research various colleges, explore your interests and goals, and prepare for entrance exams like the ACT or SAT.
Don’t let important deadlines and requirements catch you off guard – take charge of your college journey by planning ahead and staying organized. Trust us; it will be worth it in the end.
College planning and preparation can be daunting, but with the help of Class 101, you can feel confident and empowered as you pursue your goals. Our personalized services provide guidance and support every step of the way, from researching different institutions to securing financial aid. Let us help you achieve success and reach your full potential. Contact Class 101 today to start your journey toward a bright future.
Tom Pabin
Franchise Owner
Tom is the founder and owner of Class 101. His career as a business owner and college/financial planner has spanned almost two decades. In that time he has helped students and families save millions of dollars on higher education. In Kentucky, Tom has worked with learners from over 70 high schools conducting financial aid workshops, one-on-one college planning, ACT/SAT prep classes, and facilitating visits to universities across the country. Working with students across 16 states and doing direct consultation with over 20 high schools, he’s helped more than 2,200 students find their way to college and significantly improved their scores on over 6,000 tests. In his spare time, Tom enjoys traveling and being involved with his sons’ basketball teams; he is husband to Christie and father of two boys, Matthew and Thomas.
Owner
Tom Pabin
Address
2350 Airport Freeway, Ste 505 Bedford, TX 76022
Picking a college, deciding a major, and preparing for the ACT are just some of the things that Class 101 has been able to help me with over the last few years. My college planner, was able to guide me through one of the most important chapters in my life and I am forever grateful. I joined Class 101 as a sophomore with very little idea of what direction I wanted to take my life in. Now, I am just a few months from beginning my first semester of nursing school at the University of Louisville. Without the help of Class 101, I would not have as much confidence in myself and my decisions.
Julian Palmisano
University of Louisville
I began my senior year with barely any knowledge of college and barely wanting to go. Class 101 (Irving) is the reason I’m going to college, the reason I got everything done so early, the reason I got a great package to UNT, the reason for everything. The best help ever. She acts as a mother figure, making sure you do what you need to do, being so kind and involved, helping you with anything you need. We had meetings all the time, she informed me of schools, encouraged me to do my own research, and always was there if I had any questions. She made the college process so much easier than anyone going through it by theirselves. I applied to Almost 20 colleges and got into 12. Some including Clark Atlanta university, University of north Texas, Hampton University, Tuskegee and Xavier university. I was so ahead of all my fellow senior students it’s not even funny. The whole program is amazing, giving you gifts, resources, etc. I strongly recommend if you can putting your kids through this program so they get everything they need to get done, done before everyone, getting their FASFA done, essay, applications, etc. The biggest help and the best push ever, what I truly needed.
Kendall Johnson
University of North Texas
Wow, I really don’t think I can put it into words. I’m headed to my dream school. I have a resume that I’m proud of. I got my ACT score up. I’ve experienced the impact that positive affirmation can have on an overscheduled and underslept teenager. I’m not going to fall into the never-ending pit of despair that is student debt. I’m ready for whatever happens next.
Taylor Galavotti
High Point University
