1. College and Career Readiness
November 2016

3. Post-Secondary Options
Four-year Colleges & Universities
Offer Bachelor degrees (Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Fine Arts) and advanced degrees
Community Colleges
Offer Associate of Arts or an Associated of Science degree, as well as a Basic certificate, an Advanced Certificate and Technical Certificate Programs
Opportunity to transfer to 4-year university
Military Academies/Military
Career & Technical Schools
Work

4. College Planning Checklist
Monthly checklists for Juniors and Seniors
Information about when to visit colleges, when to take tests, when to apply for scholarships, when to apply to colleges
Meet with college representatives visiting IRHS (Check IRHS Counseling website calendar, Twitter, & Facebook for dates)
College planning is an ongoing process so start preparing now!

5. College Entrance Testing
All colleges and universities will accept either the ACT or the SAT scores
Some out of state colleges also require SAT Subject Tests as well as ACT or SAT scores
Research college website to determine exact requirements or contact the university directly
Registration can be completed online
SAT/SAT Subject Tests:
ACT:
Athletes must remember to send their scores directly to the NCAA Eligibility Center
Free/Reduced lunch?
Come see your counselor for waivers now!

6. NCAA Athlete?
Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center by the end of your junior year
Questions?
Please talk with your coach or Mr. Jacobsen, the IRHS Athletic Director

7. Financing College What is financial aid? Types of financial aid:
The difference between what your family can afford to pay and what college costs
Types of financial aid:
Grants & Scholarships: Don’t have to pay back!
Loans: Have to pay back
Work study
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Opens October 1st of senior year
Different deadlines for different schools

8. Where do you look for scholarships?
Ironwood Ridge resources
Facebook: IRHS Scholarships & More
Counseling website
Future college websites – scholarships may open up once you are accepted
***Start applying for scholarships now!!!***

9. Need help building a resume?

11. Today’s activity: Beginning to plan for the future
* Click on College Planning Timeline and Choosing a College

12. Click on BIG FUTURE!

13. Pick two of these and begin to research the topics