The Great College Mystery!

Journey to Your Dreams

 What Is Get Ready
All About?
Get Ready gives students and their families information about colleges and careers. The web below
shows the different ways Get Ready shares this information. See if you can figure out what each picture
represents and then write it on the line.

Eddie

Activities with this symbol meet at least one of the Minnesota academic standards for reading, writing and math.
 What Is It All About?
Does going to college seem like a mystery to you?
It doesn’t have to be.
It takes planning and money to get a college education. However, if you start preparing now, you can go
to any kind of college you want!
In order to go to college, you’ll need to discover the answers to important questions like these:

How can
college h
elp me?
por tant?
le g e so i m What
hy is col
W I classe
t take s shou
iffe re n in high s ld
e the d chool?
ar s?
What s of college
type

What’ ollege?
s the p into c
t
a highe rice of ge
r educ tt How do I ge
ation? ing
pay for my
I
How will ducation?
higher e
“Postsecondary” or “higher education” refers to any education after high school. 1
Let’s Meet Our Cast of Characters:
Hi, I’m Marcus. I want to be a Hi, I’m Ilhan. I like reading, writing, talking with
middle school teacher.
arcus my friends and meeting new
That means I’ll have M people. My favorite subjects
to go to college for hl an are social studies and

I
four years. I like language arts. I want to
learning new be a newspaper
things, especially in reporter, where I could
science. As a learn a lot and share
teacher, I’ll be able information with other
to help kids every people. I will go to a
day and be a good four-year college to
role model. study journalism.

Hi, I’m Maylee. I love animals Hi, I’m Angela. I love plants and
and want to be a flowers, and would like to
veterinarian. I have a yle
e
ngela be a florist, so I will go to
A
Ma

dog and a cat now, a technical college for

and I take good two years. I would like
care of them. My to start my own flower
favorite subjects in shop. I’m good at
school are science math and art. I’m
and math. I will go organized, even when
to a four-year I’m busy, and I love
college, and then to meeting new people.
veterinary school for
another four years.
Hi, I’m Chris. I want to be an
s artist, because I love
Hi, I’m Peter. I want to become a landscape
hri drawing, acting and
C

architect, so I can make building different

beautiful parks and r kinds of sculptures.
gardens. I love ete I’m creative and
P

building things and outgoing, and I like

being outdoors, so trying new things. I
this job would be will probably go to a
fun for me. I’ll go four-year art college,
to a two-year school where I will gain
to learn more about experience and learn more
plants and design. about different types of art.
Then I will transfer to
a four-year school.

2 There are more than 170 public and private colleges in Minnesota.
Hi, I’m Nou. I am ou Hi, I’m Eddie. I went to a

N
a college student ie community college for
studying to be a dd two years to learn how to

E
civil engineer at a run my own business.
four-year college. Now, I own a gas station.
That means I’ll I like visiting with my
learn ways to help customers when they
build a bigger and come in, and I feel I’m
better place for all part of my community.
of us to live. I have a I also like riding my bike
work-study job as a tutor, Eddi
and playing baseball.
and will have an internship over the summer.
I love to travel and see different places.
irard Hi, I’m Mrs. Girard. I’m a school
rs. G librarian. I had to go to
Hi, I’m Tommy. I’m an
M college for six years to
Education Liaison with my become a librarian. Now
the Get Ready om I enjoy helping students
T

program. I went to a do research and select

community college books. I love to read and
for two years and I also like working on
then transferred to a the computer. In a library,
university for two there is always something
years to get my new to learn.
bachelor’s degree in
psychology, which took
r
a total of four years of rucke Hi, I’m Ms. Drucker. I went
higher education. I love .s D to college for four years,
working with kids and helping them set goals M and then to graduate
for their future. I also like listening to music, school for two more
watching movies and playing soccer. years to earn my
master’s degree.
Now, I’m a school
Hi, I’m Ms. Jackson. I always counselor, and I enjoy
wanted to be a teacher Ja ckson meeting with students
s .
because I love working every day. I also like
M

with children, and I hiking and photography.

always get to learn new
things. I went to a
four-year college, and
then became a fifth
grade teacher. I also
like to play the piano,
go canoeing and travel
with my family.

College graduates are more likely to have Internet access than those with only a high school education. 3
Benefits of College

Why Is College Important?

Ms. Jackson: College
helps people every day, in
many different ways.
Peter: I’d never Can you think
thought about of ways college
college. I had a might help you?
million questions,
so I went to Peter: All teachers need a
my teacher, college education, so I knew
Ms. Jackson, for that she’d be able to help me.
some answers. I explained that when I get older
I want to get a job where I can
work with plants. I wanted to
know if college would help
me do that.

What are some ways that college can improve your life?

List three ways going to college would affect List three ways you can give back to your community
your career: with a college education:
1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

List three ways going to college would affect the In your own words, write two to three sentences
way you live: that summarize the ideas on this page:
1.

2.

3.

List three new experiences you might gain by going

to college:
1.

2.

3.

4 More college graduates use computers on the job than high school graduates.
 Benefits of College

College Helps You Explore Careers

Maylee’s older cousin, Nou, is Nou: There are many reasons to go to college,
e
ayle studying to become a civil but one of the most important reasons is that
M engineer at Tri-City College. you can explore different careers.
Maylee figured her cousin
Maylee: What do
would be a good source
of information about
you mean? ou

N
college, so she decided Nou: Well, take a house
to pay Nou a visit. for example. Have you
ever thought about
Maylee: Why should I go
how many different
to college?
careers it takes to build
a house?

