It's the season of graduation ceremonies. Have you ever attended such a ceremony and envisioned yourself as one of the graduates? If you have the opportunity to attend such an event, do it. It might inspire you to develop your game plan to walk across that stage to get your high school diploma, attend college, and earn your bachelor's degree.

--Way2GoMaryland Staff

"Challenge yourself in high school. Not every class you take will or should be easy. If you are willing to work hard, you'll learn so much more than if you are in a class to get an A because it's easy. Build good work habits and learn great study skills to prepare you for the next step in your education."

--Drew Kelly, College of Southern Maryland Student

"The more you do now, the less you'll have to do later. Start thinking NOW about college. Start thinking about what you need to do NOW to make sure you're successful in the future and to make sure that you can get into college. Do your homework NOW. Get good grades NOW. Because once NOW is gone, you won't have a chance to fix it."

--Jaishri Shankar, University of Maryland, College Park Student

Every dollar families can save is a dollar less they may need to borrow in the future to finance a college education for their children or grandchildren. To learn more about college savings plans opportunities, visit: CollegeSavingsMD.org,

--Joan Marshall, Executive Director, College Savings Plans of Maryland

Have you ever visited a college or university campus? Attending a play or concert, participating in special youth programs, or going to an athletic event are all great ways to learn something about campus life. Visit the websites of campuses near you and find something that might interest you and your family. On April 30, the University of Maryland, College Park will open its doors to all for free at Maryland Day. Check out what you can explore at Maryland Day: http://www.marylandday.umd.edu/.

--Way2GoMaryland Staff

During the holiday break, take some time to talk to family members about your dreams for college.

--Way2GoMaryland Staff

Surround yourself with role models, and don't be afraid to learn from others.

--Governor Martin O'Malley

Check out the summer 2011 programs being offered by the University System of Maryland institutions. Computer programming, sports, the arts, academic skills enrichment . . . you're sure to find something that will interest you. Start your search here: http://www.way2gomaryland.org/SummerOps.html

--Way2GoMaryland Staff

It's not too early to register for academic, sports, leadership, and other types of summer camps. Many institutions of the University System of Maryland offer summer camps for elementary, middle school, and high school students. Community centers around the state also offer opportunities for fun and enrichment. Take a little time with your parents/guardians to explore websites and learn more.

--Way2GoMaryland Staff

Each of you has a story. Our stories represent the sum of all of our experiences, especially our experiences as children. Our stories also include what our parents, grandparents, and other family members have gone through in their lives. I encourage you to ask your family members, especially the older ones, to tell you their stories.
As you get older, you will see how your story is connected to their stories. Stories motivate us all.

--Freeman Hrabowski, III, President, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Looking for a good place to explore college majors and careers? Check out the College Board's Major and Career Profile web pages at: http://www.collegeboard.com/csearch/majors_careers/profiles/.

--The College Board

Are you trying to improve your writing skills? Tips offered by the Freshman Writing Program at the University of Maryland, College Park (UMCP), might help you produce a better essay or a stronger research paper. Check out the tips at: http://www.newsdesk.umd.edu/culture/2006/Writing/froshtips.cfm.

--UMCP Freshman Writing Program

What advice would you give middle- or high-school students who are preparing for college? Also, what tips would you offer parents/guardians to help them help their children prepare for college? Send your tips to way2gomaryland.org and they may be posted on this website. Make sure you include your name. If you are a student, also include your grade and the name and location (city) of your school. If you are an adult, also tell us who you are, for example, a parent/guardian, teacher, or guidance counselor.

--Way2GoMaryland Staff

Have you requested your FREE Way2GoMaryland poster yet? It includes grade-by-grade recommendations for the courses you should take to help you prepare for applying to college. Ask your parent/guardian to request one for you by sending an e-mail to way2gomaryland@usmd.edu.

--Way2GoMaryland Staff

What have you read lately? Take time to read a novel, a comic book, an online article, or a poem. The more you read, the better prepared you are to take on academic challenges successfully.

--Way2GoMaryland Staff

You are never too young to think about your future. Find a mentor who can help guide you as you choose courses and extracurricular activities. Take advantage of their experiences and learn positive behaviors and skills from them that can benefit you later in life.

--Susan C. Aldridge, President of University of Maryland University College

If you missed Maryland Public Television's broadcast of "You Can Afford College," watch it online here: http://www.mpt.org/ycac

--Way2GoMaryland Staff

Want to learn how saving for college can be easy and affordable? Register for a College Savings Plans of Maryland webinar. The next ones are scheduled for January 26 and February 17. Learn more at: www.CollegeSavingsMD.org/webinar.

