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College Planning Starts Early
   
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The Advantages Of Attending A Career College.
There are many educational choices for this year's crop of graduating seniors. Traditional colleges, both four-year colleges and community .....
No more than a few years ago, college planning started in 12th grade where it was the first time students learned about the SAT tests and build their list of colleges. Times have change with many students currently beginning their planning as early as 9th grade. While some may argue that beginning the college process this early is ridiculous, the truth is that it’s quite necessary. Keep in mind that asking young students in 9th grade what colleges they are applying to does not define good college preparation; however, asking them if they would like to keep the educational doors open after high school is a conversation that must happen early on. Before reviewing the aspects of good college advising, let’s look at three major influences that have impacted the way we plan for college. Competitive Labor Market: According to the Current Population Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau in 2003, 77% of students who receive a high school diploma will enter the labor force compared to 85% who receive a bachelor’s degree and 91% who receive a doctorate’s degree. The same survey also revealed that the average earnings in 2002 increased with each education level with high school diploma workers earning an average of $27,280 annually, compared to the average annual income of $51,194 earned for the bachelor’s degree holder (Stoops, 2004). The pressure and expectation of students attending college is no longer a “dream” or family quest, but more a requirement in order to obtain a career that gives a decent paycheck. Population and Demand: With competition increasing due to the sheer numbers of high achieving students, students and parents applying to college are feeling the pressure to prepare early. The panic of becoming the “top student” or “winning the race” has evolved into an obsession that leads students and their parents to push the college planning envelope as early as possible. The good old American “competitive spirit” is out there, and although often having negative effects on student performance (if this competitive spirit is not nurtured appropriately), the desire to become number one demands early college planning. It also ensures successful results in getting students in the college of their choice. Increase Colleges Choices With over 3,000 colleges and universities in the United States and the bridging of a more global world, the encouragement of students to attend a college or university out of state has increased as well as the encouragement for students to consider applying to more colleges. At the same time, these colleges and universities have become aggressive in their recruitment and marketing techniques introducing more attractive opportunities that a student has to choose from. As a result, students must begin researching what colleges seem the “best fit” for them deciphering the difference between persuasive marketing messages. Just a reminder that finding the “best fit” does not mean finding out about the likelihood of being admiThere are many educational choices for this year's crop of graduating seniors. Traditional colleges, both four-year colleges and community .....
About the author
Sonja Montiel, M.A., founder of College Confidence, a Westlake Village-based college counseling firm. Montiel serves on the executive board of the Western Association of College Admissions Counseling, is active with the National Association of College Admission Counseling and serves on the planning committee for Ventura County's National College Fair. She is also a member of the Higher Educational Consultants Association.
College And University Professional Association In Human Res
[Herndon, VA] gomembers, Inc., (http://www.gomembers.com) announced this week that the College and University Professional .....
Date: 2006-03-06[Herndon, VA] gomembers, Inc., (http://www.gomembers.com) announced this week that the College and University Professional .....