Attend Your Dream College

Use this eBook to figure out the best way to find your path and your plan for the future.

Getting to know you.

So, you made it. High school is here, and amid the new schedules, classes, and friends, there is suddenly a lot to take in. You get to choose your classes—and your seat. You may even have free periods and new clubs and sports to explore.

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American Student Assistance | Attend Your Dream College Getting Started

In just a few short years, you will have a whole different first day. Maybe it will be a first day on the job. Or on an apprenticeship. Maybe it will be your first sunny study session on a college quad. First, though, you get some time to figure out who you are and what you want. Sounds easy, right? That’s where we come in. We’ve learned that the best way to find your path is to get to know yourself. Use this eBook to figure some of that out. Just like high school, it won’t be easy. But it will help you decide where you are headed. So, where do I start? Let’s start with you. What do you like? What do you loathe? You wouldn’t go to art school if you hate art. And you probably wouldn’t be a music intern if you can’t carry a tune. Sure, you’re only a teenager, but you may already know some things, like if you can’t stand math or love being outdoors. Here’s a quick quiz to start feeling this out—but remember this isn’t the final say. You may change your mind about math or find you have a real talent for writing as high school moves along. So, come back and try this quiz again in a year or two.

I spend my free time ... I couldn’t live without this club or sport: On the weekends, you’ll find me: Doing this always puts a smile on my face: In class, I ... I could take this class all day every day: Here’s why: When will I ever use a) alone

class?

c) what’s studying?

b) with friends

(continued on next page)

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American Student Assistance | Attend Your Dream College Getting Started When I study, I like to be:

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Quiz available to download.

(continued)

I admire … If I could have any trait it would be:

A friend I admire is because A teacher I admire is because I think my friends like this most about me: I like this most about me: When I grow up … Right now, I work as a: Here’s what I love about my job: Here’s something I could live without at my job: When I grow up, I want to be a:

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How do I choose the right college for me?

We’ll level with you: you’re just entering high school—no one expects you to pick a college right now. On the other hand, choosing a college or career path is less about where you’ll go and more about deciding what you like and how that can shape your path. Now that you’re in touch with what you like in yourself and others, let’s take a look at your options and how they could align.

Technical and trade schools • Training programs for specific career paths, such as medical assistants, auto mechanics, beauty, culinary arts, and more.

This is a good option if:

• You know the career field you want to enter, and this type of program is required or helpful for that field. • Your circumstances would make it difficult to invest more time or money in a longer-term education option.

• Short-term certificate or diploma programs that last 3–18 months.

• Application process generally requires you to submit an application, pay an application fee, and prove that you have a high school diploma or GED.

2-year community and junior colleges • Career certificate or associate degree programs help prepare you for certain careers or to continue your education at a 4-year college or university. • Application process generally requires you to submit an application, pay an application fee, and prove that you have a high school diploma or GED. 4-year colleges and universities • Bachelor’s degree programs help prepare you for a variety of professional careers. • They provide opportunities to explore new subjects and career options while developing broad and transferable skills—such as critical thinking, communication, research, and writing. • The application process generally requires you to submit an application, essay, and letters of recommendation; pay an application fee or use a fee waiver; prove that you have a high school diploma or GED; submit your high school transcripts; and submit your standardized test scores (such as the ACT or the SAT).

This is a good option if:

• Your chosen career requires an associate degree.

• You want more time to prepare or improve your grades before entering a 4-year college.

This is a good option if:

• You want to explore many subjects and learn about different perspectives on the topics you study. • You hope to position yourself to attend a graduate school program in your chosen field after you earn your bachelor’s degree.

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But is college really right for me? There’s no wrong way to think about college at this point, but before you write it off, let’s get rid of anything false that might be holding you back. Use true or false to answer the statements below, then see what’s true and what just isn’t.

1. ____________ If no one in your family has gone to college, you can’t go either.

2. ____________ Only rich people can afford to go to college.

3 . ____________ You can learn everything you need to know on the job.

4. ____________ If you don’t know what you want to study, you shouldn’t go to college.

5. ____________ If your grades aren’t very good, you can’t get into college.

6. ____________ You don’t need to go to college to get a good job.

7. ____________ You can’t go to college if you don’t know how to apply.

8. ____________ If you can’t afford or get into a 4-year college right after high school, college isn’t worth it.

Answers: 1. If no one in your family has gone to college, you can’t go either. False. Many students attend college even though no one in their family has ever gone before.

