Get set for college.. Get set for success

MRS. HUNKER A-G

MRS. BAKER H-O

MRS. MUCK P-Z

Your North Ridgeville

High School Counselors

Why should your child go to college?

The financial rewards

A college education is more important than ever before. College graduates make more

money than high school graduates and have far more job opportunities. Over a lifetime, a

person with a four-year degree will make nearly $1 million more than someone with only a

high school diploma.

Average yearly income by educational attainment as reported by the Census Bureau in 2009

Maste

r’s

degree

$75,00

6

Bachelor’s degree $52,231

Associate’s degree

$38,216

Some college $36,758

High School Grad $30,436

High School Drop out $23,420

The choice of jobs

College opens doors to more jobs and better working conditions.

College

graduates find new jobs more easily than non-graduates. Studies have

shown

that college graduates are healthier, live longer, are smarter

consumers, have

more varied interests, and have higher status than those who don’t go

to

college.

Students who do not go to college must consider additional training

beyond High School

Lorain County JVS- Programs during high school and adult educationLocal Trade Schools- 2 year degrees and certificate programsApprenticeship- Must have diploma before applying, can earn certificates and 2 year degrees

By junior year of high school, your student should

develop a list of schools he or she might want to attend.

This can seem like an overwhelming task.

How can you help your child with this?

HOW DO I HELP MY CHILD

FIND THE RIGHT COLLEGE?

It is the place where your child will feel comfortable and supported. If

possible, visit all the campuses on the list and help your child decide

which school seems the best for him or her.

FOCUS ON FINDING THE

BEST FIT

You should consider:

✦ Urban or rural area

✦ Large or small school

✦ Two- or four-year degree program

✦ Majors offered

✦ Distance from home

✦ Admissions selectivity

✦ Public or private affiliation

✦ Cost

Questions you should ask colleges: ✦ What majors do you offer?

✦ What activities are available?

✦ Do most graduates get a job in their field?

✦ What is the faculty-to-student ratio?

✦ What is the average class size?

✦ What academic and social support is available?

✦ What programs are available for parents?

✦ What percentage of students graduate?

✦ What types of payment options and financial aid do you offer?

Your college student will need lots of support. In fact, you can help make

the

difference between success or failure, depending on the amount of support

you provide.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO

SUPPORT YOUR CHILD

You are part of the team that will help your child get into college and

graduate.

Start by getting involved in your school’s parent teacher organization.

Talk with high school counselors, teachers, and the

principal. They can offer ideas about how you can support your child’s college plans.

✦ Be sure he or she takes the classes in high school that are needed for success in college. The courses required to

graduate from high school are usually not enough to prepare for college.

✦ Make sure your child has a quiet study area free from distractions.

✦ Find after-school or summer enrichment programs your child can attend.

✦ Ask counselors and college admissions officers about tutoring, counseling, mentoring, and other kinds of support

your child may need.

✦ Help your child find a mentor—someone to take a personal interest in his or her success.

✦ Offer encouragement and support.

✦ Try not to make demands that interfere with your child’s schoolwork.

✦ Help your child learn about colleges, how to apply, and how to get financial aid.

Don’t let the cost of college keep your child from applying. Financial aid

programs are set up to help students who can’t pay the full cost. Help your

child to first concentrate on being admitted, and then on finding financial aid.

Most students will qualify for some sort of financial aid.

Federal and state governments offer many loans, grants, and scholarships.

Colleges have scholarships, other aid packages, and work-study programs.

Community groups, churches, and enrichment programs offer scholarships,

too.

Have “the talk” now.

WHERE WILL THE MONEY

COME FROM ?

What should my student be doing right now?

» Community Service» www.ocis.orgUsername nrhsPassword ohiocis03Do an undergraduate school sort and career exploration» Attend camps and

seminars

» Take college prep courses

» Take ACT or SAT spring of their junior year

» Go to www.actstudent.org and www.collegeboard.com and begin preparing for the test

Understanding Your PLAN® Results

Preparing for Success

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Why Take PLAN? PLAN shows you your strengths and weaknesses in English, mathematics,

reading, and science.

PLAN lets you know if you’re on target

for college.

PLAN helps you find careers that match

your interests.

PLAN helps you prepare for the ACT.

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Using Your PLAN® Results Student Guide to PLAN

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Student Score Report

What is the Student Score Report?

This report is an individualized score report detailing scores received on the

assessment, and the career plans and needs indicated by the student.

What will the Student Score Report do?

The Student Score Report will provide

– suggestions for improving student

academic skills

– careers that match student interests

– indicators of college readiness

PLAN Score ReportSide 1

Student/School Information

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Your Scores

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Your Estimated ACT® Composite Score Range

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Will your score be good enough?

Mean

ACT score

University of

Akron 19-25

Oberlin College 28-

32

Cleveland State

18-24

The Ohio State

University

26-31

Baldwin Wallace 21-

26

Case Western

28-32

John Carroll 22-

26

Your High School Course Plans Compared to Core

99/2010

College Readiness

109/2010

Profile for Success

119/2010

Areas in Which You Would Like Additional Help

129/2010

Your Career Possibilities

139/2010

PLAN Score ReportSide 2

Review Your Answers

159/2010

Your Skills

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www.planstudent.org

179/2010

When using your PLAN Score Report, ask yourself some questions:

Am I on target for college? What skills do I need to improve to be

ready for college? Am I taking a rigorous core curriculum? What careers interest me most?

What Do I Do Now?

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Study Skills Checklist for Students

Set a regular time and place to study each day and throughout the week.

Keep a daily “to do” list.

Set goals for yourself.

Do your reading assignments before the material is discussed in class.

Pay close attention and take good notes in class.

Prepare for tests during your regular study times instead of cramming at the last

minute.

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Take challenging academic courses in high school.

Explore the many career options available to you and think about how your career choices will affect your future.

Set career goals and develop an educational plan to achieve them.

Keys to Good Educational and Career Planning

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