What should a college plan look like?
To celebrate College Liftoff’s two-year anniversary, we’re answering over a dozen of the most common college planning questions. You can submit your question to writingcenter@collegeliftoff.org.
Q: What should a college plan look like?
Aaron Greene‘s answer:
1. Career Choice(s)
When you begin your junior year of high school, starting seriously exploring careers. Shadow people in an assortment of professions. What type of work do you like doing? What motivates you? Do you like the excitement of huge companies or the agility of small ones? What are the most glamorous parts of the job – and what do they really entail?
Understand what your first three years on the job will entail. Check out our career interviews for ideas!
2. Best Academic Match
Find schools that fit your learning style and your career choice.
If you’re studying business, design, nursing or engineering, find the top-ranked academic programs and explore each school. Visit at least five campuses before you apply. (Check back later this month — we’ll post the secrets of good college visits).
If you’re studying the sciences, education or liberal arts, you’ll probably need at least a Master’s degree to secure a good job. First, research the top graduate programs in your field — then look for an undergraduate program that can help you get there academically and financially.
As you create a list of your top schools, make sure they have plenty of extra-curricular activities, leadership opportunities and internship placement programs that interest you. You’ll be creating a whole new family when you go to college. Visit your top schools several times. If you don’t feel comfortable there, don’t go – no matter what they offer you financially!
3. Financing
Study each school’s internal financial structure. Find out which universities are really worth the price. Ignore the sticker price of tuition. What you need is the average financial aid package and the average student debt. That tells you how truly expensive or inexpensive the college will be.
Next, look for outside money through scholarships and grants. These won’t fund your entire education, but they provide excellent supplemental help and they look fantastic on your résumé.
Find yourself an on-campus job. These positions reduce your costs while you’re in school, help you avoid additional high-interest loans, provide networking opportunities throughout the university and give you real-world work experience.
Student Loans: Your loans should never exceed 50% of your anticipated starting salary. Ex: If you’ll be an accountant making $32,000 after graduation, don’t take out more than $16,000 in loans. Trust me.
Overall ~ you want a school that fits your career choice, fits your life & learning style, and offers you a good return on investment.
Questions? Conundrums? Need help? Email Aaron@CollegeLiftoff.org!