College Basics

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College 101

2 year college

(Trade/ Vocational)

Gap year

4 year college

College-Focused Pathways

Gap Year

Gap years are typically taken before college. But students may also choose to take time off before starting another form of post-secondary training.

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2 Year College

Degree Diploma, Certification, or AA Degree

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• 2 Year Colleges come in different shapes and sizes.

Most of them fall under two categories:

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Vocational / Technical School:

• Allows you to take courses in specific, technical fields like Automotive Engineering, Welding, IT, and more.
• Many Technical programs allow students to find work quickly after finishing their education

Community Colleges:

• Provide a general liberal arts education.
• Most CCs are structured to support students interested in transferring to a 4-year university or college

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What’s it take to get in?

Why this path?

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• You’re looking to get into your chosen career path sooner, spending less time returning to school
• You might be interested in a 4 Year University / College, but starting at a 2 Year will allow you to “get your feet wet,” and / or save money before transferring.

• Identify colleges with programs you’re interest in.
• Keeping a strong GPA
• A good HS GPA can keep you from having to take (and spend money on!) prep classes that don’t have credits counting towards your graduation.

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What does it take to get in?

Attending a

• Identify colleges with programs you’re interest in.

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• 2 Year Colleges in Minnesota will accept an ACT score but it is not required

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• Keeping a strong GPA while in high school is beneficial to students planning to attend a 2 Year Colleges. A good HS GPA can keep you from having to take (and spend money on!) prep classes that don’t have credits counting towards your graduation.

QUESTIONS?

4 Year Universities/Colleges

4 Year Universities / Colleges can be either public or private institutions

• Provides students with rigorous education in their chosen area of study (a Major)

At the end of their four years, students are awarded a Bachelor’s of Science (BS) or Bachelor’s of Arts (BA).

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Universities typically offer post-graduate degrees like

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Master’s or Doctorate’s

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Colleges typically only offer Bachelor’s degrees.

“College“ might also refer to a particular department at a school (Ex: College of Natural Sciences)

Why this path?

• Attending 4 Year University / College can increase one’s earning potential over the course of their lifetime

• You have an interest in a particular field of learning and are hoping to achieve a level of expertise, or explore your interests further.

What does it take to get in?

Attending a

• Maintain a strong GPA and take challenging courses!

• Identify colleges with programs you’re interest in. Your college should feel like a good Fit:
• Affordable
• Location you like
• Class sizes that allow you to learn
• Clubs and supports that make you feel welcome.

• Take the ACT your Junior year or retake. Some colleges still use this test to decide if they’ll accept students.

• Get involved! Join clubs, play sports, and volunteer in your community.

Public vs. Private

Colleges

Public

• Larger Student Population�Offers vibrant campus life and extensive diverse peer networks.

• Academic Program Variety�Broad selection of majors, degrees, and specialized departments.

• Lower In-State Tuition�State-funded subsidies keep costs lower for resident students.

• Large Athletic Programs�Major sports teams, Division I athletics, and school spirit events.

• Extensive Campus Resources�Substantial facilities, large libraries, and research centers.

Private

• Smaller Class Sizes�More interactive discussions and collaborative learning environments.

• Individualized Attention�Direct mentorship and stronger connections with professors.

• Institutional Scholarships & Aid�Often offer substantial merit-based and need-based aid packages.

• Personalized Campus Experience�Tight-knit community feel with tailored student support services.

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Match + Fit

Match: The qualities a program is looking for in its applicants (think “numbers”)

• GPA

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• Course Selection: Programs like Colleges, Apprenticeships, and even certain Employers want to know that you took courses in HS that were academically challenging and aligned to your intended area of focus

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• ACT / Test Scores

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Fit: The qualities your student is looking for in a program

Major:

Does the program have what you’re interested in learning?

Interests:

Are there structures to explore your interests during your free time?

Region:

Does the program happen in a city, state, or town that works for you?

Cost:

Can I afford this program?

Do they offer aid to pay for this program?

A Balanced College Application List

Understand and Know Application Deadlines

Common App

Direct Application

HOW DO STUDENTS APPLY?

