11th Grade Parent and Student College Planning Meeting March 2, 2015 11th grade Parent and Student Meeting

Post-Secondary Programs When you leave high school, you have MANY options to prepare for your future career. Immediate Employment Military (Navy, Army, Air Force, National Guard, Marines or Coast Guard) Technical and Career Colleges Community Colleges 4 year colleges and universities Tonight we will focus on the college planning timeline

Post-Secondary Programs Technical and Career Colleges A school that specializes in technical training so students can go directly in a career after completing the program Training ranges from 2 months-2 years Example: Anoka Technical College with a degree in welding Other careers include massage therapist, paramedic, firefighter, electrician, cosmetologist, and dental assistant

Post-Secondary Programs Community Colleges A school where students can earn certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees. Some students directly enter the workforce after training, others may transfer to a 4 year college or university to complete a degree. Training ranges from 1-2 years Example: Anoka Ramsey Community College with an associate degree in accounting or earning general credits and transferring to St. Cloud State University to complete a 4 year bachelor degree in accounting. Other careers include nurse, photographer, dental hygienist, hotel/restaurant manager, and building inspector

Post-Secondary Programs 4 year colleges and universities A school where students take courses to gain general knowledge in arts, sciences, and humanities plus a major in a specific field of study. Students earn a bachelor of arts or science degree Examples of majors: French, economics, geology, psychology, communications, statistics, chemistry, business Examples of careers that require a bachelor degree: Engineers, social workers, marketing managers, teachers, biologists, financial advisors Example: Winona State University with a major in journalism with the goal of becoming an editor of a newspaper for career

College Applications The following may be required to complete your college application Application ACT/SAT ERHS transcript Essay Letters of recommendation Resume/Activity list Fee Fee waivers available to eligible students in the counseling office

ACT All 11th graders will take the ACT with writing April 28 Upcoming National Test dates: June 13, 2015 Sept. 12, 2015 Oct. 24, 2015 Dec. 12, 2015 Tests include English Mathematics Reading Science Writing (optional)

ACT Students register independently online ERHS April test date students will register during school Send your score report to ERHS ACT score will then be reported on official ERHS transcript You can request reports sent to 4 colleges Additional colleges cost $12 Cost $38 (No writing) $54.50 (ACT Plus Writing) Fee waivers are available for eligible students in the counseling office Test Prep (see handout)

College Visits This is the most important step in selecting a college to attend after high school Campus tour Visit with current students or professors View dorms, cafeteria, facilities Visit with admissions staff Scholarships Programs/Majors Admission deadlines Make a connection to staff

Finding the Right Fit How can I choose the right school for me? Does this school offer the training I need for the career that interests me? Does it matter how close or far away the college is from home? Does it matter if the campus has a lot of students or not? Does it matter if the college is in a city, suburb or small town? How much will school cost?

Suggested Timeline ERHS ACT April 28 Spring: Start researching colleges of interest and college Junior Visit Days Summer Start visiting college campuses June: Retake ACT if needed Job shadows and informational interviews for careers of interest Start gathering materials needed for college applications Resume, activity list, letters of recommendation, personal statement/essay, scholarships Fall Oct.: Retake ACT if needed Narrow your college list down to 3-5 schools Check all college application deadlines Start applying to college MN College Knowledge Month: FREE MN College Applications to participating schools Revisit college campuses to narrow down search Apply for scholarships Jan.: Attend ERHS Financial Aid Info Night Jan.-March: Complete FAFSA March: ERHS Local Scholarship Drive March-April: Review award letters and make final college decision

Digging Deeper How can you learn more? Research college website Attend college rep visits right here at ERHS Sign up in the counseling office Talk with your teachers, family members, and current college students about their experiences Make an appointment with your guidance counselor Complete MCIS career assessments Stop in the counseling office for details and login info

Take your senior year seriously Reflect Relax Enjoy the process! Last Words of Wisdom Take your senior year seriously Reflect Relax Enjoy the process!