PLANNING MY FUTURE. One Piece at a Time MIDDLE SCHOOL PLANNER

Transcription

1 PLANNING MY FUTURE One Piece at a Time MIDDLE SCHOOL PLANNER

2 My NAME Is I am taking charge of my future! i-am-the-one.com

3 It s Never Too Early To start THINKING ABOUT COLLEGE Sure, it might be years away. But the thing is, if you want to go to college, you ll need the grades, the classes, and the funding to do it. And you can do it you just need to do some planning along the way, starting now. When it comes to getting to college, starting in middle school is important. The decisions you make and the effort you put into classes now will have a major impact on your next steps in high school and beyond. This planner has been developed to help you learn about your strengths, create goals that will guide you through high school, and share information about Virginia s colleges. Complete all of the activities and see how all of the pieces come together to help you plan for your future. 1

4 What s your LEARNING STYLE? Just like how certain styles of clothing look better on you, certain ways of learning help you comprehend better. Everybody has a preferred learning style. Knowing and understanding your learning style will help you learn more effectively. You will not only be able to create study habits that fit your style, but you ll also be able to tell others how they can best help you learn. Directions: Place a check in front of all the statements that describe you. Then add up the checks in each list, and write that number at the bottom of each list. The list with the highest total number is your dominant learning style! Write that style in the green puzzle piece below. MY LEARNING STYLE IS TACTILE/KINESTHETIC LEARNING STYLE I reach out to touch things. I collect things. I talk fast using my hands to communicate what I want to say. I fidget constantly (e.g., tap my pen, play with keys in my pocket). I am good at sports. I take things apart & put things together. I prefer to stand while working. I like to have music in the background while working. I enjoy working with my hands and making things. I like to chew gum or eat in class. I learn through movement and exploring the environment around me. I may be considered hyperactive. I am good at finding my way around. I am comfortable touching others as a show of friendship (e.g., hugging). I prefer to do things rather than watch a demonstration or read a book about it. TOTAL STATEMENTS CHECKED Now let s see how your learning style strategy can help you in school: 2 Designed by Tammy Friemund, Study Skills Instructor, UM-College of Technology, Missoula, MT, completed May 2005.

5 VISUAL LEARNING STYLE I ask for verbal instructions to be repeated. I watch speakers facial expressions and body language. I like to take notes to review later. I remember best by writing things down several times or drawing pictures/diagrams. I am a good speller. I turn the radio or T.V. up really loud. I get lost with verbal directions. I prefer information to be presented visually (e.g., flipcharts or chalk board). I am skilled at making graphs, charts, and other visual displays. I can understand and follow directions on maps. I believe that the best way to remember something is to picture it in my head. I follow written instructions better than oral ones. I am good at solving jigsaw puzzles. I get the words to a song wrong. I am good at visual arts (e.g., painting, photography, or sculpture things that appeal primarily to the visual sense and typically exist in permanent form). AUDITORY LEARNING STYLE I follow oral directions better than written ones. I would rather listen to a lecture than read the material in a textbook. I understand better when I read aloud. I struggle to keep notebooks neat. I prefer to listen to the radio rather than read a newspaper. I frequently sing, hum, or whistle to myself. I dislike reading from a computer screen especially when the backgrounds are fuzzy. I can tell if two similar sounds are the same or different. I require explanations of diagrams, graphs, or maps. I enjoy talking to others. I talk to myself. I use musical jingles to learn things. I would rather listen to music than view a piece of artwork. I use my finger as a pointer when reading. I like to tell jokes and stories and make verbal analogies to demonstrate a point. TOTAL STATEMENTS CHECKED TOTAL STATEMENTS CHECKED Tactile/Kinesthetic Learning Style Record your notes, then listen to them as you walk, jog, or eat. Choose a study area that gives you room to move. Study with others. Take a walk or get a snack between short study sessions. Visual Learning Style Use flash cards or handouts. Use highlighters to mark notes/textbooks. Study in a quiet place. Draw pictures of math problems. Auditory Learning Style Use word associations to remember facts. Use study groups. Read difficult passages aloud. Explain steps to a math problem aloud. 3