Help Maylee and Nou list as many jobs as possible for each stage of
building a house.
Engineers Cabinetmakers

Carpenters Roofers

In your own words, what is the main idea of this activity? _______________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

About 66 percent of all Minnesota high school graduates attend college the fall after graduating. 5
Benefits of College

Show Me the Money! y

Maylee shared what she had & Tomm Tommy: Exactly, no matter what you
s
discovered about careers a rcu want to be, having a college
with Marcus. They M education can really help you.

,
lee
decided to talk with There’s another area college
Tommy for more May can really help.
information.
Maylee: What’s that?
Marcus: I never realized
Tommy: Going to college can
that college could help
help you live the lifestyle you
me prepare for a career!
want to live when you become
an adult. Let’s do some math so
you can see what I mean.

Does it pay to go to college?

Pretend that you’re an adult. You will need a place to live, food, clothing and other costs (doctor bills,
electricity, heat, furniture). This is called the cost of living. It’s about $1,000 a month. Subtract this cost
from the different levels of income. Then, subtract the costs of the other things you want to purchase.
Less than High High School College
School Education Education Education

What will your monthly income be? $ 1,300 $ 2,100 $ 4,100

The cost of living for a month – 1,000 – 1,000 – 1,000
How much money will you have left over? $______ $______ $______
Deposit in savings account: – _____ – _____ – _____
How much money will you have left over? $______ $______ $______
What do you want to buy? ___________________ Cost: – _____ – _____ – _____
How much money will you have left over? $______ $______ $______
What do you want to buy? ___________________ Cost: – _____ – _____ – _____
How much money will you have left over? $______ $______ $______
What do you want to buy? ___________________ Cost: – _____ – _____ – _____
How much money will you have left over? $______ $______ $______
Examples of what things cost:
CDs $15, tennis shoes $100, video game $50, bike $150, car payment $200, pet food $30, inline skates $200,
new clothes $70, night out with your friends $20, sports equipment $100, books $10, 24 pack of pop $5,
bus pass $50.
What are the advantages of having more education? _____________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________

6 College graduates have higher incomes and are less likely to be unemployed than people with only a high school diploma.
 Benefits of College

College = New Experiences

is
Chr The next week, Nou
left a message at
Chris: What are some other things we can explore
in college?
&
ackson
ee

Maylee’s house
Ms. Jackson: Well, s. J
May l

asking if she M
you will have the
and Chris
opportunity to
wanted to go
experience a variety
to a musical
of activities. Some will
with her at her
help you decide what
college. Maylee
you want to be when
didn’t know what
you grow up. Others
that meant, so she
will help you learn more
decided to talk to Ms. Jackson.
about yourself and the
Maylee: What is a musical? community in which you live.
You may also have the opportunity to visit other
Ms. Jackson: A musical is a play set to music. A
communities and even other countries.
musical is only one of the many new experiences
that you may have when you go to college.

Let’s investigate some of the new experiences you may have at college.
Below are some activities that you may participate in when you go to college. Check the boxes of activities
that interest you. If you have time, learn more about these activities by going on the Internet or talking
with your mentor.

Visit a foreign country Attend a dance recital Make a new friend and learn
Study in another country Attend an orchestral concert about his or her culture
Attend a sporting event that you Volunteer for a program that Live in a dormitory
have never seen live before helps the community Join a cultural club
Help write the school newspaper Join a chess club Join a religious group
Play intramural sports Join the debate team Join a language club
Attend an opera Work on campus to make some Join a fraternity or sorority
Attend a musical extra spending money Join a performing hip-hop group

Can you think of any other experiences that you would like to have in college?

What are two questions you have about college after completing this page?

Q. ______________________________________________ Q. ________________________________________________

______________________________________________ _________________________________________________

A. ______________________________________________ A. ________________________________________________

______________________________________________ _________________________________________________

Colleges graduates are more likely to exercise and/or play sports regularly than those with only a high school education. 7
Benefits of College

Give Back to Your Community

s
hri
C

Chris: Maylee explained some of the benefits of going to college. We can

explore different careers, experience new things and live the lifestyle we
want to have. Ms. Jackson also told me that if I went to college, I would be
able to give back to my community.

What do you think it means to give back to the community? ______________

_______________________________________________________________________

ie
dd
E

Eddie: There are many ways to give back to the community. For example,
I could host a community car wash fund-raiser or give free gas to needy
families. There are so many things you can do now and while you are in
college to start giving back to your community.

What can you do now to begin giving back to your community?___________

Eddi
_______________________________________________________________________

Eddie: Giving back to the community helps you learn more about the people in your community.
Another benefit of community work is that colleges appreciate students who have taken the time
to help others. That means that doing community work may help you get into college.

