College Prep

COLLEGE PREP : 

COLLEGE PREP Parent and Student Guide to preparing for college By: Adam Spencer, Alex Leuty, Mitch Means and Destany Sharp

ABOUT US : 

ABOUT US Hello! The four of us are Eastern Illinois University students and are in the business education program. Preparing for college can be scary and often times overwhelming. We are excited to share this important information about how to plan and prepare for college! Hopefully our information will prepare you for the next big step in your life. If you have any questions look us up on Facebook (College Prep) we would love to hear from you!

CONTENT : 

CONTENT Choosing the right school Financial aid Study skills Adjusting to a new lifestyle Communication Ethics Helpful college resources

WHAT TYPE OF SCHOOL IS BEST? : 

WHAT TYPE OF SCHOOL IS BEST? Everybody is different, so determining which type of school is best for you is personal and should be made with careful consideration. Learn as much as possible about all of your options before making a final decision.

TYPES OF SCHOOLS : 

TYPES OF SCHOOLS Community College (2 year) State College (4 year) Private College (4 year)

COMMUNITY COLLEGE : 

COMMUNITY COLLEGE Cost of tuition Generally much lower than a state or private Flexibility More online courses More night courses More off campus courses

COMMUNITY COLLEGE : 

COMMUNITY COLLEGE Opportunity to explore Classes are less expensive Undecided majors benefit from attending a community college Changing majors at a CC is not a major financial set back

COMMUNITY COLLEGE : 

COMMUNITY COLLEGE Smaller class size Smaller than a state college and some private colleges More personal Teachers have more availability Allows for more assistance

COMMUNITY COLLEGE : 

COMMUNITY COLLEGE Easy transition Smooth transition from high school to college Great for students who may be apprehensive about leaving home Or for students who need extra help or more time to study Smooth transition from community college to a 4 year college Prepares student for life at a university

COMMUNITY COLLEGE : 

COMMUNITY COLLEGE While there are many positive characteristics to attending a community college, there are also several disadvantages to take into consideration before making your final decision.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE : 

COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISADVANTAGES: Limited curriculum If you desire a bachelors degree: you will have to transfer after 2 years or after you have earned an associates degree Transfer credits Some CC credits may not transfer Plan carefully with an advisor

COMMUNITY COLLEGE : 

COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISADVANTAGES: Campus life Less involvement: Not as many on campus activities, clubs and committees Can be less social than a 4 year school Causes a disconnect between student and school

STATE COLLEGES : 

STATE COLLEGES Tuition Generally affordable for in-state students Cheapest route for non transferring, bachelors degree seeking students

STATE COLLEGES : 

STATE COLLEGES Atmosphere!!! Many social activities for all students Meet new people and build relationships Diversity Excellent opportunity for personal growth

STATE COLLEGES : 

STATE COLLEGES On campus employment Find work within the field you are studying Helps pay for school and social life Loyalty Students generally have a love for the school Clubs and committees allow for a personal connection

STATE COLLEGES : 

STATE COLLEGES Flexibility Similar to community college Online courses Night and weekend courses No transfer credit issues Unless you decide to leave your institution

STATE COLLEGES : 

STATE COLLEGES Although a state school may seem to have all the perks and a bustling social scene, there are still several disadvantages to consider.

STATE COLLEGES : 

STATE COLLEGES DISADVANTAGES: Finding information So much to know, which can be confusing Student can get overwhelmed with new info Parking, rules, restrictions, deadlines and requirements Keeping up Difficult to balance school and social life

STATE COLLEGES : 

STATE COLLEGES DISADVANTAGES: Class availability Courses fill up FAST Know when you can register DO NOT procrastinate If a class if full, know what to do next Actively communicate with your advisor

STATE COLLEGES : 

STATE COLLEGES DISADVANTAGES: Professor accessibility Can be difficult to get a hold of Address issues as soon as possible Be persistent DO NOT be afraid to contact professors Know professors office hours

STATE COLLEGES : 

STATE COLLEGES DISADVANTAGES: Getting lost in the crowd Bigger campuses can be overwhelming Try to get involved Uninvolved students could loose their identity

PRIVATE COLLEGES : 

PRIVATE COLLEGES Academic Excellence Generally perceived has more prestigious Higher academic standards are expected More focus on academics and curriculum Smaller Community Creates close-knit relationships Smaller classes Allows for a connection between professor and student Campus involvement is more personal

PRIVATE COLLEGES : 

PRIVATE COLLEGES DISADVANTAGES: Tuition is much higher than a state college Lack of cultural diversity Demanding academic schedule Makes it difficult to balance school and social life Transfer Credits Private colleges have a different credit system Some credits may not transfer to state or community colleges

Financial Aid : 

Financial Aid Attending college is definitely a financial investment that requires planning and consideration. There are several ways to pay for college, if you do not have a college fund available. This information can be confusing and is time consuming.

