Before crunching numbers and working out a fine-tuned college payment plan, first consider why you want to go in the first place. Generation X and Y were born in a unique era — most of us went or plan to go to college because “that’s what you do after high school.” We didn’t enroll with an end goal. Ask professional students what they actually plan on doing with their diploma, and nearly 90 percent have no clue (and think that’s just fine). What we see is an entire work force convinced that degree equals job.

My peers fresh out of college have no applicable skills, little real-world experience, and an “I deserve it attitude.” So this is why a decade later those same sixth-year seniors are finding new ways to enroll in post-grad work to wander through the wasteland of higher education, delaying even more life. This speed-off-to-more-class mentality leads to idleness or, even worse, disillusionment.

1. Get an apprenticeship

If you don’t have feel for your vocation, take time off or work during high school to learn from a professional who specializes in something you like. Offer to sweep floors, answer phone calls, anything to get a feel for the occupation. Owners love to employ free slaves. Devote a good amount of time to experimenting in different fields so you have a better picture of what your skills are and what you actually enjoy. This will save you thousands in tuition from switching majors three and four times.

2. Take Advanced Placement classes and tests in high school

But check with the universities you plan to attend to see if they have a limit on the number hours accepted for credit or if they accept AP scores at all. Inquire about taking CLEP tests instead — they are college-specific and have, historically, been easier to pass. That being said, the class work involved to prepare students for the test sets a good pace for college-level learning.

3. Take basic courses at a community college and then transfer

Only take courses that are commonly required by larger universities. If you plan on transferring to a specific college, thoroughly research the courses required for freshmen and sophomores — you don’t want to take unnecessary classes.

4. Search for scholarships and grants

If you value any cent of your dollar, apply for every give-away program you can. Many scholarships aren’t even awarded because they don’t have sufficient applicants. Talk to the counselor at your high school or a prospective college to get more details and do your own searching online. Yes, it is a pain to write 12 essays on a difficult life experience and how you grew because of it, but it will pay out in the end.

5. Seek employment after college that offers tuition reimbursement

Many employers offer additional stipends for student loans or reimbursements in exchange for a time commitment. The military has an education program, as do most police departments. Even more will pay for employees to attend graduate school. Do some investigation before accepting a position if you’re looking to continue with school.

6. Find a work-study program

Many schools offer campus work in exchange for tuition reimbursement.

7. Avoid private schools if you can help it

If the fantastic liberal arts school in Farawayville seems too enticing to pass up, take the rose-colored glasses off for a moment. Do some serious research. Is the price tag worth it? What do you plan on doing with your degree? Are you choosing an undergraduate program that requires a master’s degree as well to put it to use?