1. It’s easier than it looks…I promise
College Planning
It’s easier than it looks…I promise

2. Who is this lady?? Allison Eastridge
Niswonger College & Career Advisor
Available in the Counseling Office on Mon. & Fri.
I am here to help with whatever you need!

3. What is college? Technical college (TCAT)
Community college (Northeast State)
Public universities (ETSU)
Private universities (Milligan)

4. Why is having a college degree or some kind of trade certification important?
Let’s look at some figures…

5. MINIMUM WAGE 40 hours a week x $7.25 = $290 a week x 4 weeks =
$1,160 a month
$1,160 a month x 12 months =
$13,920 a year

6. Bills, bills, and more bills
Rent  $500
Food $300
Electricity bill  $75
Water bill  $30
Cable/Internet bill  $75
Cell phone bill  $50
Gas  $100
Car insurance  $ 85
Clothing  $40
Total = $1, 255

7. How does that add up? Minimum Wage (Per Year) = $13,920
Estimate of Bills (Per Year) = $15,060
What are you left with? -$1,140
…but wait, there’s more…

8. What’s missing from this list?
Going out with friends
Date night
Concert tickets
Gifts for friends and family
Paying for a parking or speeding ticket
Unexpected car trouble
New uniform for work
Vacations or travel
Sports games
Tithing

9. What are you willing to give up to make ends meet ?

10. Can you live without wifi?
Not only can you not save for your dream car, but you also have to give up other things:
Cell phone data plans
New clothes
Cable
Internet
Better food
What are you willing to give up?

11. SO Why SHOULD I go to college?

12. Organization is key
Get a folder…a box….a corner in your room…anything to keep your stuff together
Get an address, remember the password, and use it for everything
Check the mail and your regularly

13. School is not over yet Keep improving your GPA or take dual enrollment
Keep studying for and taking your ACT
Start joining clubs
Start doing community service

14. Make yourself a resume Use online samples and templates – OR ASK ME!
Put past and present information
If you don’t have a job, use volunteer work
Come to me if you need help

15. Comparing colleges Location Size Major Cost Religious
Public or private

16. College visits Start early The more you go, the more you know
Use your summer wisely
Go with friends and make it fun

17. Get to know admissions staff
Call if you have any questions, they are there to help you!
Let them know special circumstances and they will work with you

18. College applications The Common Application Institutional applications
Typical application components
What the student submits

19. The common application
One application students send to multiple colleges
500+ colleges across the country use the Common Application
General questions and specific questions for each college
Essay portion

20. Institutional applications
Found on college websites
Can be submitted online or downloaded and printed
Fees and Fee waivers
Dual enrollment students

21. What‘s inside?
Personal Demographics (SSN, parent/sibling information, etc.)
Academic profile (courses taken, high school information, GPA, etc.)
Major/Minor
Future career
Standardized Test Scores (ACT, SAT, & COMPASS)
Extracurricular Activities
Essay

22. Types of deadlines
Early admission
Regular decision
Rolling admission

23. What you submit The application Essay or personal statement Resume
Test scores
Application fee

24. Transcripts
After you apply, come to the guidance office and pick up a transcript request form from Ms. Luttrell
Fill out your name, school you are applying to, and “please mail my transcript”
Give the guidance office time!

25. recommendations Get started early Try to get at least two teachers
Make sure to be thankful, it goes a long way

26. Scholarships TN Promise Hope Scholarship Private scholarships
Institutional scholarships
Athletic scholarships

27. Timeline Upcoming ACT Dates: April 19, & June 11
Visit colleges: Spring & Summer 2016
College Essay: Spring & Summer 2016
Applications: Fall 2016
Retake ACT: September - March
Begin completing FAFSA: October-February

28. Take ownership Follow timelines Get organized Meet deadlines
Follow-up with your colleges
Communicate with parents
Don’t be afraid to ask questions

29. 5 things you need to know about college
You can get in…really!
You are more than your test scores
You are in charge
You are unique
You are not in this alone

30. It can be overwhelming BUT THAT’S WHY I’M HERE TO HELP YOU!
I am at Sullivan Central every Monday and Friday!
ALLISON EASTRIDGE