SECTION II

CHOOSING A COLLEGE

A. Self-assessment B. Factors to consider in choosing a college C. Major myths about college selection D. Types and locations of institutions E. Computer searches F. What if college isn’t right for me?

SELF ASSESSMENT

A realistic self assessment will help you examine your strengths and weaknesses. It will allow you to see yourself as the director of your own future. You can take charge and make your own choices. You should reflect on both academic and non-academic reasons for going to college and what you are seeking in a college education. Do not exclude the input of your parents or others close to you as you think about your future, but do keep in mind that it’s your future and that you are ultimately responsible for determining your direction. Answering the following questions will help you match your interests and strengths with your choice of colleges. You may feel self-conscious when you first consider these questions. However, an honest and thoughtful evaluation will help you prepare for statements that you will be asked to make about yourself in essays and interviews. Additionally, it will also help you better understand yourself as a person and your future goals and aspirations.

GOALS AND VALUES •Do you have a main goal? What is it? •What values are most important to you? What do you care about most? •What kind of person would you like to become? •Which of your unique gifts and strengths would you like to develop? •What events or experiences have shaped your growth and way of thinking? •Outside of school, what are you passionate about?

EDUCATION •What are your academic interests? Which courses have been most satisfying to you? •What interests have you pursued beyond daily class assignments, in research papers, during projects, through recreational reading, school activities, and/or paid or volunteer work? •What methods of teaching engage your interests the most? The least? •How much do you genuinely like to read, discuss, and exchange ideas? What has been your most exciting intellectual experience in recent years? •In what academic areas do you feel confident? Less confident? Inadequately prepared? •Are there outside distractions that have interfered with your academic performance? Consider family problems, health, after school job responsibilities, etc.? ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS •What activities do you enjoy most outside the routine of school? Which have meant the most to you? •Do your activities have any pattern of commitment, competence, or contribution? •What do you do for fun and relaxation? •What distresses you the most about the world around you? What would you change if you could? •Do you have any current or historical heroes and heroines? Why are they important to you? What do you admire about their leadership style?

PERSONALITY AND RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS •What kind of person are you? What three adjectives would you use to describe yourself? •Are you competitive? If so, to what extent (can you give an example)? •How would someone who knows you well describe you? Best qualities? Shortcomings? •How do you feel about making choices and decisions for yourself? Are there people you like to consult? Who are they? Why do you value their counsel?

FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN CHOOSING A COLLEGE

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• What high school courses are required? • Are entrance tests required? SAT or ACT? What scores are acceptable? • Is a certain grade point average or class rank required? • Will my activities and school involvement be considered? • Is there an essay on the application?

• Is there an Early Decision or Early Action program? • On what basis are applicants accepted? • Are personal interviews or letters of recommendation required? • Do certain majors have special requirements? • What percentage of applicants is accepted? • Can admission denials be appealed? • What are the application filing dates?

COLLEGE CHARACTERISTICS

• Where is the college located (city, suburb, small town, or rural setting)?

• How many hours away from home is the college? • What is the surrounding community like? • Is the college public, private or church affiliated? • What is the current student enrollment? • What special or unique programs are offered?

• Does the college have general education or course distribution requirements? What are they?

• What is the academic calendar (semesters, quarters, or trimesters)? • Are students guaranteed housing? • What public transportation is available?

• How close is the nearest airport?

ACADEMICS

• What is the average class size? Largest? Smallest? • How many students in last year's freshman class returned for a second year?

• What was the grade point average for the freshman class last year?

• What is the college's procedure for student orientation, placement, and scheduling? Are classes guaranteed?

• How is a faculty advisor assigned to students? • What services does the school offer for students who are undecided about a major? • What percentage of students complete a degree in four years? Six years? • Are students taught by full-time faculty members, graduate assistants, or a combination of

both? • What types of additional services are provided by the school at no additional cost to the

students (e.g., tutoring, career and personal counseling, developmental reading and study-skills workshops, job placement, services for learning disabled students)?

