2. College Is Possible: 4 Steps to College

3. Who we are “Making college accessible and affordable for Illinois students.” - Mission Statement The Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is the financial aid agency in the state of Illinois that administers scholarship, grant, and prepaid tuition programs.

5. Pop Quiz Only rich kids and smart kids can go to college. TrueFalse  True  False I am not a straight “A” student so I won’t get aid. TrueFalse  True  False High school dropouts are about four times as likely than college graduates to be unemployed. True False  True  False Some of the best colleges out there are ones I’ve never heard of. TrueFalse  True  False

6. Why College? Learn new things Feel accomplished Meet new people Improve your skills Get a job or career that you want Earn $,$$$,$$$

7. It’s never too early to start preparing for college.

8. The 4 Steps to College Step 1. Be a Pain (in a good way) Step 2. Push Yourself Step 3. Find the Right Fit Step 4. Put Your Hands on Some Cash

9. Step 1. Be a Pain (in a good way) Let everyone know that you are going to college. Speak up. Ask for help. Find a caring adult to help you along the way.

10. Talk to a Caring Adult A few questions to help you get started: 1)Do you know someone who went to college? If so, where did they go; what did they study; and how did they get there? 2)What activities can I do at home and over the summer to get ready for college? 3)What kind of grades do I need to get into colleges? 4)Are there any colleges that I can visit near my home?

12. Working a little harder today will make getting into college even easier. Make a plan Take the right classes Take the tests Step 2. Push Yourself Working a little harder today will make getting into college even easier. Make a plan Take the right classes Take the tests

13. Make a Plan for High School Make an appointment to talk to your counselor about what you can do when you get to high school.

14. Take the Tough Courses in High School Get tough. Take the challenge! English Math, Algebra & Geometry Science, Biology, Chemistry & Physics Social Studies Foreign Languages Electives Honors/AP

15. Get Ready for the Test It’s time to get serious about tests. Free Test Preparation is available at whatsnextillinois.org

17. Step 3. Find the Right Fit The challenge for you is to find the institution that best matches your talents, interests and personality. Is it a big or small school? Is it near home or far away? Does it offer the program of study that you’re thinking about pursuing? Take a career interest survey. What do you like to do? What are your talents? How do you see your future?

18. Know Your Options Illinois has more than 200 colleges and universities. Consider the following: Type Size Location Majors Type of Degree Student Life Financial Aid Options

19. Visit a College. Tour a Campus. Where students live, work, and hang out… Virtual Tour www.whatsnextillinois.org KnowHow2GO University— Take the Tour www.KnowHow2GO.org

21. Step 4. Put Your Hands on Some Cash If you think you can’t afford college – think again. What is financial aid? Where does it come from? How and when can a student apply?

22. Financial Aid Sources Financial aid comes from a variety of sources.

23. Types of Financial Aid There are many types of financial aid. gift aid self-help aid Grants Scholarships Work-Study Loans

24. Money, Money, Money, Money, Money Start Searching: isac.org High School Counselor Colleges Your Community FAFSA4caster.ed.gov Complete the FAFSA soon after January 1 in your senior year of high school

26. Are you ready to take the next step? Step 1. Be a Pain (in a good way) Step 2. Push Yourself Step 3. Find the Right Fit Step 4. Put Your Hands on Some Cash

27. Get your hands on up-to-date, accurate and trusted sources of information to learn what you need to know. Trusted Web Sites

28. Find answers to your questions Illinois Student Assistance Commission 800-899-ISAC (4722) isac.org isac.studentservices@isac.illinois.gov ISAC EarlyAware_SN_10072011