6 What are your INTERESTS? The things that you like to do, explore, and think about can help determine what type of career might fit you best. Let s find out what statements describe you and discover the common themes to your interests. Directions: Read the statements in each box, and decide if each one is something you like to do, can do, or describes you. Then put the corresponding number in the box. Love it = 2 Like it = 1 Leave it = 0 Add up each theme, and write the sum in the TOTAL box. The box with the highest number is your top theme! Write your top three themes, in ranking order, in the puzzle piece below. THEME 1: REALISTIC I enjoy working outside. I like playing with mechanical toys, machines, and tools. I like to use my hands to build and create things. I enjoy working in or planting a garden. I value things I can grow or create. I can fix broken machines. I like to play sports. I can read a blueprint or follow detailed graphic instructions. I am curious about the physical world. I am practical. I am athletic. I am straightforward. I love nature. I like to be physically active. TOTAL THEME 2: INVESTIGATIVE I like to explore ideas. I like to use computers. MY TOP 3 THEMES ARE: I like to work independently/by myself. I like to perform lab experiments. I am interested in reading technical or scientific magazines. I like to analyze data. I can think abstractly. I can solve math problems. I can do complex calculations. I can use a microscope. I am inquisitive. (I ask many questions.) I am precise. I am observant. I am scientific. TOTAL 4

7 THEME 3: ARTISTIC I like to attend plays, musical performances, and art shows. I read fiction, plays, and poetry. I like to work on crafts and art projects. I like to take photographs. I have good artistic abilities compared to others my age. I can play a musical instrument. I can create fashion designs. I can create interior designs. I am creative. I am imaginative. I am independent. I am innovative. I am artistic. I am intuitive. TOTAL THEME 5: ENTERPRISING I like to make decisions that affect others. I would like to be elected into office. I like to win awards for my work. I want to start my own business. I like to meet important people. I can convince people to do things my way. I can sell things and promote ideas. I like to give talks or speeches. I can organize events and activities. I am confident in myself. I am sociable. I am persuasive. I am energetic. I am ambitious. TOTAL THEME 4: SOCIAL I like to help people. I like to teach people. THEME 6: CONVENTIONAL I like to follow defined procedures and rules. I like to work on computers. I like to work in groups. I like to participate in meetings. I can express myself clearly. I like to help solve disputes. I can plan and supervise activities. I value volunteer work. I am friendly. I am helpful. I am insightful. I am outgoing. I am understanding. I am cooperative. TOTAL I like to work with numbers. I like to be responsible for details. I can keep accurate notes and records. I can write clear business letters. I value orderliness I value accuracy. I am careful. I am neat. I am accurate and precise. I am methodical. I am organized. I am efficient. TOTAL 5

8 Learn about your INTEREST RESUL Now that you ve taken the Interest Inventory, it s time to learn how this piece fits into your future. People are more likely to be happy and successful when their career and educational pursuits match their personality, skills, and interests. The six themes you see to the right help link your personality traits with different types of education and careers. Remember, just because you show high interest in one theme, it doesn t mean you can t explore or do well in others. So, don t forget your second and third highest ranking themes. THEME 1: REALISTIC Students scoring high in the realistic theme may find themselves choosing classes focusing on computer skills and software development, technology, construction, agriculture, or cooking. These students are hands-on learners and seek out opportunities to build or create things with their hands. Parents, teachers, and students may say that realistic students are problem solvers, are practical, and prefer to work alone to accomplish a task. Some careers associated with this theme include a medical lab technician, building inspector, industrial equipment operator, carpenter, chef, and firefighter. THEME 2: INVESTIGATIVE Scoring high in the investigative theme may indicate you are great at working with numbers or data, and that science and math are two of your favorite subjects. Many investigative-type students are interested in performing research and doing experiments; if a task requires you to think and analyze it, you generally enjoy it. Professions that many investigative people consider include a scientist, doctor, computer programmer, pharmacist, engineer, and detective. 6

