Ready, Set, College! Bothell PTSA Event

Federal Program GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness & Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) State Grant Washington GEAR UP GEAR UP Grant Partner UW Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity GEAR UP Educator Development Initiative Roseann London, Director College: My Dream. My Plan.

Why College? It pays off. A college graduate with a bachelor’s degree can expect to earn twice as much as non-college grads. This translates into about $1.6 million more in lifetime earnings than those with a high school diploma. Improved quality of life -- health, higher life-satisfaction, community involvement. More likely to stay employed. Economic forecasts predict that 72% of future jobs will require a bachelor’s degree or higher.

College Readiness = Aware + Eligible + Prepared

Aware of Postsecondary Options in Washington Public Universities Central Washington University – Ellensburg Eastern Washington University – Cheney Western Washington University – Bellingham University of Washington--Seattle, Bothell, Tacoma Washington State University -- Pullman, Vancouver, Tri-Cities, Spokane The Evergreen State College – Olympia Private Universities Gonzaga University – Spokane Saint Martin’s University – Lacey Seattle University Seattle Pacific University Pacific Lutheran University – Tacoma Whitman College – Walla Walla

Community and Technical Colleges Describe our colleges Transfering plan ahead

College Fit – Considerations Location: in-state vs. out-of-state Institutional Type: 4 year vs. community college public vs. private secular vs. religious Enrollment Size small, medium, large Cost: in-state vs. out-of-state 4 year vs. community college private vs. public Academic Programs (Majors) Others to consider Selectivity (admissions profile) ACT/SAT score average GPA Campus life Diversity Retention and graduation rates Accessibility to professors Reach, Solid, Safety

Career Exploration & Workforce Needs Career Cruising Bothell resource through counseling center. Career Bridge Searchable database of education and training programs. Average earnings & employment outlook. Job Shadows Explore your interests and related educational path.

How to pay for it all? Financial aid includes grants, loans, work study, and scholarships - and can be either need-based or merit-based. You can receive financial aid equal to your “financial need”. Your “financial need” is the difference between the “cost of attendance” and your “expected family contribution”. The amount your family is expected to contribute is calculated based on the information you reported on your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).Free Application for Federal Student Aid) FAFSA4caster:

Scholarships It’s free money. If you put the time and effort, it can pay off in a big way! theWashBoard.org Scholarship Junkies Washington Opportunities Pathways Tip: start early and never pay for searches

College Academic Distribution Requirements (CADRs) English (4 credits) Math (3 credits) Social Sciences (3 credits) Science (2 credits) Foreign Language (2 credits) Fine Arts (1 credit) Note: More are recommended for competitive schools Rigorous Courses and Programs * Advanced Placement (AP) * International Baccalaureate (IB) * Dual Credit (Running Start, college in the high school) Eligible

Prepared – more than eligible College preparation involves putting college awareness skills into action as well as going above and beyond the minimally required coursework to ensure postsecondary success. Students who are college prepared also have the personal and social skills required to succeed in the more independent environment of the workplace or postsecondary campus. Working harder today will make getting into college easier and succeeding once you get there.

Times Lines Develop a 4 year plan Take the PSAT (Sophomore Year). Take the ACT or SAT (Late Junior Year and early Senior Year). Beginning of your Senior Year Work on essays (personal statement -- tell your story) Get personal. What challenges have you faced? What can you provide that is not in the rest of the application. Recommendation letters if required by the school you are applying to. Submit your College Application (October/November of Senior Year). FAFSA – (Beginning of January of your Senior Year). Beat every deadline! (find out the deadlines early)

Tips Talk to your counselors, coaches, teachers. Contact your Admission Counselors. Visit Campuses. Attend College Fairs. Get your college dreams on other people’s radar.

Thank you!