{"id":25496,"date":"2020-09-29T07:42:49","date_gmt":"2020-09-29T11:42:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/online\/?p=25496"},"modified":"2025-04-15T16:12:40","modified_gmt":"2025-04-15T20:12:40","slug":"how-to-prepare-for-college","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/online\/student-resources\/how-to-prepare-for-college","title":{"rendered":"How To Prepare For College"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"container mb-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\" col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<h1 class=\"h2 d-block mt-3 mt-sm-4 mt-md-5 mb-2 mb-md-3 text-uppercase font-condensed\">\nHow To Prepare For College<\/h1>\n<div class=\"small text-uppercase letter-spacing-3 mb-md-3 mb-2\">By <a href=\"#author\">Jama Riley<\/a><\/div>\n<p><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-fluid\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/online\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/19\/files\/2020\/09\/how-to-prepare-for-college.jpg\" alt=\"A UCF student engaging in an online education.\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-fluid lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" alt=\"A UCF student engaging in an online education.\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/online\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/19\/files\/2020\/09\/how-to-prepare-for-college.jpg\"><\/p>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<div class=\"col-sm-8 offset-sm-4 col-md-6 offset-md-6 col-xl-4 offset-xl-0 mt-md-5 mb-2 mb-md-3 hidden-sm-down\">\n<div class=\"header-form bg-inverse-t-4 mb-4 mb-lg-5 p-3 p-md-4 mt-3\">\n<span class=\"gform_description\">Fill out the form below and we&#8217;ll email you more information about UCF&#8217;s online degree programs.<\/span><br>\n<script>\nvar 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validation_below\"><li id=\"field_109_39\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-honeypot gform_validation_container field_sublabel_below gfield--has-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"><label class=\"gfield_label gform-field-label\" for=\"input_109_39\">URL<\/label><div class=\"ginput_container\"><input name=\"input_39\" id=\"input_109_39\" type=\"text\" value autocomplete=\"new-password\"><\/div><div class=\"gfield_description\" id=\"gfield_description_109_39\">This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.<\/div><\/li><li id=\"field_109_13\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-name gfield--input-type-name gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_hidden_label gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"><label class=\"gfield_label gform-field-label gfield_label_before_complex\">Name<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required 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value class=\"large\" aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"><\/div><\/li><li id=\"field_109_2\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-email gfield--input-type-email gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible gpev-field\" data-field-class=\"gpev-field\"><label class=\"gfield_label gform-field-label\" for=\"input_109_2\">Email<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_asterisk\">*<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class=\"ginput_container ginput_container_email\">\n                            <input name=\"input_2\" id=\"input_109_2\" type=\"email\" value class=\"large\" aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\">\n                        <\/div><\/li><li id=\"field_109_3\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-select gfield--input-type-select populate-degrees gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"><label class=\"gfield_label gform-field-label\" for=\"input_109_3\">Degree<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_asterisk\">*<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class=\"ginput_container ginput_container_select\"><select name=\"input_3\" id=\"input_109_3\" class=\"large gfield_select\" aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"><option value=\"Aerospace Engineering, MSAE\">Aerospace Engineering, MSAE<\/option><option value=\"Anthropology, BA\">Anthropology, BA<\/option><option value=\"Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certificate\">Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certificate<\/option><option value=\"Applied Photonics Graduate Certificate\">Applied Photonics Graduate Certificate<\/option><option value=\"Art Education, MAT\">Art Education, MAT<\/option><option value=\"Autism Spectrum Disorders Graduate Certificate\">Autism Spectrum Disorders Graduate Certificate<\/option><option value=\"Behavioral Cybersecurity and Privacy Graduate Certificate\">Behavioral Cybersecurity and Privacy Graduate Certificate<\/option><option value=\"Biomedical Sciences, MS\">Biomedical Sciences, MS<\/option><option value=\"Career and Technical Education, BS\">Career and Technical Education, BS<\/option><option value=\"Career and Workforce Education, MA\">Career and Workforce Education, MA<\/option><option value=\"Chemistry, MS - Forensic Science\">Chemistry, MS - Forensic Science<\/option><option value=\"Civil Engineering, MS (Smart Cities)\">Civil Engineering, MS (Smart Cities)<\/option><option value=\"Civil Engineering, MS (Structural)\">Civil Engineering, MS (Structural)<\/option><option value=\"Civil Engineering, MS (Transportation)\">Civil Engineering, MS (Transportation)<\/option><option value=\"Civil Engineering, MS (Water Resources)\">Civil