This presentation was given for a Kirksville High School College Night. Similar presentations will be given at the College Nights put on by the BULLDOG College Access Program at the other four high schools in the target area.

1. Kirksville High School College Preparedness Night

2. What do we mean by college? Any additional education beyond high school 4 year colleges Truman, Mizzou 2 year colleges MACC, IHCC Vocational and technical programs KATC, Linn State Technical College

3. Why go to college? Every bit of education you get increases your earning potential - the average salary of a high school graduate is $15,000 less per year than a person with a Bachelors degree.. Better yet, further education decreases your odds of unemployment.

4. Demand According to one estimate, by the year 2028 there will be 19 million more jobs for educated workers than there are qualified people to fill them.

7. Preparedness The more planning you’ve done, the more accessible college will be. #1 tip: Focus on your school work – academic performance is the single most powerful factor in the college admissions process. This means not only strong grades, but taking challenging courses.

8. Freshmen Year Inquire about taking Advanced Placement courses and Dual Enrollment Talk to adults in a variety of professions Ask parents how much they think they can assist you with paying for college Look for a job or volunteer position that is related to your career interest

9. Sophomore Year Become involved in school or community-based extracurricular activities Meet with your counselor to discuss college requirements Consider getting a summer job and save money for college

10. Junior Year Continue with rigorous course selections Decide which colleges most interest you and visit them in person. Take the ACT and/or SAT for the first time. Don’t be afraid to take it again. Talk with College Reps who visit your school Begin work on your resume to accompany your admission application

11. Every person you know can be a resource in this process: talk to parents, teachers, guidance counselors, and family friends about options, careers, and the education necessary to get there. Who can I talk to?

12. Your best friend: the Internet The internet is a tremendous resource – use it. Check college/university websites, as well as useful resources like: www.college.gov www.knowhow2go.org www.collegeboard.com www.actstudent.org www.finaid.org

13. COSTS Tuition + Room and Board (if applicable) + Fees = The Sticker Price.

14. BASICS OF FINANCIAL AID Scholarships Institutional Private Federal and State Aid Grants Work-Study Student Loans

15. The FAFSA The Free Application for Federal Student Aid Complete after January 1st of Senior year at --- http://fafsa.ed.gov Federal and State need-based aid consideration Estimate your aid now at: http://www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov/ Magic Numbers EFC – Estimated Family Contribution COA – Cost of Attendance

16. The Missouri A+ Program Tuition reimbursement at a qualifying 2 year school (community college, technical school) To earn A+ benefits you must meet certain criteria Talk to your A+ Coordinator for more information

17. CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT While college may demand more time studying and a higher level of thinking, learning does not stop when one leaves the classroom. There are numerous benefits to getting involved on campus, some you might not expect. So why get involved?

18. It’s Fun. Just about says it all.Even more fun thanFun Dip…which not much is.

19. Academic Success Several studies have shown that students who are active in campus activities are more engaged in the campus community and have a higher satisfaction with their college experience. A happy, fulfilled student is more likely to succeed more academically.

20. Retention and Persistence Getting involved connects you to your college community. Studies suggest that more engaged students stay at their institution and won’t feel the need to transfer or drop out. Remember, graduation is the goal.

21. Meeting New People Making new friends is a key part of the college experience – campus involvement allows you to get to know students that you might not meet in class or in your residence hall.

22. Need more reasons? Build your resume Learn about career fields you had not previously considered Increase self-esteem and develop leadership skills

23. What Do Colleges Offer? No two colleges will offer the exact same opportunities to be engaged on campus. 2 year schools will have different experiences than 4 year, etc. This is why researching what a school provides is key when making your college choice.

24. Athletics Varsity sports Club Sports Intramural Sports

25. Fine Arts Music Theatre Art Very often you can be involved in these areas without majoring in them.

26. Clubs and Organizations Social Greek (Fraternities and Sororities) Community Service Religious Student Unions Campus Media (newspaper, radio, tv) Cultural Groups Academic Honor Societies Special Interest

27. Questions? Matt Magruder – BULLDOG Coordinator http://collegeaccess.truman.edu collegeaccess@truman.edu Phone: 660-785-7398