🎓 College 101
Define a community college
This is a 2-year college that can offer associate degrees and career training.
This application is the first step for most students seeking federal financial aid.
FAFSA
This application allows students to apply to multiple participating colleges using one platform.
Common App
This type of education focuses heavily on hands-on training for specific careers rather than a traditional 4-year bachelor's degree.
technical/trade education
An employer asks, "Tell me about yourself." Should your answer begin with your entire life story
no—give a brief professional summary focused on relevant experience, skills, education, and goals
Define a Major
This is the field of study you choose to focus on while earning your degree.
When does the FAFSA Open
October 1st.
To get max aid you want to submit FAFSA ASAP! Otherwise you run the risk of the grant funding to run out.
A college asks your English teacher to explain why you would be a strong candidate. What is the teacher being asked to provide?
a letter of recommendation
A student wants to become an electrician and earn money while learning from experienced professionals. What pathway should they investigate
What is an apprenticeship
You have limited work experience but have volunteered, participated in clubs, and completed school projects. Can these experiences belong on your résumé
yes
A degree requires 120 credits
A typical bachelor's degree requires approximately this many college credits.
A student receives a $10,000 federal student loan. Unlike a grant, what will eventually happen to this money?
It must be repaid, usually with interest
A student waives their FERPA right to view a recommendation letter. Why might a college prefer that the student waive this right
it can help assure colleges that the recommendation is confidential and candid
A student completes an HVAC program. Why might they still need additional certification or licensing before working independently?
some skilled trades require industry credentials, certifications, or state/local licensing
An interviewer asks, "Tell me about a time you faced a challenge." What interview strategy can help you organize your response
STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result
A student changes their major but wants to keep taking classes that count toward their original program. Why should they meet with an academic advisor before registering?
To make sure their courses apply toward their new degree requirements and avoid unnecessary credits. Taking courses that are not required ends up not being financially aid-eligible.
College's tuition is $15,000, but the total cost of attendance is $25,000. Name TWO expenses that could account for the additional $10,000.
Housing, food, books, transportation, supplies, or other educational expenses
A student applies Early Action to College A and Regular Decision to College B. What is one major difference between these application plans
Early Action generally has an earlier deadline and provides an earlier admission decision while typically being non-binding
Which career pathway could allow a student to earn wages while gaining supervised, hands-on experience: a traditional bachelor's program, an apprenticeship, or both?
What is an apprenticeship?
You meet someone at a career fair who works for a company you are interested in. Instead of immediately asking, "Can you get me a job?" what is a better networking approach
introduce yourself, ask thoughtful questions, learn about their career, and build a professional relationship
A student is comparing two colleges. College A costs $35,000 but offers $20,000 in aid. College B costs $25,000 but offers $5,000 in aid. Before choosing, what should the student compare?
Net price/Cost after financial aid?
Two colleges offer the same $10,000 scholarship. College A costs $30,000 per year and College B costs $45,000. Which offer is automatically the better deal?
Neither—the student must compare the total net price after ALL aid and expenses (Including Federal)
You submit your application before the deadline but your transcript and recommendation letter arrive after the deadline. Does submitting the application on time automatically mean your application is complete
No. What matters is whether all required materials are received by the college's stated deadline.
A student wants to become a welder, doesn't want significant student debt, and wants to start earning money while training. Name two pathways they could investigate.
a technical/trade school, community college welding program, or apprenticeship
During an interview, the employer asks, "What is your biggest weakness?"
Which is the stronger answer:
1. I don't really have any weaknesses
OR
2. Identifying a genuine weakness and explaining how you're working to improve it
The second response