Kirksville High School College Preparedness

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What do we mean by college?

Any additional education beyond high school 4 year colleges▪ Truman, Mizzou

2 year colleges▪ MACC, IHCC

Vocational and technical programs ▪ KATC, Linn State Technical College

Why go to college?

Every bit of education you get increases your earning potential - the average salary of a high school graduate is $15,000 less per year than a person with a Bachelors degree.. Better yet, further education decreases your odds of unemployment.

Demand

According to one estimate, by the year 2028 there will be 19 million more jobs for educated workers than there are qualified people to fill them.

Training

- Today, most good jobs require more than a high school diploma. Businesses want to hire people who have diverse experiences, know how to think, and can solve problems.

- Further education makes it easier to change careers in an evolving world – it’s rare that a person sticks with one occupation these days.

Experiences

Education beyond high school gives you a lot of other benefits, including meeting new people, taking part in new opportunities to explore your interests, and experiencing success.

Preparedness

The more planning you’ve done, the more accessible college will be.

#1 tip: Focus on your school work – academic performance is the single most powerful factor in the college admissions process. This means not only strong grades, but taking challenging courses.

Freshmen Year

Inquire about taking Advanced Placement courses and Dual Enrollment

Talk to adults in a variety of professions

Ask parents how much they think they can assist you with paying for college

Look for a job or volunteer position that is related to your career interest

Sophomore Year

Become involved in school or community-based extracurricular activities

Meet with your counselor to discuss college requirements

Consider getting a summer job and save money for college

Junior Year

Continue with rigorous course selections

Decide which colleges most interest you and visit them in person.

Take the ACT and/or SAT for the first time. Don’t be afraid to take it again.

Talk with College Reps who visit your school

Begin work on your resume to accompany your admission application

Every person you know can be a resource in this process: talk to parents, teachers, guidance counselors, and family friends about options, careers, and the education necessary to get there.

Who can I talk to?

Your best friend: the Internet

The internet is a tremendous resource – use it. Check college/university websites, as well as useful resources like: www.college.gov www.knowhow2go.org www.collegeboard.com www.actstudent.org www.finaid.org

COSTS

Tuition +

Room and Board (if applicable)+

Fees

=The Sticker Price.

BASICS OF FINANCIAL AID

Scholarships Institutional Private

Federal and State Aid Grants Work-Study Student Loans

The FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid Complete after January 1st of Senior year at ---

http://fafsa.ed.gov Federal and State need-based aid consideration Estimate your aid now at:

http://www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov/ Magic Numbers

EFC – Estimated Family Contribution COA – Cost of Attendance

The Missouri A+ Program

Tuition reimbursement at a qualifying 2 year school (community college, technical school)

To earn A+ benefits you must meet certain criteria

Talk to your A+ Coordinator for more information

CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT

While college may demand more time studying and a higher level of thinking, learning does not stop when one leaves the classroom. There are numerous benefits to getting involved on campus, some you might not expect.

So why get involved?

It’s Fun.

Just about says it all.

Even more fun thanFun Dip…which not much is.

Academic Success

Several studies have shown that students who are active in campus activities are more engaged in the campus community and have a higher satisfaction with their college experience. A happy, fulfilled student is more likely to succeed more academically.

Retention and Persistence

Getting involved connects you to your college community. Studies suggest that more engaged students stay at their institution and won’t feel the need to transfer or drop out. Remember, graduation is the goal.

Meeting New People

Making new friends is a key part of the college experience – campus involvement allows you to get to know students that you might not meet in class or in your residence hall.

Need more reasons?

Build your resume Learn about career fields you had not

previously considered Increase self-esteem and develop leadership

skills

What Do Colleges Offer?

No two colleges will offer the exact same opportunities to be engaged on campus. 2 year schools will have different experiences than 4 year, etc. This is why researching what a school provides is key when making your college choice.

Athletics

Varsity sports

Club Sports

Intramural Sports

Fine Arts

Music

Theatre

Art

Very often you can be involved in these areas without majoring in them.

Clubs and Organizations

Social Greek (Fraternities and Sororities) Community Service Religious Student Unions Campus Media (newspaper, radio, tv) Cultural Groups Academic Honor Societies Special Interest

Questions?

Matt Magruder – BULLDOG Coordinator http://collegeaccess.truman.edu collegeaccess@truman.edu Phone: 660-785-7398