9 TS THEME 3: ARTISTIC Artistic-type students can be seen writing, painting, singing, dancing, and creating in their own unique ways. These are the students that express their creativity and imagination in school by taking art, music, or drama, and out of school in their personal time. Many artistic people do not care what other people think and tend to think outside the box; routine bores them. Actors, artists, jewelry and clothing designers, cosmetologists, and floral designers are all types of jobs and careers that artistic-themed people may consider. THEME 4: SOCIAL Students with high scores in the social theme are often the most outgoing and easiest to get along with. They are aware of how other people feel and are dedicated to helping others. These are the students who are involved with or have interest in community service, student government, mentoring, or peer mediation. The term social butterfly often applies to them. Some of the careers held by socially high-scoring people include counseling, nursing, physical therapy, teaching, and public safety. THEME 5: ENTERPRISING Enterprising students are seen as popular, confident, and social. They can persuade and influence others easily. They like public speaking and are considered outgoing, ambitious, talkative, and competitive. Students with high-enterprising theme scores are often natural leaders and are selected to lead school-wide events or initiatives. Enterprising people may seek careers in politics, law, real estate, sales and retail management, travel, and public relations. THEME 6: CONVENTIONAL For conventional-themed students, details matter. They keep accurate records and notes and thrive on routine. They are well-organized and have good clerical skills. Although these students may not stand out as obvious leaders, behind the scenes they are making sure the jobs get done, especially the paperwork and the details. They follow the rules and are practical. If this sounds like you, professions you might consider include those where you can work with data and use orderly methods to accomplish your tasks, such as accountants, secretaries, bank tellers, computer and database operators, and researchers. Eighth Grade Interest and Personality Assessment Holland Occupational Themes, handout. Also used was Lawrence K. Jones, Ph.D., The Career Key; Measure Your Interests and Learn Which Job Fits You Best (North Carolina State University, 1987, 1990, 1997). Learning Styles + Interests + Strengths = A Future of Possibilities Learning styles help determine the best way for you to gather and think about information. Your interests are the areas that you are excited to think about or be involved in. And your strengths? Well, those are your talents and abilities areas you are good at without having to really try too hard. When you combine the way you learn with the areas in which you are interested and excel, the possibilities are limitless. What comes to you naturally? What do people say you do well? Ask a family member or classmate what strengths they see in you. Write the top three answers here. MY STRENGTHS ARE:

10 Let s discuss your GOALS & CAREE CAREER CLUSTERS According to the Virginia Department of Education, Career Clusters are groupings of occupations and broad industries based on commonalities. They help students investigate careers and design their course of study to advance their career goals. There are 16 different clusters from which to choose. Selecting a Career Cluster to pursue should be based on your learning style, interests, and strengths. Virginia Department of Education Career Clusters We ve listed some example professions that fall under each Career Cluster, but to learn more about each cluster and work demand, salaries and educational requirements, please visit List the Career Clusters that most interest you in the orange puzzle piece below. Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources: Butchers, environmental engineers, farm workers, landscapers, pest control workers, and veterinarians Architecture & Construction: Architects, carpenters, civil engineers, construction managers, electricians, interior designers, and plumbers Arts, A/V Technology & Communications: Camera operators, editors, fashion designers, graphic designers, photographers, printing press operators, and writers Business Management & Administration: Bookkeepers, customer service representatives, claims adjusters, legal and medical secretaries, and property managers Education & Training: Child care workers, curators, education administrators,fitness trainers, librarians, and teachers Finance: Accountants, economists, financial advisers, insurance agents, loan officers, real estate appraisers, and tellers Government & Public Administration: Building inspectors, court clerks, legislators, social workers, and postmasters Health Science: Dental assistants, paramedics, pharmacists, physical therapists, and nurses Hospitality & Tourism: Bartenders, chefs, hotel desk clerks, housekeepers, tour guides, travel agents, and waiters Human Services: Psychologists, nutritionists, school counselors, hairstylists, rehabilitation counselors, and skin care specialists Information Technology: Computer programmers, database administrators, software developers, and statisticians Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security: Court reporters, detectives, firefighters, lawyers, police, and probation officers Manufacturing: Industrial engineers, machinists, sheet metal workers, and welders Marketing: Advertising managers, cashiers, marketing managers, public relations managers, and telemarketers Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics: Aerospace engineers, chemical engineers, electrical engineers, geoscientists, physicists, and political scientists Transportation, Distribution & Logistics: Aircraft service techs, automotive service techs, shipping clerks, and truck drivers CLUSTERS OF INTEREST:

