KnowHow2GO TO COLLEGE FOR 7 TH AND 8 TH GRADE STUDENTS
PUT YOUR HANDS ON SOME CASH.
FIND THE RIGHT FIT. Explore career and college options.
PUSH YOURSELF. Give your best effort at school.
Learn how to save and pay for college.
FIND THE RIGHT FIT As you explore future career and college options that fit your interests and skills, keep in mind that nearly 70% of jobs require education beyond high school. These education options include:
COMMUNITY COLLEGES (2-year) Offer associate degrees, certificates,& diplomas. List examples of these colleges:
COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES (4-year) Offer bachelor’s, master’s, & doctorate degrees. List examples of these colleges:
OTHER EDUCATION OPTIONS Career/Trade Schools offer certificates & diplomas. Examples: cosmetology, massage therapy. Apprenticeships provide on-the-job training with an employer. Examples: electrician, coder, mechanic. Military service
Before you pick a college, you should know your career path. What careers have you thought about?
GET A REALITY CHECK See which careers can support your future desired lifestyle. Visit eqf.org/RltyChk
1
EXAMPLES OF CAREERS IN EACH FIELD . Check the careers that interest you.
Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources
Communication & Information Systems
Associate degree
Bachelor’s degree Food scientist Zookeeper Game warden
Business, Marketing & Management
Farm equipment service mechanic Rancher Farmer
Associate degree
Computer support specialist Fashion designer Artist
Associate degree Chef or baker
R E
Human resources assistant Travel agent
A L
Bachelor’s degree
A
Software developer Broadcaster Video game designer
Bachelor’s degree Operations manager Accountant Event planner
Skilled & Technical Sciences
Human Sciences & Education
Associate degree Electrician Plumber Truck driver Bachelor’s degree Engineer Construction manager Meteorologist
S
Associate degree
Preschool teacher Police officer Hair stylist
Health Sciences
Bachelor’s degree Teacher Social worker Interpreter
Associate degree
Bachelor’s degree
Licensed practical nurse (LPN) Emergency medical technician (EMT) Dental assistant
Speech language pathologist Dietitian Registered nurse
HERE’S HOW TO EXPLORE CAREERS
Complete a career interest inventory: visit MyNextMove.org .
Dive into your interests: start a blog, code a program, grow a garden, capture photos.
Job shadow: spend a few hours at work with someone in a career that interests you.
2
To prepare for college, give your best effort at school. PUSH YOURSELF
GPA Matters! Your academic performance determines your GPA. Each grade you get has a point value: A = 4.0 B= 3.0 C = 2.0
REPORT CARD
Calculate this student’s GPA.
Grade Points
Math
B A
Total points ÷ Total classes = GPA
3.0
English Science
B
Social Studies
B
Spanish
C Total
Many scholarships require a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Would you qualify? If yes, keep doing what you’re doing to prepare to earn scholarships! If no, it’s time to improve your GPA.
3
How can you improve your GPA? Build habits to be a successful student! Check your current study and organizational habits: I use a planner to write down assignments for each class. I turn off distractions like text notifications or videos when doing homework. I take short breaks, like five minutes every half hour. I don’t wait until the last minute to take care of schoolwork. I ask my teacher for help when I’m struggling with classwork.
Study Tip Use flashcards to quiz yourself. Write a question on one side of an index card, and the answer on the other. For example:
If any boxes are unchecked, try adding them to your routine.
Visit EducationQuest online!
Time to create SMART goals to help you succeed! Visit eqf.org/514060
Find a caring adult to guide you. Identify who you could “Ask for Help.” Visit eqf.org/336950
4
PUT YOUR HANDS ON SOME CASH. Now that you know how to prepare for college, it’s time to learn how to save and pay for it.
Start with SAVING .
Find ways to earn money! Walk dogs, babysit, mow lawns, and get a part-time job in high school. How could you earn some cash?
When you earn or get gift money save some for college!
DO THE MATH. SEE HOW DAILY SNACKS ADD UP. $5 coffee, pop, or snacks X 7 DAYS X 4 WEEKS X 12 MONTHS WEEKLY TOTAL MONTHLY TOTAL YEARLY TOTAL Save even more by being thoughtful with how you spend.
Not all savings accounts are created equal. NEST 529 college savings plans can earn more than a typical savings account .
Visit NEST529.com
Tuition & Fees Cost for classes and to use campus resources
2-Year Community College $3,500
4-Year Public College $9,000
4-Year Private College $30,000
Books & Supplies $1,300
Housing & Food $9,000
5
Learn about financial aid. Financial aid is money you earn or qualify for to help you pay for college.
Prepare for scholarships by earning good grades, getting involved, and volunteering.
What are some options to volunteer in your community?
What are some activities you might pursue in high school?
You can apply for grants, work study, and student loans by completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) in 12th grade.
Draw arrows to match the type of financial aid to the scenario described.
Scholarship Grant Work-study Student loan
You work at the college cafeteria to help pay tuition.
You apply for and win an award because of your good grades. You complete the FAFSA and receive gift money to attend college. You borrow money for college that you will have to pay back.
Visit EducationQuest online!
Visit eqf.org/197166 Apply for your first scholarship!
Visit eqf.org/489565 Unlock the keys to find ways to pay for college.
6
EDUCATIONQUEST CAN HELP YOU START YOUR JOURNEY TO COLLEGE.
We’re a nonprofit organization that provides FREE services and programs for Nebraska students and families including: • College-prep information and tools at EducationQuest.org . • One-on-one help at college planning offices in Omaha, Lincoln, Kearney, and Scottsbluff. • Outreach services for community agency clients. • Statewide efforts such as college fairs, financial aid programs, and the Apply2College campaign. • Look2College, KnowHow2GO, and Exploring College programs for younger students.
We also provide need-based scholarships for students referred by colleges or community agencies and award College Access Grants to Nebraska high schools.
FOR FREE HELP WITH COLLEGE PLANNING, CONTACT THE LOCATION NEAREST YOU.
OMAHA Rockbrook Village
LINCOLN 1300 O St. 402.475.5222
KEARNEY 2706 Second Ave. 308.234.6310
SCOTTSBLUFF 1601 E 27th St. 308.708.7199
11031 Elm St. 402.391.4033
EducationQuest.org
©2023 EducationQuest Foundation, Inc.
0823
Powered by FlippingBook