G E A R U P S u c

Special Advertising Supplement January 9, 2008 G E A R U P S u c c e s s Pa r t n e r s h i p Upcoming evenTs at cincinnati public schools Jan. 14-23 High Schools of Choice Application Period Friday, Jan. 18 Staff Professional Development Day No Pupils Saturday, Jan. 19 Special College Preparatory Program Test (SCPP) Monday, Jan. 21 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Schools closed Monday, Jan. 28 Board of Education Meeting, 7 PM 2651 Burnet Ave., Auditorium Attention parents of eighth graders: Where does your child want to go next year? Serving 3,800 students in 23 Cincinnati Public Schools For more information: phone 513-556-3611 or fax 513-556-1037 Thinking of college? Wondering about how to pay for it? Visit the following Web sites: www.finaid.org www.fastweb.com www.collegeboard.com The key is to apply early for entry so students have the best chance to get into their first-choice school. CPS offers 17 high schools with 28 programs that ap- or most students, the move from elementary to high school means opportunity, experience and change. Students enrolled in Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) have even more reason for excitement—they (along with their parents) decide which high school best meets their needs, regardless of where they live. High School Enrollment Tips Enrolling in a “School of Choice” is easy. Here are just a few things to keep in mind as you prepare to sign up your eighth grader for a high school program: Only a parent or legal guardian may sign the enrollment document. Responsibility for maintaining an individual student’s records rests with the school the child currently attends. Parents can help keep school records accurate by providing up-to-date and accurate information and keeping schools notified of any changes in address or other information. A parent enrolling a student who is entering a Cincinnati Public School for the first time should bring these documents to school: proof of address, birth certificate, health records and final report card. When filling out the Student Information Section, make sure you have a copy of the student’s birth certificate, a proof of immunization and a proof of address, such as a lease agreement or gas and electric bill with the parent/legal guardian’s name on it. For more information, visit the CPS web site at www.cps-k12.org. peal to a wide variety of student interests, talents and skills. And all help prepare students for both college and careers. Students and their parents may choose from intensive collegepreparatory programs, courses with a focus on business or information technology, pre-engineering programs, classes that prepare students for the global economy, or programs that focus on manufacturing, building construction and various technologies. When choosing a high school, there are numerous things to think about and decisions to make. Academic performance, the school’s location and the student activities offered are all important factors. You can also consider how the individual schools are ranked by the Ohio Department of Education on the Ohio Report Card, available online at http://dnet01.ode.state. oh.us/DistrictRatings/. Two of the most important things to consider are a student’s individual needs and progress, and whether a school will meet those needs. Some high schools have eligibility requirements that a student must meet in order to enroll. Many factors should be considered when choosing a high school, such as academic performance, its location or the student activities offered. These requirements could include passing a test, auditioning, or having previous experience in a subject or educational program. Having the choice of a high school anywhere in the CPS district also makes transportation a factor to consider. The school district provides a basic Metro bus pass to high school students who live more than one mile from the school they attend. During the first Ninth-Grade Application Period, Jan. 14 through Jan. 23, 8th-grade students should fill out an application for the high school of their choice on a CPS-network computer at their current school. After the Ninth-Grade Application Period is over, eighthgraders still may enter an application on a CPS-networked computer at any time, but they will have less chance of getting their first choice. Eighth-graders are strongly encouraged to enter applications during the Ninth-Grade Application Period in January. January 9, 2008 Special Advertising Supplement Page 2 Paying for college can seem like a daunting task. But money and assistance are available in many different forms — work study, loans, grants and scholarships. Grants and scholarships are often referred to as “free money.” They are funds that are used for education that do not need to be repaid. Grants are awarded based on financial need and are given out by federal and state governments, as well as colleges. Scholarships are awarded for a variety of reasons. Scholarships can be given for academic achievement, economic need, community involvement or volunteer work, based on a parent’s employer, membership in organizations, or even unique personal characteristics such as left-handedness. In order to be considered for most scholarships students will need to complete an application. A few scholarships with late deadlines (May, June and August) are listed below. Additional scholarship opportunities are available. Check with your GEARUP college access advisor or school counselor. Scholarship Deadlines-May, June, July Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, Inc. Two-Year Scholarship Program Contact: Scholarship Coordinator, Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation, Inc., PO Box 442, Atlanta, GA, 30301. 