Get on the College Track:Some Helpful Ideas for

Understanding the College Process

www.csopportunity.org

What Can You Hope To Take Away From This Presentation?

• Find out how a college degree can influence your future

• Gain general knowledge on the college search/application process

• Learn about resources to assist you in finding your college match

• Learn about Center for Student Opportunity (who we are and how we can help you)

Some general statistics:

Why Go To College?

Examples of Jobs in Which a College Education May Be Recommended or Required

Two-Year College(Associate's Degree)

Automotive MechanicCardiovascular TechnicianCommercial ArtistComputer TechnicianDental HygienistEngineering TechnicianGraphic DesignerHotel or Restaurant ManagerMedical Laboratory TechnicianMedical Record TechnicianInsurance AgentRegistered NurseSurgical TechnologistSurveyorVisual ArtistTreatment Plant Operator

Four-Year College(Bachelor's Degree)

AccountantComputer Systems AnalystDietitianEngineerFBI AgentInvestment BankerJournalistMedical IllustratorPharmacistPublic Relations SpecialistRecreational TherapistResearch AssistantSocial WorkerTeacherWriter

More Than Four Years of College ArchitectBiologistChiropractorDentistDiplomatDoctorEconomistGeologistLawyerLibrarianPsychologistPublic Policy AnalystScientistSociologistUniversity ProfessorVeterinarianZoologist

Why Go To College?

Besides making more money,

college also offers:– An array of classes and majors

beyond what you may have studied in high school

– An involved and engaged social life from sports to politics

– The nation’s best and brightest professors

– An opportunity for personal growth and an engaged lifestyle

– Great travel experiences

What Are Your College Options?

• Public versus private?• In-state versus out-

of-state?• Academic programs?• Majors?• Minors?• City or rural

environment?

Public vs. Private Cost Comparison

Private Public

Given an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $7,000:

• A $30,000 per year college could cover up to $23,000 of need-based aid

• Many private colleges and universities are actually more likely to meet students’ full “demonstrated need” than public universities

Given an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of $7,000:

• A $15,000 per year college could cover up to $8,000 of need-based aid

• In some cases, the private choice may be cheaper if the public university cannot cover the full “demonstrated-need”

• Useful tools to assist in understanding the finances of college:– www.finaid.org– www.collegenet.com/mach25– http://fsa4schools.ed.gov/

SCHOOLSWebApp/index.jsp

• Scholarship Clearinghouses:– http://www.findtuition.com/– http://apps.collegeboard.com/

cbsearch_ss/welcome.jsp

Can I afford it?

Who we are and how we can help?

Vision Statement "To increase economic opportunity and social mobility among first-generation and other historically underserved students through the promotion and expansion of college programs that serve them.

As a leader and expert in college access and success for first-generation and other historically underserved students, Center for Student Opportunity will bridge the divide between leading institutions of higher education and those that most need college guidance, preparation and admissions assistance." 

                                         -Center for Student Opportunity

http://www.csocollegecenter.org/

Connect Now

• Register your academic and extracurricular information to send to colleges of interest

http://www.csocollegecenter.org

• Search a database of colleges and learn about programs and opportunities for you

http://www.csocollegecenter.org

Search Now

• Learn from a library of articles contributed by students, counselors, professors, and other college administrators

• Ask questions directly to college professionals

http://www.csocollegecenter.org

Ask the Experts

Who we are and how we can help?• Ask CSO experts any questions you may

have online at: http://www.csocollegecenter.org/asktheexperts.aspx

• Speak with current college students, counselors, and others about their experiences with the college search/application process

• Soon to come: Virtual Counseling

Counseling Outreach

Now You’re Ready…

Sign up with CSO at:

http://www.csocollegecenter.org/connectnow.aspx

It’s FREE and we are here to help!

Good Luck!