11 R OPPORTUNITIES SMART GOALS We all set goals, some personal and some school-related. Setting and achieving goals gives us a sense of accomplishment and pride. They help us organize tasks and track progress. One big step toward putting the pieces of your future together involves creating SMART goals. S pecific - What do you want to accomplish exactly? M easurable - How are you going to tell that you accomplished this goal? A ction-oriented - What are you going to do to accomplish this goal? R ealistic - Are you going to be able to accomplish this goal, really? T ime-sensitive - When are you going to accomplish this goal? Set a date. Here is an example of a SMART goal for an 8th grader: By the end of 8th grade, I will successfully complete Algebra 1 with a grade of B or higher and earn my first high school verified credit. It s Specific: I will successfully complete Algebra 1 in 8th grade and earn a verified high school credit. It s Measurable: I will use my quarterly and semester grades to monitor my progress. It s Action-Oriented: I will complete all required assignments, appropriate study strategies, and test-taking strategies to successfully complete the course. It s Realistic: If needed, I will attend Algebra help sessions with my teacher or work with a peer tutor. By successfully completing Algebra 1 in middle school, I am preparing myself for college and possible careers of interest. It s Time-Sensitive: I will successfully complete Algebra 1 and pass the Algebra 1 SOL by the end of the school year to earn the verified credit. MY GOAL: Using the questions & example above, write a SMART goal for exploring one of your Career Clusters of interest. George Doran, Arthur Miller and James Cunningham, There s a S.M.A.R.T. Way to Write Management s Goals and Objectives, Management Review 70, no. 11 (AMA Forum) (Nov. 1981):

12 Putting it all TOGETHER You have learned a lot about your learning styles, interests, strengths, and set some pretty SMART goals. Now, let s see how we can put the puzzle pieces together! This section discusses things you can do in middle school and in high school to prepare you for college and beyond. The good news is that your family, school administrators, counselors, and teachers are eager to help you complete the puzzle. LEARNING STYLES INTERESTS STRENGTHS GOALS & CAREERS MIDDLE SCHOOL Middle school is all about building healthy habits, both academically and socially. And you ve already started doing just that by working through this book! Take a look at what you ve already completed below. Going forward, use your time in middle school to practice an after-school routine for homework and studying. Find friends who support your goals and discover the variety of activities available to you. Once you complete the checklist below, tackling the next steps of planning your future in high school, college and beyond will come more easily. Understand your learning style. Evaluate your interests. Set SMART goals. Research college and career options based on your interests and goals. Take elective classes that work toward your educational and career pursuits. Ask your teachers about taking Algebra I and other honors courses. Take a foreign language class. Send a postcard to a college to request more information. 10

13 steps to take during HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMAN & SOPHOMORE YEARS Your freshman and sophomore years are about adjusting to a big transition and preparing yourself for advanced levels of coursework. Learn to balance your activities and your challenges so you can continue to define your interests. JUNIOR & SENIOR YEARS During your junior and senior years it is important to maintain your academic course of study while exploring and ultimately applying to the colleges and universities that match your needs and interests. Work with counselors and teachers to plan your high school course selection. Research the requirements for an advanced studies diploma. Take honors classes. Take Advanced Placement (AP) classes. Research the requirements for an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma. Join sports teams, clubs, and afterschool activities. Do community service. Check out the high school I am the One Planner for more information. Begin a college search. Get copies of your transcripts. Practice college essay writing. Take the SAT. Take the ACT. Visit different colleges. Fill out and submit college applications. Look into applying for FAFSA. Take dual enrollment courses. Visit college fairs. Search for scholarships and begin applying for them. Check out the high school I am the One Planner for more information. COLLEGE & beyond All the pieces of the puzzle will fit together once you are able to match your learning styles, interests, talents, skills, abilities, and goals to find a college or university that is right for you. It s not too early to think about the characteristics you might prefer in a college. Do you want to go to a two-year community college or a four-year college/university? What type of major or minor are you considering? Will you live on-campus or be a commuter student? As you grow and change, so will your plans for the future. Continue to learn about yourself, and keep exploring! 11