• Saves you time by allowing you to apply to multiple schools for free
• It is a website but you can also download the app
• You MUST connect with your Common App with Xello

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• Apply using the schools specific application
• Good if you have a small list of schools or they are NOT on the Common app
• You need to MANUALLY add each school to Xello

APPLICATIONS OPENS AUGUST 1ST OF SENIOR YEAR

4-Year College Admissions:

Primary & Secondary Factors

• Primary factors (called your Profile): put you “in the running” for certain schools
• Your numbers: GPA & Test Score (ACT or SAT)
• About 60-70% of the admissions decision

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• Secondary factors: can “tip the scales,” positively or negatively
• The other pieces of you reflected on your application:
• Essay(s)
• Co-curricular activities
• Leadership roles
• Letters of recommendation
• The other 30-40% of the admissions decision

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PSAT

(10th & 11th Grade only)

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• The PSAT is an optional standardized test for 10th and 11th graders who

are thinking about attending a 4 year college.

• 10th graders take it as practice (in preparation for the SAT/ACT)
• 11th graders take it to potentially qualify for merit based scholarships ie. National Merit Scholarship
• Full length practice tests are available in the Blue Book app on the chromebook, college board website or Khan academy
• Deadline to sign up is October 9th.

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Total credits needed to graduate: 21.5 credits minimum

1 Quarter = .25 credits

GRADUATING FROM HIGH SCHOOL �vs�BEING PREPARED FOR A 4-YEAR COLLEGE

• English – 4 years
• Math – 3 years
• Science – 3 years
• Social Studies – 4 years
• Fine Arts-1 year
• Health/PE
• Personal Finance
• Electives
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• English – 4 yrs
• Math – 4 yrs
• Science – 4yrs
• Social Studies – 4yrs
• World Language – at least 2 yrs
• Fine Art (optional)
• Extra Curricular Activities
• ACT Score (optional)
• Show interest (tours, talking with college reps, etc.)
• Taking advance courses (IB/AP, PSEO)

Minimum you need to graduate from HS

Recommended for College

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PREPARE ACADEMICALLY FOR COLLEGES?

• World Language Courses
• Challenging Courses
• Advanced Placement (AP)
• International Baccalaureate (IB)
• College In the Schools (CIS)
• Career Technical Education (CTE)
• Post Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO)
• Join a college access program
• Develop good Study Habits

WHAT CAN I DO OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL TO PREPARE FOR COLLEGE?

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GET INVOLVED

• Clubs
• Volunteering
• Fine and Performing Arts
• Leadership Opportunities
• Athletic Activities
• Community Organizations

• Colleges want to see what your interests are join a Sport/Club/Activity that reflects that
• More years in that organization the better!

Direct Admissions

Minnesota Department of Higher Education partners with High Schools to help seniors access college.

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• Students are put into tiers based on 11th grade Quarter 4 GPA
• They will be accepted into any colleges that is in their tier or below

• Seniors in the fall will complete a survey indicating what schools they are interested in
• Colleges will email seniors with next steps
• Seniors still need to apply to their direct admission schools but it might be a shorter application

• All participating colleges and universities waive application fees as part of the Direct Admissions program
• Over 50 minnesota colleges participate including 2-year and 4 year colleges
• Here is a list of participating schools & colleges

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Resources

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• MN Goes to College: College Planning Workbook

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• U of M Net Price Calculator

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College and Career

Coordinators

Ms. Kelly

Ms. Nicole

Upcoming Events

October College Rep Visits

CCC Visits

• Tue, Oct 6th Swarthmore College (PA) @ 9:45 AM
• Tue, Oct 6th University of Puget Sound (Washington) @ 1:00 PM
• Wed, Oct 7th Loyola University (IL) @ 9:45 AM
• Thur, Oct 8th Northwestern University (IL) @ 9:45 AM

• Thur, Oct 8th Normandale Community College @1:00pm
• Tue, Oct 13th St. John's & St. Benedict University @ 9:45 AM
• Tue, Oct 13th Macalester College @1:00 PM
• Tue, Oct 27th Drake University (IA) @ 9:45 AM
• Thur, Oct 29th St. Olaf College @1:00 PM

Project Success Field Trips

• Free
• Transportation provided just drop the student off at Project Success or designated school location
• Sign up: https://www.projectsuccess.org/register/college-career-tours/

Roosevelt College Access Network

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College Prep/Coaching

• College Possible
• 11th and 12th grade
• EY
• 11th and 12th grade
• TRIO Upward Bound
• 9th and 10th graders

Paid Internship Type Programs

• Step Up
• Genesys Works
• Lake Street Works

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Virtual Sessions

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Interpreters are available in Hmong, Spanish, Somali.

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Visit https://ecmc.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_O3_2BZsLTdO55zQuH-nMJg#/registration for more information and to register

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Final Questions?

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