• Is there an honors program? What are the qualifications for entry?

SOCIAL LIFE

• What is the average age of the student body? • What is the male to female ratio? • What is the ethnic diversity on campus? • What percent of students reside on campus? • Are dorms co-educational or single sex?

• Is it a "suitcase college" where many students leave on the weekends?

• What are the procedures for selecting a roommate? • What are some of the rules and regulations that govern the campus and dormitory life?

• Where do the majority of students come from? • Do most of the students commute or live on campus? • What types of student activities are there? • Are sororities and fraternities on campus? What percentage of students are members? • What athletic programs are available? • Is the surrounding community supportive of the college?

COST • What is the cost of tuition? • What are the costs for room and board? Are there any other fees? •. How much did costs increase from last year to this year? • Is there a difference in the cost for an in-state and an out-of-state student? • Are accepted students required to place deposits for tuition and housing? Are these

deposits refundable?

• Are deposits required each year for returning students? • When do the bills have to be paid?

FINANCIAL AID

• What percent of students receive financial aid based on financial need? • What percent of students receive scholarships based on academic ability? • What would be a typical financial aid package for a freshman?

• What percent of those who apply for financial aid receive it?

• What are the financial aid application procedures and deadlines?

• Is there a tuition payment plan?

COMPARISON SHOPPING

The comparison between colleges and universities is a difficult decision. Some consideration needs to be given to large versus small, private versus public, etc. There are a variety of parameters that each individual student and his/her family need to take into consideration. Remember that the college expense should be handled like any other major family purchase.

• Costs are probably the number one factor when families are looking at universities/colleges. Remember that costs are made up of several items: tuition and fees; room and board; books and supplies, personal expenditures; and travel. Please refer to the table on the following page to compare the costs of attending various Michigan colleges and universities.

Since many universities/colleges give financial aid and assistance, the cost factor can become less of a factor than originally thought.

• Another consideration is the amount of time that your child will need to complete his/her degree. Many students are taking more than four years to complete a bachelor's degree. This is due to several factors:

1) colleges are requiring more core classes for degree requirements; 2) college majors and minors have increased the number of hours needed to obtain these items; 3) students are taking fewer hours per semester (full-time is considered to be a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester); . 4) students are required to complete a mentorship or internship as part of their graduation requirements; 5) work experience in particular areas is being required in addition to class hours; and 6) students are changing their majors and/or minors throughout their college experiences.

MICHIGAN COLLEGE INFORMATION The estimated yearly cost is based on tuition, books, incidental expenses, room and board as reported by Michigan Post-Secondary Handbook 2012-2013 *Does not include room & board NR = Not Reported

