College vs Career: Which is better?

Check out the links below to read up on what may be the best route for you!

On the Job Training VS College Education

Education VS Experience: Which One Gets the Job?

Why You Should Consider Trade School

Researching Schools

Researching schools thoroughly can make a difference between a satisfying post high school experience and one that is not quite satisfying. There are many aspects to the research process, read on to find out what criteria you should consider!

Preparation Requirements

Knowing what preparation is needed in high school is important. Most four-year colleges have specific coursework they want students to have completed before entering their college. These requirements will vary from college to college. Most commonly however, if a student has four years of English, four years of social studies, three years of science, and three years of math, two years of a world language, and one year of the arts, he or she will meet the preparation requirements of the majority of four year colleges. It is always best to check directly with the colleges to which you are applying for information about admission criteria.

Admission Criteria

In addition to the coursework requirements, colleges have admission criteria that vary from college to college. Admission criteria most commonly refer to a minimum grade point average (GPA), rank in class, and/or standardized test scores such as the ACT needed for admissions. These three items: GPA, class rank, and test scores are looked at carefully by college admission staff. Colleges also consider the rigor of coursework taken in high school. It is best to check with the individual college to find out how much consideration is given to level of coursework. Colleges require that you have a copy of your high school transcript mailed to them so that they can see what kind of academic work you did in high school. Colleges are also interested to know what activities you were involved in while in high school, how your teachers viewed you (teacher recommendation), any special talents, and what you are like as a person (personal essay and sometimes an interview). Keep in mind that the academic record is of primary importance.

Admission Test Requirements

Taking a college admission test is a good idea for students considering attending a four-year college. Most four-year colleges require that you take either the ACT or SAT and have those test scores sent directly to college from the testing agency. It is generally recommended that the ACT or SAT be taken no later than spring of your junior year. It is possible to take either test in the fall of the senior year. However, for some programs or schools this may not be soon enough because of application deadlines. These tests can be taken more than once. It is common practice for colleges to consider your highest test score when reviewing an application for admission. Minnesota state universities request that students take the ACT. Check with the individual college you are considering to find out which admissions test is preferred.

Two year or technical colleges typically require that you take the Accuplacer. This is a test that is designed to see which level of course you should be admitted into. Your school counselor, Alisha, can typically administer the Accuplacer for you. See her for more details.

NCAA Eligibility Requirements

Students who intend to play a varsity sport in college must meet the NCAA'S eligibility requirements and abide by their recruiting guidelines. Eligibility requirements include no lower than a "C" in a core curriculum of at least 13 specified academic courses (called "core courses") and meeting admission test score requirements. Specific information on NCAA requirements, as well as the NCAA form to request that a transcript be sent to NCAA at the end of the junior year, can be obtained at www.ncaa.org or in the school counseling office. See your counselor if you have any questions.

Personal Preferences

When researching and comparing colleges, you will want to consider your preferences such as selectivity, type of school (private or public), majors offered, size, location, activities available, and cost. It is a good idea to have in mind what is most important to you before exploring colleges.

MCIS Website

Numerous web resources are available to research colleges. We encourage our students to check out MCIS. Minnesota Career Information System (MCIS) is a comprehensive career information system available through the Internet and accessed with a username and password. Ms. Olson's careers class will help you set up an account.

MCIS can help you with the following:

• Interest Inventory

• Occupation Descriptions

• Programs of Study

• Individual College Information

• College Search based on Interests

College Fair or visits

Another good way to access information about colleges is to attend college fairs and to attend college visits. This is an excellent opportunity for students and parents/guardians to inquire about various colleges or universities.