Transcript Title
Understanding College Options: Benefits, Pathways, and Preparation Raul Hinojosa September 14, 2012 Presentation from: College Tools For Schools Workshop Goals Understand the benefits of a college education Learn the pathways to college Learn how to prepare for college admission Why Go To College? To broaden perspectives Meet new people from diverse backgrounds and learn to be independent. To gain more knowledge that will be helpful throughout students’ lives To have more job opportunities More and more jobs require education beyond high school. Many jobs rely on new technology and “brainpower.” Why College? continued… A 4-year college graduate (with Bachelor’s degree) earns almost $1 million more over his/her lifetime than a high school graduate. - Source: U.S. Census Bureau Why College? continued… A 4-year college graduate earns about $52,200 annually on average, compared to $30,400 for a high school graduate. - Source: U.S. Census Bureau Why College? continued… Increased education is also associated with: Better working conditions Longer job tenure More on-the-job training opportunities More promotion opportunities Degrees High School – 4 years Diploma Community College – 2 years Associate’s Degree University – 4 years Bachelor’s Degree Bachelor of Arts (BA) / Bachelor of Science (BS) Degrees after the BA/BS University - 2 years or more Master’s Degree University - 3 years or more Doctorate Degrees: Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) Professional Degrees: Law Degree Systems of Higher Education Community Colleges State Universities Public Universities Independent Colleges and Universities Community College Prepares students to transfer to a 4 year institution Associate’s degree Offers technical training in specific occupations (bookkeeping, culinary arts) Most are nonresidential - students live off-campus Students can attend part-time or full-time To enroll, students have to be 18 + or have a High School Diploma State University Large state universities typically enroll 7,000 or more students, are publicly funded, and offer both undergraduate and graduate work - www.petersons.com Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science and Master’s degrees Accepts High School Seniors and Community College Transfers Provides broad liberal education and prepares students for professional goals Public Universities Most public universities and colleges were founded by state governments to give residents the opportunity to receive public college education. Today, state governments pay for most of the cost of operating public universities. - www.petersons.com Accepts High School Seniors and Community College Transfers Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science and Master’s degrees Have Professional Schools: Law, Medicine, Education, Engineering, Journalism, Social Welfare… Private Universities and Colleges A private college is an independent school that sets its own policies and goals, and is privately funded. Private colleges are generally smaller than public or private universities. The average enrollment at private colleges is only 1,900 students. - www.petersons.com Vary in size, prestige, and cost Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate’s, and Professional Degrees Accepts High School Graduates and Community College Transfers Professional Schools: Law, Medicine, Education, Engineering, Journalism, Social Welfare… Start Preparing Now for College READ, READ, READ Good readers make good thinkers and good writers “The more you read, the more you know” Promote good study habits Turn off the TV Set aside a homework time and a quiet study space Meet with your student’s teachers to learn about his/her performance Tell the teachers that you have high expectations for your student Start Preparing now for College continued… Learn the college-preparatory course requirements Push to get into these courses in high school Push to get into honors and AP courses in high school, if available What you do outside of class matters Sports, Clubs, Work, Church, Honor Societies, and various groups Take the PSAT by the 9th or 10th grade It’s good practice for the SAT! Start Preparing now for College continued… Visit college campuses! Find colleges in your area and schedule a tour Make a college visit part of your vacation Ask a school counselor if the school is planning a field trip to a college Check out college websites, many have virtual tours Factors to consider when choosing a college Size: What is the total student population? How big are the typical freshman classes? Location: How far is the college from home? Is it in a rural, urban, suburban setting? What is the area surrounding the campus like? People: Who are the students and where do they come from? Academics: What majors are available? Who teaches the courses? What is the academic reputation of the college? Social Opportunities: What clubs and teams are available? Are there fraternities and sororities? Is there a SHPE Chapter? Cost: What is the total cost of attendance, including tuition, room and board, and books? What kind of financial aid is available? College Search Tools ACT www.act.org FinAid: The SmartStudent Guide to Financial Aid www.finaid.org Peterson’s Guide to College www.petersons.com The College Board www.collegeboard.com