800-306-2653. Visit the Web site at www.cocacolascholars.org. Email: Scholars@na.ko.com Eligibility: Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents, with a minimum 2.5/4.0 GPA. Students must also be planning to enroll in at least two courses during the next term at a two-year institution. Children of Coca-Cola employees are not eligible. Award: $1,000. Deadline: May 31, 2008. Duck Brand Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contact: Henkel Consumer Adhesives, Inc., 32150 Just Imagine Drive, Avon, OH, 44011. 800-321-0253. Visit the Web site at www.ducktapeclub.com. Eligibility: Couples who attended a high-school prom who are residents of the US or Canada, excluding Puerto Rico and the Province of Quebec. The couple must submit one color picture, professional or amateur, in prom attire. A release form must be signed by guardians, as well as the name, address, and phone number of the high school and date held. Award: $2,500. Deadline: June 8, 2008. Educational Communications Scholarship Foundation Contact: Scholarship Coordinator, Educational Communications, Inc., 1701 Directors Blvd., Suite 920. Austin, TX, 78744. 512-440-2705. Visit the Web site at www.ecsf.org. Email: School@ecsf.org. Eligibility: Applicants must be legal residents of the US and have taken the ACT or SAT. Applicants must also be high school seniors or current college freshmen. Award: $1,000. Deadline: May 15, 2008. Larry H. Averill Memorial Scholarship Contact: Automotive Hall of Fame, Larry H. Averill Memorial scholarship; 21400 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, MI, 48124, Applications can be downloaded at www.automotivehalloffame.org/scholarships. Eligibility: Upper-level undergraduate; automotive career interest, 3.0 minimum GPA required; full-time at an accredited college or university; financial need considered. Award: Varies; Deadline: May 30, 2008. New York Education Foundation Scholarship Fund Contact: New York Education Foundation, 132 East 43rd Street, Suite 107, New York, NY 10017. 800-9396933. Email: nyefs@nyefs.org. visit the Web site at www.nyefs.org. Eligibility: Applicants must be a high school senior enrolling in an accredited two-year or four-year institution. Applicant must also have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Award: $500-$5,000. Deadline: July 15, 2008. Patsy Takemoto Mink Foundation Scholarship Contact: Scholarship Administrator, PO Box 60010, Florence, MA, 01062. Visit the Web site at www. ptmfoundation.net. Eligibility: Applicants must be a woman, at least 17 years of age. Applicant must also be a mother, with minor children, pursuing a GED program or college degree. Must be enrolled during the 20072008 academic year. The applicant must also be lowincome (annual family income less than $16,000 for a family of two; $20,000 for a family of three; $24,000 for a family of four). Award: $2,000 Deadline: July 1, 2008. SALEF “Fulfilling Our Dreams” Scholarship Contact: Educational Programs Manager, 1625 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 718, Los Angeles, CA, 90015; 213480-1052. Visit the Web site at www.salef.org; Email: info@salef.org. Eligibility: Applicants must be of Central American or other Latino background. Applicants must also demonstrate a financial need and carry a minimum GPA of 2.5/4.0. Applicants must also have previous community involvement, as well as be willing to mentor a high school student. Award: $500-$2500. Deadline: June, 30, 2008. Be prepared when you fill out FAFSA Before you get started, make sure you’ve got these items in front of you: Social Security number Driver’s license, if any W-2 Forms and other 2007 records of money earned If you are a dependent student, your legal guardians’ 2007 Federal Income Tax Return – IRS Form 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, 1040TeleFile, foreign tax return or tax return from a U.S. protectorate The previous year’s untaxed income records – Social Security, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, welfare or veterans benefits records, if applicable to you and your family Current bank statements Current business and investment mortgage information, business and farm records, stock, bond and other investment records, if applicable to you and your