Engineering, MS (Water Resources)<\/option><option value=\"Civil Engineering, MSCE\">Civil Engineering, MSCE<\/option><option value=\"College Teaching and Leadership Graduate Certificate\">College Teaching and Leadership Graduate Certificate<\/option><option value=\"Communication and Conflict, BA\">Communication and Conflict, BA<\/option><option value=\"Community Engagement Graduate Certificate\">Community Engagement Graduate Certificate<\/option><option value=\"Conflict Resolution and Analysis Graduate Certificate\">Conflict Resolution and Analysis Graduate Certificate<\/option><option value=\"Corrections Leadership Graduate Certificate\">Corrections Leadership Graduate Certificate<\/option><option value=\"Criminal Justice (MS) - Public Administration Dual Degree\">Criminal Justice (MS) - Public Administration Dual Degree<\/option><option value=\"Criminal Justice, BA\/BS\">Criminal Justice, BA\/BS<\/option><option value=\"Criminal Justice, MS\">Criminal Justice, MS<\/option><option value=\"Curriculum and Instruction, EdD\">Curriculum and Instruction, EdD<\/option><option value=\"Data Modeling\">Data Modeling<\/option><option value=\"Digital Forensics, MS\">Digital Forensics, MS<\/option><option value=\"Digital Twins Graduate Certificate\">Digital Twins Graduate Certificate<\/option><option value=\"e-Learning Design, Development, &amp; Delivery\">e-Learning Design, Development, &amp; Delivery<\/option><option value=\"Educational Leadership, MA\">Educational Leadership, MA<\/option><option value=\"Electrical Engineering, MSEE\">Electrical Engineering, MSEE<\/option><option value=\"Electronic Parts Engineering\">Electronic Parts Engineering<\/option><option value=\"Elementary Education, MA\">Elementary Education, MA<\/option><option value=\"Elementary Education, MEd\">Elementary Education, MEd<\/option><option value=\"Emergency and Crisis Management, MECM\">Emergency and Crisis Management, MECM<\/option><option value=\"Emergency Management and Homeland Security\">Emergency Management and Homeland Security<\/option><option value=\"Emergency Management, BA\/BS\">Emergency Management, BA\/BS<\/option><option value=\"Engineering Management, MS\">Engineering Management, MS<\/option><option value=\"English - Creative Writing, BA\">English - Creative Writing, BA<\/option><option value=\"English - Literature, BA\">English - Literature, BA<\/option><option value=\"English - Rhetoric and Composition, MA\">English - Rhetoric and Composition, MA<\/option><option value=\"English - Technical Communication, BA\">English - Technical Communication, BA<\/option><option value=\"English - Technical Communication, MA\">English - Technical Communication, MA<\/option><option value=\"English Language Arts Education, MAT\">English Language Arts Education, MAT<\/option><option value=\"Entertainment Management, BS\">Entertainment Management, BS<\/option><option value=\"Environmental Engineering, MS &amp; MSVE\">Environmental Engineering, MS &amp; MSVE<\/option><option value=\"Event Leadership, MS\">Event Leadership, MS<\/option><option value=\"Event Management Graduate Certificate\">Event Management Graduate Certificate<\/option><option value=\"Event Management, BS\">Event Management, BS<\/option><option value=\"Exceptional Student Education \u2013 Learning and Development Online, BS\">Exceptional Student Education \u2013 Learning and Development Online, BS<\/option><option value=\"Exceptional Student Education, MEd\">Exceptional Student Education, MEd<\/option><option value=\"Executive Master of Health Administration, EMHA\">Executive Master of Health Administration, EMHA<\/option><option value=\"FinTech, MS\">FinTech, MS<\/option><option value=\"Fundraising\">Fundraising<\/option><option value=\"Gender Studies\">Gender Studies<\/option><option value=\"Guidance Control and Dynamics\">Guidance Control and Dynamics<\/option><option value=\"Health Informatics, BS\">Health Informatics, BS<\/option><option value=\"Health Information Management, BS\">Health Information Management, BS<\/option><option value=\"Health Services Administration, BS\">Health Services Administration, BS<\/option><option value=\"Healthcare Systems Engineering Certificate\">Healthcare Systems Engineering Certificate<\/option><option value=\"Healthcare Systems Engineering, MS\">Healthcare Systems Engineering, MS<\/option><option value=\"Hispanic Serving Healthcare Professionals\">Hispanic Serving Healthcare Professionals<\/option><option value=\"History, BA\">History, BA<\/option><option value=\"Hospitality and Tourism Management, MS\">Hospitality and Tourism Management, MS<\/option><option value=\"Hospitality and Tourism Technologies\">Hospitality and Tourism Technologies<\/option><option value=\"Hospitality Management, BS\">Hospitality Management, BS<\/option><option value=\"Industrial Engineering, MS\">Industrial Engineering, MS<\/option><option value=\"Industrial Engineering, MSIE\">Industrial Engineering, MSIE<\/option><option value=\"Initial Teacher Professional Preparation\">Initial Teacher Professional Preparation<\/option><option value=\"Instructional \/ Educational Technology\">Instructional \/ Educational Technology<\/option><option value=\"Instructional Design and Technology, MA\">Instructional Design and Technology, MA<\/option><option value=\"Instructional Design Graduate Certificate\">Instructional Design Graduate Certificate<\/option><option value=\"Integrative General Studies, BGS\">Integrative General Studies, BGS<\/option><option value=\"Interdisciplinary Studies, BA\/BS\">Interdisciplinary Studies, BA\/BS<\/option><option value=\"International and Global Studies, BA\">International and Global Studies, BA<\/option><option