1. Wentzville Holt High School Class of 2020
SAILING INTO SENIOR YEAR: WHAT’S NEXT? Connie Litzsinger- College/Career Counselor, A+ Coordinator Dawn Bryant- School Counselor Jenny Marquart- Mentors4College
Wentzville Holt High School Class of 2020

2. Work. Military. Vocational/Tech School. 2 Year Community College
* Work * Military * Vocational/Tech School * 2 Year Community College * 4 Year College/University
Choose the best path

3. What do you want to d0? Holt.MyMajors.com Mynextmove.org
MissouriConnections.org (wentzvillehs, 2viewmoc)
ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)
Scoir.com

4. Military Options Military Enlistment
*Commitment made to immediately enter a branch of armed forces for specified period of time as enlisted soldier
*ASVAB – Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery – is taken prior to enlistment
*Your score on this test determines what jobs are available to you in the military as well as possible signing bonus
*Must also pass physical and meet “moral” requirements
*Height/weight requirements
*Clean criminal history
*Can receive tuition assistance and education benefits to assist with paying for college 
*Army Including National Guard
*Navy
*Air Force Including Air Guard
*Marine Corps
*Coast Guard
All branches have Reserve Options

5. ROTC Military Service Reserve Officer Academies Training Corps
*U.S. Military Academy (West Point), U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Merchant Marine Academy (Dept. of Trans.) *Cadets live in military environment, receiving both military training and Bachelor of Science degree
*Full scholarships, six-year service commitment upon graduation
*Competition for admission is fierce
*Requires a congressional nomination Senior Military Colleges
*Another options for students who want to attend college in a military environment 
*Military leadership program offered though many different colleges and universities
*Army, Navy, Air force, and Marines all have ROTC opportunities
*Cadets receive military training while completing college degree and can enter military as an officer upon graduation
*ROTC scholarships are available, up to full tuition
*Cadets who receive scholarships have mandatory service commitment upon graduation 

6. Vocational/Technical School
Focused on hands-on, practical training to allow students to gain entry to specific career fields
Look at cost, accreditation, retention rates, and information on job placement and average earnings in those jobs 
12 months to 24 months training certificate programs or associate degrees
Many Technical Schools are for-profit and tuition costs vary widely
Can provide affordable ways to get technical training at low cost 
Focus on business, technology, health, and other career areas
Examples of Vocational/Tech School careers: Pharmacy Technicians, Dental Assistants, Paralegals, Computer Repairers, Medical Assistants, Practical Nursing (CNA/LPN), Welding, Aviation Maintenance, Automotive Technician, Web Development, Funeral Directing, HVAC

7. 2 - Year Community College
Associates of Arts/Science Transfer Degree (AA/AS)
Degree for students who plan to transfer to a college or university
Must complete 64 credits including 42 credits of general education requirements
AA and AS degrees generally parallel the first 2 years of a Bachelors Degree at a 4-year institution
Examples of AA/AS Transfer Degree Pathways: Biology, Engineering, Psychology, Computer Science, Business or Economics, Art/Graphic Design, Political Science
Associates of Applied Science (AAS)
Degree for students who complete the requirements of one of the career/technical programs with a minimum of 64 semester credits
Not intended to transfer to a 4-year institution
Examples of AAS careers: Deaf education- Interpreter education, Dental Hygienist, Business Administration, Culinary, Graphic Design, Hospitality Management, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Law Enforcement, Emergency Medical Science

8. A+ Program requirements
* Sign A+ Student Participation Agreement
* Attend an A+ high school for 3 consecutive years prior to graduation
* 2.5 cumulative non-weighted GPA
* 95% cumulative attendance rate
* Proficient score on an Algebra EOC exam or 17 or above on Math ACT
* Maintain a record of good citizenship
* 50 hours of unpaid supervised tutoring (junior/senior year)
* Apply for federal student aid (senior year)
BENEFIT – Pays for tuition and general fees while earning an associates degree at a Missouri community college or public vocational/technical school. The A+ Scholarship is used ANYTIME within the first 4 years after high school graduation. Some 4 year universities are offering scholarship money for completing the A+ Program.

9. 4- Year College/University
*Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science 4 year degree careers: Teachers, Engineers, Journalism, Retail Management, Nursing (RN), Physician Assistant, Actuary, Social Worker, Dietitian
* Careers requiring education beyond a 4 year degree: Architect, Physician, Lawyer, Psychologist, Pharmacist

10. Making A College Choice
What to Consider
What They Consider
* Public vs. Private
* Location and size
* Majors and educational programs
* NCAA Division I, II, III
* Religious affiliations
* Cost and Financial Aid
* Campus activities
* Academic Record: GPA, Class Rank, consistency, improvement, difficulty of classes
* Testing
* Extracurricular Activities: school and social (Scouts, Church, Jobs)
* Letters of Recommendation
* Honors and Awards
* Essays
* Interviews

11. What Is The ACT
ACT - measures knowledge and skills in English, mathematics, reading and science
* ACT Writing Test
* How do colleges use the ACT?
* When should you take the ACT?
* Register at
* Next test dates: April 13, June 8
(April deadline 3/8/19)
* September, October, December 2019

12. AP (Advance Placement) Exams
Students can take an AP Exam to potentially earn college credit
* Testing May 6 – 17
* Sign ups March 4 – 15
* Cost $94 per exam
* Will you earn credit?

13. Paying For Your Education
Determine college costs (all fees)
Investigate all possible resources:
Parents/Savings
Student summer earnings
Financial aid:
A+ program
Scholarships
Grants
Loans
Work study
Secure necessary forms and note deadlines
Apply for financial aid as early as possible

14. Paying For Your Education
FAFSA.gov (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Apply October 1, 2019 – February 1, 2020
Based on 2018 taxes
S.A.R. (Student Aid Report)
EFC (Expected Family Contribution)
529 College Savings Plans
Award Letters
Net Price Calculator posted on all college websites

15. Sailing Into Senior Year
Explore the post-secondary options that appeal to your student and fit with career goals, interests, skills, personality style, and work values
Take the ACT (actstudent.org)
Attend college and military recruiter visits at school
Attend colleges fairs and/or tech center open house
Visit four-year and community college campuses
Start A+ tutoring hours
Sign up for Scoir. Online college search, apply to colleges, send transcripts
By the start of Senior year, if not sooner, focus in on the best option(s) 
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