Create a College Roadmap

Hey Future of Mainers!

College may seem so far away right now... and it kind of is! However, there is no reason you shouldn't start thinking about it and planning now! Something that might help to motivate you would be to create a "College Roadmap." This could be in the form of a poster, or a mobile, or maybe a PowerPoint presentation! Making a visual of your academic path will help you "see" the future. As an example, I created a College Roadmap of my own below! As you can see, I am pretending I am a 5th grader at Williams Elementary in Oakland.

MY COLLEGE ROADMAP

2013: 5th Grader at Williams Elementary School

Start thinking about majors and colleges I want to go to.....

I've got it! I want to go to THE UNIVERSITY OF MAINE: FARMINGTON to major in EDUCATION because someday I want to be a TEACHER!

2014: I'm a 6TH GRADER at Messalonskee Middle School

2015: I'm a 7TH GRADER at Messalonskee Middle School

2016: I'm an 8TH GRADER at Messalonskee Middle School

Time to do some more research on University of Maine: Farmington, including looking at their application and what they look for from their students (Do they want athletes? Do they like students who have done community service?)

Graduate from Middle School!

2017: I'm a FRESHMAN at Messalonskee High School

Start an extracurricular activity or do some community service on a regular basis so you can include that in your college application!

2018: I'm a SOPHOMORE at Messalonskee High School

Take a Practice SAT test (typically provided by your high school) in order to start preparing for the SAT's (a standardized test that helps you get into college)

2018: I'm a JUNIOR at Messalonskee High School

Take the SATs or the ACTs (a similar standardized test) in the spring in order to be totally prepared to apply for college next fall!

Start researching scholarship options or financial aid packages available from University of Maine: Farmington

2019: I'm a SENIOR at Messalonskee High School

Apply to University of Maine: Farmington in the fall (and maybe a couple other colleges that offer great education programs)

Apply for local scholarships and financial aid in order to help out your parents with the cost of college

......wait......

CONGRATS!!!!!

Get accepted to University of Maine: Farmington

Graduate from Messalonskee High School with a plan for next year: COLLEGE!!!

2020: I'm a FRESHMAN in COLLEGE

Now that you have an idea of what a "College Roadmap" looks like, go and create your own! It will help you stay on track and let you know what's ahead!