Career and College Planning Hudson Falls Middle School Grade 8 Presentation

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Career and College PlanningHudson Falls Middle
SchoolGrade 8 Presentation
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Why Get a College Degree?

• Knowledge, Skills, and More Opportunities
• If you go to college, you will gain information
  and skills that you will use for the rest of your
  life, no matter what career you choose. College
  will enable you to
• Expand your knowledge and skills.
• Express your thoughts clearly in speech and
  writing.
• Grasp abstract concepts and theories.
• Increase your understanding of the world and your
  community.

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Why Get a College Degree?

• What this means for you.
• These benefits may sound great on their own, but
  college also has some very practical benefits.

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Why Get a College Degree?

• More Job Opportunities!
• The world is changing rapidly. More and more
  jobs require education beyond high school.
  College graduates have more jobs to choose from
  than those who do not pursue education beyond
  high school.

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Why Get a College Degree?

• Earn More Money!
• A person who goes to college usually earns more
  than a person who doesnt. According to the U.S.
  Census Bureau, on average, someone with a
  bachelors degree earns 50,900. That is 62
  more than the 31,500 earned annually by someone
  with only a high school diploma.

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Why Not Go to College?

• Many students are unsure about attending college
  for many reasons. The following are five reasons
  students have not pursued college and why they
  should NOT prevent YOU from attending.

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Why Not Go to College?

• I cant afford it.
• Most students get financial aid to help pay for
  college, and most aid is based on need. This
  means that the less money you have, the more aid
  you might get.

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Why Not Go to College?

• Nobody in my family has ever gone to college.
• Being first can be difficult. For instance, you
  may have to explain to your family that attending
  college is important to you. On the other hand,
  attending college is likely to be a source of
  pride for you and your family.

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Why Not Go to College?

• I dont know what I want to do with my life.
• Join the crowd! Thousands of college freshman
  have not decided on a major or a career. College
  give you the opportunity to learn more about what
  is out there and to be exposed to a variety of
  academic subjects, people, and new perspectives.

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Why Not Go to College?

• College is too difficult for me.
• Many students think college will be too
  difficult. Keep in mind that all colleges offer
  tutoring and student support. AS confident as
  some students seem, no one goes to college
  knowing everything- otherwise, they would have no
  reason to attend!

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Why Not Go to College?

• I just wont fit in.
• Most colleges have students from many
  backgrounds. To get an idea of what types of
  colleges are available, explore colleges through
  College Search (www.collegeboard.com),
• or better yet, visit in person.

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Types of College Degrees

• Associates Degree-
• For those planning on entering a technical or
  vocational field, an Associates Degree can be
  helpful.
• Usually earned in 2 years or less and are
  available community colleges, technical or
  vocational colleges.
• Students have to option of accumulating credits
  and working toward a Bachelors Degree.

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Types of College Degrees

• Bachelors Degree-
• Also referred to as Undergraduate Degrees and are
  typically four year programs.
• Students pursuing a Bachelors Degree have to
  study general education courses including
  English, math, science, and social sciences.
• Students also choose a topic to focus on beyond
  all others called a major.
• There are different types of Bachelors degrees
  including a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor
  of Science (B.S.).

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Types of College Degrees

• Masters Degree-
• Masters Degree are obtained at a graduate school
  and most programs take two years to complete.
• A Masters Degree helps advance ones career
  because it implies a mastery of a subject or area
  of study.
• Some of the most common Masters Degrees are
  Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.S)
  or a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.).

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Types of Colleges

• Community and Junior Colleges
• Community colleges offer a degree after the
  completion of two years of full time study. They
  frequently offer technical programs that prepare
  students for immediate entry into the workforce.

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Types of Colleges

• Public vs. Private Colleges
• Public Colleges are typically less expensive,
  particularly for state residents. They get most
  of the money from state or local government. For
  more information check New York States Guide to
  Residency.
• Private College rely on tuition, fees, and
  endorsements from private sources. Though
  typically more expensive, private colleges are
  usually smaller and offer more personalized
  attention.

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Types of Colleges

• Liberal Arts Colleges
• Liberal Arts Colleges offer a broad base of
  courses in the humanities, social sciences, and
  sciences. Most are private and focus mainly on
  undergraduate students. Classes tend to be small
  and personal attention is available.

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Types of Colleges

• Universities
• Generally, a university is bigger than a college
  and offers more majors and research facilities.
  Class size is often a reflection of institutional
  size.

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PLANNING FOR COLLEGE AND YOUR CAREER

• Planning for your future is not something you do
  once. Its a continuous process. Career
  planning has three steps that you will cycle
  through and repeat throughout your working life.
  By following these steps, you can make career
  decisions that are right for you.

