College 101 Middle School Edition

Why college? How does it benefit me? What do I study? What do I need to do?

Why do you think college is important? More job opportunities More money Greater knowledge Greater ability to change the world

how many of you will be the first in your family to go to college?

If you are the first in your family to go to college you are considered A first generation college student: A student which neither parent has attained a college degree

The opportunities are ENDLESS! Doctor Teacher Engineer Mechanic Artist Athlete Veterinarian Musician Scientist Lawyer Architect Accountant Translator Coach Editor Minister Manager Counselor Judge Designer Pharmacist Police Chefs Pilot Photographer Actor Writer Nurse Librarian Model

Career Exploration

TOOLS Personality Likes to work with animals, tools, and machines Values what you can see, touch, and use Occupations Construction Laborers Cooks Firefighters Electricians Pilots Engineers Dentists Surgeons College Majors Engineering Culinary Arts Dentistry Architecture Criminal Justice

SCIENCE Personality Likes to study and solve math and science problems Values science highly Occupations Dietetics Chemists Biologists Detectives Pharmacists Psychiatrists Veterinarians Doctors College Majors Medicine Biology Criminal Justice Pharmacy Veterinary

ARTS Personality Likes creative activities like drama, crafts, music, writing, and art Values all creative arts Occupations Actors Models Writers Designers Singers Dancers Musicians Photographers Architects College Majors Theater Arts Music Architecture Graphic Design Journalism

PEOPLE Personality Likes to help people Values helping people and solving social problems Occupations Teacher Counselor Social Workers Physical Therapists Nurse Health Educators Clergy College Majors Education Social Work Physical Therapy Nursing Health Ministry

BUSINESS Personality Likes to lead and persuade people and sell things and ideas Values success in politics, leadership, or business Occupations Lawyers Entrepreneurs Salespersons Real Estate Brokers Stock Brokers Managers Treasurers College Majors Law Business Administration Finance Marketing

OFFICE Personality Likes to work with numbers, records, or machines Values order and success in business Occupations Librarians Accountants Office Clerks Tellers Bookkeepers Loan Officers Economists College Majors Administration Business Accounting Finance Computer Science

Where should I go to college? High School Diploma/GED Community College Graduate or Professional School Technical School University

High School Diploma The High School Diploma is the foundational type of degree in the American educational system: You will need to have one in order to enroll in nearly any postsecondary educational program. If you don’t graduate from high school, don’t give up. Almost all employers and schools consider the GED as a substitute for a high school diploma. Time: 12 years

Associate’s Degree There are many different versions of this degree which signify the subject of study. Associate’s degrees often involve a set of basic preparatory coursework, usually equivalent to the first two years of a Bachelor’s program. Basic of all college degrees Earned at a community college 2 year degree Courses may transfer to a university Associate of Science, Associate of Arts, Associate of Applied Science Time: 2 years

Bachelor’s Degree Undergraduate course of study. Offered in hundreds of subjects. Depending on the location and the topic of study, is supposed to take four to five years to complete. There are a few professional degrees that require only bachelor’s degree training and even a couple that require only an Associate degree. Standard Undergraduate degree Earned in a University 4-5 year degree Required for all graduate programs Time: 4-5 years

Master’s Degree This is the standard graduate-level degree. Master’s degrees are offered in hundreds of different fields. Their status varies widely in the workplace and career field. Standard Graduate degree Bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite Earned at a University 2-4 years depending on the volume of coursework Time: 2-4 years

Professional Degree A professional degree is generally a degree that prepares students for professions that require a license such as: nursing, architecture, law, medicine, chiropractic, engineering, dentistry, etc. Requires at least 2 years of previous college work At least 6 years of college work for completion depending on profession Time: 3-6 years

Doctoral Degree Advanced academic degree called Doctor of Philosophy ( PhD ). Highest degree attainable in most university departments. Highest degree attainable Most commonly associated with scientists and professors Its cost, duration, and length differ by field Takes anywhere from 5 to 10 years Time: 5-10 years

HS Diploma (12 years) Associate’s Degree (2 years) Bachelor’s Degree (4 years) Master’s Degree (2 years) Doctorate Degree (3-5 years) Professional Degree (4 years) Certificate Degree (1 year) Degree years

Education Pays

Do you want... Apartment Utilities (gas, electric, phone, cable) Car Gas Insurance Cell Phone Groceries and Fast Food Entertainment (movies, going out) With a high school diploma... Earn $7/hour x 40 hours/per week = $280 per week $280/week x 4 week = $1,120/month $ $ $ $ $50... $ Total =$1,900 You’re short over $580! **You also might like clothing and a vacation. And of course you must pay taxes.** With a college degree... Earn $15/hour x 40 hours/per week = $600 per week $600/week x 4 week = $2,400/month You still have $500! Why College?

College Types Where do I go? What is the Difference?

Technical Schools

Community Colleges

Universities

How do you get there ?

Talk to your Counselors about: Going to a college or university College preparatory classes – Pre-AP – AP – Honors Summer Enrichment Programs Extracurricular Activities

Do your BEST in class! Ask for help! Plan your study time Keep a calendar Go to class every day Discuss what you’ve learned with family and friends Review the material at the end of the day Get the hard stuff out of the way first DON’T PROCRASTINATE!! Study in groups

Why Do you want to go to college? Give examples