College and career planning information for 9th & 10th-grade students.
EXPLORING COLLEGE FOR FRESHMEN & SOPHOMORES
WELCOME TO YOUR COLLEGE JOURNEY!
College isn’t one size fits all. It’s about finding the education path that works best for you. Here are the main options to explore. WHAT DOES “COLLEGE” MEAN TO YOU? Now that you’re in high school, it’s time to start thinking about your future. What type of career do you want? What education will get you there? Take the first step by exploring your options and setting small goals. The choices you make today will help shape your future. COMMUNITY COLLEGES (2-YEAR) Earn a certificate, diploma, or associate degree, or transfer to a four-year school. Examples include programs in dental hygiene, welding, electrical work, and nursing.
COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES (4-YEAR) Earn a bachelor’s degree with options to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree. Examples include programs in accounting, education, engineering, business, and computer science.
CAREER AND TRADE SCHOOLS Earn a diploma or certificate while training for specific trades, such as healthcare, cosmetology, or skilled labor.
APPRENTICESHIPS & THE MILITARY These options provide valuable education and real-world experience.
FIND SUPPORT You don’t have to plan for college on your own. Build a support network! TALK TO SOMEONE WHO KNOWS YOU WELL - a parent, family member, teacher, or mentor. MAKE YOUR SCHOOL COUNSELOR A GO-TO RESOURCE. Ask questions about classes to take, activities to get involved in, and careers to explore. NEXT STEP Schedule a meeting with your counselor to talk about your goals.
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LEVEL UP YOUR COURSEWORK
4 YEARS OF ENGLISH : Focus on reading comprehension and writing skills. 4 YEARS OF MATH : Include Algebra I, geometry, and Algebra II (or higher-level math). 3 YEARS OF SOCIAL SCIENCE : Take American or World History, government, or geography. 3 YEARS OF NATURAL SCIENCE : Include biology, chemistry, and at least one lab-based class. 2-4 YEARS OF THE SAME WORLD LANGUAGE: Many colleges require at least two years.
NEXT STEP Use your school’s course guide to plan next year’s schedule.
BOOST YOUR STUDY SKILLS Your high school grades are a big part of your college application, so now’s the time to develop strong study habits. STAY ORGANIZED. Use a planner, app, or notebook to track assignments and deadlines. SET UP A STUDY ROUTINE. Find a distraction- free space and stick to a regular schedule. ASK FOR HELP WHEN NEEDED. If you’re struggling with a subject, talk to your teacher or form a study group. REVIEW OFTEN. Don’t wait until the night before a test—small, regular study sessions are more effective. SET GOALS. Focus on improving your GPA one step at a time. NEXT STEP Try one of these strategies to see what works best for you.
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FIND YOUR PATH Choosing a career and college starts with understanding what excites and motivates you. Here’s how to take the first steps toward finding the right fit.
EXPLORE YOUR INTERESTS Think about the activities and classes you enjoy. These clues can help you uncover potential careers. WHAT DO YOU LOVE DOING IN YOUR FREE TIME? Do you enjoy creating art, fixing things, helping others, or solving problems? WHAT SCHOOL SUBJECTS MAKE YOU CURIOUS? Classes in science, history, or technology can point to exciting careers. ACTIVITY Write down two activities and classes you enjoy. Use them as a starting point to explore career options and create an Activities Resume at eqf.org/ActResume . MATCH YOUR INTERESTS WITH CAREERS Now that you know your interests, explore these websites to find careers that fit. MYNEXTMOVE.ORG: Take the O*NET Interest Profiler to find careers that align with your skills and interests. NOW, NEXT, LATER CAREER LADDERS: Learn about career paths from the Nebraska Department of Labor and how you can grow in specific industries. NEXT STEP Choose one career that interests you and research its education and skill requirements.
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CREATE YOUR CAREER PLAN It’s never too early to map out your future! Follow these steps to get started. 1. PICK A CAREER TO EXPLORE. What’s the job title? What does a typical day look like? 2. LEARN WHAT IT TAKES. Research the knowledge, skills, and education required. 3. PLAN YOUR NEXT STEPS. Write down one thing you can do this year to prepare for that career—like taking a specific class, joining a related club, or job shadowing. ACTIVITY Use the career plan template to record your findings.