--College Savings Plans of Maryland

More than anything else, be honest and true with yourself. Know what is in your heart and strive to be the best student you can be. Do not let your peers talk you out of striving for excellence.

--Jonathan Gibralter, President, Frostburg State University

Always try to make choices that increase, rather than decrease, your options in the future.

--Mickey L. Burnim, President, Bowie State University

Join host Mario Armstrong at 1 pm Saturday, Jan. 8, to explore the maze of questions surrounding financial aid and paying for college. For more information, visit: http://www.mpt.org/ycac.

--Maryland Public Television

The Way2GoMaryland Staff extend a wish for a happy and productive holiday season. Use this time with your family to discuss your plans for college.

--Way2GoMaryland Staff

What are you doing during your holiday break? Take a little time to visit websites of universities and colleges to learn more about college life and requirements for admission. Start here: http://www.usmd.edu/institutions/

--Way2GoMaryland Staff

Disappointed with your grades so far this school year? It's not too late to turn around your grade-point average. Seek advice from your parents or guardians, teachers, guidance counselors, and friends. Doing nothing is not the way to go.

--Way2GoMaryland Staff

Do you think you're not smart enough? Do you think you can't afford college? There are programs for everybody and there are scholarships, grants, work-study, athletics, loans, military service, and the list goes on. There are people in your school who can help you. Ask a teacher or guidance counselor and they will be happy to help you. You just have to want to do it.

--Patrick Correlli, UMES Alumnus

When going into high school, it is important to consider taking honors and AP (Advanced Placement) courses. Honors classes will prepare you for the kind of work that you will have in college, and AP classes will actually earn you college credit if you do well enough.

--Michael Nevarrez, UMBC Student

Learn how to write. The greatest skill I developed during middle and high school was my writing. And the best, and most effective, way to learn how to write is by doing it! Take pride in what you write, and make each paper for each class exceptional. Edit with your teachers, with your parents, with your classmates. You'll get better at writing the more and more you write.

--Caitlyn Leiter-Mason, UMBC Freshman

Read, read, read! Whether it's Washingtonpost.com or your father's Economist, reading is the best way to build your knowledge beyond the classroom. And it's never too early to learn what interests you, and where your passions lie.

--Susan C. Aldridge, President, University of Maryland University College

Don't be afraid to aim high, even if it means falling short. Setting goals allows you to hold yourself accountable.

--Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley

Can you answer the SAT Question of the Day correctly? Some colleges require applicants to take the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test). Test yourself here: http://sat.collegeboard.com/practice/sat-question-of-the-day.

--Way2GoMaryland Staff

Work hard to do your best in math in elementary and middle school. That hard work will pay off well in your high-school and college math courses.

--P.J. Hogan, Associate Vice Chancellor for Government Affairs, University System of Maryland

Create good study habits now that you can carry with you to college. Figure out creative ways to learn and retain new information such as making flash cards, writing outlines, or singing jingles — there are many ways to help with memory retention. Consider working in study groups with other students to prepare for big exams or projects. Study groups are a great way to get help if you need it and stay motivated.

--President Robert L. Caret, Towson University

Communication is the key. Communicate with your parents/guardians, teachers/administrators, and your peers. Get help when you need it and offer it when you don't. "It takes a village" to get where you want to go. Be an active citizen of that village and there will be no stopping you!

--Lynn J. Davie, Parent of College Freshman

Are you a 6th, 7th, or 8th grader living in Cecil or Harford County, Maryland? If so, encourage your parents/guardians to register you and them to attend the FREE University System of Maryland Way2GoMaryland event at Harford Community College on November 13, 2010. Get valuable tips on charting your path to college and enter the essay contest for a chance to win an Ipod shuffle or other prizes. Visit http://www.way2gomaryland.org/Nov13.php for the details.

--Way2GoMaryland Staff

With the new school year well under way, take a moment to consider how you're doing so far. Are you having trouble with a math or science concept? Are you feeling a little lost in your English or social studies class? Don't wait until it's too late. Talk to your teacher now to get back on track.

--Way2GoMaryland Staff

It's never too early to start thinking about what courses you want and need to take to prepare for college. Throughout middle and high school, work with your guidance counselors, teachers, parents and guardians, and others to make the academic decisions that will put you on the path to college.

--Chancellor William E. Kirwan, University System of Maryland

Every single one of you has something you're good at. Every single one of you has something to offer. And you have a responsibility to yourself to discover what this is. That's the opportunity an education can provide.

--excerpt from President Barack Obama's 2009 back-to-school speech

Celebrate College Savings Month by opening a 529 Plan. Did you know that 529 plans can be used by children and adults? Did you know they can be used at ELIGIBLE four-year universities, community colleges, trade schools, and technical schools? Learn more by visiting http://www.collegesavingsmd.org/collegesavingsmonth.aspx)

--College Savings Plans of Maryland

The beginning of a new school year is a great time to make a fresh start. Study hard and commit yourself to doing the best you can do. Join organizations that will help you improve your social and leadership skills. And don't forget that your family members, teachers, and counselors are your partners on your path to college.

