How to go to college
Tips for success for first-generation and new college students
Everyone has different reasons for going to college, but many of us have the same goal in mind: to get a good job.
And these days, getting a good job requires having better and different skills. By 2031, about 72% of jobs will need some kind of formal training or education beyond a high school diploma1.
This is why many high school students and adult learners attend College of Lake County (CLC). Here, you can earn an associate degree or career certificate to get a good job in a high-demand field.
You also can earn credits that transfer to a 4-year university where you can earn a bachelor’s degree. You save big money—an average of $30,000 in tuition and fees2—by spending your first two years at CLC and living at home.
College for first-generation students
Going to college can be especially stressful for first-generation students. It’s hard to know, what should I expect from college? If you’re the first person in your immediate family to ever attend college, you may not have someone who can answer your college questions.
In this case, it helps to choose a college like CLC. Nearly 49% of students who attended CLC during the 2024 school year were first-generation students3. We understand your concerns and get you support to help you succeed. We stick by your side every step of the way through graduation.
How do I start going to college?
Most schools have a process to follow to start going to college. Typically, you fill out forms, sign up for classes, figure out how to pay for school, and prepare for the first day of class.
It is super important to complete the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Or the Illinois Alternative Application. These forms help you get financial aid to pay for school. Your aid might include loans, scholarships, grants and work-study programs. CLC has free workshops to help you fill out the forms.
Of course, you want to choose a college that teaches the program you need for the career you want. Or has programs that transfer to the 4-year school you plan to attend.
Not exactly sure what to study? Learn how your interests align with in-demand jobs. Evaluate career options with Career Coach, an online assessment tool.
Even if you know what you want to study, starting college can be a scary and overwhelming experience. You may wonder, am I ready for college? Can I afford it? And how will I balance going to school with a busy work and family life?
Your College and Career Navigator can provide answers to these and other questions.
Sources:
1 Carnevale, A. P., Smith, N., & Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. (2023). Degrees will increasingly dominate job growth in US, defying the decline in public trust in higher education, Georgetown University report says [Report]. Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. https://cew.georgetown.edu/wp-content/uploads/Projections_2031-press_release.pdf
2 CLC Community Impact Report 2023. (2024, September 5). Issuu. https://issuu.com/clcpublicrelations/docs/2023_clc_community_impact_web-1/18
3College of Lake County, Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Planning and Research (IEPR). (2024, September 18).