The Big College Search The Big College Search A Module of the South Carolina AHEC Health Careers Academy © South Carolina AHEC 2008

The Big College Search

The Big College Search

A Module of the

South Carolina AHEC Health Careers Academy

© South Carolina AHEC 2008

SOUTH CAROLINA AHECWWW.SCAHEC.NET

OBJECTIVESAt the end of this module, students will be able to:

Identify the types of colleges/universities

Understand college/university regional accreditation and how to verify it

Understand the importance of the declared major and how it correlates, even if differs from the intended health career

Determine if they are on the college preparatory track as outlined by SC Commission of Higher Education

Identify college search resources


Types of Colleges

Public

Private

For-profit colleges

4-Year colleges

2-Year colleges / junior colleges

Liberal Arts colleges

Universities

Community colleges

Vocational-technical and career colleges

Other colleges with special focuses (e.g. HBCU’s – historically black colleges and universities)

"Types of Colleges: The Basics." Big Future. College Board, 1 Jan. 2014. Web. 13 Aug. 2014. <https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/find-colleges/college-101/types-of-colleges-the-basics>.


Types of College Degrees

Associate Associate of Arts (A.A.), Associate of Science (A.S.), Associate Degree in Nursing

(ADN), etc.

Bachelor’s (or baccalaureate) Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), etc.

Graduate

Professional

Joint

Liberal Arts and Career Combination“Quick Guide: Your College Degree Options." Big Future. College Board, 1 Jan. 2014. Web. 13 Aug. 2014.

<https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/find-colleges/college-101/quick-guide-your-college-degree-options>.


What is a Major?

“A major is a specific subject area that students specialize in. Typically, between one-third and one-half of the courses you’ll take in college will be in your major or related to it. At some colleges, you can even:

Major in two fields (also known as “double majoring”)

Have a major and a minor (a specialization that requires fewer courses than a major).

Create your own major.”“The College Major: What it is and how to choose one." Big Future. College Board, 1 Jan. 2014. Web. 13 Aug. 2014.

<https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/explore-careers/college-majors/the-college-major-what-it-is-and-how-to-choose-one>.


What Should I Major In?Choosing a major can be based on several factors:

Your interest and passions Your gifts Your ultimate career goals Recommendations from counselors and advisors, teachers, etc. All of the above Job yielding …and OthersIf you know what your career goals are and the educational path to achieve that goal, identifying a major will be easier for you.If you’re unsure about your career goals you may begin as an undecided or undeclared major and choose a major at a later time. As an undecided student you can still take important and required courses to earn your degree. Staying connected your advisor, seeking information, and continuing to discover your interests is key.

.


True or False

If you want to become a doctor you have to earn a degree a biology, chemistry or any other science-based major to meet admissions requirements for medical school.

True

False.

False. Some medical schools do not require you to have majored in the sciences, but rather taken specific science courses regardless of your major. Reviewing the admissions requirements for medical schools will educate you on the majors/degrees they look for students to have for entry into their programs.

.


Activity

Alexis would like to become a registered nurse. Isaac, her classmate is considering becoming a registered nurse too, but has goals of ultimately becoming a nurse practitioner. Given this scenario, consider the following:

• Do you know enough about Alexis to help her decide if and where to attend college?

• Do you know enough about becoming a nurse practitioner to help Isaac choose a college to attend?

• What type of degree should Alexis pursue?

• Name two types of colleges Alexis could attend to earn a degree in nursing.

• What could Isaac do to learn more about the academic steps he should take to become a nurse practitioner?


Answer

Alexis would like to become a registered nurse. Isaac, her classmate is considering becoming a registered nurse too, but has goals of ultimately becoming a nurse practitioner.

• Do you know enough about Alexis to help her decide if and where to attend college? Yes

• Do you know enough about becoming a nurse practitioner to help Isaac choose a college to attend?

• What type of college could Alexis attend to become a RN? 4-Year (public/private), community college

• What type of degree should Alexis pursue? Bachelor’s or associates

• What could Isaac do to learn more about the academic steps he should take to become a nurse practitioner?


The Dilemma – Choosing a college!

Resources are available everywhere to help you understand the college search and application process.

Let’s look at other ways to choose a college

www.cuny.edu/admissions

The College SearchHow to find the right fit


The Right CollegeWhat is the right college?

Someone else’s choice?

The college with the best radio station?

US News & World Report’s #1?

The college I can afford?

Remember: The answer will be different for each student.


Making the MatchIt’s not about finding the best college…

It’s about finding the right college

The right college is where students can be happy and successful.

Successful students are happy and happy students are successful.


What is the first step?Self-Assessment: Discovery and Facing Reality

Who are you?

What do you want to do?

What have you done so far? How hard have you worked in high school?

How involved are you in the life of the school?

What makes you special?

College-Assessment: Narrowing the field

Creating a working list and a final list.


College Selection There are more than 3300 colleges/universities in the U.S. alone

Students generally apply to between 4 and 8 colleges

Research and guidance help students narrow their lists


What factors should you consider? Geographic Location: proximity to home, weather and lifestyle

Size and Diversity: student body, average class size and dorm life

Academic Opportunities: what and how your will study

Personal Opportunities: activities, jobs, internships and friends

Reputation

Student Profile: do you have what they want?


