This presentation focuses less on the "nitty gritty" aspects of applying to college, and instead focuses on how to give advice regarding major decisions. It addresses various misconceptions about college to ensure students can make informed decisions.

1. GRADUATIONCOACH
CAMPAIGN
Keeping
Youth in the
Graduation Game
www.phillygradcoach.org

2. Why is giving advice about college so
difficult?
1. The job market changes over time.
Employers today may be looking
for different skills and attributes
than they did 10 or 20 years ago.
Is your advice up to date?
Jillian Kinzie, Megan Palmer, John Hayek, Don Hossler, Stacy A. Jacob and Heather Cummings. Volume 5 (3): September 2004. “Fifty Years of College Choice: Social, Political, and
Institutional Influences on the Decision-Making Process.” Lumina Foundation for Education. http://www.luminafoundation.org/publications/Hossler.pdf
2. The best advice to give may depend on the student and his or her specific
situation. Because of this, you may hear conflicting advice to give your
student. How do you navigate this “sea” of contradictions?
City of Philadelphia- Kait Privera

3. Misconception #1
College will pay off no
matter what.

4. 1. Some students have gotten into trouble
with student loans. Defaulting on student
loans can have serious consequences, and
student loans generally cannot be
discharged in bankruptcy. Student
loans do need to be repaid!
2. If students aren’t mentally or
academically prepared for college, it
increases the likelihood that they won’t
complete their degree.
THE BOTTOM LINE
College is a major investment and doesn’t pay off “no matter what.”
Students DO need to think carefully about:
• Why they are going to college
• What they need to do to prepare
• The amount of debt they take on
iStock.com/slpphotography RF

5. Misconception #2
I’ve heard so much about
college graduates who have
student loans and can’t find
jobs. I’m not sure college is a
good idea.

6. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EDUCATION AND
EMPLOYMENT NATIONWIDE
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Employment Projections.” Accessed Online 4 September 2013. www.bls.gov/emp/ep_chart_001.htm

7. • A typical college graduate will make $1 Million more than a typical high
school graduate over the course of his or her lifetime.
• Careers can easily last 40 years! The first few years out of college aren’t
always a predictor of success.
THE BOTTOM
LINE:
For most students,
college usually does
still pay off!
“Step Up To College.” Philadelphia Futures. 24th Edition. 2013-2014. www.philadelphiafutures.org/images/stories/collegeguide2013.pdf
Looney, Adam, and Michael Greenstone. “Where is the Best Place to Invest $102,000- In Stocks, Bonds, or a College Degree?” The Hamilton Project. June 2011.
www.hamiltonproject.org/files/downloads_and_links/06_college_value.pdf/
• The job market keeps changing. By 2020,
it is predicted that a college degree will be
necessary for 2/3 of jobs.

8. Making a wise financial decision:
1. Make sure your student is proactive about
scholarships and financial aid.
2. Encourage your student to avoid private
student loans.
3. Make sure that your student doesn’t take on
more debt than he or she might be able
repay. If high debt is expected, look for a
cheaper school!
“Choosing a Vocational School.” Federal Trade Commission. Aug 2012. www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0241-choosing-vocational-school
4. If your student is considering trades, explore apprenticeships
and community college programs before paying for expensive
for-profit schools.

9. Misconception #3
Colleges with high SAT and ACT
scores for incoming freshmen must be
the best schools for my student to
apply to.
Why might this be flawed logic?

10. You are considering going out to eat. Do
you assume that the restaurant where it
is difficult to get a reservation has better
food than a less-assuming local favorite?
Does exclusivity actually dictate quality?
Don’t fall into this trap when considering
colleges.
Great colleges aren’t necessarily those that pull in the “best”
students at the beginning, but rather the ones that transform
students to make them great.
iStock.com/elenathewise RF

11. Parents and students often compare the average GPA’s and SAT
scores of incoming students to decide which schools are “better.”
Instead, here are some things to consider:
1) How much do students actually learn and grow when they
are there?
2) How well prepared are they for work or graduate school
when they graduate?
Statistics that REALLY matter:
• The school’s graduation rate
• Acceptance rates into medical/law/graduate school
• Employment statistics after graduation. These can be hard to
find online, so contact the school’s Office of Career Services

