Your eighth grade, freshman and sophomore years in school are the perfect years to begin planning for college. Even if you're not sure what you want to do after high school, keep your options open. Use these pivotal years to lay the foundation for a variety of possibilities, including college.

The following are some tips to help you as you plan for your future.

8th Grade:

1. Try to complete Algebra I by your 8th grade year. You can accomplish this task and receive high school credit for it by enrolling in UHM GEAR UP's Summer Algebra Academy.

2. Talk to members of your family, guidance counselors, and teachers about your post high school plans. Your interests, and the type of career that interests you, will help you decide what courses you should take in high school and college.

4. Shoot for A's and B's in all classes. Doing well in all of your classes improves your chances of not only graduating from middle and high school, but also getting into a good college.

1. Make sure you maintain good grades. If necessary, meet with your teacher for additional help.

2. Meet with your high school guidance counselor to discuss your plans for the next four years.

3. Get involved in extra curricular activities. Remember, it's the quality of your high school extra curricular activities, not the quantity. Be sure to keep a record of all extra curricular activites.

5. Strengthen your vocabulary by reading more often. Read at least 30 minutes a day, this should NOT include what you have to do for homework.