P LANNING FOR C OLLEGE ! Principles of Health Science

T ERMS TO K NOW College an institution that delivers education after high school and grants Associate’s Degrees the general term used to define post-secondary courses the term used to define a specialized area of study within a university University an institution of higher learning that grants degrees upon completion of academic requirements composed of several colleges (i.e., college of nursing, college of business)

T ERMS TO K NOW Diploma a degree or certificate of completion of learning requirements for an institution of higher learning College hours the term used to denote the amount of credit a student receives upon successful completion of a class or course a reference for how long a student will spend in the classroom each week You are considered a “Full Time” student if you are taking 12 hours or more per week. Ex: If you are taking 12 hours of classes, that means you are in the classroom 12 hours per week.

C OURSE NUMBERS You are a college freshman registering for classes under the nursing major. You are told to sign up for RNSG What does that mean? The first number indicates class level 1—introductory/freshman level 2—sophmore level 3—junior level 4—senior level/advanced The second number tells you how many hours per week you will attend the class The first two numbers are the most important Course numbers are assigned by the university so there will be differences from one university to the next.

T ERMS TO K NOW Residency Where you live A determining factor in tuition fees for college students For example: if you live in Texas and attend college in Texas, your tuition will be much cheaper than if you live in Texas and attend college in another state. Developmental classes remedial classes required for students who do not meet the minimum requirements of knowledge in a subject do not generate college hours that apply to a degree

T ERMS TO KNOW Financial aid money available to students to help pay for classes based on grades, need, financial status and other criteria some restrictions may be dictated as to how the money is used Grants money that is not repaid to the lender. Scholarships money awarded to students based on merit and not repaid.

T ERMS TO KNOW Loans money that must be repaid to the lender. Payments may be deferred (delayed) until after completion of the degree or certification. Interest rates may be lower than interest rates for other purposes. Unsubsidized loan vs. subsidized loan Subsidized - your loan does NOT collect interest until you graduate from college Granted by the federal government to economically disadvantaged students Unsubsidized - your loan collects interest for the entire length of the loan It costs MORE to have an unsubsidized loan

T ERMS TO K NOW Instructors/professors individuals hired to teach courses must meet the educational standards of the institution to qualify to teach Registration the process of selecting classes for a term depending on the institution, this may be done manually, online, or by telephone Course catalog contains information about what courses are being offered in the university for a particular semester.

T ERMS TO K NOW Application form the form completed when applying to an institution Most universities have you apply online now but there will be additional paperwork to send in once you are accepted THEA Texas Higher Education Assessment tests the reading, writing and mathematics skills of students entering Texas public colleges and universities required for all entering students

T ERMS TO KNOW Degree plan A degree plan tells you what classes you are required to take to graduate with a particular degree. Available seats how many students can attend a particular class section

W HAT SHOULD YOU DO ?! Decide what you would like to major in It’s okay if you change you mind later! Visit college campuses, talk to counselors Decide where you want to go to college Fill out the application Fill out FAFSA for financial aid When accepted, plan your schedule and register for classes

I MPORTANT WEBSITES Scholarship information www. fafsa.ed.gov Free Application for Federal Student Aid www. applytexas.org Application to Texas public universities and colleges