1. MLLD- Late Adolescence
Becoming Independent
MLLD- Late Adolescence

2. Late Adolescence (17-19 years old)
Physical-
past puberty, similar to adult body
Intellectual-
Piaget: Formal operations- more logical and can process abstract thought during this stage, can make predictions about cause and effect

3. Late Adolescence Social-emotional- Moral-
Erikson: Identity vs identity confusion- teens meeting multiple roles in life, if a core identity is not established= role confusion exists
Moral-
Kohlberg: Conventional morality- make decisions based on how others perceive them

4. 1st Step Towards Independence- Choosing a College that is Right for You

5. First things first….
College is not for everyone! Plenty of other options to build career
Expensive and a huge decision…do no go simply because everyone else is doing it!
Important to research all options

6. Step 1: Thinking About Your Major
Research a few possible fields of study that you may want to pursue in college.
Majors/minors
50% of college students change their major 1-3 times!
Tips for choosing possible majors: Here are a few questions you should ask yourselves…
What are my favorite classes?
What are my favorite hobbies/extracurricular activities?
What do career/personality assessment tests suggest?
What do I love doing?
Where do I see myself for the rest of my life?
What do I see myself doing for the rest of my life?

7. Step 2: Make-or-Break Criteria
Public
Private
Vocational/specialized
4-year
2-year
Class size
Extracurricular options
Urban vs rural
Financial aid options
Distance from home
Out of state vs in state
Can I see myself living here for 2-4 years?

8. Create your make-or break list
Create your make-or break list *List must have at least 4 criteria for comparison

9. Step 3: Wish list
Criteria that isn’t essential for your success/happiness
But you would still really enjoy having it

10. Create your wish list *List must have at least 4 criteria for comparison

11. Research colleges and choose your top 2
Step 4: Research
Research colleges and choose your top 2
Research should be on a separate sheet of paper that you will turn in
College #1-
History of School-
Campus life-
(Make or break) MOB #1-
MOB #2-
MOB #3-
MOB #4-
(Wish list) WL #1-
WL #2-
College #2-
History of School-
Campus life-
(Make or break) MOB #1-
MOB #2-
MOB #3-
MOB #4-
(Wish list) WL #1-
WL #2-

12. College Pennant Sign Choose top college Sign must include… Front:
School name, symbols, mascots, decor- 15 points
Back:
Campus life info- 10 points
History of school- 10 points
4 other aspects about the school (from your lists) that make you want to attend- 20 points
Neat, colorful, organized, easy to read- 15 points
*Worth 70 points total

13. Step 5: Campus Visits
Visit the campus website– many have “virtual tours”.
Research online for campus history, statistics, and interesting facts.
or call faculty and staff by looking for the Contacts page on the campus website.
Acquaint yourself with the classes offered by reading syllabi posted online.
Read the campus and community newspapers to get a sense of local issues and activities.

14. Step 6: Apply to Colleges
Know the application window
Fill out FAFSA
Talk to parents, teachers, and advisors

15. Step 7: Choose your College
Time to make your decision!
Talk to financial aid advisor
Go to orientation
Register for classes
Set up housing
Start making connections in your new town

16. Final Tips… Always try to visit your campus choices.
Don’t rely on name recognition. Find your best fit!
Don’t accept generalizations about colleges (i.e. “hard to get into,” “party school,” “too expensive”). Do your own research.
Don’t be afraid to apply to “reach schools.” But, always have a few back-up plans.
Don’t pick campuses just because your friends are going there. Make your own decisions!
Don’t rule out colleges because of cost. There is financial aid available. And, remember, college is an investment in your future.
Talk with your family, teachers, counselors, and advisors about your choices. We are here to help!