List a few examples of projects you could plan to help your classroom or school.____________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________

Choose one of the projects you listed above and plan how you would
make it happen.
Which project are you going to plan? ______________________________________________________

Step 1: Step 6:

Step 2: Step 7:

Step 3: Step 8:

Step 4: Step 9:

Step 5: Step 10:

8 College graduates volunteer more in their communities than those with only a high school education.
 Benefits of College

Learn From a College Graduate

Peter: Maylee and Marcus told me about the many benefits
uter of going to college, but I still had some questions. I decided
e comp to write Ms. Jackson a letter to get more answers.
h
nt
o
er
Pet

Dear Ms. Jackso

n,
November 1, 20
I was hoping yo 08
u could answer
about your care a fe w questions
er and college ch
you become who oices that helped
you are today.
1. What college
did you go to an
d why?
2. What made yo
u want to becom
grade teacher? e an elementary
3. Were you invo
lved in other ac
college? tivities during
4. Did you want
to be a teacher
age or did you w when you were
ant to be somet my

r 1, 2008
hing else?
5. How did you
Decembe college,
pay for college?
d in
intereste lps you
Thank you for an
a r e
swering my ques
e r , y o u e
Dear Pet ed to see that . I hope this h u want to be.
to read your resp tions. I can’t wai
onse. t
e x c it e b a c k wh a t y o
I am rit
ppy to w ege and become got my bachelo her,
r’s Sincerely,
a m h a
and c o ll a n d t e a c
o go to college nsed certified Pe te r
decide t to a four-year c e
t ome a li
1. I wen n order to bec -year college. ause I
love
degree. I o go to a four e a teacher bec hings being
t m t
I needed wanted to beco lways learn new
ays I a
2. I alw with children. anoeing
wo r k in g
e p ia n o , went c
r. yed th
a teache ege, I also pla
gc o ll
3. Durin eled. b e
r.
a teache larships, work
and t r a v te d t o ho p
, I a lw ays wan n of grants, sc emember to kee
4. Yes b in a t io e g e . R it y s o
d a com for coll commun
5. I use nd loans to pay volved in your
study a s up and get in olarships.
on
bout acks
de ch asking a
your gra can apply for s ing to me and
J
s
.
is help
rit
s
that you ry much for w ces. I hope th e back to
M

ou v e erie n com
Thank y and college exp Make sure you nd what you
e e r f e . t o a
my car c h
li
oices in ou plan on goin
g
o u r
with y ollege y
e ll m e which c
t
become.
want to
,
Sincerely

s. Jackson
M

A degree is what you earn when you graduate from college. 9

Benefits of College

#
Now it’s your turn to think of some questions you have about college and who could answer them. Use
the space below to write a letter to someone. This could be your Get Ready staff member or another
adult at your school. Your letter should include questions you have about college and should be written to
someone you can actually give the letter to. It might be good to ask about why they went to college.
Maybe their answers will help you solve the great college mystery!

10 Advanced Placement courses are challenging classes you take in high school for which you can receive college credit.
 High School

What Is High School All About?

Angela knew she wanted to go to college to Ms. Drucker: Well, the first thing you need to do
become a florist. She realized that good grades is find out which classes your high school requires
would help her get into college, but she really for graduation. High school also allows you to
wanted to know more about her high school explore your interests by choosing optional classes
choices. She decided to ask her school counselor, called electives.
Ms. Drucker.
r
a Angela: Hi, Ms. Drucker. ke
gel

c
ru
I want to learn more
An

D
about high school.

Ms.
How do I pick the
right classes?

What are your interests?

Angela took an interest survey to identify her interests. Now it’s your turn. Complete the survey below
by placing a check in the box next to all of the activities that interest you now or that you think might
interest you in the future. You can use these interests to choose electives in high school. There are no
wrong answers.

Acting Hiking Styling hair

Animals Investigating Taking pictures
Arts and crafts Learning languages Teaching
Cooking Listening to music Telling jokes
Counting money Organizing Traveling
Dancing Painting Volunteering
Debate Playing an instrument Working on cars
Decorating Playing games Working on computers
Doing experiments Reading maps Working outdoors
Drawing Selling things Working with kids
Exercising Sewing Writing articles
Giving speeches Singing Writing music
Helping people Sports Writing stories

In Minnesota, you can take actual college classes while in high school. 11
High School

Choose the Right Classes

a
A ngel
Ms. Drucker: In high school, you can’t just take any &
classes you want. r

c ke
Dru
Angela: What do you mean?

Ms .
Ms. Drucker: Well, most high schools require students
to take certain classes each year. These classes prepare
you for the classes you take the following year. They are
usually required for you to graduate. They also help you
prepare for college. But don’t forget: you also can take
a few electives each year too!

Here is a list of minimum recommended high school classes for you to take.

Language Arts (4 years) World Language (2 years)

People who succeed are people Studying different languages is
who can read and write. a great way to understand how
Everyone must be able to speak other people live and think. There
clearly and write well. You will be many languages to choose
should prepare by taking as from in high school, but make
many classes in reading, writing, sure you take at least two years
and speaking as you can fit into of the same language.
your schedule.
The Arts (1 year)
Social Studies (31/2 years) Art helps you explore and
Social studies helps you appreciate your creative side. It is
understand what is happening in recommended that you take at
the world. Classes in geography, least one year of fine arts in high
history and economics will help school. This might include music,
make you a smarter citizen and drama, dance or the visual arts.
prepare you for college-level
courses.

Mathematics (3 years)
Everyone uses numbers in the
real world to solve problems. Electives
Two years of algebra and High school gives you the opportunity
one year of geometry are to explore your interests through optional
recommended for high school classes that are called electives. These are not
students, but it is best to take required, but you can take them to learn more
more than that. about things that may interest you.

Science (3 years) Make sure you also take at least one

Learning how things work computer class. It may not be required for
and understanding the world graduation, but all students need to know
around you is exciting. Biology, how to use computers in today’s world.
chemistry and physics are good
subjects to prepare for college.