12. Misconception #4
My student wants to apply to
top tier & Ivy League schools,
but they’re too expensive!

13. Why are there so few lower-income students in selective colleges?
“The average student receiving financial aid on those campuses paid about a quarter of the
public sticker price and most graduates leave their ivy-covered quads with smaller
debts than peers who attended less prestigious schools.”
“The vast majority of low-income, high-
achieving students in the U.S. do not even
apply to any selective colleges.”
Why should your student apply?
Hoxby, Caroline M., and “Low-Income High-Achieving Students Miss Out on Attending Selective Colleges.” Brookings Papers on Economic Activity. Spring 2013.
www.brookings.edu/about/projects/bpea/latest-conference/2013-spring-selective-colleges-income-diversity-hoxby
“Opening the Door for Low-Income Students to Overcome 'Aristocracy' of Higher Ed.” PBS Newshour. 9 September 2013. www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/education/july-dec13/college_09-09.html
Elliott, Phillip. “Ivy League College Students Avoid Student Debt Burden.” Huffington Post. September 10 2013. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/10/ivy-league-student-debt_n_3897459.html
FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE
STUDENTS AT HARVARD
Alejandra Rincon, student at Princeton:
“My parents always said that these schools
were for the rich people that could afford it.
And so I always thought that it would be
very difficult for me to come.”
One reason students may not apply:
The Harvard Crimson. http://features.thecrimson.com/2014/year-in-review/article/after-acceptance

14. THE BOTTOM LINE:
You may end up paying much less than the school’s official
tuition! Always give the financial aid office a call before
assuming you can’t afford a school.
1) Of every college in the United States, which do you think had the lowest
average debt among its graduating students?
2) How much debt do you think graduates from this school had? What do
you think is the average graduating debt in the United States?
ANSWERS:
1) Princeton University
2) Average Princeton debt for 4-year students who borrowed: $5,096 (2013)
Average U.S debt for 4-year students who borrowed: $26,600 (2011)
Elliott, Phillip. “Ivy League College Students Avoid Student Debt Burden.” Huffington Post. September 10 2013. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/10/ivy-league-student-debt_n_3897459.html
Reed, Matthew, and Debbie Cochrane. “Student Debt and the Class of 2011.” The Project on Student Debt: Institute for College Access and Success. October 2012.
http://projectonstudentdebt.org/files/pub/classof2011.pdf
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE!

15. IF YOUR STUDENT IS A STRONG APPLICANT:
• APPLY to prestigious private schools, even if they
seem expensive. Your student could receive
substantial financial aid.
• Lower-income students may qualify for fee
waivers. Before paying an application fee, call the
school to learn whether your student can have the
fees waived.
• Make sure your student submits financial aid forms, such as the FAFSA, before
the school’s financial aid deadline. These deadlines are typically in the spring,
well before the official FAFSA deadline! Completing the FAFSA early increases
your student’s chances for institutional financial aid.

16. Misconception #5
When my student gets into
college, my work is done!

17. COLLEGE
COMPLETION
IN
PENNSYLVANIA
“Pennsylvania public colleges (4-year).” The Chronicle of Higher Education. http://collegecompletion.chronicle.com/state/#state=pa&sector=public_four
Bailey, Thomas and Di Xu. “Input-Adjusted Graduation Rates and College Accountability: What is Known From Twenty Years of Research?” Context for Success. HCM Strategists LLC and Community College
Research Center. September 2012. http://www.hcmstrategists.com/contextforsuccess/papers/LIT_REVIEW.pdf
The dropout rate
is even higher at
community and
for-profit colleges.
*A public college is a school that is primarily funded by the government.
Ex. Penn State, Temple, Rutgers, West Chester University Graduation Coach
Campaign 2014

18. ENCOURAGE YOUR STUDENT TO:
• Fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) every year,
and make sure your student understands their financial aid package. Losing
funds partway through is a common reason students drop out.
• Take advantage of campus resources and ask for help. Tell your student that
even top students in high school need more help in college!
• Take summer classes. If your student truly cannot complete 15 credits a
semester, summer classes can help him/her stay on track.
“15 to Finish: Graduate on Time and Get Ahead.”University of Hawai’i System. http://15tofinish.com/students.html
• Think carefully about the challenges of working while
in school. If there is any doubt about your student’s
ability to juggle school and work, encourage your student
to attend full time and take at least 15 credits a semester.
• Prepare for freshman English and math classes, and take
these classes in their first year.