value=\"Latin American, Caribbean and Latinx Studies, BA\">Latin American, Caribbean and Latinx Studies, BA<\/option><option value=\"Leadership and Strategy in Hospitality and Tourism\">Leadership and Strategy in Hospitality and Tourism<\/option><option value=\"Leadership BA\/BS\">Leadership BA\/BS<\/option><option value=\"Leadership in Workforce Development\">Leadership in Workforce Development<\/option><option value=\"Legal Studies, BA\/BS\">Legal Studies, BA\/BS<\/option><option value=\"Local Director of Career &amp; Technical Education\">Local Director of Career &amp; Technical Education<\/option><option value=\"Local Government Management Graduate Certificate\">Local Government Management Graduate Certificate<\/option><option value=\"Lodging and Restaurant Management, BS\">Lodging and Restaurant Management, BS<\/option><option value=\"Master of Business Administration - Space MBA\">Master of Business Administration - Space MBA<\/option><option value=\"Master of Public Administration, MPA\">Master of Public Administration, MPA<\/option><option value=\"Master of Science in Healthcare Informatics\">Master of Science in Healthcare Informatics<\/option><option value=\"Master of Social Work Online\">Master of Social Work Online<\/option><option value=\"Master of Social Work Online: Advanced Standing\">Master of Social Work Online: Advanced Standing<\/option><option value=\"Materials Science and Engineering, MSMSE\">Materials Science and Engineering, MSMSE<\/option><option value=\"Mechanical Engineering, MSME\">Mechanical Engineering, MSME<\/option><option value=\"Modeling and Simulation, MS\">Modeling and Simulation, MS<\/option><option value=\"Nonprofit Management\">Nonprofit Management<\/option><option value=\"Nonprofit Management, BA\/BS\">Nonprofit Management, BA\/BS<\/option><option value=\"Nonprofit Management, MNM\">Nonprofit Management, MNM<\/option><option value=\"Nursing Education\">Nursing Education<\/option><option value=\"Nursing Practice, DNP, Advanced Track\">Nursing Practice, DNP, Advanced Track<\/option><option value=\"Nursing Practice, DNP, Executive Track\">Nursing Practice, DNP, Executive Track<\/option><option value=\"Nursing, BS\">Nursing, BS<\/option><option value=\"Nursing, BSN to PhD\">Nursing, BSN to PhD<\/option><option value=\"Nursing, MSN\">Nursing, MSN<\/option><option value=\"Nursing, PhD\">Nursing, PhD<\/option><option value=\"Online Data Analytics Graduate Certificate\">Online Data Analytics Graduate Certificate<\/option><option value=\"Online Destination Marketing and Management Graduate Certificate\">Online Destination Marketing and Management Graduate Certificate<\/option><option value=\"Online Healthcare Simulation Certificate\">Online Healthcare Simulation Certificate<\/option><option value=\"Online Juvenile Justice Leadership Graduate Certificate\">Online Juvenile Justice Leadership Graduate Certificate<\/option><option value=\"Optical Image Systems\">Optical Image Systems<\/option><option value=\"Optics and Photonics, MS\">Optics and Photonics, MS<\/option><option value=\"Police Leadership\">Police Leadership<\/option><option value=\"Political Science, BA\">Political Science, BA<\/option><option value=\"Pre-Kindergarten Disabilities\">Pre-Kindergarten Disabilities<\/option><option value=\"Professional Writing Graduate Certificate\">Professional Writing Graduate Certificate<\/option><option value=\"Project Engineering\">Project Engineering<\/option><option value=\"Psychology, BS\">Psychology, BS<\/option><option value=\"Public Administration, BA\/BS\">Public Administration, BA\/BS<\/option><option value=\"Public Finance and Economic Development Graduate Certificate\">Public Finance and Economic Development Graduate Certificate<\/option><option value=\"Public Management and Leadership\">Public Management and Leadership<\/option><option value=\"Quality Assurance\">Quality Assurance<\/option><option value=\"Reading Education, MEd\">Reading Education, MEd<\/option><option value=\"Religion and Cultural Studies, BA\">Religion and Cultural Studies, BA<\/option><option value=\"Research Administration Certificate\">Research Administration Certificate<\/option><option value=\"Research Administration, MRA\">Research Administration, MRA<\/option><option value=\"Secondary Education, MEd - English Language Arts\">Secondary Education, MEd - English Language Arts<\/option><option value=\"Secondary Education, MEd - Mathematics Education\">Secondary Education, MEd - Mathematics Education<\/option><option value=\"Secondary Education, MEd - Science Education\">Secondary Education, MEd - Science Education<\/option><option value=\"Social Sciences, BS\">Social Sciences, BS<\/option><option value=\"Sociology, BA\/BS\">Sociology, BA\/BS<\/option><option value=\"Special Education\">Special Education<\/option><option value=\"Sustainability, BA\/BS\">Sustainability, BA\/BS<\/option><option value=\"Systems Engineering\">Systems Engineering<\/option><option value=\"Systems Engineering, MSSE\">Systems Engineering, MSSE<\/option><option value=\"Theme Park and Attraction Management, BS\">Theme Park and Attraction Management, BS<\/option><option value=\"Theoretical and Applied Ethics\">Theoretical and Applied Ethics<\/option><option value=\"Travel Technology and Analytics, MS\">Travel Technology and Analytics, MS<\/option><option value=\"Writing and Rhetoric, BA\">Writing and Rhetoric, BA<\/option><\/select><\/div><\/li><\/ul>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"gform-page-footer gform_page_footer top_label\">\n                         \n<html><body><button type=\"button\" id=\"gform_next_button_109_26\" class=\"gform_next_button