COLLEGE

YEARLY

COST

UNDERGRAD

SIZE

AVERAGE

H.S. ACT

AVERAGE

H.S. GPA

MINIMUM

GPA

PUBLIC SCHOOLS…

Central Michigan University $21,000 Mid 22 3.3 2.7

Eastern Michigan University 20,000 Mid 21 3.1 2.3

Ferris State University 22,360 Mid 20 3.1 2.5

Grand Valley State University 22,116 Mid 24 3.5 3.1

Lake Superior State University 19,900 Small 22 3.0 2.5

Michigan State University 24,000 Large 25.5 3.6 NR

Michigan Tech. University 25,700 Small 26 3.6 2.7

Northern Michigan University 19,600 Small 19 3.0 2.3

Oakland University 13,900* Mid 22 3.3 2.5

Saginaw Valley State University 16,543 Small 22 3.2 2.5

U of M - Ann Arbor 25,848 Large 29-33 3.8 NR

U of M - Dearborn 11,600* Small 24 3.6 3.0

U of M - Flint 12,000* Small 23 3.3 2.5

Wayne State University 13,364* Large 22 3.3 2.7

Western Michigan University 22,696 Large 22 3.3 NR

Macomb Community College 4,800* Mid Open Admissions

PRIVATE SCHOOLS…

Aquinas College 35,300 Small 23 3.4 2.5

Adrian College 40,720* Small 23 3.3 2.9

Albion College 46,000 Small 25 3.5 2.7

Alma College 42,300 Small 25 3.5 3.0

Baker College - per quarter- 10,000* Small Open Admissions

Calvin College 39,000 Small 26 3.6 2.5

College for Creative Studies 36,000* Small Portfolio/10-12 pieces 2.5

Concordia College 30,000 Small 22 3.2 2.5

Davenport University 16,300* Small Open Admissions

Hillsdale College 33,600 Small 29 3.8 3.4

Kalamazoo College 48,400 Small 28 3.62 NR

Kendall College of Art & Design 28,000 Small Portfolio/10-15 2.7 2.5

Kettering University 48,400 Small 27 3.4 3.0

Lawrence Tech. University 31,000* Small 24 3.36 2.0

Madonna University 15,600* Small 23 3.3 2.7

Marygrove College 21,700* Small 19 2.9 2.7

Northwood University 33,500 Small 21 3.0 2.0

Olivet College 32,400 Small 18 3.3 3.0

Siena Heights College 32,800 Small 21 3.1 2.5

Spring Arbor College 30,000 Small 22 3.2 2.6

University of Detroit Mercy 32,500* Small 23 3.3 2.5

MAJOR MYTHS ABOUT COLLEGE SELECTION

There are several myths about selecting a college. Some of these are based on bits of fact, while others are pure legend. Keep these myths in mind as you begin your process of looking for a college.

Myth Number One: There is no perfect college for me Before you start to choose a college, you should know that any number of colleges might be right

for you. There are, after all, almost 3,000 colleges and universities to choose from and they range from public to private, from large to small, from rural to urban, and from liberal arts to technical. It may be hard to believe, but most students actually attend the college of their first choice. While it is true that there is undoubtedly a TYPE of college that is better suited to your needs than another type, it is wise not to narrow your sights to only one or two colleges. A better plan is to investigate several possible options, and you will discover that each one has its own advantages.

Myth Number Two: I need to decide on my career before I can choose a college Given general concern about the job market after college, it is not surprising that you may think

you should make a career decision at an early age. While it is important to have goals for yourself and to be aware of your major interests, you limit yourself drastically if you try to choose a specific career too early. The average college student changes majors several times in the course of four years of college. The Department of Labor predicts that people now entering the work force will hold 12-15 jobs during their working years and will switch careers four times; in addition, in the future people will be entering jobs not yet invented. The best preparation a college education can give you is one that prepares you to be flexible. The exception would be a technical field if you do know what you want. Examples would be architecture or engineering.

Myth Number Three: We can only afford a low-priced college Students often rule out some colleges because the total cost of tuition, room and board appears

to be more than the family can afford. Although some hard decisions may have to be made ultimately about college finances, it is a mistake to make assumptions about what is affordable until you have completed the financial aid process. Private colleges in particular offer significant amounts of financial aid in order to attract students from all income levels.

Most accredited institutions use either the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or the PROFILE (which replaces the previous FAFSA) or both. Colleges take into account your family's financial situation and the cost of the college. The college then develops a package for you, which may consist of (1) grants, which do not have to be paid back; (2) loans, which you repay over a ten-year period generally; and (3) work opportunities on campus for which you are paid.

Myth Number Four: I've never heard of this college, so it can't be good The average well-educated man or woman can probably only name a small portion of the

almost 3,000 colleges and universities in the United States, and these tend to be the older Eastern schools, the large state universities, those with outstanding athletic teams or those that happen to be near home. It is important to remember that a college that may be right for you may be one that is not yet known to you; some of the universities you have heard of the most may not be right for you.

TYPES & LOCATIONS OF INSTITUTIONS

Along with fields of study, you should consider several other factors selecting colleges: type and size of institution, geographic location, environment, and cost In this section, we will consider general profiles of different types of schools. When looking at these different descriptions, it should be clear that no one college is appropriate for all students.

