Finding the Right Fit

10th GradeInformed Career Decisions # 4

Objectives

• Match topics to find the right fit for college– Careers of interest– Majors– Type of College– GPA and ACT Score– Size– Location – Extracurricular Activities

Review Last Lesson

• Areas that should align with careers of interest– Interests, Skills, Personality, Values, Learning Style

• Values that should be examined when deciding on possible careers paths– Variety, Independence, Stability, Outdoors,

Income• Type of preferred style is important to examine

when deciding on possible career paths– Learning Style

Admissions Readiness: Helps Find the Right Fit

Careers of Interest

• A surprising number of college students have gone to college only to find out this postsecondary institution will not prepare them for their career of interest– Example: Want to be nurse but the college does not

have a nursing major

Careers of Interest and Majors• It is most important to find colleges that will prepare you

will for your careers of interest• Find colleges: Have strength in your field of interest– Search websites: about.com, College Board, US News & World Report– Investigate websites of your colleges of interest

• Some colleges: Known for being strong in particular areas– The next slide has some examples of colleges that are

known to have different majors of strength • Note: Other colleges are also strong in these areas and the

colleges listed may also excellent programs in other majors

Examples: Colleges with Strong Majors

• Anoka Tech: Automotive, Computers, Electrical Engineering• Itasca Community College: Nursing, American Indian Studies • Carleton College: Science, Liberal Arts, Computer Science • Gustavus Adolphus College: Science, Art, Political Science • University of Minnesota: Business, Education, Computer Science • Julliard School: Music• Iowa State University: Agriculture, Veterinary, Engineering • Howard University: Science, Liberal Arts, Afro-American Studies• University of Southern California: Accounting, Cinematic Arts • University of Hawaii-Hilo: Agriculture, Biology, Performing Arts• New York University: Fashion Design, Math, Journalism

Group Activity: Discuss Questions

• What are your careers of interest?• What colleges do you think might best prepare you

for your careers of interest? • How will find information that will help you match

your careers of interest and the best postsecondary options?

Community College vs. University

• Watch the Community College vs. University video• Write down the biggest benefits of a – Community College(Technical colleges have same benefits)– University

Community College Benefits

1. Fewer students per class– Get more personalized instruction

2. Less expensive3. Transition is easier at a community college – Because you can live at home

4. Many credits can transfer to 4-year colleges5. Many 2-year degrees lead directly to good high skills careers

University Benefits

• Have university housing– More of a complete colleges experience

• A lot to do– Sports, clubs, many school events, concerts

• You can earn different types of degrees– Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PHD

• Learn to live on your – Get many life lessons

GPA and ACT Test Scores• It is very important to know what colleges may match your

GPA and ACT test scores when you are a senior• ACT Test Score vs. National Percentile• ACT Score of 15 is in the 16th percentile• ACT Score of 20 is in the 48th percentile• ACT Score of 25 is in the 80th percentile• ACT Score of 30 is in the 95th percentile

• The ACT website has an excellent tool for you to see what colleges would admit with a specific GPA and ACT score• http://www.act.org/collegesearch/index.php#act_score=25&gp

a_avg=2.6&page=1

• Then click on the Admissions link

ACT: 29, GPA: 3.8, 1465 Colleges

ACT: 14, GPA: 2.1, 10 Colleges

College Admittance: ACT Test Scores

• Open and Liberal Colleges, ACT Score: 16-22• Many community and technical colleges will admit all high

school graduates• These students often have to take some remedial classes for no

college credit• A limited number of four-year colleges will accept these

students

College Admittance: ACT Test Scores

• Traditional and Selective Colleges, ACT Score: 18-26• An ACT test score of 18 will decrease your chances of getting

accepted to many colleges compared to a score of 26• Most 4-year colleges and universities fall in this range• Concordia University (St. Paul): Average ACT is 21• Bethany Lutheran College (Mankato) : Average ACT is 23• Hamline University (St. Paul): Average ACT is 23• Minneapolis College of Art and Design: Average ACT is 24

College Admittance: ACT Test Scores • Highly Selective Colleges, ACT Score: 25-30• An ACT score in this range will allow you to be accepted to many

colleges• Another important factor is your extracurricular activities• St. Johns University (Collegeville): Average ACT score is 26• University of Minnesota (Twin Cities): Average ACT score is 27• Macalester College (St. Paul): Average ACT score is 30• Carleton College (Northfield): Average ACT score is 31• Yale University (Hartford, Connecticut): Average ACT score is 32

Individual Activity: Answer Questions

• What do you anticipate your ACT score and GPA to be in 12th grade?

• Will that ACT score and GPA give you a good chance to be accepted to your colleges of interest?

• What can you do to get your desired ACT score and GPA?

Size of College

• Larger colleges have more– Facilities for entertainment and exercise – Diverse students & selection of college clubs, activities – Connections that may be valuable after graduation

• Smaller colleges usually have– A good sense of community between students – Fewer students per class– More individualized attention

Location of College • Important to consider– Do you want a rural, suburban or urban setting? – Do you want to live at home to keep expenses down

and/or make the transition be more moderate? – Would you like to be close, kind of close, or far away

from home?– What kind of weather do you like?– Is it important for you to make good connections?

What is the Biggest Myth About College?

• Watch the What is the Biggest Myth About College? video– Pay special attention to what the students say about • College being for everyone • Partying

Social Setting and Extracurricular Activities

• Could be one of your most crucial decisions– College students can reach their goals by being

responsible with the increased freedom because you are• Living away from home and have less time in class

– What is the best setting for you to–meet friends to gain a sense of community?– live with diverse populations of students?– participate in clubs & extracurricular activities that you enjoy? – avoid alcohol and drug abuse?–make friends who are a positive influences? – be focused enough to have a set study time every day?

Update Postsecondary Plan: Interests

Update your Postsecondary Plan: Interests

• Enter interests about your postsecondary education– Careers of interest relating to your college – Majors– Type of College– GPA and ACT Score– Size– Location – Extracurricular Activities