CAREER PLAN
JOB TITLE:
JOB DESCRIPTION:
KNOWLEDGE:
SKILLS:
ABILITIES:
PERSONALITY:
TECHNOLOGY:
EDUCATION:
Find out more at mynextmove.org by using the Search Careers option.
GET A REALITY CHECK Dreaming about your future is exciting, but it’s also important to be practical. Find out how much it will cost to live your dream life. REALITY CHECK at eqf.org/RltyChk Discover the cost of living and whether your dream career can support your goals. NEXT STEP Compare the salary of your chosen career with the lifestyle you want. If there’s a gap, think about how to adjust your plan.
RESEARCH COLLEGES Once you’ve explored careers, look for colleges that can help you reach your goals. COLLEGE PROFILES at eqf.org/ClgProfiles Find details about colleges nationwide. VISIT CAMPUSES: Tour colleges to get a feel for their environment. Many schools host summer camps or group visits. ACTIVITY Visit the websites of several colleges with programs that match your career interests.
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EXPLORE HOW TO PAY FOR COLLEGE
UNDERSTAND COLLEGE COSTS College is an investment in your future, but understanding the costs can help you plan better. Here’s what to expect. TUITION AND FEES: The price of classes and other academic expenses. BOOKS AND SUPPLIES: Costs for textbooks, software, or program materials. HOUSING AND FOOD: Whether you live on campus or commute, you’ll need a place to stay and meals to eat. PERSONAL & TRANSPORTATION: Budget for miscellaneous costs like gas money and pizza. ACTIVITY Use the College Profiles tool at eqf.org/ClgProfiles to compare costs for your top college choices.
KNOW THE TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID
When you’re a senior, you’ll complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine how much financial aid you’re eligible to receive. Financial aid comes in these forms. SCHOLARSHIPS: Money you don’t have to pay back. GRANTS: Need-based funds that don’t require repayment. WORK-STUDY: A part-time job on campus to help cover personal expenses. LOANS: Borrowed money that you’ll repay with interest after college. ACTIVITY Start exploring scholarship opportunities now to learn what it takes to qualify.
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EARN SCHOLARSHIPS While most scholarships are for juniors and seniors, there are steps you can take now to prepare. DO YOUR BEST IN SCHOOL. Many scholarships are awarded based on GPA, ACT/SAT scores, or class rank. GET INVOLVED. Join clubs, play sports, volunteer, or participate in music and fine arts. Leadership roles can make you stand out even more. TRACK YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS. Use the Activities Resume tool at eqf.org/ActResume to document your involvement and accomplishments throughout high school. ACTIVITY List one activity you’d like to try this year and one area where you can take on a leadership role.
SAVE FOR COLLEGE Saving money now can make a big difference later. Here are a few tips to get started. SAVE GIFT MONEY. Set aside part of your birthday or holiday cash. GET A PART-TIME JOB. Save a portion of your earnings for future expenses. ASK ABOUT COLLEGE SAVINGS PLANS. Talk to your parents about options like the Nebraska Educational Savings Trust at nest529.com . NEXT STEP Set a savings goal for the year. Even small contributions add up over time!
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ESTIMATE YOUR COSTS Get a better idea of how much college will cost by creating a budget. Visit College Profiles at eqf.org/ClgProfiles to compare costs for different schools. Record your estimated tuition & fees, books & supplies, housing & food, and personal & transportation expenses. T hink about ways to lower costs, such as living at home or attending a community college for two years before transferring. ACTIVITY Fill out this sample budget for your top college choice. 3 2 1
TUITION & FEES
BOOKS & SUPPLIES
HOUSING & FOOD
PERSONAL & TRANSPORTATION
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YOUR COLLEGE JOURNEY STARTS WITH EDUCATIONQUEST
EducationQuest is here to guide Nebraska students and families every step of the way. Our FREE services make college planning easier, more accessible, and less stressful.
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ONE-ON-ONE SUPPORT: Get personalized guidance at our offices in Omaha, Lincoln, Kearney, and Scottsbluff.
FREE COLLEGE PLANNING TOOLS: From scholarship searches to reality checks, find everything you need at EducationQuest.org .
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STATEWIDE EVENTS: Join us at college fairs, financial aid programs, and Apply2College events.
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