The transition process from high school to college is considered from the perspective of a high school practitioner. Educational, social/personal, and financial factors that influence student planning are discussed. It is suggested that the secondary school must begin as early as the freshman year to help plan the curriculum the student will pursue. By the sophomore year, the student should be aware of various careers, and formal guidance should begin in the junior year. Juniors need to think about career possibilities and to assess their strengths and weaknesses (i.e., courses, test scores, and class rank). The adviser helps the students determine priorities that will meet the students' needs (e.g., what schools will accept them). During the senior year, the pressures build to choose the right college, to select a major, and to meet admissions criteria for specific fields. The students also may have fears of being away from family and friends and doubts about whether they are making the right decisions and whether they will be accepted socially at college. Although education and personal elements were once the main considerations, the transition process is now being determined by financial considerations. (SW)