12 Successful completion of a challenging high school curriculum is the best indicator of success in college.
 High School

Use the information Ms. Drucker gave Angela to figure out what your high school schedule might look like.
You won’t always be able to choose which period each class is held, but you will be able to choose many of
your classes. Fill in the required classes first. Then fill in your empty periods with other courses and electives
that fit your interests. You can review your interest survey on page 11 to help you.

HIGH SCHOOL CLASS SCHEDULE FOR ____________________________________________________________________

Class Period 9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade

lunch

after school

Recommended Classes Electives

Language Arts: Math: World Languages: Accounting Graphic Design
English 9 Algebra I Chinese Automotive Journalism
English 10 Geometry French Technology Keyboarding
English 11 Algebra II German Computer Marketing
English 12 Trigonometry/Calculus Spanish Programming Photography
Construction Physical Education
Social Studies: Science: The Arts: Creative Writing Public Speaking
Geography Earth Science Drama Electronics Web Design
U.S. History Biology Drawing Family/Consumer Welding
Economics Chemistry Media Arts Science Woodshop
World History Physics Music Film Studies
Civics

Students who take more math are generally better prepared for college than other students. 13
College

rard
G i
College Vocabulary
s.
Mr

Mrs. Girard: Now that you’ve learned a bit about high school, it’s time to
learn more about college. Try to find some of the college words you are
going to learn about.

application entrance requirements postsecondary

books and supplies financial aid room and board
campus grants scholarships
community college loans technical college
degree major tuition
enrollment minor work study

E E A A W S F O Q V D S T S A T C D E L

N N O P U C I I T B P L N B E X O R N V

Y W T P P N O I T I U T W C C L M A R M

Q R M R Y L V Z H M P E H S X M M O O W

C A A F A P I S E Q A N Q T F Z U B L T

C X Y D M N R C K E I J U N Z M N D L F

A N N M N A C H A C R W O A T B I N M R

T N N F L O S E A T O G G R M S T A E M

O C J O C Z C L R R I F E G I A Y M N L

M N H Y J Y C E K E P O P D N H C O T T

Q C E K W O D S S N Q G N H O I O O Y J

S V B W L M T F P T J U G I R Q L R R J

W C X L Z U L O A N S M I G A M L Z D F

L N E I D L N L Q Z A O Q R X N E I H S

H G M Y K M T L F C A U P D E R G H C F

E T L U A C K D M N A R V W G M E S X B

S E I L P P U S D N A S K O O B E K F T

T Y V F W K F A R J R E X W X I F N G F

L X U Q E F I N A N C I A L A I D Z T B

S T E C E S K G D P S Z J X X Z V P A S

14 A campus is a place where most of your college classes are held.

 College

Types of Colleges
Mrs. Girard: Mrs. Girard: Of course.
Ilhan: Hi,
Hello, Ilhan. How may There are a lot of books here
Mrs. Girard. Ilhan: My
I help you today? about college. You can also use
friends and I
want to go to the computer to look up informa-
college, but we tion online. Be sure to visit
don’t know www.getreadyforcollege.org
anything about too. Have fun exploring.
it. Can you
help me out?

Ilhan learned that different types of colleges Public colleges are usually less expensive than
prepare students for different kinds of careers. private colleges because they are mostly funded
Most postsecondary schools can be described as by state governments. Private colleges fund
public or private, two-year or four-year schools. themselves from tuition, fees and private sources.

College Type School Examples Characteristics Career Examples

•Classes prepare students for specific ____________, especially

careers that involve working with your _________.
Technical or •Heavy emphasis on _____ ________ and placing students in jobs.
Career College •________ class sizes.
•Awards ___________, ___________ or __________ __________.
•Usually takes ____ months to ____ years to complete.

•Programs focus on ____________ necessary for a specific career.

•Can often __________ credits to a ________ college or university.
Community •Often ________ schools found in ________ communities.
College •____________ and ____________ classes offered.
•Awards __________, ___________ or _________ __________.
•Usually takes ___ to ___ years to complete.
•_______ are generally ________ in class sizes and more _________.
•_______ are generally ______ in size and offer more ______ ______.
4-year College •Usually have ________ on campus.
or University •Can be _______ or _______.
•Awards ____________ degrees or ____________ degrees.
•Usually takes ____ years to complete.

Minnesota’s largest public university is the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, which enrolls over 33,000 undergraduates. 15
College

What Is Important to Me? irard

n G
lha M rs.
Ilhan: It’s great to know Mrs. Girard: Well,
I

there are so many it’s helpful to start

options to choose thinking about what is
from when it comes important to you when
to college, but how selecting the right
do I know which one college because
to choose? different colleges offer
different things.

Discover what’s important to you. Mark the items that interest you most.

I want to go to college I want the college to be… I will go to college…

because… In a big city OR Full time OR
I know what I want to be/do In a smaller town Part time
I want to discover what I
want to be/do Near home OR On weekdays OR
I want to learn new things Far from home On weekends OR
I want to meet new people At night
I want to have fun I want to go to a…
Big college OR I want to live…
I will take classes with… Small college On campus OR
Friends from high school OR Off campus in an apartment OR
Technical college or At home with my family
New friends I made in
career school
college OR
Community college
A combination of old and new To get to class, I will…
friends 4-year college or university
Walk or ride a bike
Take a bus
Drive a car
Ride with friends

Why are these characteristics important to you when choosing a college? _________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

16 The largest private college in Minnesota is the University of St. Thomas, which enrolls over 5,800 undergraduates.
 College

Comparing Colleges
You’ve learned about each type of college and what is important to you when choosing a college.
Now let’s learn about a few schools that might interest you. This will help you compare different
types of schools and what makes them so different.

