1. 11th Grade Parent and Student College Planning Meeting
March 2, 2015
11th grade Parent and Student Meeting

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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)

8. 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)

9. 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

10. 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?

11. 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

12. 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

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