CAREER PLANNING &
FINANCIAL AID NIGHT
2008
Welcome!
TONIGHT’S AGENDA
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The Facts about Career Planning
Best Bet Occupations
Career Planning Tips
Careers without College
Careers with College
The Application Process
College Admission Testing
College Admission
The Keys to Success
Financial Aid and Scholarship Information
THE FACTS!
• All careers in the future will require training after high
school.
• Workers of the future will change jobs 10-15 times.
• Many future careers may require a college degree.
• Not all careers in the future will require a college degree,
but will require post-secondary training.
• Not every high school graduate goes to a four year
university.
• Annually only 30%-50% of all students who enter college
actually graduate.
Best Bet Occupations
“Best Bet” occupations combine a high growth rate with a large
number of annual openings. They also pay well for the level of training
and education required. More Best Bet occupations can be viewed by
visiting www.Imi.ides.state.il.us
• Work Experience +4 years of college or more: Computers
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Informational Systems Managers, Pharmacists
4 years of College (Bachelor’s Degree): Accountants &
Auditors, Computers Systems Analysts
2 years of College (Associate’s Degree): Registered Nurses,
Computer Support Specialists
Vocational Training After High School: Automotive Service
Technicians & Mechanics, Licensed Practical Nurses
Long-Term-On-The–Job Training: Carpenters, Welders, Cutters
Moderate-Term-On-The-Job Training: Sales, Wholesales &
Manufacturing, General Maintenance & Repair Workers
Short–Term-On–The-Job Training: Receptionists & Information
Clerks, Truck Drivers, Light/Delivery
PLANNING YOUR FUTURE
“Failing to plan is planning to fail!”
• KNOW YOURSELF!
• Achievements, abilities, interests, values,
and ambitions are important factors to be
evaluated in setting your goals.
• Initiative, responsibility, passion, and
personality will determine your degree of
success. (Discuss this with your parents
and counselor)
CAREER RESOURCES:
Aptitude & Interests
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Do What You Are: http://www.dowhatyouare.com/bridges
Mapping Your Future: http://mapping-your-future.org/
Personality. Com: http://www/personality.com
Personality Type: http://www.personalitytype.com
People Patterns : http://www.keirsey.com
Similar Minds: http://www.similarminds.com
What Now Grad? http://whatnowgrad.com
Global Quest: http://gquest.org
Career Mag: http://www.careermag.com/
Learning Styles: http://www.crc4mse.org/ILS/self_test.html
Countdown: http://www.ILWorkInfo.com
CAREER EXPLORATION
• Explore the many occupations fields. Evaluate
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this information as it relates to your selfevaluation.
Do not select an occupation field or goal just
because “ Uncle Mike” or “ Aunt Jane” is
successful or thinks it for you.
Conduct career interviews. (See Mr. Calendo for
a career interview questionnaire form)
CAREER RESOURCES:
Exploration
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Career One Stop: http://careeronestop.org
Exploring Occupations: http://umanitoba.ca/counseling/careers/html
Career Development: http://www.cdm.uwaterloo.ca/index.asp
Career Cruising: http://www.careercruising.com
Careers and Colleges: http://www.careerandcolleges.com
Major and Career: http://www.uncwil.edu/stuaff/career/Majors
Career Schools: http://www.careerschools.org/
Career Groups: http://www.doi.gov/octc/typescar.html
Mpegasus Career Info:http://www.mpegasus.com/begin.html
Career Overview: http://overview.com/colleges
CAREER PLANNING
• Start planning for your vocation as early as possible.
• Research the facts about what the specific education and
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training is required.
Conduct informational interviews.
Develop a resume of activities, honors, and achievements.
Assemble a list of admission requirements and
qualifications for schools that you’re interested in.
Apply to the schools.
Visit colleges or other Education/Training sites.
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• Please keep in mind that as your counselor, I am here to
help you develop your career plan and provide you with
information on schools, colleges, financial aid, and military
training.
CAREER PLANNING RESOURCES
• Career Voyages http://www.careervoayages.gov Website is co-sponsored by
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the U.S. Department of Education. Site offers youth career information
about occupations that are in demand. Offers additional resources on
apprenticeships, community colleges, 4-year colleges, certifications, career
videos, and other options.
The Illinois Career Resource Network http://www.IL.Workinfo.com Site
offers career resources for elementary, middle school, and high school
students. Students are able to explore and learn how to prepare for their
careers. The Illinois Career Resource Network offers Countdown (career
interest survey), Career Click, and Career Information System. These
resources allows students to learn specific information on occupations,
employment, and education and training.