College Vocabulary
Enrollment is the number of students who take Entrance requirements are specific criteria set by
classes at a school. a college that you must meet to be accepted.

Tuition is what it costs to take classes. A degree is what you get when you graduate from
college. It might be an associate, bachelor’s,
Room and board is what it costs for housing master’s or doctoral degree. You can also earn a
(room) and meals (board) at college. certificate or diploma for shorter programs.

Technical or Name:____________________________________________________________________
Career College Location: ________________________________________________________________
Examples:
Web Site: ________________________________________________________________
ITT Technical Institute Enrollment: ______________________________________________________________
Tuition: ______________ Room & Board (Housing): __________________________
Entrance Requirements: __________________________________________________
Degrees Offered:__________________________________________________________
Possible Careers: __________________________________________________________
Special Activities:__________________________________________________________

Name:____________________________________________________________________
Community College
Location: ________________________________________________________________
Examples:
Minneapolis Community
Web Site: ________________________________________________________________
& Technical College Enrollment: ______________________________________________________________
Tuition: ______________ Room & Board (Housing): __________________________
Entrance Requirements: __________________________________________________
Degrees Offered:__________________________________________________________
Possible Careers: __________________________________________________________
Special Activities:__________________________________________________________

4-year College or Name:____________________________________________________________________

University Location: ________________________________________________________________
Examples:
Web Site: ________________________________________________________________
University of Minnesota Enrollment: ______________________________________________________________
Tuition: ______________ Room & Board (Housing): __________________________
Entrance Requirements: __________________________________________________
Degrees Offered:__________________________________________________________
Possible Careers: __________________________________________________________
Special Activities:__________________________________________________________

More than 386,000 students are in college each year in Minnesota. 17

College

Different Colleges, Different Choices

Draw a line connecting each description with the type of college. (Hint: some description match more
than one type of college).

• Degrees can usually be earned in two years.

• Includes careers that involve working

with your hands.

• Degrees are earned in four years

or longer.
2-y

ear l e g e • You can often transfer credits to four-year

Tech l
nical or Career Co
colleges or universities.

• They are usually public colleges.

• They are public or private colleges.

• They usually offer evening and weekend

classes.

• They focus on skills needed for certain

careers.

• You can take many different classes in all

subjects.

• Programs can be completed in two months

2-yea
r Community College to two years.

• Career examples: computer programmer,

plumber, medical assistant, florist,
cosmetologist, welder.

• Career examples: teacher, social worker,

engineer, scientist, lawyer, doctor, nurse.

• Career examples: nurse, legal assistant,

accountant, airplane mechanic, building
inspector, paramedic, electrician.

• You can live on campus in dorms.

• You receive a bachelor’s degree when you

4-ye
ar College r University graduate.
o • Most people attend full time.

18 The percentage of Minnesota high school graduates who went directly to college increased from 56 to 66 percent from 1996 and 2005.
 College

Applying to College
Ms. Drucker: Well, the
Ms. Drucker: What next step would be applying
Ilhan: Well, let’s
can I do for you today ? to college. Here is a college
ask Ms. Drucker.
application to practice
She should be
filling out.
able to help us.

Peter: Now that

Peter: We learned
we know about
about the different types
different colleges,
of colleges, but now we
how do we get
need to learn how we
into college?
can get into college.

College Application for New Students Answer all the questions accurately. Write clearly and neatly.

First Name: ____________________ Middle: ______________ Last Name: ____________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
City: __________________________________________ State: _______ Zip: ____________________________________________
Date of Birth: ________________________________ Phone Number: ( ____ ) ________________________________________
Name of Parent or Guardian: _________________________________________________________________________________
Gender: ■ Male ■ Female
Are you applying as a foreign student? ■ Yes ■ No
Is English your first language? ■ Yes ■ No
Ethnic background (Optional): ■ American Indian or Alaskan Native ■ Asian or Pacific Islander
■ Black, Non-Hispanic ■ Hispanic ■ White, Non-Hispanic ■ Other: ___________________________________________

What would you like to learn in college? _____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What are you best at in school? ______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What kind of activities do you enjoy? ________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Name the last two schools you have attended. Please list the city and state of each.
1. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Everything above is true to the best of my knowledge.

Signature: ____________________________________________ Date:_________________________________________________

The ACT and SAT are exams you can take while in high school to help discover how prepared you are for college work. 19
College

ker
ruc
.D
Ms

Ms. Drucker: Some colleges require students to write an essay or

personal statement that must be included with their application.
Colleges usually give you a topic to write about. This lets the school
see how well you write, and helps them to learn more about you.
The writing portion of your application is very important, so make
sure you give them your best possible work.

Use the space below to write about a time in your life when you were really proud of yourself. If you’re
having trouble thinking of something, review the questions below:
• What am I good at?
• What do I like to do?
• What is special or unique about me?
• What is a goal that I’ve worked hard to accomplish?

20 About 56 percent of all Minnesota college students are 24 years old or younger.
 Paying for College

College Costs Money

s
arcu
Tommy: Good job! You and your friends have learned about college,
M

&y
but don’t forget that college isn’t free.

Tomm
Marcus: How much will it cost?
Tommy: Well, that depends on the type of college you decide
to attend.

How much does it cost?

Complete the bar graph to figure out how much each type of college will cost you. Remember that these
are only the prices for tuition. You will still have to pay for books, room and board, transportation and
personal expenses like laundry. These other items add up.

