What is a...
What is a major?
What are credits?
Your main focus of study at a 2-year or 4-year school. It is a cluster of courses designed to help you specialize in a particular topic.
Each class you take is worth a number of credits (usually 3-4). To graduate, you need to accumulate a certain # of credits. These are a mix of general education requirements and courses in your major.
Name two pros to consider about trade school
Pros:
Shorter time period to complete--you can get to work sooner!; inexpensive and can often be paid for; sometimes you will be paid to apprentice while you complete the program; some trades are in high demand and you will always have work available; some trades pay great right after graduating and over the long-term.
Cons:
Limits your ability to switch into a different career or try different fields (to do so, likely you would need to return to school); narrow scope of learning instead of strong foundation in writing, math and critical thinking; may have lower earnings potential over the long-term
You need to go to school right away
False!
Healing is important!
It's harder on your mental health and finances to start school and fail classes than it is to take time off to heal before you begin. Check in with yourself: does the idea of school get you excited or fill you with dread?
It is also OK to take time off between semesters. Education journeys can be life-long and not a straight line.
Note: many sources of school funding for foster care alumni don't apply to people older than age 26
How do you apply to college or trade school and what documents do you need?
The application itself is usually basic information, and maybe some short-answer questions.
You will definitely need (at minimum):
Transcripts from high school
Proof of ward document
FAFSA
If you're applying to a school with a holistic review process, it's a great idea to submit a personal statement.
What is a trade degree or certificate?
A trade school / technical school is designed to train students for a specific job in a skilled trade career. Most importantly, a trade school offers hands-on training to prepare students for actual work in their chosen field. Trade school programs are concentrated entirely on relevant job training, which is different from 2-year or 4-year colleges that typically require general education courses, such as English or Biology.
Name two pros to consider of 2-year school
Pros:
Much less expensive than a 4-year school: SLCC = $4,257 and the UU = $9,400; tuition and fees can often be paid for through the Pell grant; gives a great foundation in math, English and critical thinking and can also provide an employable skill; credits can be transferred to a 4-year school; many schools provide great supports; can give you time to explore fields of study.
True or false: you are guaranteed to get a well-paying job as soon as you graduate with a bachelor's degree.
False!
While a bachelor's degree may mean you are more likely to make more money over the course of your life, you may not start out this way right after graduation:
The median earnings for early career bachelor’s degree recipients ranged from $32,100 a year (early childhood education majors) to $62,000 (computer science majors). By the time graduates have reached mid-career, median earnings ranged from $41,000 to $95,000.
This also depends heavily on your major!
1https://www.cbsnews.com/news/college-major-highest-lowest-incomes/
What is open enrollment?
When all applicants with a high school diploma or GED are accepted.
What is JobCorps?
A tuition-free federal program for low-income youth ages 16-24 that trains you in a skilled trade. You live on-campus (Utah's JobCorps center is in Clearfield) and they pay for your housing, meals, basic health care and a small allowance. They assist you in finding a job and transitioning into your career once you graduate.
Name two pros to consider for a 4- year school
Pros:
Strong support programs at the school; great campus life and ability to meet new people; can explore different fields of study; strong education; with the degree, you can often move between careers after graduation; on-campus housing
True or False: You can't get a degree at a trade school.
False!
Based on the trade, you might get a degree. Plenty of trade jobs do not require degrees, they require certifications, which trade schools do offer.
Also, many 2-year schools offer degrees in a trade as part of your associate's.
What is FAFSA and the Pell Grant?
FAFSA = Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Everyone should fill it out when it opens (usually Oct 1; this year December)
Anyone in foster care after their 13th birthday qualifies to receive the full Pell Grant through FAFSA. The full Pell grant is just over $7,000 per year. This covers the tuition/fees of many (but not all) schools and certificates in Utah.
You will need your Proof of Ward document to ensure you receive the Pell Grant.