•Large Colleges. Large schools typically enroll more than 10,000 students. They tend to offer a great variety of fields of study, classes, instructors, and activities from which to choose. If you enjoy a variety of course selections or desire more opportunities to learn about many different fields, a large university may be the most appropriate. While large universities have the reputation of being more impersonal, some students prefer the greater anonymity they offer, as well as the chance to "start over" amongst a diverse group of people.

•Small Colleges. A small college enrolls fewer than 5,000 students. Small colleges tend to offer a more tight-knit learning community and easy access to support services. There are fewer class choices (but still an amazing variety), fewer students, and fewer instructors. Students, however, get more attention from faculty and administration.

Note that not all large colleges are impersonal and not all small colleges are limited. Before ruling out a school because of its size, do some research to see if it fits the prototype. Talk to the college counselors, read the catalogues, view books, and consider talking with current students.

•Two-Year Colleges. Two-year colleges are also known as junior or community colleges. Public junior colleges are state-supported and are usually required to accept high school graduates of the district or state regardless of grades. Private junior colleges are usually administered by religious or other independent groups. There are a number of reasons why many students choose two-year colleges over four-year colleges. Some select two-year colleges for financial reasons, some have family commitments that prevent them from leaving home, some need to improve their grades in order to be admitted to a four-year institution, and some simply need more time to transition between high school and college.

Two-year colleges have many different kinds of programs. Some only require two-years of school to receive an "associate degree" or "certificate" in a particular vocational training program. Those planning to continue their education at a four-year college would complete an "academic transfer" program. Check with the admissions office of the two-year school you are considering (and the four-year school to which you want to transfer) to see what the requirements are.

♦Single Sex Colleges. There are a variety of single sex colleges in the United States. Students choose this type of college for a variety of reasons. Many women interested in traditionally male-dominated majors and careers may experience less discrimination in an all-women classroom. They may find more support and acceptance of their academic choices, as well as greater access to leadership positions. Likewise, an all male environment may offer less distraction in the classroom and young men may find smaller classes and individual attention more appealing.

•Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU). There are 106 HBCUs located in the south and southeast. They range from two-year community and technical colleges to small and mid-size private colleges to large public universities. For students who prefer attending classes and participating in campus and social activities with other African-American students, HBCUs are an excellent option.

•Military Colleges/Service Academies. Military colleges and service academies are chosen by students interested in military science. Students must enjoy studying and living in an environment where discipline/ order, and teamwork are stressed. They should enjoy physical activity and be able to handle stress well. Considered among the most competitive institutions, the service academies are: U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and the U.S. Naval Academy. The USAFA, USMA, and the USNA require a nomination from your U.S. Senator, your U.S. Representative or the Vice President of the United States. Once accepted, the government pays educational expenses and a stipend to students. Upon graduation from an academy, you incur a military obligation.

•Specialized Colleges. More than half the degrees earned in specialized colleges are in engineering, business, or the arts. Specialized colleges are ideal for people who are certain about what field they want to study. Many students may prefer a setting where they can interact with others who have the same career interests. For example, if one attended the California Institute of the Arts, they would be immersed in and fueled by a creative environment of music, dance, photography, graphic design, and arts of all kinds.

•Denominational Colleges. For students who want religion to be a part of their daily life, denominational colleges may provide the ideal environment. Students choosing denominational colleges should want to attend school with a majority of students from a particular religious background. Many students attend denominational colleges to show support for their religion and the type of education their religious group supports. Note that the level of religious influence in a denominational institution varies. Ask around, visit campuses, and read the college-bound guides.

•Private v. Public Schools. Private schools are generally much more expensive than public schools. While many private schools cost more than $45,000 annually as opposed to the approximate cost of $17,000 to attend a public, state institution, cost should not deter you from applying to a private school. Most private schools will offer excellent financial aid packages to attract students from a variety of financial backgrounds.

