1. Understand the Process and Set Priorities 2. Explore Your Interests 3. Investigate Colleges Explore Your Interests Although you don't have to know what your career will be before selecting a college, it is a good idea to know what your general interests are. Doing so will help you select a college that more closely fits your possible career path. While you're in high school, get involved in extracurricular activities. Volunteer. Do what you can to explore your interests. Your school may offer Career Interest Surveys and Interest Tests. If so, take them. Interest Tests reveal an emphasis in a certain kind of work, whereas Career Interest Surveys can be used to get internships. Each of these may help you find your career. PARENTS: Talk to your children. Find out what interests them in school. If children show a specific interest in their freshman year of high school, this can help you guide their curriculum throughout the rest of their high school years. Next: Investigate Colleges Take the First Step | Plan in Middle School | Plan in High School Choose a College | Get Accepted | Obtain Financial Aid | Communicate | Survive Freshman Year | Articles & Advice | UCTV | UCSD-TV | ©2003 Regents of the University of California. Terms and Conditions of Use.