the a b c’s of college

The A-B-C’s of Collegeand Financial Aid

A =APPLICATIONS &

ADMISSIONS

HIGH SCHOOL

Take rigorous courses Take electives in an area of interest VOLUNTEER Job shadow Be active in clubs and organizations

TESTINGSATACTTHEA / AccuplacerTake the practice tests PLAN/PSAT the

10th and 11th grade year

APPLY4 yr Universities – no later than November 1st Exception – Texas Tech, Texas A&M, UT – Sept. 1st Community Colleges & Technical Schools – JanuaryAsk about application fees!

B=BUDGETING

How much does college cost?

College Costs from College for All Texans

Check out this website from www.collegeforalltexans.com for updated information about college costs in Texas

Types of Aid

ScholarshipsGrantsLoans

Work/Study

SCHOLARSHIPS

Merit based or need basedAnnounced – Posted – Applications in the Counselor’s officeSearch the webAsk in the Financial Aid office

GRANTS

FAFSA – based on ’09 income taxes

TOTAL COST $25,000- EFC -10,000 eligibility for aid $15,000

C=Choosing a

College

Is your child ready for college?

Test Scores and High School GradesStudy habits – time managementMotivationCourse selectionInterestsCommitment

Prepare a college comparison checklist

Weigh advantages & disadvantages

Contact the office of admission

Schedule appointments for your campus visits

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

Things to Compare

Majors & educational programsType of school & degrees offeredAdmission policyLocation & sizeCosts & financial aidCollege affiliation & accreditationCampus activitiesSupport services

The Internet information is great…

but NOTHING beats a campus visit!

D=Deciding on

a MajorWhat do you want to be when you grow up?

How to help your child consider career possibilities

STEP 1 – Analyze your child - personality style - interests

- abilities

STEP 2Explain salaries and cost of living

http://www.cdr.state.tx.us/RealityCheck

STEP 3 Investigate Careers - education needed

- typical day - salary

- pros/cons

http://www.virtualjobshadow.com/http://www.careercruising.com/

STEP 4 Investigate educational programs

- colleges and universities- training programs- technical schools- apprenticeships

CHANGES

Keep in mind that this generation will probably change CAREERS at least

4 times before retirement!

GET MOVING…

It’s never too early to start talking and looking.

Need any help?

Feel free to contact us:

Sblanchard@robinson.k12.tx.us

Azellers@robinson.k12.tx.us