family Alien Registration Receipt, if you are not a U.S. citizen The Free Application for Student Aid, or FAFSA, is the most important document you’ll fill out as you apply for financial assistance. You should complete and return it as soon as possible after Jan. 1. Page 3 Special Advertising Supplement January 9, 2008 CPS High Schools – choose wisely! Cincinnati Public Schools Ninth-Grade Application Period, is January 14-23, 2008. Apply as early as possible during the enrollment period. Riverview east Academy (preschool-12) (Citywide acceptance for grades 9-12 only) 3555 Kellogg Avenue, Columbia Tusculum, % 513-363-3400 West side montessori High school (7-12) (Accepting 7th-, 8th-, 9th- and 10th-graders only) 5425 Winton Ridge Lane, Winton Place (temporary space), % 513-363-2600 Aiken college & career High school (9-12) 5641 Belmont Avenue, College Hill, % 513-363-6760 Aiken College and Career High School offers a college preparatory program exploring careers in Government/Public Administration, Law & Public Safety, Human Services, and Education/Training in a campus-style setting. Ninth-graders study together in the Freshmen Academy, with a common set of teachers working with students to ensure success; a Summer Orientation Program; state-of-the-art technology; and a state grant initiative focused on promotion into 10th grade. Tenth-graders make up the Success Academy where they can take honors classes, and explore colleges and careers. Juniors and seniors make up the Upper Academy. Nearly 15 percent of Upper Academy students take dual-enrollment courses through the University of Cincinnati. The school’s goal for seniors is for each student, upon graduation, to be accepted into a college/university program, an apprenticeship program, or a career placement of choice. The school’s College-Bound initiative provides monthly college visits for each academy, a College Resource Center, GEAR UP and the GE Scholars Program. Students wear uniforms to class. Riverview East has been designed as a Community Learning Center that offers students a well-rounded education that prepares them for life after graduation. The rigorous coursework allows students to be prepared to further their education in college, technical schools or the workplace. Juniors and seniors select courses in conjunction with Cincinnati State Technical and Community College in areas of aviation, environmental engineering in water management or landscape design. Students wear uniforms to class. This new Montessori high school is modeled after CPS’ successful Clark Montessori High School. Its teachers and students work together as a community, creating a nurturing social climate at this college-preparatory school. Montessori teachers study the writings of Maria Montessori (Italian physician and educator) and current educational research on the adolescent to create a program based upon the developmental needs of children. Previous Montessori experience required; acceptance of a student without Montessori experience is considered based on an interview. school for creative and performing Arts (4-12) 1310 Sycamore Street, Over-the-Rhine, % 513-363-8000 SCPA is a premier nationally and internationally recognized preprofessional arts-training program that provides an environment aimed at developing the artistic and academic potential of each student. Comprehensive studies in the arts — including creative writing, dance, drama, instrumental music, technical theater, visual arts and vocal music — prepare students to professionally pursue arts majors and academic success after graduation. SCPA students consistently score above average on national achievement tests. A rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum includes challenging work in core academic subjects. Acceptance is based on a successful audition, scheduled after an application form is submitted. Call 363-8080 to begin the application process. Withrow international High school (9-12) 2488 Madison Road, Hyde Park, % 513-363-9000 Providing an educational environment with an international perspective, this school’s three programs and services prepare students to meet the challenges of a diverse society. Technology-infused learning with an international focus prepares students to enter a global economy, and a student body from more than 37 countries offers an unique environment for global awareness. This school was chosen a 2005 and 2007 School of Promise by the Ohio Department of Education. International Language Program — A strong academic program offers four years of world language study and four years of academic preparation in core subjects and globally oriented courses, such as Spanish Heritage and Multicultural Arts. International Baccalaureate (IB) Program — The IB program follows the challenging requirements of the International Baccalaureate Organization’s prestigious Diploma Programme. College-level credit (Advanced Placement) courses are offered in many subjects. The IB program requires self-directed study