14 PUBLIC Colleges in Virginia There are many great colleges and universities in the Commonwealth of Virginia. You can use the postcard in the back of this planner to get more information about any college or university you choose. MARYLAND KENTUCKY Bluefield 39 Richlands Wise Big Stone Gap Abingdon Emory Bristol TENNESSEE Wytheville 15 Blacksburg 31 Dublin 8 Radford 77 WEST VIRGINIA Bridgewater Staunton 23 Clifton Forge 13 Lexington Buena Vista Sweet Briar Lynchburg 5 Salem 43 Farmville Roanoke Hampden-Sydney Ferrum Martinsville Alberta 19 South Boston Danville NORTH CAROLINA 81 Winchester 29 Ashburn Middletown Arlington Washington D.C. Front Royal 3 Fairfax 66 Annandale Harrisonburg Locust Grove Weyers Cave 9 Fredericksburg Charlottesville 95 Ashland 295 Melfa Richmond Glenns Williamsburg Chester Petersburg Newport News Hampton Norfolk Virginia Beach 34 Franklin 12 PUBLIC FOUR-YEAR SCHOOLS CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT UNIVERSITY 1 University Place, Newport News, VA Suburban, approx. 4,800 students; Mascot: Captains COLLEGE OF WILLIAM AND MARY P.O. Box 8795, Williamsburg, VA Suburban, approx. 5,800 students; Mascot: Griffins GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA Suburban, approx. 18,200 students; Mascot: Patriots JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY 800 S. Main Street, Harrisonburg, VA Rural, approx. 16,600 students; Mascot: Dukes LONGWOOD UNIVERSITY 201 High Street, Farmville, VA Rural, 3,971 students; Mascot: Lancers NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY 700 Park Avenue, Norfolk, VA Urban, approx. 5,500 students; Mascot: Spartans OLD DOMINION UNIVERSITY 5215 Hampton Boulevard, Norfolk, VA Urban, approx. 17,000 students; Mascot: Monarchs RADFORD UNIVERSITY East Norwood Street, Radford, VA Rural, approx. 8,100 students; Mascot: Highlanders UNIVERSITY OF MARY WASHINGTON 1301 College Avenue, Fredericksburg, VA Suburban, approx. 4,100 students; Mascot: Eagles UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA P.O. Box 9011, Charlottesville, VA Suburban, approx. 13,900 students; Mascot: Cavaliers UVA S COLLEGE AT WISE 1 College Avenue, Wise, VA Rural, approx. 1,600 students; Mascot: Cavaliers VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY 910 West Franklin Street, Richmond, VA Urban, approx. 21,000 students; Mascot: Rams

