College Readiness
Many are beginning to ask “What is college readiness?” and there are many definitions and opinions. College Readiness may mean that a student is:
- Capable of succeeding in an entry level (non-remedial) credit-bearing course
- Earns the necessary GPA to move to the next grade level
- Capable of transferring and applying knowledge from one course to another subject or level course
But, college readiness is not just academics. College readiness also includes the ability of students to:
- Seek and find help when necessary
- Be independent thinkers with a willingness to take risks with ideas
- Be willing to accept criticism and grow from it ? Be willing to work with and be a productive member of groups
- Be cognizant of timelines and deadlines ? Be information literate ? Use technology as a tool rather than a crutch
Students wanting to enter college upon graduation need to visit all of the links included on this site. Valuable information regarding college selection, testing, application, admission and financial aid can be found.
Why go to college?
As you make plans for the future, continuing your education with either a two-year or four-year college degree is recommended.
Consider:
- 56% of jobs today require some college ? 80% of the jobs projected to grow the fastest over this decade require some post high school education
- Dropping out of high school or failing to earn a college degree severely limits a student’s employment options and earning potential
- A college graduate makes twice as much as a student who does not complete high school
- Adults who stay in school longer are more likely to have good health, volunteer in their communities, and exercise their right to vote
- Earnings * over a lifetime with a college degree:
- Professional Degree: $4.4 million
- Master’s Degree: $2.5 million
- Bachelor’s Degree: $2.1 million
- Associate’s Degree: $1.6 million
*Source: US Census Bureau
Preparing for Campus visits
It is important to visit schools you might want to attend. Visiting a school gives you a close-up look: a chance to focus on the details and actually experience the college before you make a commitment. How many schools you visit depends on your time and money. You may not be able to visit every school you are considering, but try to at least visit schools that will provide a variety of experiences.
Make the most of campus visits
- Do some prep work
Before the visit, decide what you want to learn about the school and put together a list of questions. Use a similar list for every school so you can make fair comparisons.
- Schedule your visit at least two weeks in advance
Call the admissions office to arrange your visit and inquire about campus tours. Ask to sit in on a class, eat in the cafeteria with students, spend the night in a dorm, and use the campus facilities.
- Visit while classes are in session
Fall is the ideal time to visit college campuses – classes are in session and campus activities are in full swing.
- Set up interviews with faculty and admissions staff
Arrange to meet with professors who teach subjects that interest you. Meet with an admissions rep to verify admission requirements and discuss costs and financial aid.
- Take the campus tour
Gain access to more of the campus – your tour guide can be a great source of candid information.
- Attend information sessions
Schedule your interviews after the information session and the campus tour. You will speak more knowledgeable and have better questions.
- Ask lots of questions
Ask students what they like best and least about the school, what the campus is like on weekends, and which professors are best. Read the student newspaper and bulletin board postings.
- Trust your instincts, take notes, and bring a camera
Pay attention to your first impressions. Keep notes and take pictures to jog your memory as decision time approaches. After you have seen a few campuses, it is easy to confuse the details.
- Send thank you notes
After visiting a college, remember to send thank you notes. It is polite and could get you noticed.