This document provides information to help students plan their life after high school. It discusses the different types of post-secondary degrees like certificates, associate's, bachelor's, and graduate degrees. The document also outlines options like attending the military, community college, or a four-year university. Key details are provided around choosing a major and minor, being a successful full-time student through good time management and involvement, applying for financial aid and scholarships, and deciding on a college by the May 1st deadline. The overall message is that higher education beyond high school is necessary to achieve one's career dreams and goals.

1. Life After High School
Your Plan, Your future!

2. You ALL are Capable!
How do you make
YOUR
Dreams a Reality?

3. You ALL are Capable!
You Need More Than
YOUR
HS Diploma!!

4. Education Pays
http://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2001/June/wk4/art03.htm

5. Undergraduate Degrees
What are the different types of degrees?
– Certificate – Not a full degree, but a select
group of courses that may allow you to join
the workforce at the entry level.
– Associate’s Degree – A degree that can be
obtained at the Community College – usually
60-65 credits. (AS, AA)
– Bachelor’s Degree – A degree that can be
obtained at the College or University Level –
usually 120-128 credits. (BS, BA)

6. Graduate Degrees
What are the different types of graduate degrees?
– Master’s Degree – An additional degree obtained after a
Bachelor’s Degree. Usually an additional two years. (MSN, MBA)
– Doctorate – A professional degree obtained after three -four
additional years of college. (MD, DDS, DVM, PhD)
**Remember, this is stage 2 of Life
After High School! You must
complete your
Undergraduate
degree FIRST! **

7. Military
The military can train you for a job/career and can offer
tuition assistance.
Things to consider:
• Joining the military is a big decision- most challenging
and rewarding
• Requires discussion among family, friends, and trusted
advisors.
• What are your personal goals and interests?
• Are you willing to make the commitment?
• Have you been fully informed?
• How will joining the military help you in the future?

8. FAST FACTS: COLLEGE 101
• What is a full-time student?
– A minimum of 12 credit hours per
semester.
For example: if your Bachelor’s degree is
120 credits- and you want to graduate
in four years,
Consider the following:
- 30 credits per year
- 15 credits per semester ( Fall/Spring)
- If you cannot finish 15 credits per
semester, there are always Summer
Classes!

9. FAST FACTS: COLLEGE
101
Community College: A GREAT START!
Chance to improve your GPA
Save time, money
Must HAVE a plan if you want a bachelor’s degree!
College
An institution offering a Bachelor Degree and
possibly a few graduate degrees.
University
An educational institution offering Bachelor, Master
and/or Doctorate Degrees.

10. College 101: Major vs. Minor?
What is a Major?
 A subject (biology) or field of
study (psychology) chosen by a
student to represent his or her
MAIN interest
 On average a major requires 50
or more credits
The most popular major today is
“undecided.” Therefore, it is OKAY
if you don’t know your major. You
have an additional year after
college to try different classes
apart from your required ones!
 What is a Minor?
 A subject or field of study
chosen by a student that directly
relates to their Major selection,
or it could be something in a
completely different study or
subject (SOMETHING FUN!)
 On average, a minor requires
20-30 credits
 It doesn’t hurt to have both: a
MAJOR AND MINOR!

11. How To Be Successful in College
• The Secret…Shhh!
– Good Time Management
• For every hour in class, expect 2
hours of homework
– Full time student (at least 12 credit
hours) should expect about 20-24 hours
of homework weekly
•
•
•
•
•
Time for studying!
Time for fun- Social Life is a must!
ASK FOR HELP if you need it
Get involved in clubs, organizations!
It all counts to put on your resume!

12. When Do I Decide?
• May 1st is the
NATIONAL deadline
to make a nonrefundable deposit to
hold your spot – but
don’t wait that late.
– Once you send in a
deposit you can select
your housing and
arrange for
orientation.

13. Paying for College
• FAFSA = Free Application for Federal
Student Aid
– Complete the form online in JanuaryFebruary of your senior year. And every
year before March 1st while you are in
college.
– www.fafsa.ed.gov

14. Paying for College
• SCHOLARSHIPS = your time and effort
There is ATLEAST
one scholarship out
there for
EVERYONE!
-Speak to your
guidance counselors,
college counselors,
-Come to the
SASF/AIM! for more
information on how to
apply for
scholarships!