15 VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE 319 Letcher Avenue, Lexington, VA Rural, approx. 1,400 students; Mascot: Keydets VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY P.O. Box 9001, Petersburg, VA Suburban, approx. 4,400 students; Mascot: Trojans VIRGINIA TECH 201 Burruss Hall, Blacksburg, VA Rural, approx. 23,400 students; Mascot: Hokies OTHER PUBLIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED LEARNING AND RESEARCH 150 Slayton Avenue, Danville, VA Rural NEW COLLEGE INSTITUTE 29 Jones Street Courthouse Square, Martinsville, VA Rural ROANOKE HIGHER EDUCATION CENTER 108 North Jefferson Street, Roanoke, VA Suburban SOUTHERN VIRGINIA HIGHER EDUCATION CENTER 820 Bruce Street, South Boston, VA Rural SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA HIGHER EDUCATION CENTER One Partnership Circle, Abingdon, VA Rural PUBLIC TWO-YEAR SCHOOLS BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE P.O. Box 80, Weyers Cave, VA Rural CENTRAL VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE 3506 Wards Road, Lynchburg, VA Suburban DABNEY S. LANCASTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE P.O. Box 1000, Clifton Forge, VA Rural DANVILLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE 1008 S. Main Street, Danville, VA Rural EASTERN SHORE COMMUNITY COLLEGE Lankford Highway, Melfa, VA Rural GERMANNA COMMUNITY COLLEGE 2130 Germanna Highway, Locust Grove, VA Rural J. SARGEANT REYNOLDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE P.O. Box 85622, Richmond, VA Suburban JOHN TYLER COMMUNITY COLLEGE Jefferson Davis Highway, Chester, VA Suburban LORD FAIRFAX COMMUNITY COLLEGE 173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown, VA Rural MOUNTAIN EMPIRE COMMUNITY COLLEGE 3441 Mountain Empire Road, Big Stone Gap, VA Rural NEW RIVER COMMUNITY COLLEGE Drawer 1127, Dublin, VA Rural NORTHERN VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE 4001 Wakefield Chapel Road, Annandale, VA Suburban PATRICK HENRY COMMUNITY COLLEGE P.O. Box 5311, Martinsville, VA Rural PAUL D. CAMP COMMUNITY COLLEGE P.O. Box 737, Franklin, VA Suburban PIEDMONT VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE 501 College Drive, Charlottesville, VA Suburban RAPPAHANNOCK COMMUNITY COLLEGE College Drive, Glenns, VA Rural RICHARD BLAND COLLEGE Johnson Road, Petersburg, VA Rural SOUTHSIDE VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE (CHRISTANNA CAMPUS) 109 Campus Drive, Alberta, VA Rural SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA COMMUNITY COLLEGE P.O. Box SVCC, Richlands, VA Rural THOMAS NELSON COMMUNITY COLLEGE P.O. Box 9407, Hampton, VA Suburban TIDEWATER COMMUNITY COLLEGE P.O. Box 9000, Norfolk, VA Suburban VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE P.O. Box 828, Abingdon, VA Rural VIRGINIA WESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE P.O. Box 14007, Roanoke, VA Suburban WYTHEVILLE COMMUNITY COLLEGE 1000 East Main Street, Wytheville, VA Rural Institution classifications and enrollment numbers courtesy of the Virginia Wizard 2012 ( 13

16 PRIVATE Colleges in Virginia KENTUCKY 46 Bluefield Richlands Wise Wytheville Big Stone Gap Abingdon Emory 69 Bristol TENNESSEE MARYLAND 65 Winchester 52 Ashburn Middletown 60 Arlington Washington D.C. 48 Fairfax Front Royal 66 Annandale WEST VIRGINIA Bridgewater Harrisonburg Locust Grove 47 Weyers Cave Fredericksburg Staunton 59 Charlottesville 95 Clifton Forge 72 Lexington Ashland Buena Vista Melfa Sweet Briar 68 Richmond Glenns 57 Lynchburg Salem Farmville Williamsburg Blacksburg 64 Roanoke Chester Hampden-Sydney Petersburg 54 Dublin Hampton Ferrum Newport News 51 Radford Norfolk Martinsville Alberta 71 Virginia Beach Danville Franklin NORTH CAROLINA PRIVATE SCHOOLS THAT PARTICIPATE IN THE VIRGINIA TUITION ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM AVERETT UNIVERSITY 420 West Main Street, Danville, VA Suburban, approx. 770 students; Mascot: Cougars BLUEFIELD COLLEGE 3000 College Drive, Bluefield, VA Rural, approx. 750 students, Mascot: Ramblin Rams BRIDGEWATER COLLEGE 402 East College Street, Bridgewater, VA Rural, approx. 1,500 students, Mascot: Eagles CHRISTENDOM COLLEGE 134 Christendom Drive, Front Royal, VA Rural, approx. 420 students, Mascot: Crusaders EASTERN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY 1200 Park Road, Harrisonburg, VA Rural, approx. 950 students; Mascot: Royals EMORY & HENRY COLLEGE P.O. Box 947, Emory, VA Rural, approx. 890 students; Mascot: Wasps FERRUM COLLEGE P.O. Box 1000, Ferrum, VA Rural, approx. 1,300 students; Mascot: Panthers GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (ASHBURN CAMPUS) Academic Way, Ashburn, VA Suburban, approx. 650 students; Mascot: Colonials HAMPDEN-SYDNEY COLLEGE P.O. Box 667, Hampden-Sydney, VA Rural, approx. 1,100 students; Mascot: Tigers HAMPTON UNIVERSITY 1st Floor, Whipple Barn, Hampton, VA Suburban, approx. 5,400 students; Mascot: Pirates 14

