Welcome to COUN 105 Transfer Success! College Options: The American System of Higher Education

Benefits, Pathways and Preparation College students need to: Understand the benefits of a college education Learn the pathways to college and transfer Learn how to prepare for university admission

First Year Advice Advice to My Freshman Self Video It Also Helps To… Expect to achieve your goals and keep sight of them! You Can Do This!

Why Go To College? To have more job opportunities - More jobs require education beyond high school. Many jobs rely on new technology and “brainpower” To gain more knowledge that will be helpful throughout students’ lives. To broaden perspectives – -Meet new people from diverse backgrounds; be independent

Why College? continued  A 4-year college graduate (with Bachelor’s degree) earns almost $1 mill more over his/her lifetime than a high school graduate. - Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Why College? continued  A 4-year college graduate earns about $52,200 annually on average, compared to $30,400 for a high school graduate. - Source: U.S. Census Bureau

Why College? continued Increased education is also associated with:  Better working conditions;  Longer job tenure;  More on-the-job training opportunities;  More promotion opportunities

Types of Colleges – The Basics Types of American Colleges Include: Technical or Trade Colleges Vocational Colleges Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities There are even more "college types""college types"

Degree Options – Undergrad Study Diploma High School– 4 years Community College – 2 years Associate’s Degree University –4 years Bachelor’s Degree This Could Be You!

Degrees after the BA – Graduate Study Master’s Degree University-2 years or more Doctorate Degrees-Ph.D, Ed.D, M.D. Professional Degrees-Law Degree University –3 years or more

113 Community Colleges in CA Prepares students to transfer to a 4-year institution Associate’s degree Offers technical training in specific occupations Most are nonresidential; students live off-campus Students can attend part-time or full-time NVC is one of the best in California!!! California Community Colleges (CCC) NVC Student services Mission Statement: Student Services provides support and services that engage and empower students to achieve success

Deciding on an Educational Goal  Best to decide on career first, then figure out educational goal (includes college major)  How soon do I need to decide?  End of your first year or 15 units completed

Educational Goal cont.  How many of you have been on a blind date before?  What did you know about the person before you went out with him/her?  Did the date work out?  Researching a career or major is like dating  the more you learn about the person the better decision you’ll make!

Ed Goal cont. - Questionnaire I F YOU ANSWER “ NO ” TO ANY OF THESE Q UESTIONS TRY A CAREER ASSESSMENTCAREER ASSESSMENT 1. I know which career(s) match my interests, skills, personality and values 2. I know which majors lead to which careers 3. I have researched job descriptions, educational requirements, salaries and job outlooks

Napa Valley College Enjoy your week until next class!