Yes SICAN

“You’ll gain greater understanding and skills to help you be successful in our complex world.”

• College enables you to…
• Expand your knowledge and skills
• Express your thoughts clearly in speech and in writing
• Grasp abstract concepts and theories
• Increase your understanding of the world and your community
• Gain more financial security

“You’ll find a greater range and number of job opportunities.”

• In our changing world, more and more jobs require education beyond high school. College graduates have more jobs from which to choose than those who don't pursue education beyond high school.

“You’ll earn more money—a lot more.”

• A person who goes to college usually earns more than a person who doesn't. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, on average, someone with a bachelor's degree earns $51,206—almost double the $27,915 earned annually by someone with only a high school diploma.

Step One
Start saving money as early as possible to help pay for your teen’s education.

Step Two
Encourage your teen to make high school count because it prepares him or her academically for higher education.

Step Three
Discuss skills, interests, career options, and potential colleges with your teen.

Step Four
Meet with the high school guidance counselor to determine what schools match your teen’s academic abilities.

Step Five
Gather information about the schools your teen is interested in attending, including information on financial aid.
Learn More about the College Selection Process

Step Six
Take your teen to visit a college campus and ask the right questions.

Step Seven
Help your teen apply for college admission and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Step Eight
Consider scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. Complete any necessary applications or forms and submit them before the deadline.

Step Nine
Consider the loan programs available to you and your teen.

Step Ten
Learn more about tax credits, deductions, and other considerations for education expenses.

The best reason to visit a college campus is to get a personal feeling for the quality of education being offered there. While on a campus visit, you and your teen should ask questions that will reveal a school’s level of commitment to providing the best educational environment and a picture of the daily campus life. The questions that follow can help:

Academics
Challenging intellectual and creative work is central to maintaining a quality learning environment.

• To what degree is studying and spending time on academic work emphasized?
• Does the faculty hold students to high standards?
• How much time do students spend on homework each week?
• How much writing is expected?
• How much reading is expected?

Learning Environment
Students learn more when they are directly involved in their education and have opportunities to collaborate with others in solving problems and mastering difficult material.

• How often do students discuss ideas in class?
• How often are topics from class discussed outside of the classroom?
• Do students work together on projects, both inside and outside of class?
• How often do students make class presentations?
• How many students participate in community-based projects in regular courses?
• How many students apply their classroom learning to real life through internships or off-campus field experiences?
• Do students have opportunities to tutor or teach other students?

Student-Faculty Interaction
In general, the more contact students have with their teachers, the better. Working with a professor on a research project or serving with faculty members on a college committee or community organization lets students see firsthand how experts identify and solve practical problems.

• Are faculty members accessible and supportive?
• How many students work on research projects with faculty?
• Do students receive prompt feedback on academic performance?
• How often do students talk with their teachers about what they are learning in class?
• How often do students talk with advisors or faculty members about their career plans?
• Do students and faculty members work together on committees and projects outside of coursework?

Enrichment Opportunities
Educationally superior colleges offer a variety of learning opportunities inside and outside the classroom that complement the goals of the academic program. One of the most important opportunities is exposure to students and faculty from diverse backgrounds.

• What types of honors courses, learning communities, and other distinctive programs are offered?
• In what ways does the faculty use technology during class?
• How often do students interact with peers with different social, political, or religious views?
• How often do students interact with peers from different racial or ethnic backgrounds?
• How many students enrolled at this college study in other countries?
• Do students participate in activities that enhance their spirituality?
• What is the percentage of students who perform volunteer community service?
• What kinds of activities are students involved in outside of the classroom?
• What kinds of events does the campus sponsor?
• Is a culminating senior-year experience required?

Campus Environment
Students perform better and are more satisfied at colleges that are committed to student success and that cultivate positive working and social relationships among different groups on campus.

• How well do students get along with other students?
• Are students satisfied with their overall educational experience?
• How much time do students devote to co-curricular activities?
• How well do students get along with administrators and staff?

To what extent does the school help students meet their academic and social needs?