Going to school is an investment in your future, but it's also an investment of your time and finances.

You may need to invest your own money or take out a student loan to go to school, but getting additional training after high school can help you get a better-paying job, doing work you enjoy.

Take your time and study your options—choose the school that's right for you.

Note—There is a lot of information on this page, please use these links for easier navigation:

• Why go to college?
• First steps to choosing a college
• Planning for college in six steps
• Helpful hints from a college rep
• Visiting a campus
• Sample letter to Admissions office
• College Comparison Worksheet
• Pros and Cons of different types of colleges
• Glossary of terms
• Helpful links

Why go to College?
Can't I Get a Good Job Now?
Yes, maybe you could, but statistics are against you. Consider these average earnings:

High School Dropout - $17,900 a year
High School Graduate - $25,400 a year
College Graduate - $44,300 a year

Sometimes it's hard to stay in school if you think you need to be working to earn money. But if you finish high school and go on to college, you'll have a wider variety of jobs to choose from, and you'll earn more—especially in the long run.

But I don't know what career to go into!

If you're having trouble deciding what to do, talk to your counselor. Ask about taking an interest inventory test. And remember, you don't have to know exactly what career you want before you start college; often a year or two of college helps a student explore different subject areas and decide on one.

Doesn't college cost a lot of money?

Think of college as an investment: you spend money now so you can earn more later. Take a look at http://www.ed.gov/studentaid for information about the student aid programs administered by the U.S. Department of Education. You can also call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FED-AID.

First Steps to Choosing a College
Talk to your counselor—the first stop for information about the options available to you. He or she can help you focus your goals in addition to giving you information about different types of schools.

Shop around. Contact more than one school. If you're looking for vocational training, check the Yellow Pages under "Schools" for phone numbers. If your area has a community college, call the admissions office and find out what kinds of training the college offers.

Visit the school. Call the school and schedule a visit, preferably while classes are being taught. Get a feel for the school; make sure you're comfortable with the facilities, the equipment, the teachers, and the students.

Don't be afraid to ask. A good school will be happy to answer your questions about its programs. Ask the school about its students: How many graduate? How many get jobs because of the training they received? What kind of job placement services does the school offer students and graduates?

Check the cost. Make sure the school gives you a clear statement of its tuition and fees. Remember that any financial aid you get will be applied first to paying the school's tuition and fees. If there's money left over, the school will give it to you to help you pay for things such as food and rent.

Check with these agencies. Call your local Better Business Bureau, state higher education agency, or consumer-protection division of your state attorney general's office to find out if there have been any complaints about the school.

Planning for College in 6 steps
(Adapted with permission from American College Testing - ACT)

• Recognize your strengths and weaknesses
• Analyze your interests and values
• Achieve a personal goal
• Increase your earning power
• Prepare for a career and expand learning
• Extracurricular activities and social life
• Influence of family and friends
• Take responsibility for your future!

• Majors and educational programs
• Type of school and degrees offered
• Admission policy
• Location and size
• Costs and financial aid
• College affiliation and accreditation
• Campus activities
• Academic reputation

• Compile information from several resources:
  • College representatives and college fairs
  • College catalogs, bulletins, and videos
  • Parents, students, and alumni
  • Directories and ACT score report
• Prepare a college comparison checklist
• Weigh advantages and disadvantages
• Contact the admissions office
• Schedule appointments for your campus visits
• Every campus has a personality

• Narrow your choices
• Review college admissions test requirements
• Know application fees and deadlines
• Submit application materials
  • Application for admission
  • High school transcript
  • Recommendations
  • Admissions test results
• Know scholarship requirements
• Keep accurate records

• Determine college costs
• Investigate all possible resources (parents, savings, summer earnings, financial aid, e.g. —scholarships, grants, loans, work study)
• Secure necessary forms and note deadlines
• Apply for financial aid as early as possible
• Don't eliminate any college because of costs!

• Show initiative and be assertive
• Talk with your parents and counselor
• Select a college that meets your needs and preferences
• Follow up with colleges to which you have applied
• Keep your lines of communication open!

