Building your Future

November Senior Seminars for theClass of 2018

Post High School Options

MAKE A PLAN

2-YEAR COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Serves as a bridge from high school to college by providing courses that transfer toward a BA or BS

Prepares students for the job market by offering entry-level career training as well as courses for workforce advancement. Associates or certificate options

Maple Woods, Penn Valley, Long View, Blue Valley, Johnson County Community College

4-YEAR COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY

Liberal Arts University Focused Experience Military Academy

Liberal Arts College Offers a broad base of courses in the

humanities, social sciences, and sciences Many are private and focus on undergraduate

students Classes tend to be small William Jewell College, University of Tulsa,

Drury University

University Large than a college and offers more majors and

research facilities Class sizes could be large Some classes could be taught by graduate

students rather than full professors MU, KU, UMKC, Missouri State, UCM

Focused Experience University

Offers education for a targeted major (art, engineering, technology, film school)

Liberal arts courses are required, but limited availability

Kansas City Art Institute, MIT, UM-Rolla, St. Louis School of Pharmacy

Military Academy Very selective admissions process which

includes an appointment by an elected official Requires military service as an officer after

graduation USAFA, West Point, USNA

When considering a college Location Size (of school and classes) Major course of study Admission requirements Housing Activities Study abroad opportunities

VOCATIONAL OR CAREER TRAINING

Certificates earned after intensive training in a specialized field

Usually takes 6 months to a year to complete Prepares students for careers in a variety of

fields including food service, paralegal, tax preparation, cosmetology

APPRENTICESHIP A program of learning that is completed at the

workplace Skills are acquired and qualifications met to

enter a profession in the industry Electrician, carpenter, sheet metal worker,

welder, brick-layer

MILITARY Training and education as enlisted personnel Possibility of officer training Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps,

Navy

When considering the armed forces Visit with friends, neighbors, and relatives who

have served Study military literature and compare training

opportunities Arrange visits with recruiters Compare benefits, tour of duty, training, etc

WORK Go straight to work May require some on the job training to develop

necessary skills

When considering employment right after high school Explore any special abilities and interests Study materials about resume writing Visit with people working in interesting

opportunities Become familiar with employers in the area Learn about vocational/technical programs

What can all of these opportunities provide?

Independence from your parents The opportunity to secure your own financial

future Opportunities to expand you horizons by

traveling meeting new people, finding new interests, exploring the world, and experiencing different cultures

There is one other option . . .

You might not want it, though

COUCH POTATO Requires few marketable skills Allows you to sit around on your parents’ sofa Creates disharmony in the family because of your

freeloading, irresponsible life choice Potential health hazards include: carpal tunnel

syndrome (from using the remote control and video game joy-sticks), chronic halitosis (from eating too many Fritos), and obesity (from limited physical exercise)

Average Weekly Median Wage Based on Education

Level No high school diploma - $420 High School diploma - $602 Associate’s Degree - $701 Bachelor’s Degree - $979 Advanced Degree - $1,171

I’m so confused . . . By so many things!!

Entrance exams ACT or SAT – for colleges and universities

Check preferred test at your chosen collegesGiven in our district during December , February, April, and June –Check in counseling for exact dates.A good tip is to take it in the Spring of your junior year and again in the summer or fall of your senior year.

ASVAB – for military or ROTC scholarship- see Counselor.Given in the district usually in March- see Counselor.

COMPASS – for MCC/Maple WoodsGiven here usually in February.

Test Preparation Peterson’s Test Preparation is FREE!!

www.mystudentedge.comSelect “new user”Enter our access code: ZUZSEZDEFill out registration form

YOU’RE GOOD TO GO!

Applying to College Use the internet Most colleges allow and want you to apply online If you are earning college credit now, you must

request a transcript from the college to your college

Keep your options open Write good admissions essays Request letters of recommendation early

Choosing a school Use college search engines on websites

www.mystudentedge.comwww.collegeboard.com

Read materials Ask questions Make campus visits

SHOW ME THE MONEY!!!!

A+ Program – 2 Years FREE!! Must have attended an A+ designated school for

three consecutive years Must maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA or high Must complete 50 hours of tutoring Must be a good citizen Must have 95% attendance over all 4 years See the A+ Contact in your building.

Scholarships Sign up to receive scholarship updates from

counseling via your school email. Check scholarship boards in counseling office. Ask your counselor and/or teachers early for

letters of recommendation for scholarships

Federal Student Aid Nearly every college wants you to file a FAFSA

(Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Have your parents prepare 2007 income taxes

early this year Complete FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov Go ahead and register and get a PIN For help attend COLLEGE GOAL SUNDAY in

February at many local colleges and universities

FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION Attend Financial Aid Night in your building.

Usually in early January.Bring your parents

Additional Information

Writing a Resume Use a template in Microsoft Word See counseling website for an additional template Highlight yourself

Languages spoken Honors received Leadership experiences Extra-curricular involvementWork experience

Check this out . . . Visit the new and improved counseling web

page through our school’s website: www.nkcschools.org

Use your school e-mail to communicate with counselors and receive announcements

Just a few warnings . . . Have a school/work appropriate e-mail account

and screen name Clean up your Face Book and My Space pages Change your cell phone voice mail so that you

sound mature

READY, SET, GO!If you are considering success

after high school, it is important to start early

making good choices.Don’t DELAY…

The Time is NOW!