1. Post High School Options There is more out there than you think!

2. Did you know? College graduates earn more money over the course of their lifetime than non college graduates According to the U.S. census Bureau data, your lifetime earning potential will be: $3.4 million for professional degree graduates $2.5 million for master’s degree graduates $2.1 million for bachelor’s degree graduates $1.2 million for high school graduates $1.0 million for high school drop outs

3. What factors should you consider when you look for colleges? Curriculum Quality of Education Size Admission Requirements Facilities Campus Life Campus Security Athletics Location Housing and Resources Retention and Graduation Rates Cost

4. Universities Can offer four-year degrees as well as graduate degrees Offer a huge course selection and may have extensive resources. Class sizes vary. Professors are usually involved in both teaching and research. Graduate students often teach some of the classes.

5. Montana University System Entry Requirements for Montana University System 22 ACT or 1540 SAT OR 2.5 GPA OR Rank in the upper half of your graduating class College Prep Program Math Score: ACT 22/SAT 520 or completion of Rigorous HS Core Writing Proficiency

6. Math Proficiency A score of 22 on the ACT Math section; …or a score of 520 on the SAT Math section; …or a score of 18-21 on the ACT or 440-510 on the SAT (students must enroll in and pass a math course entitled Intermediate Algebra within three semesters or 32 credits of enrolling) …or a score of 3 or higher on the AP Calculus AB or BC exam …or completion of a Rigorous High School Core that includes four years of math with grades of C or higher.

7. score of 18 on the ACT Combined English/Writing section; A score of 7 on the ACT Writing Test Subscore; A score of 440 on the SAT Writing Section; A score of 7 on the SAT Essay Subscore A score of 3.5 on the Montana University System Writing Assessment; A score of 3 on the AP English Language or English Literature exam; Writing Proficiency

8. Rigorous High School Core CourseRigorous CoreYears MathematicsOne year beyond Algebra II (C or better) 4 English4 ScienceFull year each: General, physical or earth science; biology; chemistry or physics 3 Social StudiesRecommendation: ½ yr of other courses such as psychology, humanities 3 Electives Recommendation: 2 years of a second language, music, fine arts, speech/debate, career and technical education (such as information technology, computer science ) 3

9. Montana Private Colleges More expensive Smaller population which leads to smaller class size, more time with professor Example: Carroll College is nationally recognized for its academic programs and excellent faculty

10. Community Colleges Enrollment at two-year institutions has skyrocketed in recent years. Nationally about 44 percent of all U.S. undergraduates are enrolled at a two-year college…..Here’s why: 1. Affordability 2. Ease of Transfer 3. Quality and Personal Attention 4. Convenience

11. Community College (Cont’d) Community Colleges offer two-year liberal arts programs or specific career training programs After completing their studies here, students usually then transfer to a four- year university to continue their education.

12. Colleges of Technology Offer a variety of degrees from one-year certificates, two-year associate, and some have even started to encourage four-year collaborative Bachelor options.

13. Entry Requirements for Two-year School Programs High School Diploma or GED Most schools require either ACT, SAT or Compass assessment There may be special requirements for some programs

14. Two-Year Colleges in Montana Dawson Community College Flathead Valley Community College Miles Community College MSU-Billings College of Technology MSU-Great Falls College of Technology Montana Tech College of Technology The University of Montana College of Technology The University of Montana-Helena College of Technology

15. Tribal Colleges Teaching styles are flexible and participatory Learning styles of tribal students are respected; students learn at own pace Do not need to be a tribal member, just a Montana resident

16. Online College Distance Education in the form of online courses and online degrees is becoming increasingly more popular each year. Most colleges and Universities around the world have started to include online courses, options and some even offer full degrees.

17. Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Offers students in western states who are enrolling in a two-year or four-year college program a reduced tuition level Some institutions offer their entire curriculum others offer only designated programs Criteria www.wue.wiche.edu

18. NCAA Division 1 www.ncaaclearinghouse.net 4 years of English 3 years of Math (Alg 1 or higher) 2 years of natural or physical science 1 extra year of English, math or science 2 years of social science 4 years of extra core classes (from any category above or foreign language

19. NCAA Division II 14 Core Courses: 3 years of English. 2 years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher). 2 years of natural/physical science (1 year of lab if offered by high school). 2 years of additional English, mathematics or natural/physical science. 2 years of social science. 3 years of additional courses (from any area above, foreign language or nondoctrinal religion/philosophy

20. Military Army-The most powerful ground force in the entire world Marine Corps-The smallest, most dynamic force in the U.S. military (air, land or sea) Navy-The most powerful naval force (air, land and sea) Air Force-The most sophisticated and technologically advanced aircraft in the world. Coast Guard-Safety of our nation’s coasts and waterways

21. Part-Time Military Service The Reserves and National Guard are a great way to serve the country, while getting the training, skills, and qualities offered by the Military for only one weekend a month

22. Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Can complete training for Armed Forces while going to college Students take a full course load while in college. Included in curriculum are military science courses.

23. Service Academies U.S. Naval Academy, Air Force Academy, Coast Guard Academy, etc They look for the “cream of the crop”- high achieving students with leadership potential Tuition, books, board, medical and dental care are all fully covered during your four years, plus a monthly stipend

24. Apprenticeships Getting career training without attending a technical school in a hands-on approach The learning process is supervised by a craftworker who teaches you the skills on the job. Training can last from one to four years Will earn money while you learn

25. Work Full-Time Earning a full-time paycheck without going to college Full-time work for high school graduates varies, but most jobs are available in the service industry Usually earns money on an hourly basis

26. Gap Year Travel, Internships, Volunteer Work, Work Is encouraged only if you are planning to use your time wisely and fully intend to return to school

27. A.C.T.’s and S.A.T.’s What you need to know

28. Why do you need to take a standardized test? Easy answer: Colleges make you! 1. Colleges consider the ACT and SAT a standard by which they can evaluate from across the country. 2. Predict how students will perform in college. 3. Test scores will help college place you in classes.

29. How Do You Decide Which Test You Should Take? Ask your college if they require one over the other If it doesn’t matter, decide which test is better suited to your skills

30. A.C.T’s/S.A.T.’s Encouraged to take your junior year (at the end) There are things that you can do to prepare Fee waivers are available Register online at: www.actstudent.org and sat.collegeboard.com www.actstudent.org

31. A.C.T.’s Continued Upcoming A.C.T dates: April 14 (must be registered by March 9), June 9 (must be registered by May 4) Cost is $33.00 or $48.00 for plus writing. Test Code for both tests: 270325

32. S.A.T.’s Continued Upcoming S.A.T. test dates: March 10-must be registered by February 10 (late registration through Feb. 24)  May 5-must be registered by April 6  June 2- must be registered by May 8 Cost is $47.00

33. Scholarships Schools you are attending-make sure you are paying attention to deadlines! Private Scholarships Websites: www.fastweb.com, www.mtcis.intocareers.org, www.collegeboard.com.www.fastweb.com www.mtcis.intocareers.org www.collegeboard.com

34. Other Helpful Websites: www.knowhow2go.com www.collegeboard.com www.mtcis.intocareers.org www.montanacolleges.com www.actstudent.org