--Way2GOMaryland Staff

Check out our Kids' Zone to play games to build your math skills, learn more about your public or private school and about colleges, and learn interesting facts about education. Visit: http://nces.ed.gov/nceskids/index.asp

--National Center for Education Statistics

What do you want to be when you grow up? "Be What I Want to Be" will help you learn what it takes to prepare for specific careers. Check out the site at: www.bewhatiwanttobe.com!

--Maryland Business Roundtable for Education

It's never too early to begin preparing for the SAT (the Scholastic Aptitude Test that some colleges and universities require you to take as part of your application). The College Board offers a "Question of the Day" to help familiarize you with the test. Check it out:Click Here!

--Way2GoMaryland Staff

When is the last time you talked to family members and friends about your college dreams? Take some time this summer to do so. This could be one of the most important steps you take as you work to realize your dreams.

--Way2GoMaryland Staff

Perhaps the best and the smartest commitment you can make is to work hard to prepare for college, get admitted, and earn your degree. Doing so will offer you a future of tremendous opportunity.

--University System of Maryland Chancellor William E. Kirwan

Find a mentor to help you stay on track to college. To learn how, click here to visit the website.

--Maryland Go4It

How are you spending your summer vacation? Broaden your horizons and visit some of the wonderful museums in Maryland and in Washington, DC. What you discover might amaze and inspire you.

--Way2GoMaryland Staff

Get answers to common questions about college: Read the "college q&a question of the week" at www.college.gov

--U.S. Department of Education

Read any good books lately? Need some suggestions? Visit your local library and get some tips on interesting and exciting books. Read a few during your summer vacation and improve your reading and comprehension skills. Strengthening these skills will help prepare you for college admission and success.

--Way2GoMaryland Staff

Everything you need to research college is free. There are so many wonderful resources to investigate college options on the Internet, and all of the reputable ones come at no cost. Also, use all of the services offered by your school's guidance office. They are there to help you.

--Jonathan Gibralter, President, Frostburg State University

Want to learn four basic steps to college? Visit the American Council on Education's KnowHow2Go site: www.knowhow2go.org/main_4steps.php

--American Council on Education

It's never too early to start saving for your child's college education. Want to learn more? Visit: www.collegesavingsmd.org.

--College Savings Plans of Maryland

Get help and advice from your counselors and faculty. That will help you pick the right courses. My experience has shown me that the resources (for academic success and financial aid) are out there, and that any goal is attainable no matter how challenging it may be. You just need to put your mind to it. I wish I had started earlier (to get ready for college) so that I would have been better prepared.

--Summer Norris, criminology major, University of Maryland, College Park

Recognize your strengths and weaknesses. Try to take your strengths to the highest level and work on improving your weaknesses.

--Jonathan Gibralter, President, Frostburg State University

My experience has shown me that the resources are out there and any goal is attainable, no matter how challenging it may be, as long as you put your mind to it. I am so happy to see so many parents here with their middle children taking the initiative to start early, and get the information needed to take the right course needed because it is very important. I wish I had started earlier so that I would have been better prepared for college.

--Summer Norris, University of Maryland, College Park Junior (comments at May 8 Way2GoMaryland event)

Hear and learn from students who beat the odds to get into college. Visit www.knowhow2go.org/knowitall

--The American Council on Education

More than anything else, be honest and true with yourself. Know what is in your heart and strive to be the best student you can be. Do not let your peers talk you out of striving for excellence.

--Jonathan Gibralter, President, Frostburg State University

If your child is struggling with math, get help early. Talk to the teacher, guidance counselor, or principal. You might find an older student, or a college student, or even a professional tutor to work with your child. Don't feel bad if you can't help your child with math. What matters is that your child gets whatever help he/she needs.

--Maryland Business Roundtable for Education

With summer vacation not too far away, start looking for camps, volunteer positions, jobs (if you're old enough to work), and other opportunities that can help you enhance your skills, learn more about your interests, and just explore and have fun. Participation in such activities will help prepare you for college.

--Way2GoMaryland Staff

Challenge yourself with your classes. Take courses that will encourage you to work hard. College admissions offices are looking for students who have taken challenging courses.

--Jonathan Gibralter, President, Frostburg State University

Always try to make choices that increase, rather than decrease, your options in the future.

--Mickey L. Burnim, President, Bowie State University

Take a language other than English.