The Career One Stop http://www.careeronestop.org Site offers many career
resources that you’ll find extremely helpful. Site allows you to search for
these resources under the following headings Career Exploration, Education
& Training, Job Search, Salary Benefits, People and Places.
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Careers Without College
Apprenticeships
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There are more than 800 occupations in this category. These
occupations can be learned by a combination of on-the-job training
and part-time classroom instruction.
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Salary typically begins at 50% of the typical salary and increases as
you learn and gain new skills. You must be at least 18 years old and
have a high school diploma.
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You apply directly to an apprenticeship sponsor, undergo an
interview, and sometimes take certain tests.
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In college a great deal of time and money is required to prepare you
for your career. In an apprenticeship, you actually earn money
while you learn your chosen profession.
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http://www.dllr.state.md.us/labor/approcc The site offers
information on Apprentice able Occupations by Occupational Title.
Careers Without College
• Internships
1. A low or unpaid, short-term, entry-level job, where you
can get work experience and build up your resume.
2. Many times, you might not realize if a career is right or
wrong for you until you experience it in the work field.
3. You can call companies directly to ask about internship
programs.
Careers Without College
• Military Service
1. Some military service occupations are very similar to
those in civilian life. Therefore, the training and
experience in such military occupations can be helpful in
testing out or preparing for a civilian career.
2. Financial aid for education is available through the
military.
3. Make sure you discuss with your parents before signing
any documents.
Careers Without College
• Vo-Tech Schools
1. Business, vocational, and tech schools train specifically
for technician careers. The demand for people with
technical skills is growing twice as fast as any other
group.
2. http://www.rwm.org/rwm/tfill.html This site offers
database for all Vocational Schools by state and the
information on the specific training requirements for the
specific career that interests YOU!
3. The cost varies depending on the school.
4 Make sure you research a variety of schools.
Careers With College
• Take your college search seriously.
• Realize that there is no perfect college,
but you can find a great fit for you! Remember
that a great fit for someone else does not necessarily mean a great
fit for you.
CHOOSING A COLLEGE
• commuting vs. living on
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campus
urban vs. small college town
size of the school
extracurricular/ athletic
activities
size of classes/ faculty-student
ratio
restrictions/ regulations of
social life
type of programs offered
cost of the school
Admission Requirements
2-year
4-year
• Open-door admission
• ACT or SAT scores are
policy
• H.S. diploma & ACT
scores are used for
placement
• Accept H.S. grads,
G.E.D. recipients, or
individuals at least 16
years of age that
have withdrawn from
high school
required
• G.P.A., class rank,
volunteer work,
personal statement,
professional essay,
extra curricular
activities, letters of
recommendation,
and/or transcripts
may be taken into
consideration
Tuition
2-year
4-year
• As a full-time student,
• For most Illinois state
(enrolled in 24 credit
hours per year) tuition
can range from $1900 to
$2300
colleges/universities,
tuition can range from
$5600 to $8700 annually
(not including fees,
housing, and other
expenses)
• Private and/or out of
state schools may be
substantially higher
Housing
2-year
4-year
• Considered commuter
• On-campus housing is
schools
• Most students live at
home while attending
school
usually available via
dormitories, may be
required for incoming
students
• Off-campus housing
includes – houses for
rent, apartments, condos,
sorority and fraternity
living
Completion of Academic
Programs
2-year
4-year
• May obtain an Associates
• Wider selection of
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degree with the
possibility of transferring
to a 4-year college
OR
May receive a specialized
certificate in a
professional or technical
field
majors/specialties
• May obtain a Bachelors
degree with the possibility
of continuing education for
a Masters degree
List, Compare,Visit
and Collect information
• Talk with College Representative
• Talk with Teachers, Counselors, Coaches,
Parents, and College students
• Visit the College Web site
• Schedule appointment for campus visit
• Prepare a college comparison worksheet
• Weigh advantages and disadvantages
THE APPLICATION PROCESS
• The Student’s
Responsibility
• Obtaining
Applications
• Completing
Applications
The Student’s Responsibility
• Decide where to apply: apply online at the college or university that you’re
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interested in. Please see Mr. Calendo if you need a website address of the
school or schools you’re interested in applying to.
Obtain the applications and other relevant information on the different
schools in the guidance office.
Complete the actual applications before the priority deadlines.
Early admission or priority application deadline due as early as November
1st (U of I). November 15th for all other states schools.
Use www.commonapp.org allows students the opportunity to apply to 350
colleges and universities in the United States by filling out one application
(500 word essay, and teacher and counselor letter of recommendation is
also required.)