gform-theme-button button\" onclick=\"gform.submission.handleButtonClick(this);\" data-submission-type=\"next\">Next<\/button><\/body>\n \n                    <\/html><\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div id=\"gform_page_109_2\" class=\"gform_page\" data-js=\"page-field-id-26\" style=\"display:none;\">\n                    <div class=\"gform_page_fields\">\n                        <ul id=\"gform_fields_109_2\" class=\"gform_fields top_label form_sublabel_below description_below validation_below\"><li id=\"field_109_35\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-select gfield--input-type-select gfield--width-full gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"><label class=\"gfield_label gform-field-label\" for=\"input_109_35\">Preferred Start Term<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_asterisk\">*<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class=\"ginput_container ginput_container_select\"><select name=\"input_35\" id=\"input_109_35\" class=\"large gfield_select\" aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"><option value=\"1870\">Summer 2026<\/option><option value=\"1880\">Fall 2026<\/option><option value=\"1890\">Spring 2027<\/option><option value=\"1900\">Summer 2027<\/option><option value=\"1910\">Fall 2027<\/option><option value=\"1920\">Spring 2028<\/option><option value=\"1930\">Summer 2028<\/option><option value=\"1940\">Fall 2028<\/option><option value=\"1950\">Spring 2029<\/option><option value=\"1960\">Summer 2029<\/option><\/select><\/div><\/li><li id=\"field_109_27\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-select gfield--input-type-select gfield--width-full gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"><label class=\"gfield_label gform-field-label\" for=\"input_109_27\">Have you graduated high school or GED\/equivalent?<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_asterisk\">*<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class=\"ginput_container ginput_container_select\"><select name=\"input_27\" id=\"input_109_27\" class=\"small gfield_select\" aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"><option value=\"No\">No<\/option><option value=\"Yes\">Yes<\/option><\/select><\/div><\/li><li id=\"field_109_33\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-select gfield--input-type-select gfield--width-full gfield_contains_required field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"><label class=\"gfield_label gform-field-label\" for=\"input_109_33\">How many college credits do you have?<span class=\"gfield_required\"><span class=\"gfield_required gfield_required_asterisk\">*<\/span><\/span><\/label><div class=\"ginput_container ginput_container_select\"><select name=\"input_33\" id=\"input_109_33\" class=\"large gfield_select\" aria-required=\"true\" aria-invalid=\"false\"><option value=\"0-29\">0-29<\/option><option value=\"30-59\">30-59<\/option><option value=\"Over 60\">Over 60<\/option><option value=\"I have a bachelor&#039;s degree\">I have a bachelor&#039;s degree<\/option><option value=\"I have a graduate degree\">I have a graduate degree<\/option><option value=\"Unsure\">Unsure<\/option><\/select><\/div><\/li><li id=\"field_109_36\" class=\"gfield gfield--type-select gfield--input-type-select gfield--width-full field_sublabel_below gfield--no-description field_description_below field_validation_below gfield_visibility_visible\"><label class=\"gfield_label gform-field-label\" for=\"input_109_36\">Current Residence<\/label><div class=\"ginput_container 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Notice<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\" col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t\nMaking the decision to earn your college degree can be life-changing. Whether you completed a few courses in the past and are interested in completing a degree, just finished your associate degree, or are at the point where a graduate degree is on your mind, deciding to continue your education is major. So, what steps can you make to start off as smoothly as possible on your new path? This article will help you identify those steps and help you as you consider if UCF and an online program are the right fit for you.\n<h2 class=\"mt-4\">Step 1: Think about your college\/university needs.<\/h2>\n<p>One of the most important considerations when going back to school is choosing the right institution. Which one will fit your needs and academic situation at this time? Even when considering solely online schools, there are a variety of factors to consider such as:<\/p>\n<p><strong class=\"mt-2\">Length of Classes:<\/strong> Some online universities offer 6- to 8-week terms for classes. Others, such as UCF, follow typical 16-week semesters and 6-, 8- and 12-week summer-session offerings. As a guideline, each credit hour of class requires 3 credit hours of work outside of class time.<\/p>\n<p><strong class=\"mt-2\">GPA\/GRE Requirements:<\/strong> Consider the college\/university\u2019s published GPA requirements. A 2.0 cumulative GPA is generally required by UCF and its partner institutions. Many graduate programs look for an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and may also require a competitive score on the GRE.