College Doesn't Just Happen

What What lessons did lessons did you learn?you learn?

College Doesn’t Just Happen!

My mom said not to get my hopes up about going to college because there’s no way we can afford it.

And Dorfman? Well…Dorfman had adults who wanted to help, but he chose not to listen.

Find an adult to help guide you to college!

Lesson 1

Todd’s mom told him college wasn’t possible, so he needed other adults to help guide him.

Lesson 1: Lesson 1:

I beg to differ, young man – go talk to Mrs. Sanchez in the guidance office about that.

Be a pain –

in a good way.

Don’t be like DorfmanDon’t be like Dorfman

Coach, I wish I would have listened to you back in high school and gone to college.

Be a pain –

in a good way.

Name at least two adults

you can ask for help.

Name at least two adults

you can ask for help.

• Your mom or dad?

• A coach?

• Your guidance counselor?

• A teacher?

• The parent of a friend?

Who will you ask?Who will you ask?Be a pain –

in a good way.

Take courses in high school that will prepare you for college.

Lesson 2:Lesson 2:

No…it’s where YOU took Algebra ll. Remember? I didn’t take it. It was too hard!

Look…here’s the classroom where we took Algebra ll.

By taking tough courses in high school, Todd earned scholarships and gained admission into college.

Push yourself.

What classes should YOU What classes should YOU take to get into college?take to get into college?

■ English – 4 years of intensive reading and writing

■ Math – 4 years, including Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry

■ Social Studies – 3 years of American History, World History, American Government or Geography

■ Natural Sciences – 3 years, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Earth Sciences

■ World Languages – 2 years of thesame language (some colleges require four years)

Push yourself.

Lesson 3:Lesson 3:

Ask your teacher or counselor about career assessment tools at your school.

Think about your career interests – and then research colleges that fit your interests.

Find the

right fit.

Do you want to sell donuts?

Or do you want to be a landscape architect?

Research colleges Research colleges that fit your interests that fit your interests

■ See College Profiles at EducationQuest.org

■ Visit colleges that interest you!

– Find college visit tips at EducationQuest.org

That visit to the university during our sophomore year made all the difference in the world!

Find the

right fit.

Lesson 4:Lesson 4:

■ During your senior year of high school, you and a parent will complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

■ The college will use your FAFSA information to award financial aid, which could include:– scholarships – grants– work-study (a job provided by the college)– student loans

Financial aid will be available to help you pay for college – but you must apply!

Put your hands

on some cash.

Other ways to Other ways to afford college… afford college…

■ Apply for scholarships

■ Save your money– Personal savings account

– Certificate of Deposit

– Nebraska Educational Savings Trust (529 plan)– Nest529.com

■ Start at a community college and then transfer to a four-year college

■ Live at home during college

■ Consider the military

Put your hands

on some cash.

You should see the girls look at me when I pull into the parking lot in my new SUV!

All the more power to you, dude, but I’m saving MY money for college!

Put your hands

on some cash.

Think about YOUR future…Think about YOUR future…who would you rather be like?who would you rather be like?

Remember…Remember…

College Doesn’t Just Happen!

1. Be a pain – in a good way.

2. Push yourself.

3. Find the right fit.

4. Put your hands on some cash.

Kearney – 800.666.3721Lincoln – 800.303.3745Omaha – 888.357.6300

EducationQuest.org

Need help?Need help?