and the ability to complete work by IB deadlines. International Business Program — A full academic program with four years of a foreign language, this business program offers the Academy of Finance focusing on business and financial management, and Law and Paralegal Studies focusing on international law. Aiken University High school (9-12) 5641 Belmont Avenue, College Hill, % 513-363-6800 Aiken University High School is a college-preparatory Environmental Studies school, seeking students who are committed to a rigorous curriculum, who read regularly and like to write, and are interested in math, science and technology. Students study urban environmental issues such as water quality, air pollution, climate change, asthma and lead poisoning. Tech Prep science and career classes allow exploration of environmental engineering and technical majors. Opportunities include mentoring; free tutoring provided through GE Aviation & GEAR UP; use of the Outdoor Lab; and outdoor adventures such as hiking, biking, camping, canoeing and rock climbing. Varsity sports such as football, volleyball, basketball, track, cross-country, cheerleading and dance/drill team lead the extracurricular program along with the Academic Team, Leadership Team, Green Team and other clubs. A College Resource Center assists students in visiting, preparing for and applying to college. Partnerships with GE Aviation, the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati State Technical and Community College enhance college readiness and provide dual enrollment classes with college credit during senior year. Students wear uniforms to class. shroder High school (7-12) 5030 Duck Creek Road, Madisonville, % 513-363-6900 (Limited space available due to this program’s popularity.) Shroder, a 2004 Ohio School of Promise, is a college-preparatory school that follows the Paideia (py-dayuh) method of teaching. Shroder provides a rigorous liberal-arts education that gives all students the skills necessary to think and act critically, and to develop into lifelong learners. Paideia comes from the Greek for “the upbringing of a child.” The Paideia method of teaching focuses on developing critical-thinking skills using group seminars, where students learn by asking questions and participating in discussions; coaching sessions, which help students develop learning skills; and didactic classroom instruction for increasing students’ factual recall. Withrow University High school (9-12) 2520 Madison Road, Hyde Park, % 513-363-9200 Rigorous academic preparation for college-level achievement earned Withrow University the highest rank, Excellent, on the 2003-04, 2005-06 and 2006-07 Ohio Report Card. Academic excellence coupled with individual student success are the hallmarks of this school’s advanced academic program, “where every student is college bound.” The school’s one-on-one college center gives students and families extensive guidance in how to choose colleges, gain admission and secure funding. Incoming freshmen participate in the Summer Bridge Program at Xavier University. Partnerships with Xavier, Miami University, University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati State allow students to take courses for dual high school and college credits. In 2005 and 2007, this school was selected an Ohio School of Promise. Some classes separated by gender. Students wear uniforms to class. clark montessori (7-12) 5425 Winton Ridge Lane, Winton Place (temporary space), % 513-363-7100 Robert A. Taft information Technology High school (9-12) 2240 Baltimore Ave., Fairmount (temporary space), % 513-363-8200 This school offers a rich, varied educational program, which allows students to excel in many areas. Students are given individual attention in a team-based environment. This school focuses on a wide range of information-technology skills with access to cutting-edge technology. Students begin with introductory computer curriculum in areas such as programming, maintenance and network administration, which can lead to specialist certification. College-credit courses are offered through arrangements with area colleges, and real-world experience is provided through partnerships with Cincinnati Bell and others. The first public Montessori high school in the nation, Clark earns top rankings on the Ohio Report Card and was recognized in 2001 as a strong example of a successful small school by the University of Minnesota’s Center for School Change. Clark is recognized for its rigorous academic curriculum. Teachers and students work together as a community, creating a nurturing social climate. Each student signs a contract each year promising to build community and to work in teams with teachers and peers. Students learn to manage long-term projects and are coached in leadership and decision-making skills. Previous Montessori experience required; acceptance of a student without Montessori experience is considered based on an interview. virtual High school (9th grade-age 22) 2515 Clifton