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"jumbotron jumbotron-fluid \">\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"container\"><em><strong class=\"mt-2\">Resource Tip:<\/strong> Are you an international student considering UCF? Make sure to get an official course-by-course evaluation from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jsilny.org\/pdf\/universityofcentralflorida-undergraduate.pdf\">Josef Silny &amp; Associates<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wes.org\/\" rel=\"nofollow\">World Education Services<\/a> for all international post-secondary (college or university) coursework you have completed. <\/em><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<p><strong class=\"mt-2\">Accreditation:<\/strong> Look at the accreditation of the institution. Most public four-year institutions are regionally accredited so credits are likely to transfer to another regionally accredited institution. The educational institution will be able to speak to its specific requirements, though. UCF typically accepts transfer credits from schools accredited by the following agencies:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC)<\/li>\n<li>Higher Learning Commission (HLC)<\/li>\n<li>Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)<\/li>\n<li>New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)<\/li>\n<li>Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)<\/li>\n<li>Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)<\/li>\n<li>Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)<\/li>\n<li>WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong class=\"mt-2\">Technology:<\/strong> What learning platform does your school use to facilitate learning? Do you have the technological know-how to manage your learning in them? UCF Online uses the <a href=\"https:\/\/cdl.ucf.edu\/support\/webcourses\/guides\/student-tour\/\">CANVAS platform (Webcourses)<\/a> to manage all online learning.<\/p>\n<p><strong class=\"mt-2\">Support resources available:<\/strong> As an online student who is located remotely from the main campus in Orlando, support in your learning will be of the utmost importance. So consider: How does the institution and program help, motivate, and assist its online learners to be successful? UCF offers a wide variety of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/online\/student-resources\/\">resources<\/a> to its students. From the library and Writing Center, to Career Services, Experiential Learning and Student Accessibility Services, our online students are supported and aided every step of their university journey.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"jumbotron jumbotron-fluid \">\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"container\"><em><strong class=\"mt-2\">Added Bonus:<\/strong> UCF offers success coaches for its online students as resources who are knowledgeable about university procedures and resources (Learn more in Step 5.)<\/em><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<h2 class=\"mt-4\">Step 2: Think Finances, Think FAFSA<\/h2>\n<p>One of the first things prospective students are encouraged to think about when deciding to further their education is finances. Namely, how will you finance your studies and your life during the time you are in school?<\/p>\n<p>Your first step is filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which will help the school determine how much, and what types of aid you qualify for. The FAFSA must be renewed annually, so even if you went to another school last year, you still need to renew it to attend UCF Online. The FAFSA should be completed early \u2014 as soon as you begin thinking about returning to school \u2014 and is available each year starting Oct. 1t for the next school year.<\/p>\n<p>Not sure what school you are interested in quite yet? No worries. You can always go back into the FAFSA and put in a school\u2019s code once you have determined for sure which institution you will attend. Your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/financial-aid\/apply\/fafsa\/\">FAFSA information gets sent to UCF<\/a> when you enter our school code: <strong>003954<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"jumbotron jumbotron-fluid \">\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"container\"><em><strong class=\"mt-2\">Resource Tip:<\/strong> Interested in learning what financial aid and scholarships UCF offers? <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/online\/financial-aid\/\">Click here<\/a> to visit our financial aid website.<\/em><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<h2 class=\"mt-4\">Step 3: Consider your goals and interests.<\/h2>\n<p>Determining your goals and interest is one of the most important steps in the process of going back to school. Why? Your decision determines the path of your academic life and career for the foreseeable future. Still, many students lose interest in their degree program or can no longer see themselves working in the field in which they are pursuing education.<\/p>\n<p>To avoid this later, spend time now considering where you see yourself in five years. Research a little. Look up your dream job and determine the minimum requirements to get it in both degrees and skills. Also, as you choose a major, consider what you can do with it.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"jumbotron jumbotron-fluid \">\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"container\"><em><strong class=\"mt-2\">Resource Tip:<\/strong> You can use the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.myplan.com\/majors\/index.php\">MyPlan research tool<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/whatcanidowiththismajor.com\/info.html\">others like it<\/a> to look up college majors and degrees and the careers they lead to.<\/em><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<h2 class=\"mt-4\">Step 4: Choose your program.