Get Ready for College - K-8 Parent Presentation
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The more you save, the less
you'll have to borrow
MN College Savings Plan
- 529 Plan
Visit: www.mnsaves.org
for more information
PSEO
CIS
AP
IB
Visit: readysetgo.state.mn.us
ROTC
Americorps
Peacecorps
Thank you!!!
For more information, to request material or request another presentation in your area, please contact:
Jessica Larson
MN Office of Higher Education
651-259-3966
jessica.larson@state.mn.us
www.iseek.org
www.ohe.state.mn.us
Search for Schools
Search for Degrees
Search for Jobs
Students and Families
On-line applications
Financial aid estimator
Tuition & fees for 5-state area
Institutional Scholarships for all of MN
Preparing, selecting and paying for college
Helpful Resources
Get Ready for College
College financial aid and admissions administrators know best!!
Questions on federal aid programs and application process (800) 433-3243
www.studentaid.ed.gov
Office of Higher Education financial aid staff
(651) 642-0567 or (800) 657-3866
www.ohe.state.mn.us
2-Year Colleges
Explore
Community and Tribal Colleges
Technical Colleges
- Provide first 2 years of a 4-year degree
- Students often transfer to a 4-year institution to complete a bachelor's degree
- Also offer career specific training for professionals
- Students can receive - Certificates, Diplomas, Associates Degrees
- Offer programs that emphasize hands on skills
- Students often go right into careers in technical or industrial fields
- Work with local employers to make sure students get the skills they need
- Instructors are also often professionals in their field
- Students can earn - Certificates, Diplomas, Associates Degrees
-Don't wait for the high school field trip to visit a college
- Help your student learn how to network and set up job shadows
- Talk with your student about careers that they may not think of and investigate types of degrees needed for those jobs
What parents of young students need to know to help them be ready for higher education
Get Involved!
What are the different types of colleges?
What can I be thinking about now?
-Help your student create and keep track of a planner
-Encourage your student to get good grades, try out for the play, join the choir, sit on the committee, join a sport.
- Activities = Connections = Scholarships
-Encourage your student to build healthy relationships with other trusted adults in their community.
- These will come in handy when it's time to get letters of recommendation!
4-Year Colleges and Universities
- Can be Public or Private
- Usually have on-campus housing
- Offer a wide range of majors
- Offer a wide range of athletic programs as well as programs in the arts such as music and theater
- Students must meet certain requirements to be accepted
- Degrees take at least 4 years to complete
- Students can receive - Bachelors Degree, Masters Degree and Professional or Doctoral Degrees
Things to think about....
START EARLY! No matter how old your student is, it is never too early to begin planning for college and talking with your student about it.
BE CLEAR! Clearly communicate your expectations to your student about his/her behavior and performance in school.
TALK! Have frequent conversations with your student about his/her schoolwork, goals, dreams and the importance of education.
ENCOURAGE! Encourage your student to try new activities, volunteer in the community and succeed in school.
Other Ways to Pay/Save
Savings
Dual Credit
MN Dream Act
Loans
www.ohe.state.mn.us/mndreamact
Community Service
& Military
Eligible For
Requirements
In-state tuition rates at MnSCU and University of MN campuses
State financial aid programs
Privately-funded scholarships administered by MnSCU or U of M campuses
Attend a MN high school for at least 3 years
Graduate from a MN high school or earn a GED in MN
If male, complied with Selective Service registration requirements
Borrowed money from the government or private lenders that must be paid back with interest
Government Loans vs. Private Loans
Stafford Loan, Direct Loans
www.selfloan.org
Work Study
Scholarships
Money funded by the government that must be earned by working a part-time job on or off campus
Jobs can sometimes provide experience in your field of study
Free money awarded for special talents, grades, cultural or religious backgrounds etc.
Do not have to be repaid
Visit: www.fastweb.com to search for scholarships or
www.ohe.state.mn.us to view institutional scholarships offered at each college
Grants
Free money from the government and from colleges awarded based on need ie: Pell, MN State Grant, college grant money
Does not have to be repaid
Why go to college??
College graduates typically…
Earn more money
Have better health care coverage
Have safer working conditions
Financial Aid
Why go to college??
Includes:
Grants
Scholarships
Work Study
Loans
College graduates are MORE likely to…
Own a home
Have children who also go to college
Be active members of their community
Have a plan for retirement