Planning: After High School

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The Big Picture

After High School

Work

Military

College

Volunteering

Volunteerism

• Peace Corps

• Americorps

• City Year

• Options!

Business, Trade, Technical

• Many careers do not require college

• Learning a trade, earning a certificate – Mechanics– Graphic Design– Cosmetology– Landscaping

Work

• Almost all of us end up WORKING

• There are many roads to fulfillment

• Take an interest test

• Learn to read the want-ads

Self Knowledge

• What are your– Goals

– Abilities

– Expectations

– Interests

How do others see you?

What are you looking for in a college?

• Type of institution – Two year

– Four year

– Coed

• Geographic location:– Region

– State

– Distance from home

• Majors offered/curriculum– Liberal Arts– Technical Training– Business

• Setting– Urban– Rural– Suburban

•What are you looking for in a college?

•What are you looking for in a college?

• Size of institution

• Selectivity

• Diversity

• Costs to consider– Tuition– Room and board– Fees– Book fees– Travel

•What are you looking for in a college?

• Extracurricular activities– Sports– Entertainment– Religious

•What are you looking for in a college?

What are you looking for in a college?

• Housing– Coed– Rules– Roommates– Special interest dorms– Size of room– Food

What are you looking for in a college?

• Facilities• Building• Libraries• Student union• Classrooms• Lecture halls

• Labs• Recreational &

Athletic offerings• Shopping• Laundry• Handicapped access

Who are you?

• What have you found most interesting from:– Academics

– Community service

– Activities

• Put it all together

Use Lots of Resources

• Books

• Computers

• Counselor

Visit Colleges

• Call for tours

• Visit the campuses

• Visit again later in the year

• Prepare a list of questions

How Many Applications?

• One or two “reach” schools

• Two or three “realistic” schools

• One safety school

Transcript Package:Putting it all together

• A transcript of high school courses

• Two academic teacher recommendations

• School recommendation

• Personal resume

• Standardized test results

• First quarter progress reports

• Essay

What Do Schools Look For?• Least competitive:

– High school record 90%

– Testing 5%

– Other 5%

• Traditional level colleges

– High school record 50%

– Testing 25%

– Other 25%

• Most competitive

– High school record 20%

– Testing 20%

– Other 60%

Keep Your Grades Up !

• Junior year is THE most important year

• Schools will ask for your final transcript

• Don’t relax, you’ve only just begun!