Print this checklistTalk with a school counselor and your ag teacher about classes that fit your interestsList three ag careers that sound interesting and read their BLS profilesJoin or visit a club such as FFA or 4-H if your school or county has oneAsk to shadow someone who does a job you are curious aboutLook for supervised work, volunteering or a project you can start now (check youth work limits with the Department of Labor)Start a simple record of what you have done: projects, jobs, awards, skillsVisit one community college and one university program and ask what they offerLearn how financial aid works and what the official FAFSA site says about timingChoose two references who know your work and ask them politelyUpdate the list every semesterLast reviewed: November 12, 2026. Your checks are not saved.