Are you an 11th grader? Now is the time to start planning what you want to do after high school.

Are you going to college? Do you want to attend a large institution? A small one? Do your parents want you staying close to home? What about private versus public universities?

Consider carefully during your junior year. Set goals and objectives for yourself.

Jot down the post-secondary schools you think you might want to attend. Make a list of pros and cons for each of the schools -- university, junior college, technical -- so you can see which fit best for you.

Pick up a copy of Florida Trend's Next from your school's Student Services Department or go to www.floridanext.com. It offers a wealth of information and covers nearly everything you need to know about the state's public and private colleges plus technical/trade schools.

Take virtual tours and narrow your search to five or six institutions. If possible, visit your top choices during spring break, March 29 to April 2.

Eleventh graders and parents can gain great insight from Next about scholarships and other resources. Scholarships are available in many different areas -- from engineering (www.sae.org/students/scholarships) to culinary arts (www.sms.scholarship

america.org/

jamesbeard).

Some scholarships involve writing essays while others are work-related, such as the Chick-fil-A Leadership Scholarship (www.chickfila.com) and McDonald's scholarship program (www.mcdonalds.com/

usa/good/people/

scholarship.html).

Dad or mom in the military? Check out www.militaryscholar.org.

Various ethnic groups also provide scholarships. Greek heritage? Go to www.ahepa.org/education. Arab background? See www.aaiusa.org/foundation. The Gates Millennium Scholarship at www.gmsp.org is minority driven while the Ford Salute to Education (www.stescholarships.org/index.html) focuses on ``financial need, community involvement, academic achievement, leadership, character, life goals,'' according to Next.

Although many of scholarships are for high school seniors, there are some out there for you, juniors.

The Discover scholarship (www.discover

financial.com/community/

scholarship.shtml) is specifically for juniors and has a deadline of Jan. 31.

Girls between 12-18 who are entrepreneurs can check www.guardianlife.com/womens_channel. There is the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes if you are between 8 and 18 and doing community service (www.barronprize.org).

Academic scholarships are plentiful but highly competitive.

Take a look at the college application forms online: www.universalcollegeapp.com or www.commonapp.org. Juniors, you need to start a calendar: Sign up for the ACT and SAT. Take both examinations. Review your weak areas and retake the test with the best score.

Decrease your stress by taking the college boards before your senior year.

In addition to your grade point average and college boards, your extracurricular activities like sports and clubs boost your appeal to universities.

Volunteer service is also important.

Not only are colleges impressed with your giving, your life will be enriched and help you on your life journey.

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