Student Zone

About us

Parent Zone

Partners

Students

Graduation may seem far off, but before you know it, you’ll be faced with an important life decision — what are you going to do after high school?

Answering that question isn’t as easy as it sounds. It’s best to be prepared by knowing your options, doing the research and equipping yourself with the right skills.

GEAR UP has partnered with the Iowa College Access Network^® (ICAN) to help you learn more about planning for college, choosing a career and preparing for your future.

You will have to take many steps as you enter the middle part of your high school career. Below is a list of just a few to get you started.

Plan

• Explore careers and narrow down a few career options. Know what classes to take and work hard in each one.
• Practice your organizational skills by using a day planner or calendar.
• Get involved in and out of school in clubs and community organizations.
• Take college entrance exams.
• Learn more about different colleges, visit college campuses and narrow down your final choices.
• Start thinking about what you would like to study in college.

Apply

• Fill out college applications on time.
• Be prepared if you have to do a college interview.

Pay

• Save for college.
• Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• Apply for scholarships.
• Apply for financial aid.
• Earn money with a summer job.
• Explore other options.

Succeed

• Graduate from high school!
• Be aware of what trials and temptations you may face in college.
• Study hard and apply yourself.

ICAN offers a comprehensive website that reviews all the above steps and many more. Get started today!

The mission of ICAN is to help Iowans attain their educational and career goals.

KnowHow2GOIowa

In 2010, GEAR UP partnered with KnowHow2Go Iowa, a program sponsored by several national education organizations to encourage high schoolers to prepare for college using four simple steps:

1. Be a pain – Let everyone know that you're going to college and need their help.
2. Push yourself – Working a little harder today will make getting into college even easier.
3. Find the right fit – Find out what kind of school is the best match for you and your career goals.
4. Put your hands on some cash – If you think you can't afford college, think again. There's lots of aid out there.

See the KnowHow2Go website for more information.

IHaveaPlanIowa

Another website with many resources for high school students seeking information on college is IHaveaPlanIowa. It includes college, career, financial aid, ACT prep and other information to help students plan for their future. Students use the resources provided by IHaveaPlanIowa to complete and track their six-year plans, which organize their progress toward high school graduation and preparing for college from seventh grade through twelve grade.