19. Misconception #6
My daughter is thinking about
community college, but I’m concerned
that she won’t be taken seriously if she
doesn’t go to a 4-year college.

20. • Most students who attend community
colleges do so for family or financial
considerations, not because they
weren’t competitive enough to get into
4-year colleges.
• When students who attend a community
college transfer to a 4-year school like
Temple, their diploma will be the same
as though they had attended that
school for all four years.
Hrabe, John. “Harvard University or Community College? Why the Choice Isn’t As Crazy As It Sounds.” The Huffington Post. 22 April 2011. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-hrabe/harvard-university-
community-college_b_852694.html
• Many community colleges have dual admissions agreements with 4-year
schools. This means that credits transfer between the 2-year institution and
the 4-year college, and students who maintain a minimum GPA are
sometimes guaranteed admission to the partner 4-year school.
STUDENTS AT CCP
Community College of Philadelphia. www.ccp.edu/campus-life

21. Community college has many advantages:
However, there are some potential drawbacks:
• Usually more affordable
• Ability to earn credentials in stages (“stacking”)
• Hours are often more flexible
• A great second chance for students who struggled in high school
• Low graduation rates
Fewer than 36% of first-time students in community college
earn a credential within six years
• May be harder to navigate the system and understand program
requirements
• Remedial (“developmental”) classes do not count toward your degree
• Students who start in remedial classes are even less likely to graduate
Bailey, Thomas and Di Xu. “Input-Adjusted Graduation Rates and College Accountability: What is Known From Twenty Years of Research?” Context for Success. HCM Strategists LLC and Community College
Research Center. September 2012. www.hcmstrategists.com/contextforsuccess/papers/LIT_REVIEW.pdf
Rosembaum, James, et. al. “Beyond One-Size-Fits-All College Dreams: Alternative Pathways to Desirable Careers.” American Educator (Fall 2010): 2-13. www.aft.org/sites/default/files/periodicals/Rosenbaum_0.pdf

22. 5. Take advantage of campus resources and ask for help.
“15 to Finish: Graduate on Time and Get Ahead.”University of Hawai’i System. http://15tofinish.com/students.html
1. Think carefully about the challenges of working while in college.
2. Take at least 15 credits per semester.
3. Prepare for freshman English and math classes, and take these
classes in the first year.
4. Take summer classes if you need to catch up; they can keep you
“in the swing of things” and help you finish on time.
• Meet regularly with an advisor (ideally once or twice a month),
and prepare before your meeting with them.
• Meet with career services at least once a semester.
• Visit your writing center once a week during your first months at
school, and before every major writing assignment
• Take advantage of tutoring, TA’s (teaching assistants), and professors’
office hours
Review: Staying in School

23. Scrivener, Susan, et. al. “Doubling Graduation Rates: Three-Year Effects of CUNY’s Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) for Developmental Education Students.” MDRC February 2015.
www.mdrc.org/sites/default/files/doubling_graduation_rates_fr.pdf
Rosenbaum, James E., and Kelly Iwanaga Becker. “The Early College Challenge: Navigating Disadvantaged Students’ Transition to College.” American Educator (Fall 2011): 14-39.
www.aft.org/sites/default/files/periodicals/EarlyCollege.pdf
• Community college is not an “easier” alternative. Make
sure your student still maintains good grades in high
school and takes challenging courses.
• Make sure your student is highly motivated and able to
proactively chart their course through school.
• Encourage your student to prepare seriously for their
placement exam.
• Tell your student to be patient; they shouldn’t feel
discouraged if they need to take remedial classes.
• Encourage them to stack their courses if possible- earning intermediate
credentials as they work their way toward higher degrees.
• Encourage them to stay involved on campus through clubs, study groups,
and friends.