Helpful Hints from a College Rep
(Excerpted from a speech given by Seattle Pacific University representative Kim Gilnett to prospective students during a college fair presentation)

• Know who you are and what you want.
• Be realistic about your preparation and skills.
• Recognize that the responsibility for your future rests with you and the decisions that you make.

• Community Colleges
• Baccalaureate Colleges
• Professional and Technical Programs
• Private vs. Public

• Meet with the College/Career Counselor.
• Learn to use the college catalogs.

• Take the PSAT in your junior year.
• Take the SAT or ACT in the spring of your junior year, but definitely not later than the fall of your senior year.

Meet With Visiting College Representatives and Get on Mailing Lists

College Visits

• Good opportunity to see the college first-hand
• You are a "college student." No one will think otherwise!
• Colleges have personalities just like people.
• Talk with students, faculty, and staff.

• Critical
• Make sure you complete all details.
• Apply for scholarships early and follow the directions precisely.

• You are on your own for the first time.
• You are responsible for your own decisions

• Everyone in college is there because they want to be there.
• The bottom curve is gone.

• Writing
• Reading
• Typing
• Listening
• Presentation ability
• Note taking
• Research
• Mathematics
• Computer technology

• Disciplined
• Organized
• Able to set priorities
• Knows how to plan ahead
• Knows how to relax

• Get organized at the beginning of the quarter.
• Introduce yourself to your professors within the first week.
• Buy your textbooks right away.
• Be realistic about your course load.
• Realize that the first five weeks are the most important.
• Budget your time.
• Accept distractions as a part of college life.
• Ask for help before it's too late.
• Don't equate your self-worth with your grades.

• Meet with an admissions officer.
• Verify admission requirements (tests and high school preparation).
• Discuss your chances for success
• Obtain a school calendar and a catalog, if you don't already have them.
• Determine college costs.
• Ask about financial aid opportunities, as well as deadlines, forms required, etc.
• Meet with faculty in the academic area of interest to you.
• Ask questions about academic requirements/offerings.
• Attend a class to get an idea of typical size, teaching style, academic atmosphere.
• Ask about the placement record for graduates in the field you might study.
• Identify career-planning services for undergraduates.
• Tour the campus. (Be sure to check out the dorms, dining hall, library, etc.)
• Talk to students about the general academic environment and the study commitment necessary for success.
• Find out what student activities (clubs, organizations, intramurals, etc.) are available
• Inquire about campus life and social activities.
• Investigate transportation options.

Sample Letter to Admissions Office
Your Street Address
City, State, Zip

Date

Office of Admissions
Name of College
Street Address
City, State, Zip

To Whom It May Concern:

I am a student at Seattle Christian High School and will graduate in _____(month), 20__.

Please send me an application for admission and information about your college—a general information bulletin, college costs, and program descriptions. I am considering ____________________ as my major field of study.

My parents and I also want to investigate all possible sources of financial aid. Please send us an application form, instructions about application procedures (how and when to apply), and any other information that might be helpful.

I am interested in visiting your campus, taking a campus tour, and meeting with an Admissions Counselor. I would also like to meet with an advisor in the _____(major)department, if possible. Please advise me of a time on _____(month/date)_____ that would be convenient.

Thank you.
Sincerely yours,

(Your signature)
Name

College Comparison Worksheet

College Name	College #1	College #2	College #2
Location Distance from home
Size Enrollment Physical size of campus
Environment Type of school (2 or 4 year) School setting (urban, rural) Location and size of nearest city Co-ed, male, female Religious affiliation
Admission Requirements Deadline Tests required Average test scores, GPA, rank Special requirements notification
Academics Your major offered Special requirements Accreditation Student-faculty ratio Typical class size
College Expenses Tuition, room and board Estimated total budget Application fee, deposits
Financial Aid Deadline Required forms % receiving aid Scholarships
Housing Residence hall requirements Availability Types and sizes Food plan
Facilities Academic Recreational Other
Activities Clubs, organizations Greek life Athletics, intramurals Other
Campus visits When Special Opportunities
Budget Items:
Tuition and fees
Room and board
Books and supplies
Transportation
Miscellaneous (Personal expenses, dates, laundry, clothing)
TOTAL BUDGET:

Remember ... check with college officials for accurate costs.

Note--Check out these helpful links to websites that can help you choose the college that's right for you.