Average College Tuition and Fees For 2017–18 Academic Year Not including Room and Board 2-year public colleges $3,570 4-year public colleges $9,970 4-year private colleges $34,740

2. Only rich people can afford to go to college. False. There are a ton of options that can help make college affordable. (In fact, we wrote a whole eBook on it). You might qualify for financial aid, work while you’re in school, or start off at a less expensive community college before transferring. 3. You can learn everything you need to know on the job . False. Most jobs require some on-the-job training. However, you’ll need a certain level of technical or analytical skill to get hired for many jobs—which often requires some education after high school. Also, many employers expect candidates to have the organizational, communication, interpersonal, and intellectual skills that come with a college degree. 4. If you don’t know what you want to study, you shouldn’t go to college. False. College is a great place to explore what you like and where you want to go in your career. You can also find support along the way through an academic adviser, career counselor, or other school officials. Costs are subject to change each year. Source: The College Board, 2017

Did you know? About 30 percent of undergraduates change their major at least once within 3 years of enrolling in school. (NCES, 2017)

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5. If your grades aren’t good, you can’t get into college.

False. Different colleges have different requirements for admission. To ensure you’ll have as many options as possible, do the best you can academically and take rigorous high school courses. This will also better prepare you for college-level coursework. However, college admissions offices also look at other qualities beyond your grades, such as activities, involvement in the community, hardships you’ve had to overcome, etc.

6. You don’t need to go to college to get a good job.

Average Yearly Salary by Education Attainment (BLS, 2017)

$100,000 $90,000 $80,000 $70,000 $60,000 $50,000 $40,000 $30,000 $20,000 $10,000 $0

True and false. If a “good job” means a job you really like, you don’t necessarily have to go to college—but you will have more career options available with a college degree. If a “good job” means greater job satisfaction, stability, opportunities, benefits, and higher earning potential, statistics show that on average, the more education you have, the more money you can earn. Also, keep in mind that a “college degree” doesn’t have to be a bachelor’s degree from a 4-year institution; it can be a certificate program or associate degree.

High School Degree

Associates Degree

Bachelor’s Degree

Master’s Degree

Doctoral Degree

Professional Degree

7. You can’t go to college if you don’t know how to apply.

False. If you don’t know how to apply to college, there are many places to turn for help—including your guidance counselor, an ASA College Planning Center, and resources like our library of eBooks.

8. If you can’t afford or get into a 4-year college right after high school, college isn’t worth it.

False. There are many alternative paths to higher education and a successful career. You could earn your associate degree at a community college and transfer to a 4-year institution for a bachelor’s (Massachusetts residents can learn more about the MassTransfer program here). Community college can also provide an opportunity to strengthen your skills and improve your grades before transferring to a 4-year college to finish up your last couple of years. Or you could pursue a vocational field through an apprenticeship or certificate program, or even take a year off to explore your career goals before making your next move.

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American Student Assistance | Attend Your Dream College Getting Started

Timeline for college and beyond

Freshman Year

Sophomore Year

Junior Year

Senior Year

Research Start a file (report cards, letters of recommendation, activities)

Take PSAT

Take SAT

Retake SAT if needed Tour Colleges Apply to your favorites Choose a college

Enroll in honors, AP

Continue honors, AP

5 ways to set yourself up for success 1. Take AP, honors classes. Review your classes with your guidance counselor, a teacher, and your family to make sure you’re taking the most rigorous courses that you can take and succeed in. Also, consider any preparatory courses required for college admission. 2. Get involved. Colleges look for well-rounded students, so it’s important to show you’re involved in activities outside of the classroom like extracurriculars or community service.

3. Start a college file. For the next 4 years, keep a file containing the following items:

• Copies of your report cards

• A list of awards and honors you’ve received

• A list of community organizations, school clubs, activities, and sports teams you join, including participation dates and any offices you held

• A list of jobs or internships you’ve had

• A list of the community service you’ve been involved with

• Letters of recommendation from adults (teachers, bosses, etc.—not family members) who know you well

4. Do your research. Research all the colleges that interest you, even if they seem expensive. You may be eligible for financial aid to help you with college costs. You can even go on campus visits. 5. Take the PSAT. You can take this practice test in 10th grade. Ask your guidance counselor for the opportunity. It’s good preparation for when you take the SAT later in high school.

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American Student Assistance | Attend Your Dream College Getting Started

Help is here Of course, your school guidance office will be a great resource as you start to plan for college and beyond. However, if you live in Massachusetts, you can also visit an American Student Assistance college planning center near you for free one-on-one assistance and resources. Our goal is to make college accessible and affordable for you and your family.

Brockton 231 Main St., Ste. R Brockton, MA 02301

Boston Boston Public Library Copley Sq.

866.891.4716

700 Boylston St. Boston, MA 02116

Mon – Fri: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Closed Sat and Sun

617.536.0200 Mon – Thu: 9:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Fri and Sat: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Don’t live in Massachusetts? Contact our team of expert counselors.

Closed Sun

Call 844.417.4180 Mon-Thu: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET Fri: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET

Email: askasa@asa.org

Learn more about ASA’s college planning program.

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American Student Assistance, ASA, Delta-A, and corresponding logos are registered trademarks of American Student Assistance. ©2018 American Student Assistance. All rights reserved.

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