The Middle School years are when you want to start considering your path to college, especially if your first choices are the more select schools. Competition is keen and over the next years, with the college bound student pool expanding and the number of select spots stagnant, it will get ever more so.

If you are that rare, early focused candidate, tell your parents (if they're not already telling you) and your guidance counselor (should your Middle School have one) about your goals. The more people you include in your interests, the more assistance you'll receive in your efforts. A successful candidate to a selective school is the product of his or her community. Share your ambition and you will succeed.

Challenge yourself and be curious. Take honors classes in your high school. Show initiative and become a leader. We need more good leaders at all ages. Now is a good time to start.

Learn to manage your time and build solid study skills. Both are absolutely essential to your success in high school, post-secondary school and life. Your goal is to be the most successful human being possible and push your natural talents to their very limit. Managing your assets (aptitude, interests and drive) wisely should begin now.

If you have specific colleges of interest, start learning about them. Go to their website, talk to local alumni, and visualize yourself there and succeeding. It's never too early to start building a positive mental picture of your future. Start dreaming.

Most colleges mention expected course loads of applicants. That information is easily found on websites and college information books in your library. Know what you need to know and compare requirements with your high school course plan. Standard college bound high school curriculum usually includes:

• 4 years of English & Literature
• 3 to 4 years of Math (including Advanced Algebra, Trig, and Calculus )
• 2 to 3 years of Foreign Language
• 2 to 4 years of Laboratory Science
• 2 years of History and Social Science
• 3 years of Electives from the above