GRANTS : 

GRANTS What is a grant? Money given to students to pay for school Does not have to be paid pack There are state, federal, college based, degree specific, and career specific grants To apply for grants: Fill out a FAFSA, electronically or paper application Speak with college to found out additional grant info

SCHOLARSHIPS : 

SCHOLARSHIPS Free money!!! For students who qualify Many forms of evaluation for determining eligibility Time consuming, but worth it!!! Speak with high school counselors to find out what scholarships are available Speak with college financial aid department for specific info

STUDENT LOANS : 

STUDENT LOANS Unfortunately not all students will qualify for grants and/or scholarships or you may require more money for tuition than received. Therefore, you may need to acquire student loans. There are several forms of student loans to consider before taking out a loan.

STUDENT LOANS : 

STUDENT LOANS TYPES OF LOANS: Private student loans Offered through local banks or public vendors Amount must be paid back with interest Interest rates will vary Easier and faster to obtain funding

STUDENT LOANS : 

STUDENT LOANS FEDERAL STAFFORD LOAN: Must apply via FAFSA to obtain loan Subsidized loans and unsubsidized loans Must be repaid with interest FEDERAL PLUS LOAN: Provides additional help when initial aid does not cover all expenses FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Visit www.scholarships.com

STUDY SKILLS : 

STUDY SKILLS In order to succeed as a college student, you must development a system for studying, keeping up with deadlines and managing your workload. Developing consistent study habits will make curriculum easier to handle.

Study Skills : 

Study Skills Identify your weaknesses Helps: Prioritizes tasks With time management Determine when, where and with who you can and cannot study with.

STUDY SKILLS : 

STUDY SKILLS Identify you strengths Strong areas generally take less time and focus Helps prioritize and manage time Get organized Make a schedule and stick to it Keep documents, paper and assignment needed in a manner that makes sense to you.

STUDY SKILLS : 

STUDY SKILLS Prioritize Rank classes and assignments in order Most demanding  least demanding DO NOT PROCRASTINATE Try not to get behind It is difficult to play catch up

STUDY SKILLS : 

STUDY SKILLS Eat healthy Get plenty of rest Exercise regularly Stimulates brain activity Study in 20 to 30 minute incriminates Take a 10 minute break between study sessions Mix up study content Avoid cramming for examines and quizzes

NEW LIFESTYLE : 

NEW LIFESTYLE For most college freshman, it is their first time away from home. With independence comes responsibility and the ability to balance work, school and a social life. It is easy to allow newly found freedom to take precedence over academics. Having the tools to deal with these issues ahead of time may be your key to success.

NEW LIFESTYLE : 

NEW LIFESTYLE MONEY MANAGEMENT: Create a budget and stick to it!!! Take an entry level finance course DO NOT acquire credit debit Avoid offers that target college students Debit acquired while in college can and will have a damaging effect long after graduation. Develop good spending habits in college and they will stick with you throughout adulthood!

NEW LIFESTYLE : 

NEW LIFESTYLE TIME MANAGEMENT: DO NOT allow work or extracurricular activities to interfere with you school work Some students have to work Learn to manage your time so you have ample time for school work Find a job that accommodates your school schedule Keep a planner Make a weekly schedule and stick to it

COMMUNCIATION : 

COMMUNCIATION It is important to learn how to effectively communicate with professors, roommates and any other individuals you encounter as a college student. Developing good communications skills is a tool that will increase your success as a student and as a professional adult.

COMMUNCIATION : 

COMMUNCIATION COMMUNICATING WITH PROFESSORS : Always be professional and respectful Address issues when they occur Email: Again, be professional and respectful Use proper grammar and proofread content DO NOT use texting grammar Following up on emails Always thank your professor for their time and help

COMMUNCIATION : 

COMMUNCIATION WITH ROOMMATES/FRIENDS: Be respectful Address problems as they occur, DO NOT allow tension to build Listen Don’t judge and be understanding Realize that you and you roommate probably have different backgrounds Encourage open dialog

COMMUNCIATION : 

COMMUNCIATION WITH ROOMMATES/FRIENDS (cont.): Learn as much as possible about roommate Try not to spend all of your time together Fights occur more often when roommates spend too much time together Respect each others personal space and private time Be willing to compromise

ETHICS : 

ETHICS Making ethical decisions is an important aspect of college life; academically and personally. Most colleges have a code of ethics in the school handbook, moreover some professors and dormitories will have additional ethical standards to follow. Be familiar with all ethical standards; in addition develop a personal code of ethics to live by, this will help you improve as you grow and learn.

ADDITIONAL COLLEGE RESOURCES : 

ADDITIONAL COLLEGE RESOURCES Once you have decided on a college, explore the institutions website to find specific information to help with your exciting new transition. Most colleges offer excellent advising, counseling and career building services. Orientation is a great time to learn about what your school offers. Take advantage of the free help and services that your college offers. Most importantly enjoy your new adventure!!

HELPFUL WEBSITES : 

HELPFUL WEBSITES www.scholarships.com www.collegeprep101.com www.college-prep.org www.collegeboard.com