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Get Set for College 02/2015

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Options after High School College Technical Programs Military Workforce

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Take responsibility for your future Reasons to Attend College Increase earning power Career preparation Learning opportunities Study new and different subjects Involvement in extracurricular activities Meeting new and interesting people Achieving a personal goal Influence of family and friends

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College Graduates Earn More 4

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Benefits of continuing your education Many high paying jobs require advanced education and/or training. College graduates have half the unemployment rates of high school graduates and better job security. There are more job opportunities available for college graduates than high school graduates. 5

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You can organize the college planning process in simple steps

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Recognize your strengths and weaknesses Analyze your interests and values Achieve a personal goal Increase your earning power Prepare for a career Participate in extracurricular activities and social life Consider the influence of family and friends 1 1 STEPSTEP Know yourself and your reasons for attending college

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Majors and educational programs Type of school and degrees offered Admission policy Location and size Costs and financial aid College affiliation and accreditation Campus activities Support services Consider college characteristics 2 2 STEP

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Compile information from several resources: Internet/Websites College catalogs, viewbooks, videos, and computer-based services like www.careercruising.com College representatives and college fairs Counselors and teachers Parents, students, and alumni Directories and ACT score report Research, compare, and visit colleges 3 3 STEP

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Narrow your choices Review ACT college admission test requirements (including the optional Writing Test) PSAE Know application fees and deadlines Submit application materials (paper/electronic) Application for admission High school transcript Recommendations Admission test results Know scholarship requirements Apply for admission and meet all deadlines 4 4 STEP

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Checklist for a campus visit Meet with an admission counselor Verify admission requirements Determine actual college costs Ask about financial aid opportunities Take a campus tour Investigate your academic program(s) Attend a class Talk with students and faculty

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Determine college costs Investigate ALL possible resources Parents Savings Summer earnings Financial aid: scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study Other sources Secure necessary forms and note deadlines Apply for financial aid as early as possible 5 5 STEP Develop a plan to pay for your education

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Show initiative and be assertive Select a college that meets your needs and preferences Follow up with colleges to which you have applied 6 6 STEP Review and finalize your plans

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Parent Tasks in College Planning Make a realistic college list. Review your financial situation with your child, complete FAFSA and scholarship applications. The most important thing you can do is to be there and support them. 14

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Counselor Tasks in College Planning College/Career Advising Individualized Senior Interviews Process Student Applications Assure students have completed ACT Financial Aid Night Scholarship Newsletter 15

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College is a Pathway to Opportunity In a global economy where the most valuable skill you can sell is your knowledge, a good education is no longer just a pathway to opportunity it is a prerequisite. President Barack Obama 16

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Thank You