College Planning Begins Today
Why should I plan for college now? This is a process, it takes years to prepare for it
Why Should I Go to College? Did you know that People with a bachelor's degree earn over 60 % more than those with only a high school diploma Over a lifetime, the gap in earning potential between a high school diploma and a B.A. is more than $800,000 Whatever sacrifices you make for your college education in the short term are more than repaid in the long term. Education Pays - 2007
The Middle School Zone
Fall Seventh,Eight,Ninth Grades Meet with your counselor to discuss college plans Make sure to enroll in challenging classes Get more involved in extra curricular classes Take the PSAT in October
Spring Seventh,Eight, Ninth Grades Visit colleges if you have the opportunity Start looking for summer opportunity-job, internship volunteer position Check summer school programs
Take School Very Seriously
Class Time No sleeping Take good notes if the teacher writes it, so do you Participate Ask questions Think critically ENGAGE
Get Organized! Organize your day, your materials, and your study time. Use a daily organizer and planner Organize your notebooks Arrange your locker and keep it clean Choose a study time and space
Read READ READ Strengthen your reading skills and improve your test scores. Develop a daily reading plan Ask your English teacher to suggest books related to your interest Remember reading is central to most learning situations. By making reading a habit you can lay the foundation for learning for the rest of your life.
Tests Choose your study style study alone? study with music? Have someone quiz you? Make quiz sheets? Learn to memorize Ask your teachers for suggestions Get a good night's sleep Eat a good breakfast Listen to the teacher's instructions Don't turn in your test the minute you finish
Get help BEFORE it's needed Not after it is too late!
Extra-Curricular Activities Student government Clubs Sports Plays Community service Your involvement shows teamwork, leadership, and commitment to improving your community.
Don t Forget the Social Skills Hone your social skills Work at getting along with people Accept diversity Seek out opportunities that stretch your experiences Work on communication skills Remember your reputation follows you and You have to pass a college interview
The College Zone
The planning and thinking begins now
Careers will shift Prepare for the future with flexibility
Predicting the Future Tissue Engineering Gene Programmers. Neurotronic Engineers Pharmers Medical Roboticist Genetic Counselor Stem Cell Researcher Food Scientist Hydrologist Network Systems And Data Communications Analyst Actors Law Enforcement
Skills Needed in the Future Information and communication skills Thinking and problem solving Interpersonal and self-direction skills Global awareness Financial, economic and business literacy, and entrepreneurial skills Science skills Civic literacy
Show Me the Money! If you think you can't afford college, think again. There's lots of aid out there. Scholarships- fastweb.com,cappex.com 9 th-12th grades Financial Aid- FAFSA (Free application for student aid fafsa.gov) December senior year Institution s awards
Learn More About Colleges Ask your parents to take you on visits during school breaks Visit friends who are in college stay the weekend Hit youtube and view some college classes in session Use the internet to see what typical courses look like and their homework loads
Consider Characteristics of a Good Fit Find out what kind of school is the best match for you and your career goals. Big or small? Campus Safety? Home or away? Extra curricular programs? Location? Weather? Ethnic diversity? Reputation? Study abroad options? Academic assistance programs? Additional costs?
Think About What Colleges Look For Curriculum that challenges the student Grades that represents strong effort and an upward trend Solid scores on standardized tests Passionate involvement in a few activities Community service Work or out of school experiences A well written essay that provides insight into the student s unique personality Letters of recommendation Anything special that makes the student stand out from the rest
Learn About Standardized Tests PSAT grades 9-10 and 11 SAT grades 11-12 The Puerto Rico College Board grades 11-12 SAT II Subject Tests grades 10-11 Test of English as a Foreign grades Language (TOEFL) grades 11-12
7 th and 8 th grade Read, Read,Read Write, Write, Write (essays) Talk about college Learn new words of vocabulary Do your BEST work Ask questions about colleges See the college counselor Visit colleges and universities Parents prepare financially Do community service
Fall Ninth Grade Meet with your counselor to discuss college plans Make sure to enroll in challenging classes Get more involved in extra curricular classes Take the PSAT in October
Spring Ninth Grade Visit colleges if you have the opportunity Start looking for summer opportunity- job, internship volunteer position Check summer school programs
This is not your parents job it is up to YOU.
Questions?