Avenue, University Heights, % 513-363-7760 This school does not enroll students who are entering 9th grade for the first time, except with special permission. gilbert A. Dater High school (7-12) 2146 Ferguson Road, Westwood, % 513-363-7200 Woodward career Technical High school (9-12) 7005 Reading Road, Bond Hill, % 513-363-9300 Four programs expand students’ interests in engineering, manufacturing, health, bioscience, electricity, carpentry, construction and owning a small business. All programs prepare students for college and advanced training. Advanced Manufacturing Technologies — Today’s manufacturing jobs are based in technology and electronics — cars, computers, cell phones, refrigerators, TVs, etc. This hands-on program introduces students to a manufacturing environment, where they become involved in computer-assisted design (CAD) and the setup, monitoring and planning of manufacturing tasks. Building Technologies — Students who like to build things are introduced to the theory and the business of construction. They learn the algebra, geometry and physics involved in construction, and they learn how to set up small construction businesses. The hands-on, computer-based training helps students get summer work in construction. Health Technologies — This hands-on program prepares students for careers in health care, the nation’s third-largest employer. Students are introduced to the fields of biotechnology, laboratory science, radiology and medical assisting. Students perform a variety of technical functions, including organizing and evaluating health information, compiling health statistics and coding diseases. Entrepreneurship — A focus on small businesses and a strong academic program prepares students for graduation, college and careers. Courses in such areas as advertising, market research, banking, investing, and forecasting a product’s supply and demand teach students the details of running a business. Students are paired with mentors from small businesses and placed in internships to provide a look into the real world of business. Students wear uniforms to class. Gilbert A. Dater High School was a 2004 and 2005 Ohio School of Promise for across-the-board improvements on the Ohio Graduation Test. Dater’s small classes offer personalized teaching and add to Dater’s tradition of academic success. Special College Preparatory Program (SCPP) — This classical, six-year college preparatory program started in the mid-1970s and is one of only two such programs in CPS. Like its sister program at Walnut Hills High School, Dater’s SCPP offers a rigorous academic curriculum. Students must pass the SCPP test to enter this program. (Designed primarily for students entering at grade 7.) Standard College Preparatory Program — This program stresses college readiness and college admission. Students are prepared for college, vocational training and employment. (Designed primarily for students entering at grade 9.) The Virtual High School offers an alternative learning environment using an individualized, computer-assisted curriculum. The goal is to educate students to the district’s academic standards outside the traditional classroom. This program offers students the opportunity to recover missing academic credits. Students also can pursue Advanced Placement courses as well as post-secondary options through the University of Cincinnati. A child-development program is offered for students’ children, ages 1-2 years old. Walnut Hills High school (7-12) 3250 Victory Parkway, Walnut Hills, % 513-363-8400 Walnut Hills High School is nationally recognized for consistent academic excellence and is considered one of America’s top public high schools. In 2007, Walnut Hills was ranked 36th in Newsweek’s Top 100 Best High Schools. A classical, six-year college-preparatory school, Walnut Hills offers a rigorous advanced and accelerated curriculum, including 28 Advanced Placement courses — one of the largest selections in the nation. Walnut Hills has been recognized as a national model for diverse, high-quality schools that prepare students well for college. Walnut Hills’ students consistently score above the national mean on the SAT and ACT collegeentrance exams. Students must pass the Special College Preparatory Program (SCPP) test to enter. Hughes center (9-12) 2515 Clifton Avenue, University Heights, % 513-363-7500 Home to six programs, this is a team-based, college-preparatory school dedicated to the Paideia educational philosophy. All Hughes Center programs offer opportunities to earn college credits through the University of Cincinnati. Hughes Center was selected in 2004 and 2005 as a School of Promise by the Ohio Department of Education. Cincinnati Academy of Mathematics and Science (CAMAS) — With enriched science and mathematics experiences, students learn to find mathematics and science applications in everyday living. A hands-on approach helps students develop laboratory and critical-thinking skills. A rigorous college-prep curriculum, including a concentration