24. BEFORE WE CONTINUE, ASK YOURSELF:
• Is your student decided on what he/she wants to study? Is
your student feeling pretty sure about being a lawyer, nurse,
or writer?
OR…
• Is your student undecided on
what he/she wants to study? Or
does your student keep changing
his/her mind?
Grabar, Catherine. “STUDENT BLOG: The Perks of Being Undecided from a Decisive Student.” University of Southern California. 8 February 2014. https://admissionblog.usc.edu/2014/02/08/the-perks-
of-being-undecided-from-a-decisive-student/
Your student may need different advice depending on the
situation!

25. Misconception #7
My son has no idea what he wants to
study! I’m really worried.

26. THE BOTTOM LINE:
It is OK for your student to be undecided at first. However, they
should actively explore their options and start to develop a plan.
• More than 75% of American college students start
college as undecided or change their major at least
once.
• Most schools don’t require students to declare a
major until the end of their sophomore year.
• Students who enter college undecided are just as
likely to graduate on time as those who declare early.
• However, some students who change their majors
late (after their sophomore year) may be less likely to
graduate, or may take longer to get their degree.
Central College. “Undecided/Exploring.” www.central.edu/academics/majors/exploring
Spight, David. “Undecided- Exploratory Students and Persistence.” The Global Community for Academic Advising.” http://www.nacada.ksu.edu/Resources/Academic-Advising-Today/View-Articles/Undecided-
Exploratory-Students-and-Persistence.aspx
Apisakkul, Laura. “Decide to be Undecided.” USC Dornsife. http://dornsife.usc.edu/decide-to-be-undecided
-Laura Apisakkul, Associate Director
of Admission at USC Dornsife

27. • To get a sense of different fields, your student could try out
job shadowing or volunteering in a variety of settings.
• While students can decide their major later, they often need
to complete general education requirements for their
school, and take essential prerequisites (ex. math classes).
Make sure your student meets with their academic advisor
to stay on track.
• Students who are undecided should select a college that is
strong in many areas of study.
Capuzzi Simon, Cecilia. “Major Decisions.” The New York Times. 20 Nov. 2012. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/04/education/edlife/choosing-one-college-major-out-of-hundreds.html?_r=0
Ronan, Gayle B. “College freshmen face major dilemma.” NBC News. 29 Nov 2005. http://www.nbcnews.com/id/10154383/ns/business-personal_finance/t/college-freshmen-face-major-
dilemma/#.VM_EiNLF-T8
• Try not to pressure your student to decide right away.
It can be healthy for students to explore their options to
make a well-informed decision.
• Encourage your student to identify their interests and hobbies.
These could give hints as to what your student could major in.
City of Philadelphia- Kait Privera

28. Misconception #8
My son wants to study philosophy, but
I’m worried he won’t find a job after
graduation. I want him to study
engineering.

29. “Does the College Major Matter? Not Really”
• Only 27% of college graduates have a job related to their major
• 93% of employers consider soft skills like communication and problem
solving to be more important than the major.
Plumer, Brad. “Only 27% of college grads have a job related to their major.” The Washington Post. 20 May 2013. http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/05/20/only-27-percent-of-college-grads-have-a-job-related-to-
their-major/
Selingo, Jeffrey J. “Does the College Major Matter? Not Really.” The New York Times. 29 April 2013. http://thechoice.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/04/29/does-the-college-major-matter-not-really/
“It Takes More Than a Major: Employer Priorities for College Learning and Student Success.” The Association Of American Colleges And Universities and Hart Research Associates. 10 April 2013.
http://www.aacu.org/leap/documents/2013_EmployerSurvey.pdf
(title of a New York Times article from April 2013)
David Muir, correspondent for ABC World
News:
“The curiosity and the willingness to
adapt are more important than what the
degree is in.”
iStock.com/slphotography RF

30. Of course, if students only take classes
analyzing rare paintings, they may
struggle to find a job. Why do some
humanities majors succeed so well while
others remain unemployed?
ANSWER: MARKETABLE
JOB SKILLS!
Some classes are primarily academic, while others translate well to jobs.
Whatever their interests, students should ensure that many of their classes
will teach them valuable workforce skills.
Wikipedia- CC