--Maryland Secretary of Higher Education James Lyons

Get involved in an activity or organization and you are guaranteed to have a more fulfilling experience. Your success in small or large settings often relies on your ability to be able to identify with a group and relate to others. Being connected through at least one activity or organization can make even a large campus or school seem smaller and easier to navigate.

--President Robert L. Caret, Towson University

Don't let anyone deter you from your dreams. You can control the influences in your life. Take charge now.

--Governor Martin O'Malley

Use FAFSA4caster at www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov to find out how much federal student aid your child might receive. This information will help you plan ahead.

--U.S. Department of Education

Get involved in as many activities as you can, as early as you can to develop leadership and team-building skills — skills that will help lay the foundation for a successful college experience. School clubs and activities, sports, community programs, and volunteer opportunities are great ways to get involved. Don't hesitate to raise your hand!

--Susan C. Aldridge, President, of University of Maryland University College

Check out knowhow2go.org, a campaign of the American Council on Education, for even more tips on preparing for college.

--Way2GoMaryland Staff

Try to find out what you're interested in early by doing research, getting involved in different activities, and working hard in your middle-school classes. By doing that, you can choose the high-school classes needed to prepare for college.

--Bryan Davie, Senior, Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Prince George's County

Challenge yourself by tackling the ACT Question of the Day. Some colleges require applicants to take the ACT as part of admissions requirements. Visit http://www.act.org/aap/ to learn more.

--Way2GoMaryland Staff

You are never too young to think about your future. Find a mentor who can help guide you as you choose courses and extracurricular activities. Take advantage of their experiences and learn positive behaviors and skills from them that can benefit you later in life.

--Susan C. Aldridge, President of University of Maryland University College

Visit www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov/early to find out why you should consider college now and how to pay for it.

--U.S. Department of Education

Beginning today, think hard about your goals for the future. Begin to shape your coursework and your activities around those goals.

--Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley

Adopt an "I can" mentality. Challenge yourself by taking AP courses or tackling an extra-credit project. Go the extra mile, get noticed, and you'll be one step ahead of the game. You are in charge of your destiny, and by being proactive, you can succeed — and you WILL.

--Susan C. Aldridge, President of University of Maryland University College

Take algebra or pre-algebra in the eighth grade.

--James Lyons, Maryland Secretary of Higher Education

During the holiday break, take some time to talk to family members about your dreams for college

--Way2GoMaryland Staff

Create good study habits now that you can carry with you to college. Figure out creative ways to learn and retain new information such as making flash cards, writing outlines, or singing jingles — there are many ways to help with memory retention. Consider working in study groups with other students to prepare for big exams or projects. Study groups are a great way to get help if you need it and stay motivated.

.--President Robert L. Caret, Towson University

Do you think you're not smart enough? Do you think you can't afford college? There are programs for everybody and there are scholarships, grants, work-study, athletics, loans, military service, and the list goes on. There are people in your school who can help you. Ask a teacher or guidance counselor and they will be happy to help you. You just have to want to do it.

--Patrick Correlli, Senior, University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Read, read, read! Whether it's Washingtonpost.com or your father's Economist, reading is the best way to build your knowledge beyond the classroom. And it's never too early to learn what interests you, and where your passions lie.

--Susan C. Aldridge, President, University of Maryland University College

It's okay to fail. I lost my first election by less than 50 votes and it made me a better candidate and a better public servant.

--Governor Martin O'Malley

Work to understand and perfect your most effective study habits and use them to do your very best work in all of your classes.

--Way2GoMaryland Staff

Talk to your school counselors about courses (classes in middle and high school) that will prepare you for college.

--Maryland Secretary of Higher Education James Lyons

Surround yourself with role models, and don't be afraid to learn from others.

--Governor Martin O'Malley

Don't let your financial situation limit where you want to attend college. Seek out scholarship and financial aid information early and look into such opportunities as becoming a resident assistant in your college dormitory to help with the cost of housing. There are plenty of ways around student loans. You just have to be proactive!

--Sarah Elfreth, Towson University Senior and Member of the University System of Maryland Board of Regents

Each of you has a story. Our stories represent the sum of all of our experiences, especially our experiences as children. Our stories also include what our parents, grandparents, and other family members have gone through in their lives. I encourage you to ask your family members, especially the older ones, to tell you their stories.
As you get older, you will see how your story is connected to their stories. Stories motivate us all.

--Freeman Hrabowski, III, President, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Don't be afraid to aim high, even if it means falling short. Setting goals allows you to hold yourself accountable.

--Governor Martin O'Malley

Challenge yourself by tackling the SAT Question of the Day. Some colleges require applicants to take the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test). Visit http://apps.collegeboard.com/qotd/question.do to learn more.

--Way2GoMaryland Staff