<\/h2>\n<p>Now that you have determined your area of interest, start exploring programs that meet or will allow you to develop and learn more about those areas. Here are a few resources we recommend to help you choose (or narrow down) your program of interest.<\/p>\n<p><strong class=\"mt-2\">UCF Online website brochures.<\/strong> Choose the program you are interested in on UCF Online and then download a brochure after you have entered your contact information. Ideally, UCF Online will reach out to you within a few business days to discuss your educational background, direct you to program resources, and get you connected to your next steps.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"jumbotron jumbotron-fluid \">\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"container\"><em><strong class=\"mt-2\">Don\u2019t forget:<\/strong> Program brochures also tell prerequisites and other criteria that students must meet to be eligible for the program. Remember to consider if you meet these criteria before you apply.<\/em><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<p><strong class=\"mt-2\">The University Catalog System:<\/strong> Struggling to decide between two majors? Take a look at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/catalog\/undergraduate\/#\/home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">undergraduate<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/catalog\/graduate\/#\/home\">graduate<\/a> catalog to review program information for the current school year. Our online catalog system has information such as program descriptions, prerequisites, program mode, number of credit hours required, course descriptions, elective options, program contacts, application requirements and deadlines and additional information.<\/p>\n<p><strong class=\"mt-2\">Transfer Student Resources:<\/strong> Wondering how your credits might transfer? UCF has an ever-expanding database of transfer-student resources that includes a <a href=\"https:\/\/registrar.ucf.edu\/transfer-student-resources\/\">transfer credit equivalency system<\/a> through the Registrar\u2019s Office. Check it out to get a general idea of how some of your credits might transfer.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"mt-4\">Step 5: Connect with a coach.<\/h2>\n<p>Still have questions? Or need a little help in the process of choosing a program that is the right fit for you? Want to know more about your program or your specific case? Struggling at some point in the enrollment process? UCF Online has you covered!<\/p>\n<p>After you have downloaded a brochure, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/online\/connect-center\/\">UCF Online Connect Center<\/a> will contact you or you can reach out to get started on your next steps toward joining the Knight Nation.<\/p>\n<p>Our connect specialists will get you registered and ready for your next step \u2014 joining an informational webinar that covers programs, application, admissions and services UCF Online offers to fully online students, graduate or undergraduate. Then we will match you to a success coach \u2014 a specially trained collaborator who will refer you to resources as you need them and help you in developing strategies and skills you need to complete your program.<\/p>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"jumbotron jumbotron-fluid \">\n\t\t\t\t\n<div class=\"container\"><em><strong class=\"mt-2\">Extra TIP:<\/strong> How to prepare for your success coaching appointment? It\u2019s easy. Bring your questions, any outstanding enrollment tasks, and a willingness to participate in open and honest conversation about your academic self, your interests, and your goals.<\/em><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n<p>From the time you show interest to graduation, UCF online supports students and prospective students to meet their educational goals and advance toward their degrees. We wish you the best as you start on this next phase of your academic journey. May you choose to become Knighted and Charge On!<\/p>\n<hr>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col-12 col-md-4 col-lg-4\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<hr>\n<h2 class=\" mb-3 h5\">Fastest Growing Online Degrees<\/h2>\n<hr hr-2 hr-primary>\n\t\t<div class=\"degree-list-wrapper \">\n\t\t\t<ul class=\"degree-list\">\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"degree-list-program\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/online\/degree\/communication-and-conflict-b-a\/\">Communication and Conflict, BA<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"degree-list-program\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/online\/degree\/community-engagement\/\">Community Engagement Graduate Certificate<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"degree-list-program\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/online\/degree\/event-management\/\">Event Management Graduate Certificate<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"degree-list-program\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/online\/degree\/executive-master-health-administration\/\">Executive Master of Health Administration, EMHA<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"degree-list-program\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/online\/degree\/hospitality-and-tourism-management-m-s\/\">Hospitality and Tourism Management, MS<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"degree-list-program\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/online\/degree\/local-government-management\/\">Local Government Management Graduate