This handbook is a year-by-year planning guide to college preparatory activities for high school students and it begins with the 9th grade. These topics are included: (1) introduction to planning and the decision-making process; (2) educational and occupational alternatives; (3) considerations in choosing a college; (4) types of academic preparation after high school; (5) self-inventory and examination; (6) the jobs most likely to succeed; (7) careers in the armed forces; (8) college entrance requirements; (9) college entrance tests; (10) a partial list of Texas colleges; (11) facts about the college entrance tests; (12) researching college characteristics; (13) the campus visit and college evaluation; (14) a college selection checklist; (15) the application process; (16) a college comparison worksheet; (17) sample letters to colleges; (18) financial aid and the application process; (19) military service academies; (20) a timetable for college-bound youth; (21) general references; and (22) reference sources for financial aid. A list of military service academies, letter of application to a military service academy, a timetable for college bound youth, a high school-to-college checklist, and general reference list of 26 items are also included. (ABL)