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PLANNING FOR COLLEGE AND YOUR CAREER

• Step One-
• Know Yourself!
• Evaluate yourself- your strengths, weaknesses,
  interests, and values.

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PLANNING FOR COLLEGE AND YOUR CAREER

• Step Two-
• Explore your options and choose a direction!
• Explore occupations and training to find careers
  that fit you. Then, narrow down your choices.

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PLANNING FOR COLLEGE AND YOUR CAREER

• Step Three-
• Consider issues that can affect your plans and
  take appropriate actions towards your goals.

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Planning for College and Your Career

• Check out our links at www.hfcsd.org
• Look under Middle School, then School Counseling
• Then go to our links
• Scholarshop
• Choices program
• BOCES Vocational Programshttp//wswheboces.org/CTE
  /ProgramInformation.htm

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Planning for College and Your Career

• Eighth grade
• It all counts now!
• March 12, 2009-H.S. info Parent Night 630
• March 18 and 19, 2009 High School Sched.
• Sign up to take Advanced Placement Testing before
  March 19,2009

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PLANNING FOR COLLEGE AND YOUR CAREER

• Freshman Year-
• Find out how to make the most out of high school.
• Develop a four year plan (take challenging
  courses).
• Get off to a good start with your grades
• Gain knowledge of high school graduation
  requirements and college admission requirements.
• Join/continue extracurricular activities.
• Build relationships with peers, teachers,
  counselors, advisors and employers.
• Explore career areas that match your interests
  and talents.
• Meet with you high school counselor to discuss
  college/career information at least once a year
• Continue/start saving for college.

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PLANNING FOR COLLEGE AND YOUR CAREER

• Sophomore Year-
• Continue to take challenging courses.
• Learn about the PLAN (pre-ACT) and the PSAT
  (pre-SAT). The PLAN is designed for sophomores.
  Talk with your counselor regarding the
  appropriateness of taking the PSAT this year for
  practice.
• Use the results of the PLAN to research possible
  career options.
• Keep exploring careers by using Choices
  (www.bridges.com).
• Bridges/Choices Site ID 1001346 Password
  hudsonbr2
• Think about what kind of training and education
  different careers require.
• Become familiar with general college entrance
  requirements.
• Work toward leadership positions in activities
  you like best.
• Become involved in community service and other
  volunteer activities.

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PLANNING FOR COLLEGE AND YOUR CAREER

• Junior Year-
• Continue taking challenging courses, keep your
  grades up, and meet with your counselor.
• Take the PSAT in October if appropriate.
• Talk with your parents and high school counselor
  about colleges/technical schools that interest
  you. Learn about their admissions requirements
  and financial aid information.
• Take the SAT and/or ACT test. You should be
  academically ready to take the test by spring.
  If not, you must take it early in your senior
  year.
• Investigate scholarship opportunities.
• Take advantage of opportunities to meet with
  college representatives, tour college campuses,
  attend college and career fairs.
• List, compare, and visit colleges. (Dream
  Schools vs. Safety Schools)
• Apply for scholarships that are available for
  juniors.
• Consider putting together a portfolio that
  highlights your special skills and talents.

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PLANNING FOR COLLEGE AND YOUR CAREER

• Senior Year-
• Visit your school counselor to be sure that you
  are on track to graduate and that you fulfill
  college/technical school admissions requirements.
• Take the SAT and/or SAT if you did not take them
  as a junior or wish to improve your score.
• Keep working hard all year. Second semester
  grades can affect scholarship eligibility.
• Attend college fairs, financial aid nights, and
  college planning workshops.
• Meet with admissions counselors who come to your
  school.
• Visit colleges and technical schools in which you
  are interested.
• Meet with military recruiters if interested in
  joining the military.
• Begin your college essay(s)
• See your counselor for help finding scholarships
  and financial aid.
• Ask for personal references from teachers,
  counselors, or employers early in the year or at
  least several weeks prior to your application
  deadlines.
• Keep track of and observe all DEADLINES for
  applying to college, financial aid, and
  scholarships.
• Apply for admission to the schools you have
  chosen and have your counselor send your
  transcript.
• Apply for all scholarships for which you are
  eligible.
• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student
  Aid (FAFSA) and mail in after January 1st.
• If you are a college-bound athlete, file with the
  NCAA Clearinghouse.
• Compare financial aid packages from different
  schools.
• Decide which college to attend. Notify all
  schools of your decision.
• Keep track of and observe deadlines for sending
  in all required fees and paperwork.

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PLANNING FOR COLLEGE AND YOUR CAREER

• By following these steps, you can make career
  decisions that are right for you. Youll know
  what your options are and what it will take to
  reach your goals!