Dream Scheme for Students Getting Ready for College Early Presented by the Michigan Student Financial Aid Association
Jan 01, 2016
Dream Scheme for StudentsGetting Ready for College Early
Presented by theMichigan Student Financial
Aid Association
What is “College”?
Public and private four-year colleges and universities
Two-year community or junior colleges
Business schoolsProprietary schools (programs such as
truck driving or cosmetology)Vocational-technical schools
Then, why think about college now?
College can be the key to thekind of life you want.
It gives you choices in:Kinds of jobs.How much money you make.Ways to help others.
There’s money if you need it
You can afford to go to college.You will be eligible for some kind of
financial aid.
Step 1: Making the Decision
Research career interests Choose several - changing your mind is
okay but failing to plan ahead is NOT okay
Talk with people about your interests Read about careers
On the internetAt the libraryIn magazines and newspapers
Step 1: Making the Decision
Importance of collegeYou can choose careers based on your
interestsYou may increase the amount of money
you earnYou’ll have more career optionsYou may make better decisionsYou’ll be able to use technology better
Step 1: Making the Decision
Choose the type of “college”
4-year college (university or college offering a bachelor’s degree or above)
2-year college (community or junior college offering a training program, certificate, or associate’s degree)
Technical Schools (skill centers and other schools offering entry level occupational programs)
Changing your mind about a career choice is okay.
Failing to dream is not.
For More Information:www.mycareereducation.org
www.mois.org
Step 2: Getting Ready
You, your parents and your school are working together to prepare you for a good life after graduation Exploring skills and classes for your future
starts NOW Get the most out of high school - take
challenging courses Ask your counselor to help you plan
Step 2: Getting Ready
Consider this -
Studies show that if studentstake challenging courses that make them think, they are more likely to go on to college
These courses can also help students get into college
Step 2: Getting Ready
High school graduation requirements under the Michigan Merit Curriculum include: Mathematics – 4 credits English Language Arts – 4 credits Science – 3 credits Social Studies – 3 credits Health and Physical Education – 1 credit Visual, Performing and Applied Arts -1 credit
Step 2: Getting Ready
Many colleges requireadditional courses in –
Foreign Language Fine & Performing Arts Computer Science
Step 3: Planning Ahead
What Does College Cost? Costs can vary a lot, depending on the
type of school. Parents and students need to begin
saving NOW! Tuition, fees and books are only part of the
cost. Additional expenses include housing,
transportation, food, clothes, entertainment, etc.
Step 4: Paying for college
What you and your parents can do - Save Use federal income-tax credits Use student financial aid
Gift aid - grants and scholarships that do not have to be paid back
Work - a job during college to earn moneyLoans - money for college that must be paid
back
Step 4: Paying for college
Other sources – Military service scholarships (full-time
and part-time service) Americorps, community service
program Civic groups and organizations,
foundations and businesses