HOW THE “BLEEP” CAN I BECOME A COMPETITIVE CANDIDATE FOR VALENCIA’S HEALTH SCIENCE PROGRAMS Learn strategies for increasing your success rates

PART ONE

ACADEMIC PREPARATION Know what your degree requires What are the pre-requisite courses you need and complete them first When pursuing an A.S. and A.A. degree Always make you’re A.S. degree your primary focus and major Remember, fastest is not always best One science per semester Do one writing course per term (dual majors) Full-time is not always best

Plan For Success Know what courses are required for degree and as pre- requisites to other courses  program sheet, catalog and/or on-line Know what courses you want to take and when  education plan Know what support services are available – even if you think you do not need them  tutoring, study groups etc Be realistic in study time and class prep  minimum is unacceptable! How will you pay for your education?  F.L.I.R.T. Be prepared for the unexpected!  S_ _ t Happens

Be Prepared Know the proper name of your class  How can you learn if you do not even know where you are. Know what you are going to learn from the class  Read the course description and syllabus. Know the tools you will use  Use the tools (open the book)! Know where your class is prior to day 1  Arrive ready to learn.

Know Who You Are Dealing With Know thy self  What are your strengths and barriers Know your competition  What is quality of classmates Know your professor/instructors name  How can you learn if you do not know who you are learning from. Politely introduce yourself whenever you met your professor/instructor outside of class  Each faculty member has hundreds of students each term

Know The Rules Know college policy  Why? Know the classroom rules  from your syllabus Know specifics about your degree  Hidden pre-requisite courses *********** It is not the responsibility of others to tell you what the rules are – it is your responsibility to learn what the rules are.

Participate Show up for class!  Not just physically Be prepared, read assignments, complete homework and know the material  In advance! Reach out to fellow students and faculty  Teaching is learning – learning is teaching Ask questions and participate in class discussions and activities  Sitting in a seat every day is not participating

Extra Effort - Not Extra Credit Study styles  Study Groups, On-line discussion groups Support materials  Flash cards, models, supplemental readings Support services  Tutoring, time management, educational planning, personal counseling Private services  Paid tutors, test preparations

Respect Time Know what is required and when  What is the exact date you should apply? Time management  Be realistic – there are only 24 hours in a day and you must eat and sleep Plan for the unexpected  Emergencies will happen! Respect others time  Be on time  Be prepared  Participate

Surround Yourself With True Students Make sure your friends support your education goals  They should encourage you  They should understand your time restraints  They should not be a barrier to your goals Avoid negative complainers  They use up your time  They negatively affect your attitude Have a success attitude and share with others and they will share with you

Know Your Career Field What is happening in your field  Changes, successes, cutting edge How do you get involved  Take initiative Where do you find information  Professional orgs., community, world Know what is happening in the world news  How does world events affect your career area

Financial Barriers Know the estimated cost of the program  Found in catalog Add in the extra support costs  Always over estimate Remember, clinicals are full-time day  Loss of income Financial aid is designed to assist with cost of going to school NOT to provide a substitute income while in school  Calculate anticipated loan repayment

Believe In Yourself Reach for the stars Tell yourself you can  If you tell yourself you can’t than you will not be able to do it Be in it for the long haul  Good things come to those who plan, participate and are patient

PART TWO

APPLICATION TO THE PROGRAM Know application deadline  does your education plan meet this deadline? Know the application process from day one  How can you plan if you do not know what is required Minimum GPA vs average GPA  Highly competitive TEAS Test  100 day prior to application Additional documentation  Transcripts, substitution, certification, volunteer hours, proof citizenship, etc.

Know Your Program Sheet Guidelines for limited access programs  Where do you find program changes? Application deadline  What is the application deadline for your program Background/Drug check  When, where and how Mandatory orientation  When? Where? Application point system  What is the maximum points how do you compare Performance standards  Can you do the job plus some

Plan B Multiple application attempts  At least 1 year wait Multiple programs  Only 2 per 12 months – one at a time Related field of study  AS degree, BA/BS degree Certification track  Vocational programs Other programs  Apply to multiple schools

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND ATTENTION