31. TOP TEN SKILLS EMPLOYERS LOOK FOR
1. Ability to work in a team
2. Ability to solve problems and make decisions
3. Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work
4. Ability to communicate verbally to people both inside and outside an
organization
5. Ability to obtain and process information
6. Ability to analyze quantitative data
7. Technical knowledge related to job
8. Proficiency with computer software programs
9. Ability to create and/or edit written reports
10. Ability to sell and influence others
ONLY TWO OF THESE SKILLS
ARE CONSIDERED “HARD
SKILLS!”
Adams, Susan. “The 10 Skills Employers Want Most in 20-Something Employees.” Forbes. 11 October 2013. http://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2013/10/11/the-10-skills-employers-most-
want-in-20-something-employees/

32. Palmer, Kimberly. “7 Things Employers Want From New Grads.” 15 May 2012. http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/alpha-consumer/2012/05/15/7-things-employers-want-from-new-grads
“The Skills and Qualities Employers Want in Their Class of 2013 Recruits.” National Association of Colleges and Employers. 24 October 2012. http://www.naceweb.org/s10242012/skills-abilities-
qualities-new-hires/
21st CENTURY SKILLS
Many of these “soft skills” your student needs to develop are now called 21st-
Century Skills. These can include global awareness, financial literacy, and
more!
Encourage your student to take classes that develop these skills. For example,
here is how your student can work on communication skills:
• Take at least one class that teaches writing skills. English classes are
great; classes that emphasize mechanics, composition, or technical
writing are a good place to start
• Use academic support systems (most schools have writing centers)
• Take at least one class that teaches verbal communication skills.
Classes in acting/improvisation, rhetoric, or public speaking are ideal

33. Case in point!
Take a guess at which of these college majors best prepare students for
medical school or law school entrance exams!
MCAT: A six-hour test students must
take to get into medical school.
Which of these majors get the highest
scores? What about the lowest?
LSAT: A challenging test students must
take to get into law school.
Which majors get the highest scores?
What about the lowest?
• Physics
• Biology
• English
• Economics
• Premed
• Engineering
• Philosophy
• Prelaw
• Criminal
Justice
• Physics
• Economics
• English
ANSWERS:
1. Engineering
2. Physics
3. Economics
4. English
5. Biology
6. Premed
ANSWERS:
1. Physics
2. Philosophy
3. Economics
4. English
5. Prelaw
6. Criminal Justice
“Average LSAT Scores for 29 Majors w/ over 400 Students Taking the Exam.” Department of Philosophy, University of Florida. Accessed 28 August 2013.
http://www.phil.ufl.edu/ugrad/whatis/LSATtable.html
“MCAT, LSAT, and Physics Bachelors.” American Institute of Physics. February 2010. http://www.aip.org/statistics/trends/reports/mcat2009.pdf

34. There are many ways for your student to learn and prepare for the workforce. Standard
classes at their college aren’t the only way! Consider the following options as well:
BE CREATIVE!
1. Research Students should try to get involved in research projects at their school.
Research encourages students to apply their knowledge to a real-world setting. It can
also help them get faculty recommendations.
2. Study Abroad Studying in a foreign country has been shown to improve cultural
awareness and sensitivity. Students can also acquire skills in a second language.
Redden, Elizabeth. “Academic Outcomes of Study Abroad.” Inside Higher Ed. 13 July 2010. http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2010/07/13/abroad
Driscoll, Emily. “What Employers Want From College Grads.” Fox Business. 4 June 2012. http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2012/06/04/what-are-employers-want-from-college-grads/
3. Volunteering Your student can acquire great work
experience and connections through service,
particularly with longer-term commitments.
4. Internships Many skills are best learned through work
experience. Encourage your student to get a head start
in the workplace- it can impress employers!
iStock.com/flytosky11 RF