The main difference between private and public institutions is their monetary base. Private schools are supported by non-government interest, and the public schools are supported by taxes. Consequently, private schools can be more selective while public schools are required to accept a percentage of local residents. However, some private schools are minimally competitive or noncompetitive. Likewise, the number of in-state students accepted by the public schools varies. For example, the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor has more out-of-state students than in-state, and the University of California at Berkeley raises its grade point average minimum for out-of-state students. In any case, do not eliminate a college from consideration just because of its monetary base.

•Colleges vs. Universities. "College" is a generic term for any post-high-school institution for advanced learning. Yet, there is a reason why some schools are called "colleges" and some are called "universities." Universities have extensive research facilities, teach both undergraduates and graduates, and provide a range of majors. A university is made up of a number of colleges, such as the College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering, College of Business, etc. Colleges are usually, but not always, less expensive and more specialized. However, some institutions which operate as "universities" retain the name of "college" because of tradition, e.g., College of William and Mary and Boston College because there is already a Boston University.

•Liberal-Arts Colleges. The goal of these schools is to provide students with a well-rounded, "cultural" education. Liberal arts schools stress learning how to think critically from a variety of academic perspectives rather than encouraging a student to adopt just one discipline's analytical method. The first two years of coursework usually consist of general studies in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. You usually do not have to declare a major until your third year. Again, the emphasis is less on career and more on education.

Note, however, that it is not necessary to attend the typically small, private school to receive this type of education. Universities also encompass liberal arts colleges.

LOCATIONS OF INSTITUTIONS

The location of a college is a huge factor in the college search. Location involves more than whether or not you want to move away from your parents. Some questions you have to ask yourself include: Do you want to experience a different regional culture or climate? Do you want to attend a school near relatives? Do you make new friends easily? Do you enjoy the excitement of a big city or the comforts of the country? While there are no set answers to these questions, there are some important factors to consider:

LIVING AT HOME One of the biggest benefits of living at home is that it is much cheaper. Moreover, you will not miss family. Some people study better at home because there are already established living arrangements and, therefore, no need to find or worry about roommates. Living at home saves you a significant amount of money, but if need be, it gives you a better chance of locating a part-time job because you are familiar with the opportunities in your community.

On the other hand, you have to factor in commuting time, which might make it more difficult to get involved in campus activities. It may also be harder to schedule classes without having open space during the day. Additionally, for some students living at home makes it harder to be independent as you do not depend on yourself the way you would if you lived away from home.

LIVING AWAY FROM HOME

If you can afford it, one of the most popular reasons to live away from home is the chance to test a new environment and learn how to become more independent. Some students believe that they can learn more about themselves when they are out on their own.

On the other hand it is much more expensive to move away (think about out-of-state tuition costs, transportation costs, etc.). You must do virtually everything on your own such as wash and iron clothes, arrange doctor’s appointments, etc. Additionally, you most likely will only see family on holidays and breaks when college classes are not in session for an extended period of time.

CITY VS. COUNTRY

Colleges in Detroit definitely have a different atmosphere from colleges in Central Michigan or the Upper Peninsula. If you enjoy public transportation, coffee shops, ethnic restaurants within a few minutes, and lots of things to do then an urban university may be more suitable for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a college campus with lush hills, lots of trees, and a clean environment to pursue outdoor activities, then a college in a small rural town might be appropriate for you.

CLIMATE AND CULTURE

If you decide to go away to college, you will want to consider what climates and cultures will be suitable for you. For example, if you are tired of all the rain in the northwest, you might enjoy a college in the deserts of the southwest or one near the beaches of Florida.

If you thrive among class and cultural diversity then you may want to research a college’s ethnic makeup. Many schools will list in a college guidebook or websites as to their ethnic/cultural breakdown. Additionally, it is best to always visit the college to gain the most information regarding this.

OTHER FACTORS

While most students select a college based on field of study, location, and cost; other influences to consider may be social life, extracurricular activities, prestige, friends, etc.

