College Is Possible:

College Is Possible:

4 Steps to College

Who we are

“Making college accessible and affordable for Illinois students.”

- Mission Statement

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is the financial aid agency in the state of Illinois that administers scholarship, grant, and prepaid tuition programs.

Pop QuizOnly rich kids and smart kids can go to college.

TrueTrue FalseFalse

I am not a straight “A” student so I won’t get aid.

TrueTrue FalseFalse

High school dropouts are about four times as likely than college graduates to be unemployed.

TrueTrue False False

Some of the best colleges out there are ones I’ve never heard of.

TrueTrue FalseFalse

Why College? Learn new things

Feel accomplished

Meet new people

Improve your skills

Get a job or career that you want

Earn $,$$$,$$$

It’s never too early to start preparing for college.

The 4 Steps to CollegeStep 1. Be a Pain

(in a good way)

Step 2. Push Yourself

Step 3. Find the Right Fit

Step 4. Put Your Hands on Some Cash

Step 1. Be a Pain (in a good way) Let everyone know that you are going to college.

Speak up. Ask for help.

Find a caring adult to help you along the way.

Talk to a Caring Adult

A few questions to help you get started:

1) Do you know someone who went to college?

If so, where did they go; what did they study; and how did they get there?

2) What activities can I do at home and over the summer to get ready for college?

3) What kind of grades do I need to get into colleges?

4) Are there any colleges that I can visit near my home?

Working a little harder today will make getting into college even easier.

Make a plan

Take the right classes

Take the tests

Step 2. Push Yourself Working a little harder today will make getting into college even easier.

Make a plan

Take the right classes

Take the tests

Make a Plan for High Make a Plan for High SchoolSchoolMake an appointment to talk to your Make an appointment to talk to your counselor about what you can do counselor about what you can do when you get to high school.when you get to high school.

Take the Tough Courses in High SchoolGet tough. Take the challenge!

English Math, Algebra & GeometryScience, Biology, Chemistry & PhysicsSocial StudiesForeign LanguagesElectivesHonors/AP

Get Ready for the Test

It’s time to get serious about tests.

Free Test Preparation is available at whatsnextillinois.org

Step 3. Find the Right Fit

The challenge for you is to find the institution that best matches your talents, interests and personality.Is it a big or small school?

Is it near home or far away?

Does it offer the program of study that you’re thinking about pursuing?

Take a career interest survey.What do you like to do?

What are your talents?

How do you see your future?

Know Your OptionsIllinois has more than 200 colleges and universities.

Consider the following:

TypeSizeLocationMajorsType of DegreeStudent LifeFinancial Aid Options

Visit a College. Tour a Campus.

Where students live, work, and hang out…

Virtual Tour

www.whatsnextillinois.org

KnowHow2GO University—Take the Tour

www.KnowHow2GO.org

Step 4. Put Your Hands on Some CashIf you think you can’t afford college – think again.

What is financial aid?

Where does it come from?

How and when can a student apply?

Financial Aid SourcesFinancial aid comes from a variety of sources.

Types of Financial AidThere are many types of financial aid.

gift aid

self-helpaid

• Grants

• Scholarships

• Work-Study

• Loans

Money, Money, Money, Money, Money

Start Searching:isac.org

High School Counselor

Colleges

Your Community

FAFSA4caster.ed.gov

Complete the FAFSA soon after January 1 in your senior year of high school

Are you ready to take the next step?Step 1. Be a Pain (in a good way)

Step 2. Push Yourself

Step 3. Find the Right Fit

Step 4. Put Your Hands on Some Cash

Get your hands on up-to-date, accurate and trusted sources of information to learn what you need to know.

Trusted Web Sites

Find answers to your questions

Illinois Student Assistance Commission

800-899-ISAC (4722)

isac.org

isac.studentservices@isac.illinois.gov

ISAC EarlyAware_SN_10072011