Postsecondary Planning
Your Road to College & Career
Planning for life after high school can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Use the resources and steps below to guide you through the process, whether you’re planning to attend college, a technical school, or enter the workforce.
Start Here: Your College Planning Checklist
Follow these steps to stay on track:
- Create your account on GAfutures
- Maintain a strong GPA (important for HOPE Scholarship eligibility)
- Take a college entrance exam (SAT or ACT)
- Research colleges and career pathways
- Apply to colleges during your senior year
- Complete the FAFSA
- Apply for scholarships and financial aid
Georgia-Specific Resources
The Georgia Student Finance Commission provides one of the most important tools for students in Georgia through GAfutures.
What You Can Do on GAfutures:
- Track your GPA and HOPE/Zell Miller eligibility
- Monitor SAT/ACT scores
- Explore colleges across Georgia
- Complete state financial aid applications (GSFAPP)
- View your eligibility through GEORGIA MATCH
- Search for scholarships and financial aid opportunities
- Learn about Dual Enrollment funding
💡 Tip: Students should check their GAfutures account regularly starting in 9th grade.
College Entrance Exams
Most colleges accept one of the following:
- SAT
- ACT
These tests may be used for college admissions, scholarships, and course placement. Some colleges are test-optional, but strong scores can still help you stand out.
Explore Colleges
Start researching schools that match your goals, interests, and career plans:
- BigFuture – College search, career quizzes, and planning tools
- Niche – Reviews, rankings, and student experiences
- Virtual campus tours (available on most college websites)
Apply to Colleges
When you're ready to apply:
Common Application – Apply to multiple colleges with one application
GAfutures – Apply to participating Georgia colleges
Career & Alternative Pathways
College is not the only path to success. Explore options that align with your goals:
- Technical colleges through the Technical College System of Georgia
- Dual Enrollment opportunities (earn college credit in high school)
- Apprenticeships and workforce training programs
- Military service
Planning Timeline by Grade Level
9th–10th Grade
- Focus on grades (HOPE eligibility starts now)
- Explore careers and interests
- Get involved in extracurricular activities
11th Grade
- Take the SAT or ACT
- Begin researching colleges
- Attend college fairs and tours
12th Grade
- Apply to colleges
- Complete FAFSA and financial aid applications
- Apply for scholarships
- Make your final decision
Paying for College
Understanding financial aid is key to making college affordable.
Types of Financial Aid
- Grants: Free money based on financial need
- Scholarships: Free money based on merit or eligibility
- Loans: Money that must be repaid
- Work-Study: Earn money while attending school
State Aid (Georgia)
- HOPE Scholarship & Zell Miller Scholarship
- Based on your GPA and academic performance
- Can significantly reduce the cost of college
💡 Apply through GAfutures or by completing the FAFSA.