COMPUTER SEARCHES

The Internet offers an incredible means of gathering information on all aspects of college. An assortment of useful sites appears below: GENERAL RESOURCES

College Board Online http://www.collegeboard.com Very useful site for matching student profile and interests with colleges. Information on campus visits, interviews, SAT, etc. Can download over 800 college applications.

College Net http://www.collegenet.com CollegeNET is a portal for applying to college over the web. CollegeNET lets applicants complete, file, and pay for their admissions applications entirely through the internet. Also has a limited university and scholarship search database.

College Planning Network http://www.collegeplan.org Use to research college selection, admission and financial aid resources. Direct links to other college planning sites.

College Source Online http://www.collegesource.org Includes the full text of catalogs from 2-year, 4-year and graduate schools across the country.

College View http://www.collegeview.com Offers one of the most detailed search engines on the internet. Criteria include diversity, field of study, religious affiliation, athletics, and disabled student services.

The College Guide http://www.mycollegeguide.org A college search engine that includes information helpful to the application process.

National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)— http://www.nacac.com Provides regularly updated information on topics such as essay writing and financial aid, contributed by admissions professionals. You will also find dates of important events such as national college fairs.

National Institute for Educational Planning http://www.niep.com Provides basic information about the application process and a question-and-answer section.

Peterson's Education & Career Center http://www.petersons.com A wide range of information on colleges and all issues relevant to the application process, including advice on writing application essays. Offers an engine for college searches.

University Links http://www.ulinks.com

Great way to identify a school that matches your personality and general needs. Schools are clearly sorted into categories.

U.S. News Online College Search http:/www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/eduhome.htm Site allows access to ten years' worth of U.S. News educational and career reporting. Easy access to the U.S. News annual college rankings, financial aid advice, etc. The site also contains a very thorough search engine for university programs.

Women's College Coalition http://www.womenscollege.org Direct link to many women's colleges. The site also has the history of women's colleges, including the achievements of alumnae.

FINANCIAL AID RESOURCES

Coalition of Higher Education Assistance Organizations (COHEAO) http://www.coheao.org Provides information about federal loan plans (like the Federal Perkins loan). Also has some scholarship information.

Educaid http://www.educaid.com Helpful financial aid information and links to other useful sites.

FAFSA on the Web http://www.fafsa.ed.gov

Interactive web version of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Fast Web http://www.fastweb.com Another site for college selection process. Excellent financial aid and scholarship information. A free, searchable scholarship database.

Fin Aid http:/www.finaid.org Site has confidential financial aid calculators to help you estimate college costs. You can then click on fast Web (see above).

Sallie Mae http://www.salliemae.com A quality source for information on planning and paying for college produced by the nation's leading provider of funds for insured student loans. One service answers parents' financial aid questions. CollegeCalc software is downloadable to disk so users can run a variety of financial aid calculations.

U.S. Government Site on Financial Aid U.S. Department of Education—http://www.ed.gov Advice on applying for every kind of federal aid, including work-study programs and military scholarships.

College Confidential www.collegeconfidential.com A wealth of information with hundreds of pages of articles about choosing a college, getting into the college you want, how to pay for it and more! This site also includes a college search and a large message board with topics for both students and parents.

CAREER RESOURCES

Learn and Serve America: Higher Education http://www.nationalservice.gov This site, operated in conjunction with the Corporation for National Service, functions as a clearinghouse for service-learning projects. Whether you are interested in a project for a summer or for a year before entering university, this site is a good place to start.

Mapping Your Future http://www.mappingyourfuture.org Provides information about careers, higher education, and financial aid. Occupational Outlook Handbook http://stats.bls.gov Search for a specific occupation to find information about necessary training, expected income, and the projections for future employment.

TEST PREP RESOURCES

ACT Online http://www.act.org Register for the ACT over the internet - Site also contains sample test questions and testing tips.

ETS Net: Educational Testing Service http://www.ets.org Provides information about testing sites and dates, as well as testing tips directly from the test makers.

Kaplan Educational Center http://www.kaplan.com Practice your verbal and math skills for the SAT and ACT. Also, check out Kaplan's college guide.