Certificate<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"degree-list-program\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/online\/degree\/master-public-administration\/\">Master of Public Administration, MPA<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"degree-list-program\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/online\/degree\/master-of-social-work-msw\/\">Master of Social Work Online<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"degree-list-program\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/online\/degree\/psychology-b-s\/\">Psychology, BS<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t<li class=\"degree-list-program\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/online\/degree\/public-finance-economic-development\/\">Public Finance and Economic Development Graduate Certificate<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/online\/programs\">Or View All Online Degree Programs<\/a><br>\n\t\t\t<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"jumbotron jumbotron-fluid mb-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<h2 class=\"h3 mb-3\">About the Author<\/h2>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\" col-lg-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-fluid rounded-circle\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/online\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/19\/files\/2021\/03\/Jama-Picture.jpg\" alt=\"Jama Riley\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"img-fluid rounded-circle lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" alt=\"Jama Riley\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/online\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/19\/files\/2021\/03\/Jama-Picture.jpg\"><br>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\" col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<strong>Jama Riley<\/strong><br>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/online\/connect-center\/\">UCF Blogger<\/a><br>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<div class=\" col-lg-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\n<hr>\n<h2 class=\"mt-4 mb-3 h4 text-center\">You May Also Enjoy<\/h2>\n<hr>\n<p><\/p><div class=\"ucf-post-list ucf-post-list-thumbnail\" id=\"post-list-357547\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-deck\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-item\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-link text-decoration-none d-flex flex-column\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/online\/student-resources\/9-tips-to-get-you-on-the-right-track\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-title\">Starting your first semester? 9 Tips to Get You on the Right Track<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-block media-background-container h-100 hidden-sm-down\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/19\/files\/2021\/03\/first-day-575x438.jpg\" class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-image media-background object-fit-cover\" alt><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-image media-background object-fit-cover lazyload\" alt data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/19\/files\/2021\/03\/first-day-575x438.jpg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-item\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-link text-decoration-none d-flex flex-column\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/online\/student-resources\/course-modalities\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-title\">UCFOnline Course Modalities<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-block media-background-container h-100 hidden-sm-down\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/19\/files\/2020\/06\/Course-Modalities-RA.jpg\" class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-image media-background object-fit-cover\" alt><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-image media-background object-fit-cover lazyload\" alt data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/19\/files\/2020\/06\/Course-Modalities-RA.jpg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-item\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-link text-decoration-none d-flex flex-column\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/online\/student-resources\/being-social-online\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-title\">Being Social Online<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-block media-background-container h-100 hidden-sm-down\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/19\/files\/2019\/07\/Being_Social-575x345.jpg\" class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-image media-background object-fit-cover\" alt><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-image media-background object-fit-cover lazyload\" alt data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/19\/files\/2019\/07\/Being_Social-575x345.jpg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-item\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-link text-decoration-none d-flex flex-column\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/online\/student-resources\/what-to-expect-from-ucf-online\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-title\">What to Expect from UCF Online?