You are beginning a very exciting, and sometimes anxiety-producing, time of your life. You might already have a sense of colleges you would like included on your list and, maybe even, know what you want to study in college. But before you read any further, I need to make this strong point. Whatever your financial resources are or aren’t, DON’T ALLOW the cost of a college education to stop you from attending college and achieving your dreams.

There is substantial financial aid available, either through the college itself, national, state and local organizations that can help to eliminate much of your college cost. You and your transcript are the first determining factor in college debt. The higher your grade point average, the more college scholarships you will be offered if you apply for them.

The transition from high school to college is filled with challenges, opportunities, and decisions. The process of selecting, applying to, and gaining admission to college can often be confusing and not transparent at all. And, it has its rewards, if you work for them and don’t give up.