CAREER PLANNING & FINANCIAL AID NIGHT 2008 Welcome!

TONIGHTS AGENDA The Facts about Career Planning The Facts about Career Planning Best Bet Occupations Best Bet Occupations Career Planning Tips Career Planning Tips Careers without College Careers without College Careers with College Careers with College The Application Process The Application Process College Admission Testing College Admission Testing College Admission College Admission The Keys to Success The Keys to Success Financial Aid and Scholarship Information Financial Aid and Scholarship Information

THE FACTS! All careers in the future will require training after high school. All careers in the future will require training after high school. Workers of the future will change jobs times. Workers of the future will change jobs times. Many future careers may require a college degree. Many future careers may require a college degree. Not all careers in the future will require a college degree, but will require post-secondary training. Not all careers in the future will require a college degree, but will require post-secondary training. Not every high school graduate goes to a four year university. Not every high school graduate goes to a four year university. Annually only 30%-50% of all students who enter college actually graduate. Annually only 30%-50% of all students who enter college actually graduate.

Best Bet Occupations Best Bet occupations combine a high growth rate with a large number of annual openings. They also pay well for the level of training and education required. More Best Bet occupations can be viewed by visiting Work Experience +4 years of college or more: Computers Informational Systems Managers, Pharmacists Work Experience +4 years of college or more: Computers Informational Systems Managers, Pharmacists 4 years of College (Bachelors Degree): Accountants & Auditors, Computers Systems Analysts 4 years of College (Bachelors Degree): Accountants & Auditors, Computers Systems Analysts 2 years of College (Associates Degree): Registered Nurses, Computer Support Specialists 2 years of College (Associates Degree): Registered Nurses, Computer Support Specialists Vocational Training After High School: Automotive Service Technicians & Mechanics, Licensed Practical Nurses Vocational Training After High School: Automotive Service Technicians & Mechanics, Licensed Practical Nurses Long-Term-On-The–Job Training: Carpenters, Welders, Cutters Long-Term-On-The–Job Training: Carpenters, Welders, Cutters Moderate-Term-On-The-Job Training: Sales, Wholesales & Manufacturing, General Maintenance & Repair Workers Moderate-Term-On-The-Job Training: Sales, Wholesales & Manufacturing, General Maintenance & Repair Workers Short–Term-On–The-Job Training: Receptionists & Information Clerks, Truck Drivers, Light/Delivery Short–Term-On–The-Job Training: Receptionists & Information Clerks, Truck Drivers, Light/Delivery

PLANNING YOUR FUTURE Failing to plan is planning to fail! KNOW YOURSELF! KNOW YOURSELF! Achievements, abilities, interests, values, and ambitions are important factors to be evaluated in setting your goals. Achievements, abilities, interests, values, and ambitions are important factors to be evaluated in setting your goals. Initiative, responsibility, passion, and personality will determine your degree of success. (Discuss this with your parents and counselor) Initiative, responsibility, passion, and personality will determine your degree of success. (Discuss this with your parents and counselor)

CAREER RESOURCES: Aptitude & Interests CAREER RESOURCES: Aptitude & Interests Do What You Are: Do What You Are: Mapping Your Future: Mapping Your Future: Personality. Com: Personality. Com: Personality Type: Personality Type: People Patterns : People Patterns : Similar Minds: Similar Minds: What Now Grad? What Now Grad? Global Quest: Global Quest: Career Mag: Career Mag: Learning Styles: Learning Styles: Countdown: Countdown:

CAREER EXPLORATION Explore the many occupations fields. Evaluate this information as it relates to your self- evaluation. Explore the many occupations fields. Evaluate this information as it relates to your self- evaluation. Do not select an occupation field or goal just because Uncle Mike or Aunt Jane is successful or thinks it for you. Do not select an occupation field or goal just because Uncle Mike or Aunt Jane is successful or thinks it for you. Conduct career interviews. (See Mr. Calendo for a career interview questionnaire form) Conduct career interviews. (See Mr. Calendo for a career interview questionnaire form)

CAREER RESOURCES: Exploration Career One Stop: Career One Stop: Exploring Occupations: Exploring Occupations: Career Development: Career Development: Career Cruising: Career Cruising: Careers and Colleges: Careers and Colleges: Major and Career: Major and Career: Career Schools: Career Schools: Career Groups: Career Groups: Mpegasus Career Info: Mpegasus Career Info: Career Overview: Career Overview:

CAREER PLANNING Start planning for your vocation as early as possible. Start planning for your vocation as early as possible. Research the facts about what the specific education and training is required. Research the facts about what the specific education and training is required. Conduct informational interviews. Conduct informational interviews. Develop a resume of activities, honors, and achievements. Develop a resume of activities, honors, and achievements. Assemble a list of admission requirements and qualifications for schools that youre interested in. Assemble a list of admission requirements and qualifications for schools that youre interested in. Apply to the schools. Apply to the schools. Visit colleges or other Education/Training sites. Visit colleges or other Education/Training sites. Please keep in mind that as your counselor, I am here to help you develop your career plan and provide you with information on schools, colleges, financial aid, and military training. Please keep in mind that as your counselor, I am here to help you develop your career plan and provide you with information on schools, colleges, financial aid, and military training.