Gather other important information admissions requirements, housing,
merit based and need based scholarships, and scholarship application
deadline.
Request transcripts to be sent out in the guidance office.
Transcript Request
• Request a transcript from
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Mr. Calendo.
Picked up or sent out
There is NO FEE for a
copy of your transcript.
How to get applications
• Guidance Office
• Phone or visit the
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Office of Admissions
The Internet:
• Complete and send
electronically…Double
Check to see if there is
a section to print out
and give to your
counselor
• Download the
application
What (Nearly!) Every
Application Asks
• Student’s full LEGAL
• Standardized Test
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name
List of all high schools
attended
State of residence of
both student and
parents
Six Digit high school
code : 144-270
Courses in progress
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Scores
Signature from
student, parent, and
counselor
Letter of
Recommendation
from a Teacher
Letter of
Recommendation
from your counselor
COUNSELOR’S ROLE
• Assist in obtaining
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college information
Review completed
college applications
Certify an official
transcript
Write a letter of
recommendation
(if required)
COLLEGE ADMISSION TESTING
Types of
College Admission Tests
• ACT (American College Testing)
• SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test)
Register online at www.collegeboard.com
by April 29th for the June 4th SAT test
ACT
• Taken during the junior year as part of the
PSAE
• Consists of four tests :
– English, Math, Reading and Science
Reasoning
• Top score is 36 (Composite)
• Writing component is required!
SAT
• Predominantly used by east & west coast
schools
• SAT consists of a verbal test,
mathematics test, and a writing test.
• Each test is scored on a scale of 200-800
• Adding the verbal and math will give a
total combined score
ACT or SAT
• Check with college for preference
• ACT: designed to measure academic
achievement in the areas of: English,
Math, Reading, and Science Reasoning.
• SAT: Designed to measure academic
aptitude in terms of verbal and numerical
reasoning.
Test Scores Sent
Directly From ACT/SAT
• SAT/ACT Give you a limited number of
schools to have your scores sent to initially
• $7-10 per additional test score sent out
P.S.A.E.
• Required to earn high school diploma
• Annual State Exam given to high school
Juniors in April
• PSAE Day 1 (ACT)
• PSAE Day 2 (Science, Applied Reading &
Math)
• NCAA accepts PSAE ACT scores for
Division II eligibility (decision pending
regarding Division I eligibility)
What are College Admissions’
Officers looking for in prospective
students?
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G.P.A.
Rank
ACT/SAT Test Score
Personal statement
Recommendations
Difficulty of course
selections
Courses in progress
Junior & Senior year
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Accomplishments
School Involvement
Personality
Characteristics
Level of Commitment
Personal
Accomplishments
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Personal Statement
• Why are you
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interested in that
particular college or
university?
Impact on admissions
• Why would you be a
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good addition to that
particular academic
community?
Topics include: life
lessons, personal
challenges, areas of
interests
COLLEGE ENTRANCE
RECOMMENDATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
(Depends on what tier the school is in)
• ENGLISH: 4 years
• MATH: 3-4 years
• SCIENCE w/LAB: 3-4 years
• SOCIAL STUDIES: 3 years
• POSSIBLE FOREIGN LANGUAGE: 2-3
years
• POSSIBLE FINE ARTS: Emerging
• ELECTIVES:
Conditional Admissions
• Deficiency in a particular entrance
requirement: complete non-degree
coursework on campus (foreign language)
• Academic probation
• Wait list
• Deferment (early admission process)
KEYS TO SUCCESS
• DESIRE
• SELF-DISCIPLINE
• WORK ETHIC
• DETERMINATION
• TIME MANGEMENT
• INTERPERSONAL SKILLS
SCHOLARSHIP WEBSITES
• www.fastweb.com This site offers an extensive database on national, local,
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and college specific scholarships.
www.schoolsoup.com Site offers students a free scholarship search to
worlds largest database worth over 32 billion dollars.
www.careeronestop.org Site offers students an extensive library of career
resources that include career exploration, job search for every state in U.S.,
self-assessments, free scholarship search, college search, and more.
www.finaid.org Offers financial aid and information with links to test
preparation and internship opportunities, for students who want to earn as
they learn.
www.collegezone.com College Zone is the Illinois Student Assistance
Commission’s site for financial aid with a user friendly guide to scholarships,
grants, work-study and more.
www.scholarships.com Search for local and national college scholarships
and grants. Free scholarship search worth over 19 billion. Scholarships
match your academics, talents, and interests.