Planning For College! - Northwest Missouri State University · average, college graduates earn about $1.7 million more throughout their adult life than high school graduates. *According

WorkMilitaryTechnical programsCollege

Want to be a…

- Teacher - Journalist - Doctor- Engineer - Business Rep. - Banker- Accountant - Web Designer - Architect- Astronaut - President - Dietician

… just to name a few

• College helps to better prepare you for a more successful career.

• College offers a great learning situation.

• College is a growing experience.

• College is a great place to make friends.

• College is a BLAST!!

Among other reasons, on

average, college graduates earn

about $1.7 million more throughout

their adult life than high school graduates.

*According to enow’s article titled Financial statistics of College Grads vs. non, Jan 31, 2011. Anticipating current earnings over a 45 year working life.

Organizethe college process in

Know yourself and

your reasons for

attending college

STEP

Achieve a personal goal

Prepare for a career

Participate in Extracurricular activities and social life

Consider the influence of family and friends

Recognize your strengths and weaknesses

Analyze your interests and values

Increase your earning power

Know which

Schoolis right for YOU!

STEP

Know which school is RIGHT for You! There are a number of things to

consider when trying to select the

college for you:

Academic Programs/MajorsCosts

Classroom SizeProfessorsReputationLocation

Job Placement

Type of School–

Public/PrivateCommuter/Residential

Athletic Programs/IntramuralsStudent Life/Campus Life

SecurityDiversity

Clubs and OrganizationsAdmissions Requirements

Distance from HomeCommunity - Urban/Rural

STEP

List, compare,review and

visit colleges

–Internet/Websites –College catalogs, viewbooks, videos, and computer-based

services (DISCOVER®)–College representatives and

college fairs–Counselors and teachers

–Parents, students, and Counselors–Directories and ACT score report

Compile

information from

several resources

• Prepare a college comparison checklist• Weigh advantages and disadvantages• Contact the office of admission• Schedule appointments

for your campus visits

Plan your

visit

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 Meet with an admissions counselor

Checklist for a campus visit

STEPAfter,

I make a decision, what else,

do I need to consider

Consider the coursesRecommended

for all Students

English Four years

Mathematics Four years (Algebra I and above)

Science Three years (including Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

Social Studies Three years

Arts One year

Other Foreign language, visual and performing arts, computer science, etc.

“

Consider Participatingin

ExtracurricularActivities

Some colleges and universities look at the time students spend in activities

outside of the classroom to

determine admittance.

Junior Year• Take the ACT at least once• Search the WEB• Tour college campuses

Senior Year• Retake the ACT• Tour remaining campuses• Apply to schools Fall of

Senior Year• Apply for Financial Aid as

soon as possible, January of Senior Year

Consider the Timeline for

College Planning

Consider Important

Deadline DatesDeadlines

• Admissions• Scholarships• Financial Aid• Room Deposit• Orientation

STEP Develop a plan to pay for your

education

.

Secure necessary forms and note deadlines.

Apply for financial aid as early as possible.

Determine College Costs:• Tuition, • room & board• Books• Estimated total budget • Application fee, • Housing Prepayments• Laptop Computer• Special Fees

Don’t eliminate any college because of costs before

receiving financial

assistance information!

oParents & Family

oSummer earnings

oSavings

oFinancial aid: scholarships, grants, loans, and student employment

oROTC, Reserves, & National GuardExplore All possible options

How to Pay for College:

STEP

Reviewand final

Thoughts

Test scores and high

school grades are important.

Select a college that meets your needs and preferences.

Follow up with colleges to which you have applied.

However, they measure ONLY PART of your

POTENTIAL.

Keys to College

Success • Study habits• Motivation• Course selection• Interests• Commitment

Keep in mind . . . Making sound decisions will lead to satisfying and successful experiences.

Good Luck Preparing for

College!

Thank you for your time!

Go Bearcats!!!!