Number2.com http://www.number2.com Help with the SAT and ACT.

The Princeton Review http://www.princetonreview.com Solid search engine with a good array of variables: location, academics, sports, student life, and housing. You'll also find testing tips and practice questions for the SAT and ACT.

SAT Online http://www.collegeboard.com Register for the SAT and brush up on testing strategies.

OTHER HELPFUL SITES

Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities http://www.ajcunet.edu Provides information about the mission of Jesuit education as well as a search engine to help you determine which Jesuit institution best fits your needs. Links to all member institutions.

Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States http://www.amcsus.org Provides information about higher education opportunities in military colleges and academies.

Campus Tours http://www. CampusTours.com An index of college and university visual materials on the Internet, with direct links to hundreds of online tours developed by colleges and universities.

Common Application http://www.commonapp.org Download the common application at this site or fill out and submit the common application online to all participating institutions. Includes links to supplements.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities http://www.eduinconline.com A comprehensive site that includes scholarship and financial aid information, along with a common application specifically designed for HBCU's.

Learning Disabilities Information http://www.ldresources.com This site lists almost every national organization associated with learning disabilities.

Multicultural Student Information http://www.uncf.org Has information about scholarship and programs available through the United Negro College Fund.

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) http://www.ncaaclearinghouse.net Register for the NCAA Clearinghouse online. Find answers to your questions about recruitment and NCAA scholarships and grants.

WHAT IF A 4 YEAR UNIVERSITY ISN'T RIGHT FOR ME?

If you feel you would like to explore careers that do not require 4 years of college or more, there are other options out there for you.

• Junior/Two-Year Colleges: Students may take a one-year certificate or two-year associate's degree program in a variety of vocational and technical fields, as well as liberal arts. Upon program completion, students may go directly into jobs or transfer to a four-year college. Tuition is less expensive than for four-year institutions. Requirements: High school diploma or equivalency and placement testing.

• Applied Technology Centers - Vocational/Technical/Business Schools: There are many local private schools offering training in a variety of fields, such as: secretarial work, computer training, travel, court reporting, massage, cosmetology, automotive work, and more. Many of these programs are very expensive and offer little or no financial assistance: however, the training periods may be significantly shorter than a college program, enabling you to enter into a job very quickly. Requirements vary according to the program.

• Apprenticeships: Formal training programs are available in over 800 manual occupations, such as building trades (electrician, carpenter, and bricklayer) and manufacturing (machinist, welder, tool & die). An entry-level worker signs a contract to receive supervised on-the-job training and related technical studies. He/she learns the entire range of skills within an occupation over a set period of time (average of 4-6 years). The worker's pay starts low and increases as skills are acquired. Requirements: 18 years old, high school diploma (for most), physically fit, aptitude and/or manual skills. You must go through an application process, requiring a high school transcript, letters of recommendation and an interview. It may take months or years to be placed if accepted.

• Employment: If you're planning to go directly into a job after high school, you will want to consider what types of jobs you might enjoy, as well as assess the skills you've already developed and those you need to continue to work on. The School Counseling office and or Career Center at your school offers many resources to help research careers, such as books and pamphlets, and career searches on the computer. Many jobs offer "on the job training", and some offer pre-employment training programs. Your college and career readiness counselor or school counselor is available to help you develop a plan of action for pursuing a job during and after high school.

• Military: Branches are: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, and Coast Guard. For more information about careers in the Armed Forces both full-time (active) and part-time (reserve) duty - call to speak to a specialist. Also check out: www.militarvcareers.com.

- Armed Services Academies: U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, West Point, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. These are extremely competitive and the process needs to be started in your junior year.

■ Most require an appointment by a member of Congress. ■ You must pass a medical exam. ■ You must start this process in the spring of your junior year by completing a

Pre-Candidate questionnaire. - ROTC: Two- and four-year programs for military training are offered at select colleges and

culminate in an officer's commission upon graduation. Educational scholarships are available.