What will you do there? Do you have a career in mind?

Are there specific majors that interest you?

Is there depth and diversity within the academic programs?

Can you change your major if you change you mind?

Remember: College is a place to learn, explore and grow as a scholar and an individual.


What’s in the file? Transcript: A record of final marks for grades 9-11 and mid-year 12th grade

marks

SAT, SAT Subject Test, ACT, TOEFL and AP scores, if applicable

Teacher recommendation forms/letters

Personal Statement/Essay

Application: Personal information, high school information,

details of extracurricular activities

Notes from campus/alumni interview

Record of student contact


The TranscriptColleges look at the transcript as the best indicator of past performance and future academic potential. It includes:

Student information including name, address, date of birth,

social security number, if applicable.

A complete record of the courses taken and grades received in high school,

including summer school coursework, if applicable.

SAT, SAT Subject Test, ACT, TOEFL and AP test results, if applicable.

Colleges evaluate not only the grades received but also the courses taken and hope to see that a student has selected a challenging course-load.


Standardized Tests Standardized tests are the great equalizer because, unlike class work,

every applicant has had the same test.

Score Choice is a new score-reporting feature that gives students the

option to choose the SAT scores by test date and choose SAT Subject Test

scores by individual test that they send to colleges, in accordance with each

institution’s individual score-use practice.

Colleges and universities are interested in your best work, so they will

generally use your best scores in the evaluation process.


Standardized Tests continued… Prepare for the SAT and/or ACT.

Evaluate your need for SAT Subject Tests

Determine your eligibility for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign

Language)

Remember: Be systematic.

Set aside a specific time a few days each week

Get a book or computer program to help you study

Consider a private tutor, a prep course or an on-line resource

Be aware of testing dates and deadlines so you can register for your tests

on time


Teacher Recommendations Colleges and universities will often require one or two teacher

recommendations. A secondary school report and counselor

recommendation will also be completed.

Students should select teachers from either the 11th or 12th grade who

know them well. Recommendations are less valuable if they are written by a

teacher from 9th or 10th grades.

Remember: The letters provide a confidential picture of the student’s life in high school.

Students can have an outside letter of support included in the file.


Personal Statement Start Early

Plan & Brainstorm

Ask for feedback from teachers and peers

Write about what motivates you

Write your statement so it reflects your personality

Pay attention to spelling and grammar

Ask yourself, “What do I want the reader to get out of it?”

Ask yourself, “How do I stand out from other applicants?”


ActivitiesCo-Curricular Activities (take place in school)

Sports

Clubs

Community Service Projects

Extra-Curricular Activities (take place outside of school) Jobs (including summer jobs)

Athletic Leagues/Lessons

Art/Music Lessons and Performances

Independent Community Service

Responsibilities at home


What makes a good list great?Self-Assessment: Discovery and Facing Reality

Who are you?

What do you want to do?

What have you done so far? How hard have you worked in high school?

How involved are you in the life of the school?

What makes you special?

College-Assessment: Narrowing the field

Creating a working list and a final list.


Resources The Public Library

www.collegeboard.com

www.myroad.com (fee service offered by The College Board)

www.nacacnet.org (Nat’l Assoc. for College Admission Counseling)

www.fastweb.org

www.review.com (Princeton Review)

www.kaplan.com

www.number2.com (free online test prep)


Owning the Process Students apply to college and students are admitted.

Students should take ownership of the process – right now.

Students should do their own research, make their own appointments and

fill out their own applications

Remember: Every college and university on the list should be a school the student

would

happily attend. There are more than 3300 choices in the US, so there is no

reason to apply to a school you don’t want to attend.


What is financial aid?Financial aid is money received to help pay for college.

Cost of Attendance (COA)

The total cost to attend a college/university for an academic year.

Includes: tuition, room and board, fees, transportation, meals, books and

supplies.

Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) The amount of money a family is expected to contribute to a student’s

education as calculated by US Federal Government.

Financial Need COA - EFC = Financial Need


When filing FAFSA, who is the parent? Custodial : Student lives with you more than 50% of the time and receives

more than 50% of financial support

Adoptive: Legal adoption via the family court

Step-parent: You married the student’s parent

Foster parents, legal guardians or other relatives do not supply their

information on the FAFSA.


Types of Aid AvailableGRANTS (Money gift to student, not repaid)

Federal Grants (Pell)

Entitlement aid

State Grants (TAP)

SEOG

College/University Grant

Federal Work Study: (Money earned through employment) Work-study eligibility is noted on the award letter and generally used for

living expenses.

Student obtains a job on campus and gets paid an hourly wage.


Loans (money that must be repaid)Stafford Loan

Subsidized :gov’t pays the interest on loan during in-school, grace, and

deferment periods

Unsubsidized: interest accrues during in-school, grace and deferment

periods. Interest can be paid by student or capitalized.

Offered to all students regardless of EFC

Repayment begins 6 months after graduation or when the student stops

attending college.

