OfftoCollege.com

Task1: Review the Monthly Checklist

checklist of prior monthly tasks that should be completed

Summer is almost here. You will have only 1 year left before graduating from High School. Any plans after that? if no, jump over the Fall Semester plan to start your after high school plans

If you are going to college, you need to sit for exams: link over to the Winter Semester plan for information about college entrance exams and preparation

Have your started your college search? You need to get that information organized so that you can submit applications this September: more information below about college search

Understand Types of Schools: Colleges: generally smaller in size. They offer 4-year degree programs (BA and BS) and many 2-year Associate degrees. Universities: larger institutions with specialized degrees in business, engineering, pre-med, etc. They offer 2-year, 4-year, and many graduate and professional degrees. Community / Junior Colleges: a small college offering 2-year Associate degrees. Many students attend local community colleges with the intent to transfer to a larger institution to further their education. Online Programs: offered by small and large accredited universities. Programs are offered online with potentially some campus visit during the online course. Vocational / Career Schools: specialized schools of training for specialized trade jobs such as mechanics, computer technicians, medical assistants, etc. Programs may vary requiring only a few weeks to complete while others may require a year or more. Upon completion, graduates will receive a license, certificate or an Associate Degree.

Task2: Finalize Your College Search

Finalize your list of colleges or trade schools you'd like to attend.

Your winter semester task was to assemble a list of colleges or trade schools you'd like to attend.

You were to meet with your school's guidance counselor to discuss your plans and to arrange important campus visits. You need to finalize this task to get your college admission papers ready for submission.

There are three search categories for schools:

1. search for 2-3 schools that you could
   definitely get in
2. search for 4-5 schools that you could
   probably get in
3. search for 7-8 schools that you would
   like to get in

 

College - University Search:

• Start Your College Search :
  
  — universities by State
  — community colleges by State
  — career schools by Type
  — online schools by Academic
  
  link to begin: college search directory

 

Keep track of your college search using our FREE download tool:

click here 

Task3: Compare Your College Selection

Compare your choice of schools head-to-head and take a virtual tour of the campus.

Begin grouping your college choices and rank them based on your selection criteria:

Use this worksheet to keep a college comparison report:
FREE download

• College Comparison and Profiles
  compare colleges by region and cost:
  http://nces.ed.gov
  you can profile two or more colleges on cost, student size, teacher ratio, and other criteria:
  www.collegeboard.com
  
  
  
• College Rankings
  view college rankings by school criteria and other rankings
  view our tool set: school rankings
  
  
  
• Take a Virtual Tour
  this is good place to start prior to making an actual visit. See online videos of school campus and other virtual places:
  www.campustours.com/
  

 

You should plan to make a college visit before submitting your application.

The cost to attend college can be high for many schools. So make sure this is the right school for you.

Start to arrange campus visits with your select colleges and meet with college recruiters that visit your school:

• Plan to visit the college for a full day.
  Attend when the school is in session, if possible.
  
  
• Arrange an interview with the admission office
  or other "campus visit" groups
  
  
• Meet with the financial aid office
  to get all related financial aid information offered by that school
  
  
• When doing a visit,
  check out the library, student unions, sporting facilities, and academic centers. Walk the campus to familiarize yourself with the layout.
  
  
• Review housing facilities and dormitories
  to determine whether to live on-campus or off-campus housing. Note the college rules for housing. Some colleges require first-time Freshmen to live in dormitories.
  
  
• Schedule time to speak with students and faculty. Visit the clubs and societies that are part of the campus life. Check campus rules, safety programs, and facilities that maintain the safety of the campus.
  
  
• Drive around the surrounding community
  to familiarize yourself with restaurants, theaters, rec areas, job opportunities, etc.

Task4: Get a Summer Job to Raise Funds

Use the summer to raise money you will need for college.

That money can be used for tuition, housing, transportation and even entertainment.

If you worked last summer with a job that you liked, go back and see if you can work with them again. Or try to find a different summer job that fits your career goals:

• Summer work programs:
  Job listing for teens from many brand-name retail and other name companies:
  www.snagajob.com
  another posting of summer jobs:
  www.summerjobs.com
  job postings exclusively for teens:
  www.teens4hire.org
  
  
• Internship Programs:
  internships in your field of interest is a great way to get experience that will help you college
  http://internships.wetfeet.com
  
  
• Search Classified ads in LOCAL PAPERS:
  you will find many local summer jobs through your local online classifieds:
  find local online classifieds | search craig's list

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