2. Community College (2-Year) Offers six-month vocational diplomas; one- and two-year vocational, technical, and pre- professional certificates; and two-year programs of general and liberal education leading to an associate’s degree in science or arts Tarrant County Community College Weatherford College Austin Community College Dallas County Community College District

3. ** High school diploma or GED ** Accuplacer or THEA test – Check out the requirements from the TCC website Required Testing Scores ** A basic idea of a major (what do you want to be when you “grow up”) ** Completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)FAFSA

4. Two-Year Degree Careers – National Average Salaries: 1.Computer Support Specialists -- $55,000 2.Dental Assistants and Hygienists -- $34,000 3.Engineering Technicians -- $53,000 4.Occupational and Physical Therapist Assistants -- $42,000 5.Paralegals -- $58,000 6.Radiation Therapists -- $78,000 7.Registered Nurses -- $67,000 ** Keep in mind that some employers or states require a specific combination of a degree, experience and certification. ** Tarrant County Community College MajorsTarrant County Community College Majors

5. University (4-Year): Offers a bachelor’s degree in science or arts depending on the major A student may transfer credits from a community college to a university There is a wide variety of majors and areas of study within the university system Texas Christian University University of North Texas at Denton University of Texas at Arlington Prairie View A&M University Texas Tech University

6. ** High school diploma, GED, or associate’s degree from a community college ** Required SAT or ACT scores – depends on the college you want to attendSATACT ** Required Grade Point Average (G.P.A) ** A major at least by sophomore year ** Completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)FAFSA ** Essay from topic choices – needs to be original ** Good recommendation letters – give the teacher/pastor/employer some information to work with and include in the letter

7. Four-Year Degree Careers – National Average Salaries: 1.Engineers -- $52,000-83,000 (depends on job) 2.Teachers -- $49,000 3.Registered Nurses -- $75,000 4.Social Workers -- $38,000 5.News Analysts, Reporters, Correspondents -- $35,000 6. Graphic Designers -- $42,000 7. Landscape Architects -- $59,000 8. Accountants -- $60,000 ** Keep in mind that some employers or states require a specific combination of a degree, experience and certification.

8. Master’s Degree – 2-3 years beyond the bachelor’s degree Doctorate – 3-5 years beyond the master’s degree ** Some careers require a postsecondary degree in order for better salaries or a job: - Social Workers – 2 years (MSW) - Physical/Occupational Therapists – 3 years (DPT) - Lawyers – 3 years (JD) - Doctors – 3-4 years of school plus residency (MD) - Principals – 2 years (MS) - Librarians – 2 years (MLS) ** Bureau of Labor and StatisticsBureau of Labor and Statistics

9. 1. Paramedic/EMT -- $ 15/Hr 2. Police Officer -- $ 51,000 3. Firefighter -- $ 44,000 4. Retail Worker -- $ 10/Hr 5. Custodian -- $ 10/Hr 6. Wait Staff -- $ 8/Hr 7. Postal Worker -- $ 50,000 8. Cook -- $ 22,000 9. Hair Stylist -- $ 11/Hr 10. Nail Technician -- $ 9/Hr 11. Bartender -- $ 9/Hr 12. Construction Worker -- $ 21/Hr 13. Bank Teller -- $ 24,000 14. Stock Clerk -- $ 21,000 15. Butcher -- $ 28,000 16. Massage Therapist -- $17/Hr ** Some of these require training, licensure, and other classes.

10. Military Alternative for those who do not know what to do after high school, need focus, want money for school, want to travel, want on-the-job training for a specific career Any career can be pursued through the military while serving A high score on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) will lead to higher- ranking, higher-paying jobs within the militaryArmed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

11. Choose the one that best applies

12. If you are thinking about or definitely attending college: Essay (Page and a half) 2-year --- BE HONEST !!!! Include a catchy opening sentence Describe your background -- the good, bad, and ugly Interests and ideas about a major/career Transfer school options Include special items – parenthood, race, nationality, family customs, relationships, etc. 4-Year --- BE HONEST !!! Include a catchy opening sentence Describe your background – the good, bad, and ugly Interests and ideas about a major/career Why this school? Include special items – parenthood, race, nationality, family customs, relationships, etc.

13. My College Application Essay – Introduction English is a subject that has always come easily to me. I have had a love for reading and writing since the tender age of three according to my parents. However, I did not know I could major in English until I had a recent conversation with my cousin. My Sister’s College Application Essay – Introduction I never wanted to attend Dillard University. I have heard about the school for most of my life from my parents, relatives, and most significantly, my sister, a Dillard graduate. I wanted to find my own way in society without Dillard as my guide.

14. ** Pretend as if you need to write an essay as a part of the enlistment process ** Explain why you decided to join the military and what you hope to accomplish ** Include background information about you, your family, high school, leadership positions, community service – anything that will make you seem like you will be a “good” soldier ** Military career path or the means to an end – G.I. Bill ($$$ for college)

15. ** Cover Letter – An actual letter to employers explaining why you desire a particular job and how you will be beneficial to him or her ** It includes more explanation and background than the resume which should only be one page long ** It needs to include: - A little about you – make yourself stand out among other applicants - Which job you want and why you should be granted an interview - Skills and special talents relevant to the job - Contact information and a follow-up date and time