New 15” 2 GHz Laptop $1,500

1 Year Community College $4,492

Food for 1 year $4,500

1 Year Technical College $4,515

Used Small Car $6,000

1 Year State University $6,373

Rent for 1 Year (1 Bedroom) $8,400

1 year University of Minnesota $10,756

Rent for 1 Year (2 Bedrooms) $11,000

1 Year Private Career College $12,233

New Small Car $16,000

1 Year Private College $27,829

$0 $5,000 $10,000 $15,000 $20,000 $25,000 $30,000

Room and Board: what you pay for housing and Personal Expenses: what you will spend on laundry,
meals during the school year. clothing, recreation and insurance.
Books and Supplies: items you need to complete Transportation Expenses: what it costs to travel to
your courses. This may include books, pencils, paper and from school at the beginning and end of the
and art supplies. school year, or if you commute each day to class.

Tuition is what you pay to take classes in college. 21

Paying for College

Ways to Pay for College

gela
An
Angela: College costs a lot of money even for a single year. My

&
cus
family isn’t rich, and I don’t have any money of my own. How

Mar
can I afford to go to college?
Marcus: You don’t have to be rich. I found out that there are
many different ways that you can pay for college.
Marcus showed Angela the information he found about the
seven different ways to pay for college.

Ways to Pay Description

• Grants do not have to be repaid.

Grants • Grants are usually given based on financial need.

• Scholarships do not have to be repaid.

Financial Aid

Scholarships • Scholarships are given for good grades, sports, cultural or religious
background, music or other special talents.

• Work study isn’t paid back because you earn money by working.
Work Study • Work study helps you earn money to pay for college.
• Students typically work about 15 hours per week on or off campus.

• Loans must be paid back with interest after you graduate from college.
Loans • Student loans usually have lower interest rates than other loans.

• Your money will add up in the long run, even if you only put away a few
dollars a month.
Savings • The more money you put away means the less money you will have to
borrow for college.

Family Support • Your family is expected to help you pay for your education out of their
income unless it is too difficult to do so. Families with very low incomes
or Current Income often do not have to pay much.

Military or • If you serve in the military or perform community service, you may qualify
Community Service for special scholarships and other educational assistance.

22 Each year, the state of Minnesota awards more than $280 million in financial aid to college students.
 Paying for College

Use the information you just learned about the

seven ways to pay to complete this activity. The
boxes on the right include real-life situations
that may help you pay for college. The boxes
on the left include the seven ways to pay for
college. Connect each box on the left to a box
on the right.

Your mom has been putting $15 in the bank every month
Savings for you to use for college.

You don’t have quite enough money to pay all of your

tuition, so you have to borrow $2,500. You know this
Work Study money will have to be paid back after you graduate, but it
will help you get through the school year.

Military or You are a very good piano player, and you won a contest in
Community Service tenth grade. Your $1,000 prize is to be used to help you
pay for college, and you don’t have to pay the money back.

Grants You get a weekly allowance for helping out around the
house. You put aside a couple dollars every week, and now
you have almost $1,000 dollars to help you pay for college.

Loans You will be working at the college library about 12 hours per
week. The money you receive you will help pay your tuition.

Your family doesn’t have a lot of money so you know you

Scholarships will need help paying for college. You complete a financial
aid application and received almost $4,000 to help you pay
for college. This money does not have to be paid back.

Family Support or You are considering joining the Army because you know
Current Income
they offer educational assistance.

All branches of the military offer money for college. 23

Paying for College

Slicing up your college financial pie!

You can get money to pay for your higher education from different places. This makes it easier to afford the
price of college.
For example: If you wanted to go to a four-year public college with tuition of $5,500 a year, you might pay
for college with:
Savings Family Grants Scholarships Loans Work Total
$500 + $200 + $2,100 + $1,000 + $700 + $1,000 = $5,500

Look at the pie chart to the right. Label

each slice of the pie with the appropriate
number and source of money.

Paying for college is as easy as 1, 2, 3… Try it!

Follow these steps and you’ll discover there’s no mystery to paying for your college pie!

1. Check the box next to the type of college you might want to attend:
Community college (Average tuition: $4,492 per year)
Technical college (Average tuition: $4,515 per year)
Private career school (Average tuition: $12,233 per year)
4-year public college/university (Average tuition: $6,373 per year)
University of Minnesota (Average tuition: $10,756 per year)
4-year private college/university (Average tuition: $27,829 per year)

2. List how much money you think you can get from each of the ways to pay for college.
(Remember, the total has to equal the price of the college you checked above.)

Savings Family Grants Scholarships Loans Work Total

_______ + _______ + _______ + _______ + _______ + _______ = _______

3. Create your own pie chart on a separate sheet of paper or paper plate.

24 Most Minnesota public colleges and state universities charge less than $7,000 per year in tuition and fees.
 Paying for College

Applying for Financial Aid

It’s important to remember that you won’t just be given money to go to college. You have to apply
for grants, scholarships, work study and loans. Here is a sample financial aid application. Use it to
practice filling one out.