35. • Encourage your student to take classes that teach
valuable workplace skills, whether these classes are
through their main school or online.
• Encourage your student to gain practical, real-world
experience through relevant volunteering, research,
and especially internships.
• Earning a double major or a minor in an unrelated
field can help make your student more marketable.
Capuzzi Simon, Cecilia. “Major Decisions.” The New York Times. 20 Nov. 2012. http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/04/education/edlife/choosing-one-college-major-out-of-hundreds.html?_r=0
Ronan, Gayle B. “College freshmen face major dilemma.” NBC News. 29 Nov 2005. http://www.nbcnews.com/id/10154383/ns/business-personal_finance/t/college-freshmen-face-major-
dilemma/#.VM_EiNLF-T8
• Don’t pressure your student to choose a “better-paying” major.
This could hurt their chances of graduating and succeeding in
school, and also could impact their long-term happiness.
• It is reasonable to give students a realistic understanding of what
their career choice will involve, and have them weigh the benefits
against potentially lower pay.
City of Philadelphia. Mitchell Leff.

36. Misconception #9
My daughter has always wanted to be
a doctor. That makes things easy!

37. Students who think they are decided still need guidance! It is very important
that your student have a realistic understanding of what his/her chosen career
really entails. Sit down with your student and ask the following questions:
1. What skills does this career
require? Are they more or less
in line with your student’s
strengths?
2. What education or training is
required for this job? Is your
student willing to go through
years of study to get there?
3. What would a day on the
job really look like?
iStock.com/andrewgenn RF

38. Before your student decides on a career, encourage him
or her to:
• Research the job! The Occupational Outlook
Handbook lists hundreds of careers and can tell
them about work environment, required skills,
training, salary and more!
www.bls.gov/ooh
• See the work firsthand! Students can do this
through volunteering, job shadowing, or jobs and
internships in a similar work environment.

39. ONE FINAL THOUGHT FOR “DECIDED” STUDENTS…
“Rankings By Major.” The Wall Street Journal. 14 September 2010. http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052748703376504575491704156387646
“2013-2014 PayScale College Salary Report.” PayScale. http://www.payscale.com/college-salary-report-2014/best-schools-by-major
If your student is sure of what he/she wants to study, look at which schools offer
that major in a highly-ranked department. You might find schools that excel in
that major, but that are cheaper!
TOP-RANKED SCHOOL BY MAJOR
• Accounting: Brigham Young University, University of
Wisconsin
• Computer Science: Carnegie Mellon University
• Education: Central Connecticut State University
• Engineering: Harvey Mudd College
• English: George Mason University

40. GCC Game Plans (videos)
• What Colleges Look for in a Student’s Application
• The SAT & SAT: Tips for Preparation and
Registration
• Helping Your Student Choose a College
• Scholarships, Loans, and Other Ways to Pay for
College
• FAFSA #1: Types of Aid and Responsible Borrowing
• FAFSA #2: Overview and Myths Revealed
• FAFSA #3: Dependency and Filling out the FAFSA
• FAFSA #4: After the FAFSA and Repayment Options
• Tips and Tools for College Financial Planning
YouTube.com/GradCoachCampaign

41. PHILLYGOES2COLLEGE RESOURCES
• www.phillygoes2college.org
Information about college and referrals to relevant
local programs and online resources.
PhillyGoes2College is an initiative of the
Mayor’s Office of Education that helps
Philadelphia residents acquire a college degree.
• Connect2College Text Message Service
Text YES to (215) 458-5892 to receive text updates about applying to
college (or guiding a student to college).
• Connect2College Labs
Places throughout Philadelphia where people can go to get information
and support. The Connect2College website has a map of all locations.
Call (215) 686-0314 to schedule an appointment.

42. General College Resources
• “Step Up to College Guide” from Philadelphia Futures: Step-by-step
breakdown of preparing for college starting in 9th grade.
www.stepuptocollege.org/images/Step-Up-to-College-Guide-2014.pdf
• The College Board: Information about planning for college, and a
searchable database of nearly 4000 colleges. www.collegeboard.org
• Fastweb: Free matching service to millions of scholarships.
www.fastweb.com
• FinAid: Comprehensive guide to paying for college, starting at any age.
www.finaid.org
• Federal Student Aid: Another comprehensive source, with information on
managing loans once out of college. www.studentaid.ed.gov

43. City of Philadelphia, PhillyGoes2College