CAREER PLANNING RESOURCES Career Voyages Website is co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. Site offers youth career information about occupations that are in demand. Offers additional resources on apprenticeships, community colleges, 4-year colleges, certifications, career videos, and other options. Career Voyages Website is co-sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. Site offers youth career information about occupations that are in demand. Offers additional resources on apprenticeships, community colleges, 4-year colleges, certifications, career videos, and other options. The Illinois Career Resource Network Site offers career resources for elementary, middle school, and high school students. Students are able to explore and learn how to prepare for their careers. The Illinois Career Resource Network offers Countdown (career interest survey), Career Click, and Career Information System. These resources allows students to learn specific information on occupations, employment, and education and training. The Illinois Career Resource Network Site offers career resources for elementary, middle school, and high school students. Students are able to explore and learn how to prepare for their careers. The Illinois Career Resource Network offers Countdown (career interest survey), Career Click, and Career Information System. These resources allows students to learn specific information on occupations, employment, and education and training. The Career One Stop Site offers many career resources that youll find extremely helpful. Site allows you to search for these resources under the following headings Career Exploration, Education & Training, Job Search, Salary Benefits, People and Places. The Career One Stop Site offers many career resources that youll find extremely helpful. Site allows you to search for these resources under the following headings Career Exploration, Education & Training, Job Search, Salary Benefits, People and Places.

Careers Without College Apprenticeships Apprenticeships 1.There are more than 800 occupations in this category. These occupations can be learned by a combination of on-the-job training and part-time classroom instruction. 2.Salary typically begins at 50% of the typical salary and increases as you learn and gain new skills. You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma. 3.You apply directly to an apprenticeship sponsor, undergo an interview, and sometimes take certain tests. 4.In college a great deal of time and money is required to prepare you for your career. In an apprenticeship, you actually earn money while you learn your chosen profession The site offers information on Apprentice able Occupations by Occupational Title.

Careers Without College Internships Internships 1.A low or unpaid, short-term, entry-level job, where you can get work experience and build up your resume. 2.Many times, you might not realize if a career is right or wrong for you until you experience it in the work field. 3.You can call companies directly to ask about internship programs.

Careers Without College Military Service Military Service 1.Some military service occupations are very similar to those in civilian life. Therefore, the training and experience in such military occupations can be helpful in testing out or preparing for a civilian career. 2. Financial aid for education is available through the military. 3. Make sure you discuss with your parents before signing any documents.

Careers Without College Vo-Tech Schools Vo-Tech Schools 1.Business, vocational, and tech schools train specifically for technician careers. The demand for people with technical skills is growing twice as fast as any other group. 2. This site offers database for all Vocational Schools by state and the information on the specific training requirements for the specific career that interests YOU! 3.The cost varies depending on the school. 4Make sure you research a variety of schools.

Careers With College Take your college search seriously. Take your college search seriously. Realize that there is no perfect college, but you can find a great fit for you! Remember that a great fit for someone else does not necessarily mean a great fit for you. Realize that there is no perfect college, but you can find a great fit for you! Remember that a great fit for someone else does not necessarily mean a great fit for you.

CHOOSING A COLLEGE commuting vs. living on campus commuting vs. living on campus urban vs. small college town urban vs. small college town size of the school size of the school extracurricular/ athletic activities extracurricular/ athletic activities size of classes/ faculty-student ratio size of classes/ faculty-student ratio restrictions/ regulations of social life restrictions/ regulations of social life type of programs offered type of programs offered cost of the school cost of the school

Admission Requirements 2-year Open-door admission policy Open-door admission policy H.S. diploma & ACT scores are used for placement H.S. diploma & ACT scores are used for placement Accept H.S. grads, G.E.D. recipients, or individuals at least 16 years of age that have withdrawn from high school Accept H.S. grads, G.E.D. recipients, or individuals at least 16 years of age that have withdrawn from high school4-year ACT or SAT scores are required ACT or SAT scores are required G.P.A., class rank, volunteer work, personal statement, professional essay, extra curricular activities, letters of recommendation, and/or transcripts may be taken into consideration G.P.A., class rank, volunteer work, personal statement, professional essay, extra curricular activities, letters of recommendation, and/or transcripts may be taken into consideration

