1. March to College Continuing Education After High School Brought to you by Truman State’s National Society of Collegiate Scholars

2. Who are we? What are we involved in? Why are we here?

3. To Go or Not to Go GO! President Obama’s goal is that by 2020, the U.S. will lead the world in the proportion of college graduates New programs are opening up for affording college to encourage students from all backgrounds The economy is reaching a point where a college degree is necessary to excel

4. Education after High School 4-year university Truman State University, University of Missouri-Columbia, Northwest Missouri State University 2-year Community Colleges Moberly Area Community College Technical Schools Moberly Area Technical Center, Columbia Area Vocational Technical School, Linn State Technical College

5. 4-Year University Why did we pick a four year university? What was our biggest shock? Take a broader range of courses with degrees that can be used for a wide spectrum of jobs Offer on campus performances, cultural events, guest lecture series, student-run clubs, honor societies, research opportunities, service groups, study abroad trips *Info from College View [online]

6. 2-Year University Although four-year schools get the most media hype and attention, many high school graduates head to a two year institution. WHY? Cheaper and quicker: A+ Program Can use as a launching point to start earning bachelor’s degree If you don’t know what you want to major in If your G.P.A. needs a boost! Allow time for apprenticeships and internships in local community—connections for future jobs

7. Technical School Automotive repair, electricity, agriculture, garments Offer short term courses that are quick and get you in the job search faster! Skilled workers are in demand which means higher pay There are technical/vocational schools online now. HANDS ON!

8. Quick Cost Compare College Board reports average cost of: One year in-state public four year school: $8,200 One year in-state public room and board: 8,900 One year private four year school: $28,500 One year private four year room and board: $10,900 One year community college tuition: $2,963 Room and board varies One year technical school tuition: Can vary, $375- $575 per credit hour, average student enrolled in 12 credit hours.

9. Ways to Pay! Scholarships available! Need based and merit based Can be from school, companies, or private groups Financial aid available - FAFSA Loans Grants ROTC A+ Program

10. ROTC Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps An elective taken with undergraduate or graduate classes for leadership training in any field Offers merit-based scholarships that can pay up to the full cost of tuition and open educational opportunities Graduate as an officer in the US Army

11. A+ Program Students in Missouri are eligible for 2 years of free tuition to approved Community or Technical Colleges Following Criteria to be Eligible: Attend an A+ approved school for 3 or more years 95% attendance record GPA of 2.5 or higher Perform 50 hours of unpaid tutoring Any and all other requirements found in your schools handbook

12. Time to Prepare! Start thinking about what you want to do NOW! Take the ACT Build a Resume Take classes seriously Ask around, shadow professionals!

13. ACT National college admissions examination that consists of subject area tests in English, Math, Reading, and Science Accepted by all 4 year colleges and universities Only $35 (No Writing) and this sends your scores to 4 colleges! Can take it multiple times and colleges look at your best score Crucial in determining scholarships! Register for the next ACT by May 8, 2015! (Test date is June 13 th )

14. Building a Resume Get involved now! Colleges want to see that you care about something beyond yourself, that you have perseverance, compassion, and a desire to make the world a better place Participate in Community service Pursue your passions while adding to the community tutor in your favorite subject, work at the Humane Society, volunteer at the hospital, help at a conservation area, work in the church nursery

15. Building a Resume Clubs and Societies –Nationally, locally or school sponsored organizations and clubs –Better to be in leadership in one club you are passionate about than to be mildly involved in ten College requires a greater demand of time and energy. Seeing that you can juggle classes and extracurricular shows them that you are capable of handling a heavier work load if you enter college

16. Building a Resume Sports School Government Debate Team Theatre Year Book Committee School Newspaper These provide challenges that test your character and expand your problem solving skills, poise under stress, team work, etc.

17. Classes NOW are a big deal! High School classes that can give you an advantage (and possibly credit) in College Dual Enrollment Classes through MACC and Central Methodist Colleges look at GPA to determine scholarship offers If you take your classes seriously now, college classes won’t be such a shock later. You will be prepared!

18. Exploring your options! Job Shadowing/ Internship See if any local professionals or businesses will allow to come and observe people on the job College Visits! Take a tour, talk to current students, and look into the classes, libraries, and dorms to see if you would be comfortable here What career paths are we interested in?

19. Q & A