the a b c’s of college
TRANSCRIPT
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.