17 HOLLINS UNIVERSITY P.O. Box 9707, Roanoke, VA Suburban, approx. 790 students; Mascot: N/A JEFFERSON COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES 920 S. Jefferson Street, Roanoke, VA Urban, approx. 900 students; Mascot: N/A LIBERTY UNIVERSITY 1971 University Boulevard, Lynchburg, VA Suburban, approx. 21,500 students; Mascot: Flames LYNCHBURG COLLEGE 1501 Lakeside Drive, Lynchburg, VA Suburban, approx. 2,100 students; Mascot: Hornets MARY BALDWIN COLLEGE 318 Prospect Street, Staunton, VA Suburban, approx. 1,400 students; Mascot: Fighting Squirrels MARYMOUNT UNIVERSITY 2807 North Glebe Road, Arlington, VA Suburban, approx. 2,200 students; Mascot: Saints RANDOLPH COLLEGE 2500 Rivermont Avenue, Lynchburg, VA Suburban, approx. 550 students; Mascot: Wildcats RANDOLPH-MACON COLLEGE P.O. Box 5005, 204 Henry Street, Ashland, VA Suburban, approx. 1,200 students; Mascot: Yellow Jackets REGENT UNIVERSITY 1000 Regent University Drive, Virginia Beach, VA Suburban, approx. 1,500 students; Mascot: N/A ROANOKE COLLEGE 221 College Lane, Salem, VA Suburban, approx. 2,000 students; Mascot: Maroons SHENANDOAH UNIVERSITY 1460 University Drive, Winchester, VA Suburban, approx. 3,000 students; Mascot: Hornets SOUTHERN VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY One University Hill Drive, Buena Vista, VA Rural, approx. 690 students; Mascot: Knights SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE 134 Chapel Road, Sweet Briar, VA Rural, approx. 650 students; Mascot: Vixens UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND 28 Westhampton Way, University of Richmond, VA Suburban, approx. 2,700 students; Mascot: Spiders VIRGINIA INTERMONT COLLEGE 1013 Moore Street, Bristol, VA Suburban, approx. 520 students; Mascot: Cobras VIRGINIA UNION UNIVERSITY 1500 N. Lombardy Street, Richmond, VA Urban, approx. 1,500 students; Mascot: Panthers VIRGINIA WESLEYAN COLLEGE 1584 Wesleyan Drive Norfolk, VA Suburban, approx. 1,300 students; Mascot: Marlins WASHINGTON AND LEE UNIVERSITY 204 W. Washington Street Lexington, VA Rural, approx. 1,700 students, Mascot: Generals Institution classifications and enrollment numbers courtesy of the Virginia Wizard 2012 ( 15

18 TEXTING Glossary When it comes to learning about different educational and training choices, you will hear lots of new terms. Just like when you text, abbreviations are used to identify the different levels of degrees and achievement. Don t be puzzled; simply review the glossary of terms below and LOL! A.A. (Associate Degree): You receive this degree after completing a two-year program at a community college. Many people also choose to transfer their credits to attend a four-year college or university. B.A. or B.S. (Bachelor s Degrees): You receive this degree upon completion of a four-year college program. Many jobs, such as educators and other professional occupations, require this degree as a minimum requirement for employment. Lt. (Lieutenant): In order to serve as an officer in the armed forces, you must be in good health, have a high school diploma, have graduated from a four-year university and/or attended officer candidate school. M.Ed., M.FA., M.A., M.S., (Master s Degrees): This degree comes after a Bachelor s degree and usually takes two years of full-time college to complete. Many people choose to get this degree to give them a better chance of getting a higher paying job or a promotion. Esq. (Esquire): Historically, the abbreviation Esq. has been used as a title of courtesy and respect. In the United States, the title is generally used as a title for lawyers, after the full name. A.B.D. (All But Dissertation): This refers to a student who has completed all the requirements for a Ph.D. except for the dissertation. It is used primarily in reference to doctoral candidates whose dissertation is in progress, to state that the candidate is eligible to apply for positions that require a Ph.D. The abbreviation is acceptable in place of the full expression. Ph.D. and M.D. (Doctorate Degrees): This degree comes after a Master s degree and usually takes 2 4 years of full-time college to complete. This is also called a professional degree and it is required for people who want to be medical doctors, dentists, veterinarians, as well as professors in four-year colleges and universities. You may get this degree in most majors offering a four-year degree and/or Master s degree. J.D. (Doctor of Law Degree): This degree comes after a Bachelor s degree and takes three additional years of full-time college to complete. For additional information about terms and degrees, visit and/or connect with your school counselor. 16

