That’s right—anyone. There is a place for any student who wants to go to college. And the payoff is huge. College graduates earn an average of 57.1 percent more than high school graduates.
Don’t think you have the grades to get into college?
Many colleges have programs to support students who need some extra help. You might want to enroll in a two-year college to strengthen your skills before transferring to a four-year institution. Your high school guidance counselor can help figure out what’s best for you.
Don’t think you have the money?
Yes, college is expensive, but many resources are available to help cover the cost, including grants, scholarships and low-interest student loans. Most students get some form of financial aid. Often, this makes going to college possible despite financial constraints.
Start exploring what colleges meet your needs and interests as early as ninth grade.
Visit college Web sites and campuses to get a sense of the type of school you would like to attend and learn what the admissions requirements are. Then, throughout high school, make sure you’re taking the necessary classes and exams to meet those requirements. Your guidance counselor is a great resource to help in the process.
New York City teens tell student filmmakers from the Academy for Careers in Television and Film that even if you've fallen behind, college is still possible.