in Biomedical or Engineering Science, is offered to all students. High School for the Communication Professions — Designed for students interested in careers in journalism and media — newspaper and magazine reporting, radio and television broadcasting, and advertising — this is an active, hands-on program that teaches skills in desktop publishing, public speaking, sales, writing, Web design, layout and design, and interviewing. High School for the Health Professions — Preparing students to enter higher education in therapeutic health-related fields — such as nursing, physical and occupational therapy, athletic training, pharmacy and medicine — this school blends academic and preprofessional courses with clinical internships. High School for Teaching and Technology — This program prepares students for study in various careers in education or any field. Students face the classroom from a teacher’s standpoint when paired with teachers around the city during jobshadowing and internships. Paideia (py-dee-a) High School — Offering an unique approach to active learning, this school follows the Paideia teaching method, which comes from the Greek for “the upbringing of a child.” In Paideia classrooms, teachers use three techniques: Didactic classroom instruction for increasing students’ factual recall; intellectual coaching in small groups to develop learning skills; and seminar discussions to strengthen critical-thinking skills. Zoo Academy — Housed in a new facility at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden in Avondale, this program offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum that gives students hands-on experience at the zoo in preparation for careers in animal care, conservation or environmental studies. Ninth- and tenth-graders take classes with CAMAS students before moving as juniors into the Zoo Academy, where they spend two hours every school day working with zookeepers and horticulture staff maintaining the zoo’s animals and plants. Western Hills Design Technology High school (9-12) 2144 Ferguson Road, Westwood, % 513-363-8700 This pre-engineering program focuses on introducing students to engineering technologies using a project-based curriculum. Students put learning into practice by solving problems and working on design projects. Students rotate through different technology topics. Content is layered, so students learn on different levels, depending on interests and abilities. Coursework in upper grades is coordinated with beginning courses in engineering technology at colleges and universities, and students can earn college credits. Partnerships offer students chances to job-shadow and do internships. This school prepares students to pursue careers in such engineering areas as design, computer, mechanical, civil, electrical, chemical or aeronautical. Western Hills University High school (9-12) 2144 Ferguson Road, Westwood, % 513-363-8900 Selected as a School of Promise in 2005, 2006 and 2007 by the Ohio Department of Education, this school provides an intensive college-preparatory program with a “commitment to excellence — no excuses.” It is team-based, with teacher teams working with the same students for one year or more to improve student achievement. Entering ninth-graders become part of Project GRAD, a national schoolreform model that leads to college scholarships if students fulfill requirements by the end of senior year. A Summer Bridge program in June helps familiarize students with teachers and curriculum. January 9, 2008 Special Advertising Supplement Page 4 bigger and brighter — with college! Your future is are so many other things demanding your attention — friends, homework, making the team. Perhaps you are just now choosing a high school. Or perhaps you aren’t sure what you want to do when you grow up. Well, it’s never too early to think about college because college has the power to make your future bigger and brighter. Nothing gives you more choices in life than a college degree. Why should you think about college now? It’s so many years away and there • • 49 of the 50 highest paying jobs require a college degree 19 of the 20 jobs that are disappearing employ high school graduates or dropouts And college pays. Of the 20 hottest jobs, the average yearly salary for jobs requiring a college degree is $70,000 and less than $30,000 for those not requiring a degree. In other words, not going to college limits you to fewer and lower paying jobs. And that will hurt your ability to provide for yourself and your family. It will place limits on everything — where you live, what kind of house you buy, where (and how often) you travel, what car you drive… everything. Choosing college is choosing a better future. A bigger and brighter world where you can become the most you can be. to know before you choose a college With so many colleges to choose from, picking the right one can seem next to impossible. But while it’s true that the college you choose will influence your success and your relationships, it’s important to note that no decision has to be forever. If you choose a school and later determine it’s not for you, you can transfer to a new school. Here are six important things to consider to help you make the best possible decision. 