Tuition2-year As a full-time student, (enrolled in 24 credit hours per year) tuition can range from $1900 to $2300 As a full-time student, (enrolled in 24 credit hours per year) tuition can range from $1900 to $23004-year For most Illinois state colleges/universities, tuition can range from $5600 to $8700 annually (not including fees, housing, and other expenses) For most Illinois state colleges/universities, tuition can range from $5600 to $8700 annually (not including fees, housing, and other expenses) Private and/or out of state schools may be substantially higher Private and/or out of state schools may be substantially higher

Housing2-year Considered commuter schools Considered commuter schools Most students live at home while attending school Most students live at home while attending school4-year On-campus housing is usually available via dormitories, may be required for incoming students On-campus housing is usually available via dormitories, may be required for incoming students Off-campus housing includes – houses for rent, apartments, condos, sorority and fraternity living Off-campus housing includes – houses for rent, apartments, condos, sorority and fraternity living

Completion of Academic Programs 2-year May obtain an Associates degree with the possibility of transferring to a 4-year college May obtain an Associates degree with the possibility of transferring to a 4-year collegeOR May receive a specialized certificate in a professional or technical field May receive a specialized certificate in a professional or technical field4-year Wider selection of majors/specialties Wider selection of majors/specialties May obtain a Bachelors degree with the possibility of continuing education for a Masters degree May obtain a Bachelors degree with the possibility of continuing education for a Masters degree

List, Compare,Visit and Collect information Talk with College Representative Talk with College Representative Talk with Teachers, Counselors, Coaches, Parents, and College students Talk with Teachers, Counselors, Coaches, Parents, and College students Visit the College Web site Visit the College Web site Schedule appointment for campus visit Schedule appointment for campus visit Prepare a college comparison worksheet Prepare a college comparison worksheet Weigh advantages and disadvantages Weigh advantages and disadvantages

THE APPLICATION PROCESS The Students Responsibility The Students Responsibility Obtaining Applications Obtaining Applications Completing Applications Completing Applications

The Students Responsibility Decide where to apply: apply online at the college or university that youre interested in. Please see Mr. Calendo if you need a website address of the school or schools youre interested in applying to. Decide where to apply: apply online at the college or university that youre interested in. Please see Mr. Calendo if you need a website address of the school or schools youre interested in applying to. Obtain the applications and other relevant information on the different schools in the guidance office. Obtain the applications and other relevant information on the different schools in the guidance office. Complete the actual applications before the priority deadlines. Complete the actual applications before the priority deadlines. Early admission or priority application deadline due as early as November 1 st (U of I). November 15 th for all other states schools. Early admission or priority application deadline due as early as November 1 st (U of I). November 15 th for all other states schools. Use allows students the opportunity to apply to 350 colleges and universities in the United States by filling out one application (500 word essay, and teacher and counselor letter of recommendation is also required.) Use allows students the opportunity to apply to 350 colleges and universities in the United States by filling out one application (500 word essay, and teacher and counselor letter of recommendation is also required.) Gather other important information admissions requirements, housing, merit based and need based scholarships, and scholarship application deadline. Gather other important information admissions requirements, housing, merit based and need based scholarships, and scholarship application deadline. Request transcripts to be sent out in the guidance office. Request transcripts to be sent out in the guidance office.

Transcript Request Request a transcript from Mr. Calendo. Request a transcript from Mr. Calendo. Picked up or sent out Picked up or sent out There is NO FEE for a copy of your transcript. There is NO FEE for a copy of your transcript.

How to get applications Guidance Office Guidance Office Phone or visit the Office of Admissions Phone or visit the Office of Admissions The Internet: The Internet: Complete and send electronically…Double Check to see if there is a section to print out and give to your counselor Download the application

What (Nearly!) Every Application Asks Students full LEGAL name Students full LEGAL name List of all high schools attended List of all high schools attended State of residence of both student and parents State of residence of both student and parents Six Digit high school code : Six Digit high school code : Courses in progress Courses in progress Standardized Test Scores Standardized Test Scores Signature from student, parent, and counselor Signature from student, parent, and counselor Letter of Recommendation from a Teacher Letter of Recommendation from a Teacher Letter of Recommendation from your counselor Letter of Recommendation from your counselor

COUNSELORS ROLE Assist in obtaining college information Assist in obtaining college information Review completed college applications Review completed college applications Certify an official transcript Certify an official transcript Write a letter of recommendation (if required) Write a letter of recommendation (if required)

COLLEGE ADMISSION TESTING

Types of College Admission Tests ACT (American College Testing) ACT (American College Testing) SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) Register online at by April 29 th for the June 4 th SAT test Register online at by April 29 th for the June 4 th SAT test

ACT Taken during the junior year as part of the PSAE Taken during the junior year as part of the PSAE Consists of four tests : Consists of four tests : – English, Math, Reading and Science Reasoning Top score is 36 (Composite) Top score is 36 (Composite) Writing component is required! Writing component is required!

