Finalizing your plans is key to successfully making the transition from high school to college.

Choosing a school to attend is the first step toward reaching your college and career goals. Once you decide where you will attend college, there are a number of details to work out, including housing, meals, and transportation.

Narrow your options

You should narrow down the list of schools you are interested in attending by the middle of your senior year in high school. Think about the qualities that are most important to you so you can make an informed decision.

Compare costs

It is important to consider costs before deciding where you will attend college. You should not choose a college based solely on cost, but you should have a good idea about your expected education expenses and how you plan to pay them.

Housing, meals, transportation

Once you have decided on a college, there are a number of things you will need to do before starting classes in the fall, including registering for classes and making arrangements for housing, meals, and transportation.

Decision Day

Many Missouri high schools host Decision Day events to celebrate their seniors’ plans for college or military service. Decision Day is held each year on or near May 1 – the day most colleges and universities ask that you notify them of your plans to enroll for the fall semester.