Life After High School

1. Life After High School Oh No, It’s Time to Figure Out What’s Next!!!

2. You Need More Than Your HS Diploma Studies by the U.S. Department of Education prove that your effort pays off. • Annual Earnings Estimates: $27,470 Less than a high school diploma $34,197 High school diploma $40,556 Some college $44,086 Associate's degree $57,023 Bachelor's degree $69,958 Master’s degree$103,411 Professional degree

3. Military • www.todaysmilitary.com • Joining the Military is a big decision, and one we hope will inspire discussion among family, friends and trusted advisors. While not meant as a source of current military news (www.defenselink.mil), the information on this site will help you carefully weigh the opportunities and benefits service has to offer. • Visit the website of the military branch you are considering • Meet with a recruiter – we can arrange this for you!

4. College 101 – Undergraduate Degree • What are the different types of degrees? • Certificate – Not a full degree, but a select group of courses that may allow you to join the workforce at the entry level. • Associate’s Degree – A degree that can be obtained at the Community College – usually 62-65 credits. (AS, AA) • Bachelor’s Degree – A degree that can be obtained at the College or University Level – usually 120-135 credits. (BSN, BA, BS)

5. College 101 – Graduate Degree What are the different types of graduate degrees? • Master’s Degree – An additional degree obtained after a Bachelor’s Degree. Usually an additional two years. (MA, MSN, PAC) • Doctorate – A professional degree obtained after three -four additional years of college. (MD, DDS, DVM, PhD.)

6. College 101, continued • What is a full-time student? • 12 credit hours per semester. To graduate in four years, students need to take an average of 15-16 credit hours each Fall and Winter semester. • What is a credit hour? • Math class = 4 credits (Meet 4 hours each week) • Some classes (such as gym = 1 or 2 credits)

7. College vs. University • Community College is a great start • Chance to improve your GPA • Save timeand money! • HAVE A PLAN IF YOU WANT A BACHELOR DEGREE • Know which college or university you plan to transfer to after MCC, OCC, SC4, etc. • College • An educational institution offering a Bachelor Degree • University • An educational institution offering a Bachelor, Master and/or Doctorate Degree

8. College vs. University • A collegeis a post-secondary school, an institution that focuses on undergraduate education. It includes the institutions known as junior colleges and community colleges. Colleges of this sort award degrees such as Associates Degrees as well as a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.). In and of itself, the word college may suggest a four-year liberal arts education, but there are also technical colleges that supply other types of experience. • A collegeis also an institution of higher education that offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs, though the graduate programs may not be extensive. • A collegeis the name of a cohesive educational unit within a university, such as a College of Education or College of Engineering or College of Arts and Sciences, that functions of a subset of the larger institution, with its own faculty and facilities, departments, and degree programs. As defined by www.EducationBug.org

9. College vs. University • University - “An educational institution that usually maintains one or more four-year undergraduate colleges (or schools) with programs leading to a bachelor's degree, a graduate school of arts and sciences awarding master's degrees and doctorates (Ph.D.s), and graduate professional schools.” • As defined by www.EducationBug.org

10. How to Choose Your College • Not sure what you want to study? • Make sure the college has several majors that interest you – students often change their major 3-5 times. NOT ALL SCHOOLS OFFER ALL MAJORS! • Don’t follow your friends • Make sure it is “the right fit” for you • Campus visit is crucial! • Narrow down your choice and talk with admission counselors • Sign up for the on-site admissions and college rep visits at Armada

11. How To Be Successful in College • The Secret • Good Time Management • For every hour in class, expect 2 hours of homework • So a 4 credit class may mean 8 hours of weekly prep • Be organized • Time for studying • Time for fun • ASK FOR HELP if you need it – free tutoring is available • Get involved

12. What Are Colleges Looking For? All Schools Some Schools have additional requirements • GPA (from 9-11th grade) • SAT or ACT score (some colleges require the writing portion) • Strength of your senior schedule – finish STRONG • Grade trends • Have your grades improved since freshman year? • May require a college essay • May require letters of recommendation • May look at leadership/volunteer activities

13. What Should I Be Doing Now? • Gathering information – College Fairs • Learning Admission Requirements • College Visits • Talking with Admission Advisors • Making sure the college offers your major • Talking with your parents about finances • Working on your college essay • Narrowing down your choices • Looking for scholarships

14. When Do I Apply? • You can start applying in August, but we suggest you get all your applications in by October 31st so you don’t miss any scholarship opportunities! • The earlier you apply, the better your opportunities. • Let your counselor know which schools you are applying to – they may have suggestions for you! • Send your transcripts through Parchment

15. How Do I Apply? • Apply online directly on the college website. • Some schools require you to complete the Common Application • See your counselor for a Recommendation Request Form to help us help you! • Remember, decisions may take up to 12 weeks to receive a response from the more competitive schools such as MSU and U of M.

16. Admission Decisions • Accepted – Congratulations! • Bring a copy of your acceptance letter to the counseling office • We will deliver your #Accepted t-shirt to wear on Fridays • You will be entered into drawings for prizes! • Denied - we recommend applying to at least 3 schools so you always have a back-up plan • Deferred • Wait Listed - You will only be accepted for enrollment from a waitlist if a significant number of students who are admitted choose not to enroll.

17. When Do I Decide? • May 1st is the deadline to make a non-refundable deposit to hold your spot – but don’t wait that late. • Once you send in a deposit you can select your housing and arrange for orientation • Many schools will do scheduling for your freshmen year at orientation – reserve your spot early to get the classes you want!

18. Paying for College • FAFSA = Free Application for Federal Student Aid • Complete the form online as early as October 1st! • www.fafsa.gov • Bring confirmation that you’ve filed your FAFSA to the counseling office to be entered into more drawings!

19. Paying for College • Scholarships = your time and effort • Set up a professional email account for all your college communications • Armada Counseling Website • www.fastweb.com • www.findtuition.com • www.going2college.org • www.careersandcolleges.com • Stop into the counseling office for hard copies