This week’s Learnist Top Ten feature is dedicated to planning for college and future. The economy is changing rapidly, and it is critical for students to be prepared for college and career. If you are a student or parent researching colleges, or an educator working with students for that matter, these boards will help you keep up with the changing college admissions landscape. The admissions and preparation process has changed radically from when I attended school. It is more critical than ever for everyone to understand these changes in order to prepare for a career in the 21st century world.

What “counts” in the College Admissions Process?
Learnist brings you a wealth of information on countless topics by leading national experts. This board by Keith Berman, is a must-see for anyone looking to apply to college. Keith has served in admissions in two Ivy League universities and is regularly quoted on the subject of college admissions by US News & World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” report. There is no one more qualified to speak on this topic than Keith.

Military Careers
Are you considering serving your country and letting Uncle Sam pay for your college? You can do both. This board has information about a straight-out-of-school military career as well as links to the United States Military Academies and the Reserve Officers Training Corps, both of which allow you to go to college for free.

Choosing and Paying for College
Choosing the right college is critical. Getting financial aid–even more so. It is possible to select a college you can afford which will be perfect for your career goals. You may need to look around the nation to do so. This board gives you helpful tips in thinking outside the box when choosing and paying for the college of your dreams so you won’t end up with the student loans of your nightmares.

Failure to Graduate College on Time
Just 54% of students who start their undergraduate careers graduate within six years. This is amazing. The expense involved with a university education can cripple a student and his or her family. Find out why graduating on time is so very important to career and financial success.

Tips for a Successful First Year of College
Having a successful first year of college sets the tone for graduating on time and for career success. This board contains a variety of strategies you can use to set the foundation for an outstanding first year.

Going to College: Choosing a Major and a Career
If you are attending college in the near future, must plan more than ever these days–with the cost of some colleges bringing the grand total to $200-$300K for a four year degree, you must focus not only on the experience of college but on the result. This board is dedicated to helping you work through those decisions as you choose a major, so you can put yourself in best possible place to have a rewarding career.

Resources for a Career Readiness Course
On this board, Patrina DiGiuseppe Blakeslee gives some excellent advice in networking, preparing resumes to beat keywords, the effective use of social media, and following up with individuals regarding careers. These skills are not often taught but make the difference between being able to network and connect effectively and being able to “close the deal” in the world of work as well.

Homeschool College Admissions
What do colleges look for? How do you gain admissions to the nation’s most prestigious universities if you have not followed the traditional educational path? Homeschool Success shows you how.

Colleges Go Green
Are sustainability and environmental issues important to you? Would you consider these when choosing a college? Use this board to discover the greenest colleges in the nation and identify the things they are doing to promote environmental awareness, sustainability, and help their communities at the same time. Do you know of a green college or university that was left out? Please add it to this Learnist board!

Community College
Community Colleges were formed to give students a value education. The mission was to allow everyone who wanted an education to be able to afford one. Students who were older, married, or attending school part time while working were labeled “non-traditional students.” This is not the case anymore, as pathways involving ivy-league or elite four-year colleges are not as common as they used to be. Find out if a community college might be for you.