Federal Work Study: (Money earned through employment) Gov’t regulated loan that parents can take to fund student up to cost of

attendance minus any other aid.


Loans continued…Private Loan

Students are approved based on credit history

May need cosigner

Can borrow up to COA minus other aid

Rate is variable

Colleges certify the loan, receive the funds, then post to a student’s

account.


FAFSA Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Free federal application

Bases on earnings for the prior year

Available January 1st of each year

Check with each college for their priority filing deadline.


CSS Profile Administered thru the College Board

Used at select private institutions and private scholarship programs to

assess financial need for determining awards (local colleges: Fordham,

Barnard, Columbia)

$25 initial application, $16 each additional school

Fee waivers are available for first-time college applicants from low income

families.

Covers up to 6 records.


Useful Websites www.pin.ed.gov (FAFSA PIN site)

www.fafsa.ed.gov (www.fafsa.ed.gov FAFSA on the Web)

www.federalstudentaid.ed.gov (FAFSA 4caster)

www.hesc.org (NYS Higher Education Services Corp.)

www.cuny.edu/financialaid (CUNY)


Other Things to Consider Many colleges include campus safety questions

in the application Students may be required to submit their discipline

record for grades 9-12

Conduct could affect a student’s admissions consideration and eligibility to the institution and/or housing privileges

Some colleges conduct background checks student applicants prior to college matriculation

You may be required to provide a discipline record for grades 9-12 to access your conduct


South Carolina Resources for College Searches

SCCango.org (SC Can Go) College Application Month Events

Educational Opportunity Fairs At a school near you this fall

SC Commission of Higher Education Hosts plethora of information and topics related to college

readiness

SCOIS.net (SC Occupational Information System) Personal login information required for optimal use

School Counselors Guidance Counselors and Career Specialists

And More.


Accreditation According to SC CHE:

“Accreditation is a nongovernmental, voluntary, peer evaluation process. To become accredited by an appropriately recognized accrediting agency, institutions and programs must show that they meet certain standards established by the accrediting agency.

“Institutional” accrediting agencies establish standards for the entire institution. “Program” or “specialized” accrediting agencies establish standards that apply to programs, departments, or schools for specific fields of study such as education, nursing, or engineering.

Accreditation does not provide automatic acceptance by an institution of credit earned at another institution, nor does it assure employment of graduates by employers.

The US Department of Education (USDE) reviews and recognizes accrediting agencies. Accreditation by a USDE-recognized accrediting agency is one criterion for institutional eligibility for Federal funds. Another indicator of credibility for accrediting agencies is membership with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CHEA is a nongovernmental organization that evaluates and recognizes the work of its member accrediting agencies. Beware of institutions that publish accreditation by an agency that is not recognized by USDE or CHEA.

To find out if an institution has recognized accreditation, get the name of the agency that accredits the institution. Then check the name of the agency on the CHEA http://www.chea.org/ and USDE http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html online directories. “


Accreditation Let’s watch this video to learn more

about accreditation and it’s importance!

Link to Video: https://youtu.be/2zBdyBNwwmo


Activity

Alexis would like to become a registered nurse. Isaac, her classmate is considering becoming a registered nurse too, but has goals of ultimately becoming a nurse practitioner.

Alexis plans to attend Francis Marion University to major in pre-nursing , the 2-step nursing program.

Is this university accredited?

How can we check to find out?

Bonus Question: Is the nursing program especially accredited? How can we check to find out?


Identifying “Good” Colleges

Group Activity:

Using the “Is This A Good School Brochure” let’s discuss how to identify good colleges

Click on the highlighted text to access the brochure.

http://www.che.sc.gov/CHE_DOCS/AcademicAffairs/License/Is_This_A_Good_School_brochure.pdf


College Prep Requirements

SC CHE approved courses

Requirements must be met in addition to SC graduation requirements

Passing the HSAP/Exit Exam is no longer a requirement to earn your SC high school diploma

SC CHE college prep approved courses may overlap as SC graduation requirements

Some colleges may have other course requirements in addition to the SC CHE college prep approved courses – check the college’s admissions requirements

Click on the highlighted text to access the information.

https://ed.sc.gov/agency/programs-services/124/


Critical Communication When applying for any opportunity (college, financial aid,

scholarships, jobs, internships, other opportunities) application follow up and follow through is your responsibility

Read and seek to understand: Program descriptions and application instructions

The admissions process

Your next steps if you are accepted AND your options if you are not accepted

Follow through by: Submitting all documents required, on time by deadline, neatly

Returning phone calls or responding to emails if necessary

Update your recommenders on your progress or program acceptance

Take responsibility for your timeliness and deadlines – don’t rush others who are assisting you or involved in the process – give them time to work through what you have presented

Follow up by: Contacting the organization to confirm receipt of your sent documents

Contacting the organization to inquire on your status

Again, returning phone calls or responding to emails if necessary


QUESTIONS

&

DISCUSSION

Documents

The Big College Search The Big College Search A Module of the South Carolina AHEC Health Careers Academy © South Carolina AHEC 2008