Students Preparing for College
Choosing how to spend your life after high school has become a more complex, yet more interesting and diverse undertaking than ever before. Another way of putting it is, deciding on your future can be confusing, yet fun. Because now, more than ever, there are more career choices open to you. There is more money available to help you pay for college. There are more programs to help you get academically prepared for the challenges of college. There is more information available on college and careers, and .... there are more people around to help you make those all important decisions!
With all of this opportunity on your side, how could you go wrong? Well my friend, by not planning early enough. Planning for college helps you get prepared academically, financially and socially for college life. Planning for college makes you think about what you want out of life and how to get there. Planning for college takes most of the guesswork out of your future. Surprises are fine if they come wrapped in party paper with a card. Not so much if it means waking up one day and not having the career you wanted.
Planning for college includes taking the right classes, studying hard, and taking advantage of financial aid opportunities. Colleges and universities are looking for students who are successful taking the most rigorous courses. Grade point average (GPA) is the initial phase for college acceptance. It is important to do well in each class you take, each year of high school, because every class counts!
Aside from your academics, colleges and universities are looking for leadership, extra curricular activities, and community service. It is better be involved in a few organizations versus an array of many different activities...so choose something that you are interested in and stay with it!
Why College??
On average you will earn 20 to 40 percent more money over your lifetime than people who do not attend college. A college degree provides entry into relatively high-status and high-paying technical, managerial and professional jobs. College graduates are more likely to be continuously employed.
According to a report published by the ERIC Clearinghouse on Higher Education at the George Washington University in Washington, D.C., compared with high school graduates, college graduates are more likely to have meaningful, interesting work and the freedom to make decisions; tend to be more satisfied with their careers; rate themselves as happier and more satisfied with life; and are more likely to attain leadership positions in their community and workplace.
By far, one of the biggest advantages to going to college is that you’ll be qualified for more high-paying jobs in most fields. While this doesn’t always hold true, college grads do, on average, make a lot more money than workers who just have a high school diploma. In fact,according to the U.S. Census Bureau (2004), the annual salary average differences between educational levels is staggering:
That means, over the course or working 40 years, someone with a high school diploma will make $1,116,600 while someone with a bachelor’s degree will make $2,048,204. That’s nearly a million dollars more!
According to a report published by the ERIC Clearinghouse on Higher Education at the George Washington University in Washington, D.C., compared with high school graduates, college graduates are more likely to have meaningful, interesting work and the freedom to make decisions; tend to be more satisfied with their careers; rate themselves as happier and more satisfied with life; and are more likely to attain leadership positions in their community and workplace.
By far, one of the biggest advantages to going to college is that you’ll be qualified for more high-paying jobs in most fields. While this doesn’t always hold true, college grads do, on average, make a lot more money than workers who just have a high school diploma. In fact,according to the U.S. Census Bureau (2004), the annual salary average differences between educational levels is staggering:
- High school drop outs: $18,734
- High school graduates: $27,915
- College grads (with a bachelor’s degree): $51,206
- Advanced degree holders: $74,602
That means, over the course or working 40 years, someone with a high school diploma will make $1,116,600 while someone with a bachelor’s degree will make $2,048,204. That’s nearly a million dollars more!
What is needed for college or university acceptance?English (4 units)
Mathematics (4 units) Natural Science (2 units) Physical Science (1 unit) US History & Constitution (1 unit) Economics (.5 unit) US Government (.5 unit) Other Social Studies (1 unit) Phys. Ed or JROTC (1 unit) Computer Science (1 unit) World Language (2-3 units in the same language) Electives (7 units) Health (needed for high school graduation) Pass the HSAP Exit Exam (needed for high school graduation) |