College or University College- A school that is small in number and does not have many doctorate degrees. University- Large number of students and has a sufficient amount of doctorate degree programs. Community College- a two year program. Associate degrees and vocational degrees.

Why college is important! U.S. Statistics Show: 28% Females have Bachelors degree and 29.5 males have a Bachelors Degree! That means 72% of women have no degree and 70.5 males have no degree! High School Diploma 1.2 million in a lifetime. Associates Degree – 1.6 million Bachelor ’ s Degree – 2.1 million Masters Degree – 2.5 million Doctoral Degree – 3.4 million Professional Degree – 4.4 million

Terms on College and Career Academic Calendar- The calendar a college or university follows. Three types are: 1. Semesters: weeks 2. Quarters: Three terms of 11 weeks (fourth optional) 3. Trimester: Two terms of 15 weeks (third optional) Advance Placement- System by which hard working freshman may test out of entry level courses.

Terms Continued! Co-op – A college program usually for juniors and seniors where they can work a semester then go to school a semester in a certain major. Fee- A sum of money which is paid for an astonishingly large number of things. Ex. Application fee, registration fees, graduation fees, parking fees. Credit Hours- The number of hours you need to have to credit to graduate. Ex: If a class meets 3 hours a week then you receive 3 hours per class.

Types of Degrees Associate – two years of education Bachelor degree- at least four years of education. Masters degree- usually one to two years added to the bachelors degree. (6 years.) Doctorate degree- highest degree with a person going to school around 8 year Professional- Specializing in a specific area – medicine, law etc. (10 years)

Example College Schedule Monday TuesdayWednesdayThursdayFriday English Comp. I (3 Hr.) 8:00-9:00 College Alg. (3 Hr.) 8:00-9:30 World History (3 Hr.) 9:30-10:30 Biology (3 Hr.) 10:00- 11:30

MPACT and MACS ● MPACT- Mississippi Prepaid Affordable College Tuition Program- guarantees full payment of tuition and mandatory fees at any public college in the state of Ms. No matter if the cost of tutition at the time of entering college. ● MACS- A savings plan with interest for books and other costs.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a College Size Academic program Location Admission standards Student Success Campus Environment Cost Special Interest

How to Choose a College! Visit the campus Stay overnight Sit in a class Eat in the cafeteria

Types of Learning Traditional Classroom- Teacher-instruction Online Learning- Computer based-teacher is via the internet. Factors to Consider before becoming an online learner: 1. Be open-minded to share ideas with people you can not see. There are no visual barriers. 2. Be able to communicate through writing. 3. Be self motivated and self disciplined. 4. Be willing to speak up if problems arise. 5. Be willing to commit 4 to 15 hours a week per course. 6. Meet the minimum requirements of the program with a computer etc. 7. Accept critical thinking and decision making as part of learning. 8. Be able to think ideas through before responding. 9.Feel that high quality learning can take place without a traditional classroom. 10. Be able to work with other via and discussion boards.

Dual Enrollment When high school students meet criteria to be enrolled in college classes during their high school years. Criteria can consist of: Application for Admission Core Requirements completed (English, Math etc.) Overall “ B ” average with a transcript on file Recommendation from a principal or counselor Act scores must be high enough in the area Dual Enrollment can be either traditional classroom or online learning.

Basic Assumptions A college education is an investment. There is no magic formula for scholarship. Preparation will yield the best outcome. Financing for college is a partnership. There is a difference between price and cost. Cost does not always determine quality.

Definitions Merit Assistance is primarily based on a “ talent ” - academic, leadership, art, music, athletic, etc. Need Assistance is primarily based on the financial ability of the family to pay.

Scholarship Types Merit Competitive Equity Academic Leadership Departmental Entitlement Need Talent Endowed Athletic University External

Scholarship Criteria Curriculum & Coursework (Honors, AP, IB) Grade Point Average Standardized Examinations (ACT, SAT I- II) Resume of Leadership Activities Summer Experiences (Governor ’ s School) Recommendations & Interviews Financial Need

Financial Aid Any fund that is used to finance your college experience. Includes scholarships, grants, jobs, and loans. Analysis is an annual process to assist families in attaining the goal of a college degree.

Financial Aid Process Free Application for Federal Student Aid Cannot file before January 1 each year. Must have complete tax information before filing the FAFSA. A priority date or deadline may be determined by the college. Apply for financial aid to multiple colleges.

Financial Aid Process Analysis determines the expected family contribution (EFC) for the year in college. The EFC is compared to the total cost of attendance at the various colleges. The EFC is defined for that year of college. The result is the “ need ” of the student and the family. The higher the cost, the higher the need.

Miss. Financial Aid Resources click on “ Financial Aid ” MTAG- Miss. Resident Tuition Assistance Grant. Deadline Sept. 15 (15 on ACT) $ first two years $1, for the last two years. MESG- Miss. Eminent Scholars Grant- Deadline Sept. 15 (29 on ACT) $ per year.