Key to College Presented By: Illinois-Eastern Iowa District of Circle K International Kiwanis Family Relations Committee

Why should I go to College? Friends? Better chance at a job? Increase earning potential? To learn what you are capable of? Get away from home? Have a good time?

Types of Schools 2-year community colleges or satellite campuses 4-year private institution 4-year public university What about… –Costs? –Class size? –Programs on campus? Get on a schools mailing list – brochures, tours, etc.

Large vs. Small Large School (10k+) –Greater Selection of majors and classes, campus events, student organizations –Can specialize –Impersonal at times –Less one-on-one faculty- student interaction (sometimes that just means you need to be more proactive!) Small School (Less than 10k) -Personalized and individualized education -High faculty involvement with students

Public vs. Private Public –Typically larger –Less expensive Private –More expensive –Typically smaller –Often religiously- affiliated

2-Year vs. 4-Year 2- Year Earn specialized associates degree Can more easily work and attend school Prepares you to transfer into a 4-year college – however not all credits will transfer Inexpensive 4-Year Allows continuity and fewer adjustments during four years More generalist-type degrees available On-campus living opportunities

Where Will I Live? You have two choices: –On Campus (dorms) Contact your roommate before moving in!! Great way to meet people Get to know your meal plan Easier access to campus –Off Campus (apartment, home) Share an apartment with friends, roommates Stay home to save money

Summer Before Senior Year Choose your list of schools Prepare one or two essays Create a common application account Schedule college visits

College Visits Visit a campus to get a better feel for the schools you want to apply to Sit in on a few classes that you could potentially take Eat in the cafeteria and take a campus tour

Getting to know potential Professors Schedule to meet with professors in your major ahead of time Create a list of questions to ask them about the school’s program –What is your educational background? –What do you provide students for support? –Advise for an incoming freshmen? –If you could change anything about this school’s program, what would it be?

The Application Process Submit your applications early! –Many schools have rolling deadlines –The sooner you apply, the better chance you have of being accepted Mail/Online Applications Make copies of information Don’t stress about colleges contacting you!

Options in Financing my Education Financial Aid such as a grant –FAFSA –Apply for as many as possible!! Scholarships (academic, sports, or major related) – –There is unclaimed money available Student Loans Work to pay for school

What Colleges Consider High school transcript SAT/ACT scores Resume (extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, leadership roles, awards) Personal Statement College Essay Letters of Recommendation Shown interest in school

The College Essay Possible Topics –Choose a defining aspect/experience in your life. How have you changed as a result of this experience? –How you’ve grown from a struggle or failure? –Your philosophy for life –Where you see yourself in 10 years professionally? Ask for feedback from teachers, parents, councilors, etc.

Freshman Orientation Tours of campus Register for classes Activities fair Learn more about the campus, buildings, professors Meet you fellow classmates and school advisor

CKI members can help! To get an inside look, contact the colleges’ Circle K club and ask for a personal tour when you are looking at colleges or at the beginning of freshmen year. CKI members have been in your shoes and not known how to take the next step in life. We don’t mind taking the time to chat with you.

CKI members can help! We’ve all written a few college essays ourselves and would be more than happy to looking over yours. CKI members are in a complete range of majors so we can help you in deciding what you want to major in. Get the inside scoop!

College Lifestyle Don’t cram your first semester with too many credits. You are going to need time for –Studying –Clubs (like Circle K ) –Sports –Jobs Seek advice about the various classes that you will take

College Lifestyle Start taking classes pertaining to your major as soon as possible. –Decide if it is the right one for you –Ensures that you graduate on time Never lose your syllabus. –Contains grading procedures –Contains contact information for your professor.

College Lifestyle Attend your professor’s office hours –Shows that you are serious about the class –Receive more personal attention –Get to know professor and vise versa

The Kiwanis Family It all begins in primary school and carries on throughout life!

Collegiate Premiere university service organization in the world On more than 550 campuses globally Based upon the tenets of service, leadership, and fellowship.

Benefits of Joining CKI Online Community –Circle K is organized on more than 550 college and university campuses around the world. Through this diverse network, many ideas and friendships may be exchanged. Development as an Individual –Numerous opportunities to develop their professional and leadership abilities.

Benefits of Joining CKI Scholarships –Through the support of Kiwanians, scholarships are made available to Circle K members at both District Convention and International Convention

Benefits of Joining CKI Member Benefit Program –Each member is presented with a pin, a membership card with a specific membership number, and a membership handbook. Optional Insurance –Each member is entitled to optional insurance if injured under the administration of Circle K International

Key Club Alumni Stay connected with service-minded friends. Share stories about the difference Key Club made in your life with posts to the blog Learn about upcoming alumni events at Key Club International Conventions Receive a Quarterly e-newsletter Get connected with local service partners Two years free of Kiwanis dues

Key Club Alumni Join Today! IT’S FREE! You helped change the world once, join us and do it again.

Ending Remarks Your college life is only what YOU make of it. Take advantage of opportunities that come your way. Most of all – have FUN!!!!!

Open Forum: Questions? Ask now or feel free to contact me! Sabrena Lopez