Planning

Which college is right for you?

Things to think about when making this decision:

• Major
• Size
• Cost
• Distance from home
• Campus life (sports/activities) 

 

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Types of Colleges

2-Year Technical College

Technical colleges offer specialized training in a particular trade industry or career. Possible programs include the culinary arts, firefighting, dental hygiene, mechanical trades, and medical-records technology. These colleges usually offer certificates or associate degrees.

2-Year Community College

Community colleges offer two-year associate degrees that prepare you to transfer to a four-year college to earn a bachelor's degree. They also offer other associate degrees and certificates that focus on preparing you for a specific career. Community colleges are often an affordable option with relatively low tuition.

4-Year Public

Public colleges are funded by local and state governments and usually offer lower tuition rates than private colleges, especially for students who are residents of the state where a college is located.

4-Year Private

Private colleges rely mainly on tuition, fees and private sources of funding. Private donations can sometimes provide generous financial aid packages for students.

4-Year For-Profit

These are businesses that offer a variety of degree programs that typically prepare students for a specific career. They tend to have higher costs, which could mean graduating with more debt. Credits earned may not transfer to other colleges, so be sure to check with the admission office at each college.

4 YEAR COLLEGE REQUIREMENTS (minimum)

English – 8 Credits
Social Studies – 8 Credits 
Science 9 – 2 Credits
Biology – 2 Credits
Chemistry of Physics – 2 Credits
Earth/Space Science – 1 Credit
Geometry – 2 Credits*
Algebra 2 – 2 Credits*
Probability/Statistics – 1 Credit*
World Language – 4 Credits**
Art/Music/Fine Art – 2 Credits

*University of Minnesota Twin Cities looks for four years of Math completed
**Two years of the SAME language (recommended, not always required)

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Additional College Information Links

• University of Minnesota System
• Minnesota Private College System 
• Minnesota Career Information System

 

 

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Colleges Rep Visits

This is a great way to gather information about colleges without going onto campus. Each college has a representative that is your go-to person at that college. They will help walk you through the process of gathering information and applying if you choose to. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of these visits! View the full schedule and sign up for as many as you are interested in HERE.

Visiting a college campus

This is another excellent way to gather information about each college. A visit will give you a feel of what it would be like to be on the campus and allow yourself to imagine living and going to school there. We also encourage students to do this as part of their My Life Plan.

Minnesota Career Information System (MCIS)

Your MCIS account is a great resource when it comes to finding the right colleges. On the COLLEGE tab of your profile, they offer a detailed college sort that you can use to determine which colleges around the country offer what you are looking for in a college.

Use your resources

It is always a good idea to get feedback from others if you are struggling with making a decision. Talk to your parents, friends, college reps, teachers, and of course, your counselor or Ms. Abraham! We are ALWAYS here to help!

Applying for colleges

Most colleges have applications right on their website. Other colleges prefer you use the Common App. See the SFHS Colleges Application Guide Here

Sending transcripts to colleges

At parchment.com, you can request your transcripts be sent to the colleges you apply to. All transcript requests must be processed through parchment.com. For information about how to order transcripts from parchment.com see the Quick Start Guide.

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If applying to a Military Academy speak to your counselor during Sophomore or Junior year of high school.

Air Force and Air Force Reserve

The nation's source of air and space power. The primary mission of the USAF is to fly planes, helicopters, and satellites.

Air National Guard

The Air National Guard as we know it today is a separate reserve component of the United States Air Force.

Army and Army Reserve

The dominant military land power. The Army generally moves into an area, secures it, and instills order and values before it leaves. It also guards U.S. installations and properties throughout the world.

Army National Guard

The Army National Guard is an elite group of warriors who dedicate a portion of their time to serving their nation. Each state has its own Guard, as required by the Constitution; in fact, it is the only branch of the military whose existence is actually required by the Constitution.

Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve

The Coast Guard's mission is primarily with domestic waterways. The Coast Guard does rescues, law enforcement, drug prevention, and clears waterways.

Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve

The Marine Corps is known as the United States' rapid-reaction force. They are trained to fight by sea and land, and usually are the first "boots on the ground." Marines are known as the world's fiercest warriors.

Navy and Navy Reserve

The Navy accomplishes its missions primarily by sea, but also by air and land. It secures and protects the oceans around the world to create peace and stability, making the seas safe for travel and trade.

 

If you are interested in going directly into the workforce immediately after graduation, use this guide to help you navigate through the process. If you need help making your decision, please reach out to your counselor or Ms. Abraham, the CCC Coordinator.

Check out the Employment Guide for more information.

 

Are you interested in taking a year off before continuing with your education? The most important thing to ask

yourself is, why? What are some reasons for wanting to take a Gap Year? Is it to avoid academic burnout, become more employable, see the world, expand your knowledge, or save college money?

It is important to do it for the right reasons and make sure your personality is a good fit for a Gap Year. Just wanting to save money is not always a good reason, as you will find if you do some number crunching. If you plan on working to save money to pay for college, it may not be financially practical.

Here is one example: 

Student A

Based on this scenario, Student A is $25,000 ahead after six years.

Student B

Based on this scenario, Student B would be $80,000 ahead after six years.

Of course, this info would change depending on your initial financial situation, your pay rate and how much you work, the cost of your education, the amount earned in your career, etc.

It is important to consider all of these components when making your decision!  If you decide a Gap Year is for you, please use the following guide to help you through that process.