SAT Predominantly used by east & west coast schools Predominantly used by east & west coast schools SAT consists of a verbal test, mathematics test, and a writing test. SAT consists of a verbal test, mathematics test, and a writing test. Each test is scored on a scale of Each test is scored on a scale of Adding the verbal and math will give a total combined score Adding the verbal and math will give a total combined score

ACT or SAT Check with college for preference Check with college for preference ACT: designed to measure academic achievement in the areas of: English, Math, Reading, and Science Reasoning. ACT: designed to measure academic achievement in the areas of: English, Math, Reading, and Science Reasoning. SAT: Designed to measure academic aptitude in terms of verbal and numerical reasoning. SAT: Designed to measure academic aptitude in terms of verbal and numerical reasoning.

Test Scores Sent Directly From ACT/SAT SAT/ACT Give you a limited number of schools to have your scores sent to initially SAT/ACT Give you a limited number of schools to have your scores sent to initially $7-10 per additional test score sent out $7-10 per additional test score sent out

P.S.A.E. Required to earn high school diploma Required to earn high school diploma Annual State Exam given to high school Juniors in April Annual State Exam given to high school Juniors in April PSAE Day 1 (ACT) PSAE Day 1 (ACT) PSAE Day 2 (Science, Applied Reading & Math) PSAE Day 2 (Science, Applied Reading & Math) NCAA accepts PSAE ACT scores for Division II eligibility (decision pending regarding Division I eligibility) NCAA accepts PSAE ACT scores for Division II eligibility (decision pending regarding Division I eligibility)

What are College Admissions Officers looking for in prospective students? G.P.A. G.P.A. Rank Rank ACT/SAT Test Score ACT/SAT Test Score Personal statement Personal statement Recommendations Recommendations Difficulty of course selections Difficulty of course selections Courses in progress Junior & Senior year Courses in progress Junior & Senior year Academic Accomplishments Academic Accomplishments School Involvement School Involvement Personality Characteristics Personality Characteristics Level of Commitment Level of Commitment Personal Accomplishments Personal Accomplishments ?

Personal Statement Why are you interested in that particular college or university? Why are you interested in that particular college or university? Impact on admissions Impact on admissions Why would you be a good addition to that particular academic community? Why would you be a good addition to that particular academic community? Topics include: life lessons, personal challenges, areas of interests Topics include: life lessons, personal challenges, areas of interests

COLLEGE ENTRANCE RECOMMENDATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS (Depends on what tier the school is in) ENGLISH: 4 years ENGLISH: 4 years MATH: 3-4 years MATH: 3-4 years SCIENCE w/LAB: 3-4 years SCIENCE w/LAB: 3-4 years SOCIAL STUDIES: 3 years SOCIAL STUDIES: 3 years POSSIBLE FOREIGN LANGUAGE: 2-3 years POSSIBLE FOREIGN LANGUAGE: 2-3 years POSSIBLE FINE ARTS: Emerging POSSIBLE FINE ARTS: Emerging ELECTIVES: ELECTIVES:

Conditional Admissions Deficiency in a particular entrance requirement: complete non-degree coursework on campus (foreign language) Deficiency in a particular entrance requirement: complete non-degree coursework on campus (foreign language) Academic probation Academic probation Wait list Wait list Deferment (early admission process) Deferment (early admission process)

KEYS TO SUCCESS DESIRE DESIRE SELF-DISCIPLINE SELF-DISCIPLINE WORK ETHIC WORK ETHIC DETERMINATION DETERMINATION TIME MANGEMENT TIME MANGEMENT INTERPERSONAL SKILLS INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

SCHOLARSHIP WEBSITES SCHOLARSHIP WEBSITES This site offers an extensive database on national, local, and college specific scholarships. This site offers an extensive database on national, local, and college specific scholarships. Site offers students a free scholarship search to worlds largest database worth over 32 billion dollars. Site offers students a free scholarship search to worlds largest database worth over 32 billion dollars. Site offers students an extensive library of career resources that include career exploration, job search for every state in U.S., self-assessments, free scholarship search, college search, and more. Site offers students an extensive library of career resources that include career exploration, job search for every state in U.S., self-assessments, free scholarship search, college search, and more. Offers financial aid and information with links to test preparation and internship opportunities, for students who want to earn as they learn. Offers financial aid and information with links to test preparation and internship opportunities, for students who want to earn as they learn. College Zone is the Illinois Student Assistance Commissions site for financial aid with a user friendly guide to scholarships, grants, work-study and more. College Zone is the Illinois Student Assistance Commissions site for financial aid with a user friendly guide to scholarships, grants, work-study and more. Search for local and national college scholarships and grants. Free scholarship search worth over 19 billion. Scholarships match your academics, talents, and interests. Search for local and national college scholarships and grants. Free scholarship search worth over 19 billion. Scholarships match your academics, talents, and interests.