<p>Hi, Malik, I used to work in your citymore in Lynwood and Watts though. </p>
<p>Want to address the point that your parents have not been to college. What is more important is if they are supportive of you going.</p>
<p>Would suggest to you that you begin by getting online and picking at least 2 of the following nearby campuses and sign up on their website for a tour: USC, Occidental, UCLA, Loyola Marymount. Also pick one of the nearby CSU campuses if you have not been (Dominguez Hills or Long Beach I guess). I suggest these because they are close enough that they are do-able. Besides learning about these particular colleges, think about whether you like large or small, urban feeling or more secluded campus. Hopefully with enough notice one of your parents can take a vacation day and come with you. If not, can you drive or take public transit? If driving, you should be able to do two campuses in a day. </p>
<p>Note that USC prides itself on helping the neighborhoods nearby. Hopefully that proves true for you and their counselors will take some extra time with you on the college process generally. Call ahead and ask whats available. They also might have workshops. </p>
<p>Would love to see you build a support network of friends who are college bound. If you dont know anyone in your own school willing to talk about college plans, do you participate in activities with kids from other schools? Band, model UN, city youth commission? If so, break the ice and get chatting. Yes, they could be wrong in some details about a particular college, but they will bring up ideas you havent thought of and generally help boost your morale during an exciting but stressful time. </p>
<p>You need to study the FAFSAFree Application for Federal Student Aid and submit it online after Jan 1 (the sooner after Jan 1 the better). Submitting the FAFSA will help you at any college you attend, including nearby community colleges or CSU. For example, you might qualify for a work study job based on the FAFSA. Hopefully you have a computer at home to do these apps, because that’s a lot of personal data.</p>
<p>Best to you…</p>