1. Oh No, It’s Time to Figure Out What’s Next!!!
Life After High School
Oh No, It’s Time to Figure Out What’s Next!!!

2. You Need More Than Your HS Diploma
Studies by the U.S. Department of Education prove that your effort pays off.
Annual Earnings Estimates:
$27,470 Less than a high school diploma $34,197 High school diploma $40,556 Some college
$44,086 Associate's degree $57,023 Bachelor's degree
$69,958 Master’s degree $103,411 Professional degree

3. Military www.todaysmilitary.com
Joining the Military is a big decision, and one we hope will inspire discussion among family, friends and trusted advisors. While not meant as a source of current military news ( the information on this site will help you carefully weigh the opportunities and benefits service has to offer.
Visit the website of the military branch you are considering
Meet with a recruiter – we can arrange this for you!

4. College 101 – Undergraduate Degree
What are the different types of degrees?
Certificate – Not a full degree, but a select group of courses that may allow you to join the workforce at the entry level.
Associate’s Degree – A degree that can be obtained at the Community College – usually credits. (AS, AA)
Bachelor’s Degree – A degree that can be obtained at the College or University Level – usually credits. (BSN, BA, BS)

5. College 101 – Graduate Degree
What are the different types of graduate degrees?
Master’s Degree – An additional degree obtained after a Bachelor’s Degree. Usually an additional two years. (MA, MSN, PAC)
Doctorate – A professional degree obtained after three -four additional years of college. (MD, DDS, DVM, PhD.)

6. College 101, continued What is a full-time student?
12 credit hours per semester. To graduate in four years, students need to take an average of credit hours each Fall and Winter semester.
What is a credit hour?
Math class = 4 credits (Meet 4 hours each week)
Some classes (such as gym = 1 or 2 credits)

7. College vs. University Community College is a great start College
Chance to improve your GPA
Save time and money!
HAVE A PLAN IF YOU WANT A BACHELOR DEGREE
Know which college or university you plan to transfer to after MCC, OCC, SC4, etc.
College
An educational institution offering a Bachelor Degree
University
An educational institution offering a Bachelor, Master and/or Doctorate Degree

8. College vs. University
A college is a post-secondary school, an institution that focuses on undergraduate education. It includes the institutions known as junior colleges and community colleges. Colleges of this sort award degrees such as Associates Degrees as well as a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.). In and of itself, the word college may suggest a four-year liberal arts education, but there are also technical colleges that supply other types of experience.
A college is also an institution of higher education that offers both undergraduate and graduate degree programs, though the graduate programs may not be extensive.
A college is the name of a cohesive educational unit within a university, such as a College of Education or College of Engineering or College of Arts and Sciences, that functions of a subset of the larger institution, with its own faculty and facilities, departments, and degree programs.
As defined by

9. College vs. University
University - “An educational institution that usually maintains one or more four-year undergraduate colleges (or schools) with programs leading to a bachelor's degree, a graduate school of arts and sciences awarding master's degrees and doctorates (Ph.D.s), and graduate professional schools.”
As defined by

10. How to Choose Your College
Not sure what you want to study?
Make sure the college has several majors that interest you – students often change their major 3-5 times. NOT ALL SCHOOLS OFFER ALL MAJORS!
Don’t follow your friends
Make sure it is “the right fit” for you
Campus visit is crucial!
Narrow down your choice and talk with admission counselors
Sign up for the on-site admissions and college rep visits at Armada

11. How To Be Successful in College
The Secret
Good Time Management
For every hour in class, expect 2 hours of homework
So a 4 credit class may mean 8 hours of weekly prep
Be organized
Time for studying
Time for fun
ASK FOR HELP if you need it – free tutoring is available
Get involved

12. What Are Colleges Looking For?
All Schools
Some Schools have additional requirements
GPA (from 9-11th grade)
SAT or ACT score (some colleges require the writing portion)
Strength of your senior schedule – finish STRONG
Grade trends
Have your grades improved since freshman year?
May require a college essay
May require letters of recommendation
May look at leadership/volunteer activities

13. What Should I Be Doing Now?
Gathering information – College Fairs
Learning Admission Requirements
College Visits
Talking with Admission Advisors
Making sure the college offers your major
Talking with your parents about finances
Working on your college essay
Narrowing down your choices
Looking for scholarships

14. When Do I Apply?
You can start applying in August, but we suggest you get all your applications in by October 31st so you don’t miss any scholarship opportunities!
The earlier you apply, the better your opportunities.
Let your counselor know which schools you are applying to – they may have suggestions for you!
Send your transcripts through Parchment

15. How Do I Apply? Apply online directly on the college website.
Some schools require you to complete the Common Application
See your counselor for a Recommendation Request Form to help us help you!
Remember, decisions may take up to 12 weeks to receive a response from the more competitive schools such as MSU and U of M.

16. Admission Decisions Accepted – Congratulations!
Bring a copy of your acceptance letter to the counseling office
We will deliver your #Accepted t-shirt to wear on Fridays
You will be entered into drawings for prizes!
Denied - we recommend applying to at least 3 schools so you always have a back-up plan
Deferred
Wait Listed - You will only be accepted for enrollment from a waitlist if a significant number of students who are admitted choose not to enroll.

17. When Do I Decide?
May 1st is the deadline to make a non-refundable deposit to hold your spot – but don’t wait that late.
Once you send in a deposit you can select your housing and arrange for orientation
Many schools will do scheduling for your freshmen year at orientation – reserve your spot early to get the classes you want!

18. Paying for College FAFSA = Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Complete the form online as early as October 1st!
Bring confirmation that you’ve filed your FAFSA to the counseling office to be entered into more drawings!

19. Paying for College Scholarships = your time and effort
Set up a professional account for all your college communications
Armada Counseling Website
Stop into the counseling office for hard copies