Your answers on this form will be read electronically. Therefore:

• Use black ink and fill in ovals completely
Basic Financial Aid Application • Print clearly in CAPITAL letters and skip a box between words
• Report dollar amounts (such as $12,500) like this: 12500

1-3. Your full name (as it appears on your Social Security card)
1. LAST 2. FIRST 3. MIDDLE
NAME NAME INITIAL

4-7. Your permanent mailing address

4. NUMBER AND
STREET, INCLUDE
APT NUMBER

5. CITY (AND 6. STATE 7. ZIP CODE

COUNTRY IF
NOT US)

8. Your school ID 9. Your date of birth 10. Your permanent telephone number
M M D D Y Y Y Y
( ) -
11. What type of college do you plan to attend?
TECHNICAL COLLEGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE STATE UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA PRIVATE CAREER SCHOOL 4-YEAR PRIVATE COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY

12. What will be your grade level when you begin the school year?
FIRST-YEAR COLLEGE STUDENT SOPHOMORE JUNIOR SENIOR

13. Name of College Address/City State Housing Plan

ON CAMPUS OFF CAMPUS WITH PARENTS

ON CAMPUS OFF CAMPUS WITH PARENTS

ON CAMPUS OFF CAMPUS WITH PARENTS

14. Explain why you think you should be given financial aid.

15. Date this form was completed 16. Signature

M M D D 2008 2009

The application for financial aid is called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 25
 College Life

ker
Your College Schedule
D ruc
s. Chris: What is college like?
M &

Ms. Drucker: Well, it’s different from high school because you can
Chris

create your own schedule, and classes are at all different times. In
college, you will also need to choose a major. A major is an area of
study that you focus on, usually an area that you might want to
work in someday. You need to take classes that fit your major. For
example, if you wanted to become a math teacher, your major
would be education and you would take a lot of math and
education classes.

Below is a sample of college classes and their times.

Use this chart to create a schedule for yourself on the next page. Remember to take classes that fit your interests
and the careers you might want to explore.

Subject Credits Days Offered Times Offered

MATHEMATICS
Linear Algebra 3 credits Mon, Wed, Fri 9am-10am 1pm-2pm 3pm-4pm
Tue, Thu 10am-11:30am 12pm-1:30pm
Calculus I 3 credits Mon, Wed, Fri 8am-9am 11am-12pm 4pm-5pm
Tue, Thu 9am-10:30am 12pm-1:30pm 3pm-4:30pm
Calculus II 3 credits Mon, Wed, Fri 9am-10am 11am-12pm 2pm-3pm
Tue 12pm-3pm 2pm-5pm
ENGLISH
Creative Writing 3 credits Mon, Wed, Fri 10am-11am 12pm-1pm 3pm-4pm
Thu 2pm-5pm
American Literature 3 credits Mon, Wed, Fri 9am-10am 11am-12pm 4pm-5pm
Tue, Thu 11am-12:30pm 3pm-4:30pm
HISTORY
American History 3 credits Mon, Wed, Fri 11am-12pm 12pm-1pm 2pm-3pm
Tue, Thu 10am-11:30am 3pm-4:30pm
World History 3 credits Tue, Thu 11am-12:30pm 3pm-4:30pm 4pm-5:30pm
FINE ART
Photography I 2 credits Mon, Wed 12pm-1pm 4pm-5pm
Perceptual Drawing 2 credits Tue 2pm-4pm 3pm-5pm
Modern Dance I 1 credit Tue, Thu 8am-9am 3pm-4pm
Intro to Acting 2 credits Mon, Wed, Fri 9am-10am 11am-12pm 1pm-2pm
SCIENCE
Biology I 4 credits Mon, Wed 8am-10am 2pm-4pm
Tue, Thu 10am-12am 3pm-5pm
Chemistry I 4 credits Mon, Wed 9am-11am 4pm-6pm
Tue, Thu 10am-12pm 1pm-3pm
LANGUAGES
Spanish I 5 credits Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri 9am-10am 10am-11am 2pm-3pm 4pm-5pm
Hmong I 5 credits Tue, Thu 2pm-4:30pm 3pm-5:30pm

26 A major is a field of study that you concentrate on while in college.

 College Life

Use the course guide on the previous page to create Consider:

a course schedule with 15 credits or more.
• If you want to have the afternoons off, then
Decide when and how many classes to take. Don’t only schedule morning classes.
forget to fill in the blanks fully, if you take a class
that lasts for three hours, then you must fill in three • If you have a hard time getting out of bed in
hours on your daily schedule below. the morning, then try not to schedule classes
before 10 a.m.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

8 a.m.

9 a.m.

10 a.m.

11 a.m.

12 p.m.

1 p.m.

2 p.m.

3 p.m.

4 p.m.

5 p.m.

6 - 8 p.m.

8 - 10 p.m.

A transcript is a record of the courses you have completed and your grades in high school or college. 27
My Future Dreams(With a little help from college)

Lifestyle
Careers

28 Reciprocity is a program that allows students to enroll in colleges in neighboring states at reduced prices.
 Experience
New
Community

The major federal grant program is the Pell Grant Program. 29

 Where Do You See Yourself?
Picture yourself as an adult 15 years from now. What will your life be like? DREAM BIG!
What do you do for a living?
Your career: ___________________________________________________________________________
Your salary: ___________________________________________________________________________
Your work responsibilities: ______________________________________________________________
Are you happy? ■ Yes ■ No
Where do you live?
Your city or community: ________________________________________________________________
You live in a: ■ House ■ Apartment ■ ___________ ■ __________ ■ __________
You own a: ■ Home ■ Car ■ Boat ■ __________ ■ __________
Do you like your lifestyle? ■ Yes ■ No
Who do you live with?
You are: ■ Single ■ Married ■ __________ ■ __________ ■ __________
You have a: ■ Child/Children ■ Roommate ■ Pet ■ __________
Do you spend much time with your family or friends? ■ Yes ■ No

How much education do you have?

