THE ROAD TO COLLEGE STARTS HERE

Why go to college? Greater and more diverse career options Personal and educational growth It pays off…

How do you get there? 1. Crack the books Strong grades and a competitive GPA are habits that must begin in middle school. 2. Set your goals Which colleges interest you? What majors will you consider? Do you have any career objectives in mind? 3. Make a plan How will you reach your goals? What kind of GPA do you need? What classes will you take in high school? What kind of extracurricular activities will you pursue?

How do you get there? 4. Do your research Explore possible college and career choices: Online research: www.collegeboard.com (to be discussed) Support at school: counselors, teachers, outreach organizations Advice at home: parents, siblings, extended family 5. Stay motivated It’s never too early to prepare for college. It will keep you motivated! Choose friends that share the same goals. 6. Talk to your parents Discuss your goals and plans with your parents– they can help! Consider possible high school, college, and career choices together.

The college talk begins…NOW! We will now take a 30 second break… Turn to your partners and ask them one or all of the following questions: 1) Where do you want to go to college (i.e. possible campuses, cities, states)? 2) What careers are you interested in? 3) What are your strongest and weakest subjects in school?

Make-or-break criteria A few, basic factors to consider when researching college campuses… Institution type (public, private, vocational) Majors/minors offered Campus/enrollment size (large vs. small classes) Campus reputation Geography (urban/rural; in-state/out-of-state) Distance from home Housing (available/guaranteed?) Campus resources (libraries, computers) Costs (tuition, books, room and board) Financial aid offered

Make-or-break criteria Some more factors to consider… Religious affiliation Gender-specific vs. co-ed Student body diversity Extracurricular activities offered Social life (sororities, fraternities, clubs) Tips for successful research: Begin to visit campuses as early as possible. Don’t rely on name recognition/hype. Find your best fit! Don’t pick campuses just because your friends are applying. Make your own decisions! Don’t rule out colleges because of cost. Financial aid is available. Online research: College Board “Profiles” and “Matchmaker”: www.collegeboard.com

High School Counts 4 Years English I,II,III,IV Mathematics (Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and one additional math class) Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and one additional science class) Social Studies (World History, World Geography, US History, Government, Economics) 2 Years Languages other than English (both years must be the same language) 1 Year Physical Education (can include athletics) ½ Year Speech (Communications Applications or Professional Communications) Fine Arts 5 ½ Credits Elective Courses

Five tips for high school success 1. Make sure you take a healthy number of AP courses every year– in addition to your high school requirements and electives. Passing may mean a “C” 2. Show progress and diversity in your coursework. If you excel in a subject, take its Honors/AP level. 3. Talk to your counselor every semester! The big question to ask: “Am I on track to apply for ____ college(s)?” 4. Work on your “application builders”: Extracurricular activities: clubs, sports, student government Leadership roles Community service 5. Balance your school work and social life with college preparation, i.e.: SAT/ACT preparation and examination College research Scholarship searches and applications

Money, money, money Government grants/loans: Apply for the FAFSA by March 2 of your senior year in high school Campus-based grants and scholarships: Apply with your admission application and/or once enrolled in college Scholarships: You should begin applying in middle school and not stop till you have a college degree! Online search engines: www.fastweb.com ; www.cashe.com ; www.collegeboard.com ; www.scholarships.com ; www.maldef.org School/community resources: counselors, teachers, peers, career centers, public libraries, community organizations, etc. Financial aid is available for everyone! Undocumented students, foster youth, and veterans’ dependents should talk to a counselor or college representative in high school.