True/False
You have to know what your major is your first year of college and cannot change your major.
(False) You don't have to know what you want to study, you can take general courses like english, biology, and history while you figure it out. You can even take a career exploration class! And you can change your major as many times as you want, although it may delay your college graduation.
What is the SAT?
The SAT is the Standardized Admissions Test which colleges use as part of the admissions criteria. The ACT is similar. Make sure to check which test/s you need to take for the colleges you want to get into!
DOUBLE JEOPARDY Write as many extracurricular activities as you can that will strengthen your college resume in one minute
Sports, Music, Volunteering, Student Leadership, etc.
What are scholarships?
Scholarships is money that can be used for college and do not have to be repaid. Scholarships are awarded by various people, including the state and federal governments, public and private organizations, and colleges and universities.
You can't use letters of recommendation for anything besides applying to college.
(False) You can use letters of recommendations for scholarships and future jobs.
What are two things to do to strengthen your college application?
1.Participate in extracurricular activities 2. Do well in school 3.Study for the ACT/SAT 4.Visit the school 5.Talk to an admissions counselor 6. Retake ACT/SAT to get better score
What are some of the degrees with the highest median salaries?
Electrical engineering $110,000 Computer engineering $104,000
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration $100,000
Chemical engineering $100,000 Computer science $100,000
Aerospace engineering $100,000
Materials engineering and materials science $98,500
Engineering Mechanics, Physics, and Science $95,000
Mechanical Engineering $95,000
Industrial and manufacturing engineering $90,000
DOUBLE JEOPARDY Where can you look for scholarship opportunities?
1. FAFSA 2. Local guidance counselor 3. Online scholarship websites 4. College/University Specific scholarships 5. Major/School within university specific scholarships
What are possibilities of things you can do after graduating college? A. Attend graduate school B. Get a job C. Volunteer D. All of the above
D. All of the above
If you graduate college you will on average make more money than just a high school graduate.
(True) Average annual income in 2023 for ages 22-27: College Education: $60,000 High School Education: $36,000
True or False? The SAT is the only test you can take to apply to college.
(False) You can also choose to take the ACT which is similar to the SAT but includes science and less English. In North Carolina public schools, you will be given the chance to take the ACT your Junior year.
DOUBLE JEOPARDY Who are some people you can ask to write letters of recommendation for you for college?
A trusted adult who is not your family member, unless stated otherwise.
1. High school teachers 2. Middle school teachers 3. Coaches 4. Mentor 5. Religious Leaders 6. A supervisor/Boss 7. Someone you've volunteered with.
DOUBLE JEOPARDY You have to live at the college or university that you attend.
(False) You can attend college and live at home or in an apartment not on campus, although some universities require first year students to live on campus.
What are some of your options for education/work when you graduate high school?
1. Gap year - take a year to save money or find yourself before starting college 2. Go directly into the workforce, or find an apprenticeship 3. Technical/Vocational School (e.g. Cosmetologist, Electrician, Chef, Mechanic) 4. Community College (get an Associate's, transfer to a 4 year University, etc.) 5. University
Write as many colleges or universities in the state of North Carolina as you can in one minute
1. North Carolina State University 2. University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Greensboro, Wilmington) 3. East Carolina University 4. Appalachian State University 5. Duke University 6. North Carolina A&T State University 7. Western Carolina University 8. Wake Forest University 9. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_colleges_and_universities_in_North_Carolina
What is a student loan?
BONUS: True or False - Do you have to take out student loans to make it through college?
A student loan is money given to the student to borrow to help them pay for college. Students can repay this money once they graduate and get a job.
False! You can work a part time job, use scholarship or FAFSA, or VA benefits from military service from a parent or yourself!
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. Joining Upward Bound!!!!!!!!!!!!
You cannot go to college unless you or your family has a lot of money and can pay for you to attend college.
(False) There is a lot of financial aid available for students, especially for low-income students.
What are some of the degrees with the lowest median salaries?
Early Childhood Education $43,000
Film, Video and Photographic Arts $42,000
Theology and Religious Vocations $42,000 Fine Arts $41,000
Miscellaneous fine arts $40,000 Music$ 40,000 Studio Arts $38,000
Drama and Theater Arts $38,000
Cosmetology Services and Culinary Arts $37,550
Visual and Performing Arts $35,000
What does a typical timeline look like for applying for scholarships, taking ACT/SAT, and applying for colleges?
It is never too early to start preparing for college. You can even start in middle school by learning what you need to apply to college.
Take ACT and/or SAT - Junior yr, 1st or 2nd semester
Retake ACT and/or SAT if you want to improve your score - Junior yr, 2nd semester or Senior yr, 1st semester
Start researching and applying for scholarships - Summer after Junior year all the way through graduation
Ask for letters of recommendation - At least a couple weeks before you start applying for scholarships or schools
Apply for schools - Most applications are due by the January of your senior year