6 things 7 things 1 when choosing a college My boyfriend or girlfriend is going there. Though some not to consider Choosing a school isn’t easy. There are many factors to consider and sometimes comparing one college to another can be like comparing apples to oranges. But while you should keep in mind location, programs and “fit,” there are a few considerations you should avoid. students do maintain their high school relationships in college, many do not. It may seem hard to imagine now, but high school romance often fades as each of you are introduced to new circles of friends and new life experiences. And, on the other hand, if your high school sweetheart is indeed your lifelong love, your relationship will be strong enough to last whether or not you attend different schools. 1 2 3 4 5 6 your best friend 2 My best friend is going there. You andyou and your besthave always talked about going to college together. And if friend choose the same college because it’s best for both of you, great! Just don’t be tempted to choose a school only because you’ll know someone there. With a little bit of effort and getting involved, you’ll meet new friends quickly regardless of who you knew to start with. Determine why you want to go to college. Is it because you “have to?” Or are you pursuing a specific goal you’ve set for yourself? You don’t have to know exactly what you want to major in or exactly what you want to do after college. But getting that degree should be important to you. Don’t go if it’s only to avoid work or because it’s important to someone else. And if you haven’t settled on a specific major, consider schools that offer the widest varieties of programs. Small colleges are not inferior! Community colleges often have professors who have just as much education and teaching expertise as bigger universities. Smaller colleges also have smaller student populations, which allows more specialized, one-on-one attention in the classroom. Prestigious schools are not necessary for success. Keep in mind that employers are seeking outstanding skills and experience, not necessarily a degree only from a “name brand” college. In the end, good academic standing and some hands-on experience will lead to more possibilities than attending an Ivy League school. Don’t be scared off by rejection. In truth, most colleges admit more applicants than they reject. Keep your options open and apply to several schools in case your top choice doesn’t work out. Don’t swear off a college that seems too expensive just yet. Money is indeed a big factor in choosing a college, but remember that more costly schools sometimes offer more generous financial aid packages than schools where tuition is lower. Student loans are also available. Choose a college that is a good fit. Determine whether prospective colleges have the extracurricular activities, clubs, and majors you’re interested in. Visit the campus. Take your time and walk around. Ask current students what they like or don’t like about the college. Often when you visit the “right” school, you’ll just know that it’s right for you. It’s a school. While there’s wrong having fun – 3 fact, youpartymake time for parties andnothingevents – withwon’t help youin should social fun in your career. Be sure to pick a school that has the academics you want. The social events will follow, whether or not the school has a “party” reputation. My aunt 4 older parents are alumni. Just because your parents (or anmean or an brother) had a good experience at a particular school, doesn’t it’s right for you. If relatives push you to consider their alma mater, there’s nothing wrong with taking a look. But be firm – if it’s not the best place for you, tell them. Your college decision may very well be the first important step toward making your own way. The school has a or basketball team. 5 Great sports can make forgood footballbut unless you are trying out great social scenes, for the team or are offered a scholarship, it should not be a deciding factor. Schools that don’t have “big time” sports programs will often offer their own traditions and ways to have a good time. school is prestigious. Reputations are but not-so6 The they are not always deserved. A prestigious namefine,your good ormay get good, on resume you a second look, but it will not determine success. What you major in, your extra-curricular activities, how good your grades are, and how you present yourself are more important. 7 The campus looks good in the guidebook. Never pick a college that you haven’t visited in person. While the brochure might make the campus look pretty, it’s critical to see for yourself. Check out the classrooms, dining halls, and hangouts. Your home for the next four years or so should feel just like that – home.