You graduated from: ■ High school ■ College ■ Graduate school ■ __________________
Your college was a: ■ 2-year school ■ 4-year school ■ ___________________
How did your education prepare you for your career? ____________________________________

Draw a picture of your life in 15 years

30 In 2006, Minnesota colleges awarded more than 82,000 postsecondary diplomas, certificates and degrees.
About 16 percent of recent Minnesota high school graduates attend a college out-of-state each year. 31
 One year One year One year One year
of English of of Fine of English
Language Arts

One year One year One year One year

of Science of Math of Math of Social
Studies

One year One year One year One year

of Social of of English of Science
Studies Computers

One year One year One year One year

of of English of Science of Math
Language

32 In Minnesota, more women go to and graduate from college than men.

 Glossary of Terms
Advanced Degree: A degree beyond the Financial Need: The difference between the Public College: Funding for the school
bachelor’s degree such as a master’s, doctorate price of attending a postsecondary institution generally comes from the state government.
or professional degree. and the family’s ability to pay for those costs.
Resumé: A summary of a person’s skills,
Advanced Placement (AP): College-level Free Application for Federal Student Aid activities and work experience often used
classes you take in high school that help you (FAFSA): A form used to apply for financial aid. when applying for a job.
earn high school and possibly college credit.
Grade Point Average (GPA): The average Room and Board: Housing costs (room)
Apprenticeship: Hands-on training in a career of a student’s grades, typically based on a and what it costs for meals (board) during the
that allows you to earn money while you learn. four-point scale. school year.

Bachelor’s Degree: A degree earned after Grant: Money for college from the government Salary: The amount of money a person makes
about four years of college. that does not have to be repaid. per year.

Budget: A plan for how to spend and save Guidance Counselor: A person at school who Saving: Putting money aside for future use.
money. helps students prepare for college and careers.
Scholarships: Money given to college students
Campus: Where your college classes, buildings, Higher Education: Any education after high because of a special achievement, ability or
teachers, friends and activities are located. school. It’s also referred to as “postsecondary” background. It does not have to be repaid.
or “college”.
Campus Visit: A trip to a college or university STEM Careers: High-demand jobs in science,
to learn more about the school. Income: The amount of money you earn technology, engineering and math.
through work.
Career: your area of work or the job you have. Tax Credit: Reduces the amount of income tax
Interest: Something you enjoy doing. Also, you or your family may have to pay.
College: A type of school you attend after high interest can be either a charge for borrowing
school that offers a degree. Universities are money or the amount that money earns while Technical College: Colleges that offer
often referred to as a “college”. sitting in a bank account. employment courses and programs which
teach specific knowledge and skills leading
College Entrance Exam: A test often Internship: Real-world experience related to to certain jobs.
required by four-year colleges to help determine your major that can give you college credit,
which students to admit to their school. The mentors, references and might lead to a job. Trade: A hands-on career that requires a high
most common tests are the ACT and SAT. level of training and skills.
Loans: Money college students or their parents
College Fair: An event where people from borrow to help pay for college. It must be repaid Transcript: A record of your academic progress.
colleges gather to talk with students and with interest, even if the student doesn’t Tuition: What it costs to take classes and use
parents. graduate. certain facilities at college. Tuition does not
Community College: Schools that prepare Major: An area of study that you focus on include room and board, books and other fees.
students for certain jobs or to transfer to a while in college. Students usually major in an Tutor: A person who helps students with their
four-year college. area they might like to work in some day. school work.
Community Service Learning: Helping in Mentor: An older person who gives support Undergraduate Student: Any college student
your community as part of a college class. and guidance to a younger person. without a bachelor’s degree.
Credit: A measure of how much a class is Military Service: Joining the Army, Navy, Air University: A type of school you attend after
worth. You need a certain number of credits to Force, Marines or Coast Guard. This can earn high school that offers a degree and a wide
graduate from high school and college. you money to pay for college. variety of majors. Universities are often referred
Debt: Money a person owes. Minor: An area of study that you pursue, but it to as a “college”.

Degree: What you get after you graduate from is not your major focus of study. Work Study: Jobs offered through a college
a college, like an associate, bachelor’s, master’s Postsecondary: Any education after high and funded by the government to help students
or doctoral degree. school. This is often called “higher education” pay for college.

Dormitory: An on-campus building where or “college”.

students live during the school year. Also called Postsecondary Enrollment Options
a “dorm” or “residence hall”. (PSEO): Taking classes at a college for free
Expenses: The money you spend. while in high school.

Financial Aid: Money to help pay for college. Private College: Funding for the school
generally comes from tuition, fees and
private sources.
 My Personal Information
Name:

School:

Teacher:

Grade:

About Get Ready

The Get Ready program helps prepare students from low-income
families and those from groups traditionally under-represented in
college with college planning information, academic tutoring and
information on career and higher education options. The program is
administered by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and is
funded in part by the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for
Undergraduate Program (GEAR UP).

About GEAR UP
GEAR UP is a discretionary federal grant program of the U.S.
Department of Education created to increase the number of
low-income students who are prepared to enter and succeed
in postsecondary education.

About the Minnesota Office of Higher Education

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education is a cabinet-level
state agency providing students with financial aid programs and
information to help them gain access to postsecondary education.

This document can be made available in

an alternative format to individuals with
disabilities by calling (651) 642-0567.
Printed on recycled paper.