19 WORD SEARCH FUN F F O G Y S O B P E J K O L L A R T I S T I C H L P S T U D Y T P I R C S N A R T F D X X P E Y R F A Y Y Q T B L X I D V T W E A C I G W I R C I I Y T H R L Y B G T A J U M Z I A A T W H U O N W M Q P P O U E Y U O O O C D L R L I Y S T R D J R E O A M T R L K C E W G U C E A M M R U A E U T E R W K F I C B F C M U Y V E I E I A F Z T F P N A O M Q T D I A Q A O B W R C S S L F L N E K X U L M J U C U F R K D M E Q N E D O Y F E R O I N U J O T W E A I U V N M I A N X H P W I A Y O B B O D H F A V S C S D E S N S S C J Q R G R S D S P A V P J C I D E A N P I I H S E O O S F N E E O R P E O W N T K P E M F T T Z Q K N T U O I H A N S E W S E M A Y S M H I G N Z W O S X R T N T J L I A T I G A G A Q F V N K U O I E E N Y D G Q A C I O C L E X I D T E E H W Z T R E Y G J D S V P C B S R V D Q T E L R V R X C E Y F P A E F T I E P T T T F Q M S G T P X R A T A J I R M R L Y P E R C I X I B D E S N V M E N K M D M B E T D L Z X D L I L I C E V L A N O I T N E V N O C S W E O E N N X A E K G N R N H A C F B V J S Z N R H S I C G H N T F T R I S O C I A L G Y H M P W Z V M Z V K O H A W G E Q O J K G U W A I U H S P E N T A W K Z L J E I E D B S U C C E S S E Y E S B K A P N T U P H H Q V I S U A L W E N T E R P R I S I N G Q D F R X Y ACTION-ORIENTED MEASURABLE REALISTIC SPECIFIC TIME-SENSITIVE LEARNING STYLES STRENGTHS INTERESTS COLLEGE DEGREE CAREER SCHOLARSHIP FINANCIAL AID TRANSCRIPT FUTURE SUCCESS VISUAL TACTILE AUDITORY INVESTIGATIVE ARTISTIC SOCIAL ENTERPRISING CONVENTIONAL STUDY FRESHMAN SOPHOMORE JUNIOR SENIOR Here are a few simple career exploration activities that you can do at home: Name a career related to your favorite school subject. Create a career collage from magazines or newspapers. Talk about how school skills relate to good work habits. Name a job for each letter of the alphabet Interview someone about their career.

20 PLANNING MY FUTURE One Piece at a Time i-am-the-one.com PLACE STAMP HERE

21 Want more info about A VIRGINIA COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY? 1. Find the address of a school you re interested in on pages Fill out the postcard below don t forget the stamp! 3. Tear off the completed postcard and drop it in the mailbox. Hi, my name is and I am taking charge of planning my future! I m exploring Virginia colleges and universities and would like to receive information about your school. Please send materials to: name address CITY STATE zip Thank you for helping me plan my future, one piece at a time!

22 LEARN MORE You can use the web to plan your future, choose a college, and find out how to pay for school, too. Check out these websites for more information. PLANNING AND TESTING I am the One College Board KnowHow2Go SAT ACT U.S. Government s Kids Web Portal U.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid Mapping Your Future The College Board GOVERNMENT AGENCIES State Council of Higher Education for Virginia Virginia Department of Education U.S. Department of Education FINANCIAL AID FAFSA FastWeb FinAid VA529 CAREERS Virginia Wizard Career Clusters/ Career Technical Education Virginia Career VIEW Vocational Information Center i-am-the-one.com The content of this planner was developed by Virginia middle school counselors through a partnership with the Virginia School Counselor Association. Their professional input was invaluable. The publication was brought to you by the federal College Access Challenge Grant Program and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. The contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.