Graduating High School
Colleges require you to take three or more years of mathematics classes that are Algebra 1 and higher.
True or False?
TRUE — You must take at least three years of math at the Algebra 1 level or higher to prepare for college. If you take more advanced classes in high school, you may test out of basic college math classes.
What is a personal statement? (hint: essay)
A personal statement is an essay you write about yourself to help college admissions counselors learn about your goals, your background, and why you want to attend their school.
You need to decide on a major before you can choose a college.
True or False?
FALSE — College is your time to explore. In most cases, you can choose a major in your sophomore year and still complete your degree in four years.
You have to be a straight-A student to get most scholarships.
True or False?
FALSE — It’s true that many scholarships reward merit, but the vast majority of federal aid is based on financial need and does not even consider grades.
High school dropouts are four times more likely than college graduates to be unemployed.
True or False?
TRUE — The gap between people with and without high school and college degrees continues to widen.
What is a GPA?
GPA is grade point average that is calculated each advisory depending on your grades. 4.0 is the highest which is all A’s.
What are three things needed in a college application?
1. High school transcript
2. Resume
3. Statement of Purpose
4. FAFSA
5. SAT or ACT scores
6. Letter(s) of recommendation
7. Application fee (or waiver)
"Pre-med" and "pre-law" are actual majors to choose from.
True or False?
False. Pre-med and pre-law are informal terms for students studying specific degrees that will best prepare them for Medical or Law school.
Working while going to school will hurt you academic success.
True or False?
FALSE — Research shows that students who work a moderate amount often do better academically. Securing an on-campus job related to career goals is a good way for you to help pay college costs, get experience and create new ties with the university all at the same time.
More than 10% of students will not return for their Sophomore year of college.
True or False?
TRUE
What are two extracurricular activities that you can participate in to help with preparing for college?
1. SAT Prep classes
2. Summer programs for college prep
3. Meeting with your guidance counselor
4. Talking with your mentor about college
5. Upward Bound
The best time to visit colleges is before you have been admitted.
True or False?
TRUE — Many students find that none of the colleges to which they are admitted feel right when they visit. If possible, visit before you apply and again after you have been admitted.
What's the difference between a college major and a college minor?
For a Bachelor Degree, a major is a primary focus of study and a minor is a secondary focus of study. For example, you could major in Business and minor in Spanish. Majors are typically chosen to compliment a student's career goal, and a minor may be chosen to enhance the major.
What's the difference between a loan and a scholarship?
A loan is money borrowed from a bank or institution for the purpose of attending college. A scholarship is money awarded for achievement, skills, talents, or financial need.
You can get an Associate's degree at any college.
True or False?
False -- Associate's degrees can be earned at community colleges, vocational and technical schools, and some colleges or universities. Most Associate's programs are two-year programs.
Grades in the spring of your senior year aren’t important if you’ve already been accepted into college.
True or False?
FALSE — Most colleges make statements in their admissions materials that they will look at a senior’s spring grades. If the student’s academic performance has dropped off substantially, colleges have been known to cancel an offer of admission.
Anyone can get into a public university, but it’s hard to get into a private college.
True or False?
FALSE — Some public universities are among the most competitive to get into, while other public universities are required to take nearly all applicants. It’s true that some private colleges are very selective, but others take students who wouldn’t be admitted to a home state public university.
Liberal arts colleges often have great science and math programs.
True or False?
TRUE — The term “liberal arts” is a shortened version of the full title liberal arts and sciences. Most liberal arts colleges have been emphasizing science for all students for a century or more.
What is room & board?
Extra costs involved with living on-campus: rent, food, activity fees, etc.
Tell us 3 ways you can get work experience, while in college, for your first job after you graduate.
1. Internship
2. Summer jobs
3. Part-time job during the academic year
4. Work-study
5. Helping a professor on research or a project
6. Volunteer
7. Get an on-campus job (Orientation leader, RA, etc.)
What subjects are on the SAT?
Math, English, and Writing
What's the difference between "Early Decision" and "Early Action"?
Early decision plans are binding — a student who is accepted as an ED applicant must attend the college. Early action plans are nonbinding — students receive an early response to their application but do not have to commit to the college until the normal reply date.
What is the difference between a B.A. and a B.S. degree?
B.A. is a Bachelor of Arts and a B.S. is a Bachelor of Science -- the separation has to do with a program's area of focus.
What is the FAFSA?
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Name two of the top majors with the highest salaries for Class of 2018 graduates.