ACE College Night
December 8, 2009
The objective of tonight is to get each of you thinking about your higher education and familiar with the processes
of researching, applying, financing, and succeeding at it.
Choose what you want to be in life. It may be necessary to have a college degree in order to work in the field of
your choice. If you do not know exactly what you want to be yet, college is a great place to help figure out what
you are passionate about.
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Better job opportunities: Higher paying professional positions require college degrees.
Start a trend in your community/family: By going to college you will influence others around you to do the
same. Earning a higher education becomes engrained.
Make sure that you are on track to: Graduate high school and meet college requirements
Take classes that pertain to anticipated major: Participate in extra-curricular activities (clubs, sports,
community service, etc.), take ACT/SAT Prep class, take ACT/SAT, and discuss plans with your family.
Research schools and programs: Visit schools, note application deadlines and requirements, ask for letters
of recommendation in advance (teacher, coach, boss).
Secure your financials: fill out the FAFSA, search and apply for scholarships, use all resources: counselors,
teachers, peers, family, ACE mentors, libraries and internet
What to look for in a school.
Location, Size, Degree/Programs, Cost, Admission requirements, Selectivity, Prestige/Reputation, Special
opportunities, Job placement, Community/Environment, Social life
Types of schools.
Public University (In-state/Out-of-state): Typically large in size, many programs/degrees offered, tuition rate based
on state of residency, students typically live on campus
Private University/College: Can be smaller in size, may have less variety in programs/degrees, tuition rate is not
based on state of residency, but may be higher than public universities, students typically live on campus
Community College: Local college based on county of residency, only a 2 year degree (Associates Degree) offered,
can continue education at a 4 year university and earn a B.S. or B.A. in 2 years after earning Associates Degree
(make sure credits transfer!), tuition is much less and admission is almost guaranteed with a high school diploma,
students typically live at home and commute to classes daily
Vocational School: Going to a trade school is an excellent way to work in the construction industry
Financing your higher education.
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Scholarships - monetary award based on grades, merit, athletics (can be from college, groups,
corporations, etc.)
Grants -federal money that is based on financial need. The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student
Aid) needs to be completed by you and your parents in order to apply for financial aid www.fafsa.ed.gov/
www.finaid.org www.fastweb.com/Loans - Subsidized (no interest until 6 months after you graduate), and
Unsubsidized (interest begins accruing when loan is taken) All loans eventually have to be paid back, but
typically have a 6 month grace period after graduating.
Job opportunities - Work-study (job through the school that is part of your financial package, earnings go
towards your tuition and/or living costs), Part-time job (go out and find a job yourself, lots of
opportunities in a college town), Summer employment (find a summer job/internship and start saving for
the next school year, some colleges will help students find internships)
Architecture Programs
4-year undergraduate program
B.S. in Architecture OR B.A. in Architecture Bachelor of Environmental Design.
Most colleges/universities with architecture programs offer a pre-professional degree. Some programs begin
architecture courses in first year, others in second or third year. Typically, general courses are taken earlier and
there is more of a focus on architecture as an upperclassman Requires a 2 year graduate program for masters
degree (4+2)
5 year undergraduate program – Bachelor of Architecture.
Not as common as 4-year programs, but most schools that offer a professional architecture degree have
outstanding programs. Requires a 1 year graduate program for masters degree (5 +1)
1 – 2 year graduate program – Master of Architecture.
Length of graduate program depends on undergraduate studies. A masters degree is not required, but very
desirable. Most states require master’s degree in order to take the licensing exams in order to become a licensed
architect
Related programs include urban planning, landscape architecture, interior design & structural engineering
Architecture Courses include: Design Studios, Design Fundamentals, Structures, Construction, Acoustics & Lighting,
Site Planning, Climate & Light, and Building Systems
Helpful websites:
www.archcareers.org - Information on architectural education, internships, examinations & licensure
www.architecture.about.com - Information on schools, jobs, FAQ
www.usnews.com - US News offers the best college rankings
www.archfoundation.org - American Architecture Foundation
www.di.net - Design Intelligence has employers’ survey that ranks the most desirable architecture schools to hire
from
Structural Engineering Programs
4-year undergraduate program – B.S. in Civil Engineering.
Most colleges/universities with engineering programs offer degree. The first 2 years are general education, math &
science courses, while the final 2 years are civil & structural engineering courses
1.5 - 2 year graduate program – M.S. in Civil Engineering.
Highly recommended that structural engineers obtain a masters degree. Many firms require that all of its
engineers have a masters degree. Can become licensed more quickly than one with a B.S.
Typically, all structural engineers will major in civil engineering with an emphasis on structural engineering.
Another option is to pursue an architecture degree with an emphasis on structural engineering. This option is
offered at UIUC. These students mainly take architectural coursework while also taking the structural design
courses.
Courses include: geotechnical engineering (foundations and soils), transportation engineering (design of roads),
environmental engineering, construction management, construction materials, and hydrology & hydraulic
engineering
Helpful websites:
www.seaoi.org - Structural Engineering Association of Illinois
www.asce.org - American Society of Civil Engineers
www.cee.uiuc.edu - University of Illinois @ Urban – Champaign, Department of Civil Engineering
www.aisc.org - American Institute of Steel Construction
www.aci-int.org - American Concrete Institute
Construction Management Programs
4-year undergraduate program – B.S. in Civil, Architectural, Environmental Engineering or Construction
Management.
Most schools with engineering programs offer Civil Engineering, but Construction Management is not as prevalent
1-year graduate program - M.S. in Civil, Architectural, or Environmental Engineering.
Masters degree is not required. Some people choose to get MBA later in career.
Courses include: Chemistry, Advanced math and physics. Curriculums vary but tend to emphasize computer
science, civil and architectural engineering courses. Classes can be in lab, lecture, and design studio form. Related
classes to take in high school: Science, math, English, communication, business
Helpful websites:
www.agc.org - Associated General Contractors of America
www.seaoi.org - Structural Engineering Association of Illinois
www.asce.org - American Society of Civil Engineers
www.content.constructionist.org – Construction Institute (institute in ASCE)
www.princetonreview.com/college/research/majors/majorBasics.asp?majorID=434 – Princeton Review –
Construction Management
www.iit.edu/~ce/ - IIT Civil and Architectural Eng. Dept.
www.aisc.org - American Institute of Steel Construction
www.aci-int.org - American Concrete Institute
www.nawic.org/ - national Association of Women in
Constructionwww.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4628319 - Interesting story from NPR
Don’t settle: A higher education is going to benefit you so go where you really to want to go. If you take the easy
way out, you are only cheating yourself and your future.