<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-block media-background-container h-100 hidden-sm-down\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/19\/files\/2019\/07\/Online_Expectations-575x345.jpg\" class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-image media-background object-fit-cover\" alt><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-image media-background object-fit-cover lazyload\" alt data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/19\/files\/2019\/07\/Online_Expectations-575x345.jpg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-deck\">\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-item\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-link text-decoration-none d-flex flex-column\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/online\/student-resources\/how-to-fill-out-your-fafsa-for-ucf-online\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-title\">How to Fill Out Your FAFSA For UCF Online<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-block media-background-container h-100 hidden-sm-down\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/19\/files\/2019\/06\/filling-out-fasfa-575x279.jpg\" class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-image media-background object-fit-cover\" alt><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-image media-background object-fit-cover lazyload\" alt data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/19\/files\/2019\/06\/filling-out-fasfa-575x279.jpg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-item\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-link text-decoration-none d-flex flex-column\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/online\/student-resources\/new-student-checklist\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-title\">New Student Checklist<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-block media-background-container h-100 hidden-sm-down\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/19\/files\/2018\/12\/graduate-admissions-m-575x431.jpg\" class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-image media-background object-fit-cover\" alt><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-image media-background object-fit-cover lazyload\" alt data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/19\/files\/2018\/12\/graduate-admissions-m-575x431.jpg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-item\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-link text-decoration-none d-flex flex-column\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/online\/student-resources\/writing-center\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-title\">Writing Center<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-block media-background-container h-100 hidden-sm-down\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/19\/files\/2016\/12\/UWC-full-575x216.jpg\" class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-image media-background object-fit-cover\" alt><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-image media-background object-fit-cover lazyload\" alt data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/19\/files\/2016\/12\/UWC-full-575x216.jpg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-item\">\n\t\t\t\t<a class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-link text-decoration-none d-flex flex-column\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/online\/student-resources\/online-student-guidelines\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-title\">Online Student Guidelines<\/span>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-block media-background-container h-100 hidden-sm-down\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/19\/files\/2015\/07\/knight-statue.jpg\" class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-image media-background object-fit-cover\" alt><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" class=\"ucf-post-list-thumbnail-image media-background object-fit-cover lazyload\" alt data-src=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/19\/files\/2015\/07\/knight-statue.jpg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<br>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":59,"featured_media":25497,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"template-fullscreen.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[1045],"tags":[1048,3656],"class_list":["post-25496","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-resources","tag-coach-tips","tag-prospective"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v22.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How To Prepare For College | UCF Online<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Making the decision to earn your college degree can be life-changing. Whether you completed a few courses in the past and are interested in completing a degree, just finished your associate degree, or are at the point where a graduate degree is on your mind, deciding to continue your education is major. So, what steps can you make to start off as smoothly as possible on your new path? This article will help you identify those steps and help you as you consider if UCF and an online program are the right fit for you.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/online\/student-resources\/how-to-prepare-for-college\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How To Prepare For College\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Making the decision to earn your college degree can be life-changing. Whether you completed a few courses in the past and are interested in completing a degree, just finished your associate degree, or are at the point where a graduate degree is on your mind, deciding to continue your education is major. So, what steps can you make to start off as smoothly as possible on your new path? 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