Zillah High School
Guidance Website
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Zillah High School Guidance Website |
Introduction: Post-Secondary Opportunities
In this chapter we hope to give you a little more information to help you pick your PSO (Post-Secondary Opportunity) or College. Post-secondary means after high school. All students are encouraged to attend some kind of post-secondary training to secure more desirable employment and enhance the quality of their future life. Most call it "COLLEGE" but the term covers a wide gamete of Universities, Colleges, Schools, Institutes, Programs in many forms. In high school you learned a great deal of material. In college you'll be challenged to put that to use. But college will do more than prepare you for a career. It will prepare you for life. It will prepare you for whatever comes your way.. Your high school education has given you a good foundation, but if you want choices in your future, you need to get more education. You'll increase your understanding of our world and meet people from different backgrounds. It is an excellent opportunity to become more independent, develop leadership skills and increase your potential. You'll have more control over your future. The more education you get the greater flexibility you'll have in the future. The average income in our country is directly related to the level of education of the individual. Here are some charts to illustrate the points.
Comparison of Systems-Classes and Credits: Here is a brief comparison of the high school system, which you are familiar with , o the new college type systems you encounter next year.
To graduate from high school you must earn certain credits. The same is true for college; however college credits are different then high school credits. You attend classes in high school, do work, take exams and earn credit. You do the same in college, but the loads, expectations, even calendars are somewhat different.
High school students might take 4-6 classes per day and earn from .25 to 1.0 credits per class depending on the system. The class operates for 9-18 week a terms depending on whether they are on a quarter, trimester, semester or block system.
College students might take 3 classes per day and earn 5 credits per class on a quarter system which runs about 9 weeks in length. Some colleges are on a semester system where students might take up to 5 classes and earn 3 credits per class but not attend them daily. Their semester might run 12-15 weeks in length and there may be special vacations or breaks.
Graduation: To graduate from high school and earn a diploma requires 19-30 credits depending on your school. ZHS requires 29 credits to graduate while the Zillah Alternative Program only requires the state minimum 19 credits.
To graduate from a community college and earning an associate degree (2 years) will require about 90 credits and to graduate from a college or university and earning a bachelor level degree (4 year) will require 180 credits on the quarter system or 120 credits on a semester system. Students who earn the associate degree with 90 credits can transfer those credits to the university level and only have to complete the remaining 90 credits for the final two years.
A confusing point to some students is the equivalency of quarter credits to semester credits.
1 quarter credit = .67 semester credit. a 5 quarter credit English 101 class at a community college = 3 semester credit English 101 at the University that is on the semester system. For a Bachelors Degree 180 quarter credits = 120 semester credits
Because of the confusion some students say they "lose credits" when they transfer from a quarter to a semester system. Actually they make the transfer on this ratio 1 quarter = .67 semester formula and while it may appear that the 90 credits from the community college is now only worth 60 semester credits, remember that it now only takes 120 total credits to earn the degree rather than the 180 under the quarter system. It is all equivalent
A reminder though only credits taken at the 100 level or higher actually are transferable to a four year degree program. If you have not prepared yourself well enough for college study in high school, you may have to take remedial class (the college slang for this is "bone head classes") which are sub 100 level. These do not transfer and you wind up paying for and taking courses that replicate what should have been learned from high school.
College In the High School Programs Some ZHS students will have earned college credit before they graduate from high school through Running Start, CWU Cornerstone, Tech-Prep, Advanced Placement Testing and/or correspondence/internet study. You must have official transcripts from the source (college awarding credit for your study while in high school) sent to the admitting college (where you wish to enroll to earn the degree). Generally any college class at 100 level or higher will transfer. Some classes while they transfer, might not meet specific college requirements and therefore may be termed electives. In state public colleges accept most all college in the high school type credits. Out of state public, in state and out of state independent/private colleges set their own requirements for transfer of college in the high school credits. Students therefore are advised to contact colleges of interest before enrolling in college in the high school programs to be advised on transferability of credits earned. Some prestigious private and out of state colleges will not accept any credit earned while a student was in high school.
Choosing a PSO/College: In high school you were pretty much limited to attending a school in your community. When looking at PSO's or colleges the whole world is an option. When you apply you want to choose a college based on the characteristics you care most about. What you want from a college should be your first consideration. Don't base your decision solely on tuition costs. Think about what you want from an ideal college first and begin searching based on that. Keep your options open in this process. Consider a wide range of options. There are a lot of exciting opportunities and you shouldn't feel limited. You will be most successful at the college that fits you. “Fit” is different for every person. It has to do with the size, location, level of involvement and the personality of college you're looking for. The only way you'll know is if you visit several campuses. Are there students like you? Who have the same academic goals? Who like to do the same type of activities? Don't forget to find ways to challenge yourself in this new environment. The size of the college matters as you find the right one for you. If you want lots of options and are less concerned about living in a strong community, a very large university is a great place to go. If you want to connect with more people and see the same people in several activities, a smaller college is probably a better fit. Larger colleges tend to have larger classes and more people who aren't professors teaching classes. They also have a broader array of majors and courses. At smaller colleges, you're likely to have the same professor more than once so you'll have the opportunity to know them better — and they you. The important thing to realize is that there are many choices out there and it will take time to find your best “fit”. So start early and explore your options! You'll want to narrow the field in order to have a more manageable group to investigate further. This requires you to do a little soul searching and ask yourself what you really want out of college. Websites and guidebooks are good sources of information. Some things you'll want to consider include: size, location, education quality, majors offered, college personality (they each have one), and the amount of involvement you'll want in extracurricular activities.
Choosing your major is an important decision, but you shouldn't feel pressured to do it before you get to college. Take some time to explore your options as you fulfill your general education requirements. Many students go to college with a very clear view of what they want to major in, only to find an area they love that they'd never considered. Your major should be an area of study you're deeply interested in. You're going to spend a great deal of time studying, thinking, and writing about the topics. It will be easier if you enjoy the work. For most majors you don't need to know until the middle of your sophomore year. That should give you time to explore. If you're interested in more technical majors (engineering, nursing, etc.), you'll need to get started early taking required courses so you'll be ready in your junior year to take the courses in your major.
Don't start by looking at the sticker price. Find the colleges that are good fits for you first, then explore the financial aid process. You shouldn't choose a college based on its price. Financial aid is available at most colleges. Let’s examine some of the of opportunities
College Fairs: Another opportunity to gain information is through College Fairs which allow you to meet representatives and compare college options. Some College Fairs are locally organized at area high schools. Others may be state College Fairs held at nearby colleges. There are usually National College Fairs in Seattle, Spokane, and Portland each Fall Some College Fairs are specialty fairs for "Fine Arts" majors or Christian institutions.
Job Shadows and College Research: When doing job shadows or career research, ask those doing the job/career you are interest in where they went to school and where they go to recruit new employees. Career interest influences should be a major factor on school choice. Knowing your career interests is an important step.
Representative Visits to ZHS: When college representatives come to ZHS, sign up to visit with them. This opens the door to a future visit. Visitation: Make an official visitation appointment with the admission department. We will discuss the visitation process in detail later. Each college may say they have the “best” department for the area you wish to study. Some questions to ask for comparison include: Summary: What post-secondary training is best for you? Students wish to know what college/PSO experience is best for them will require diligent research. The decision will be based on:
Baccalaureate College/University: This is the “Four Year School” offering Bachelor Degrees go to the ZHS Colleges & Schools webpage to access links to 4 year schools in Washington and across the nation.
Difference between a College and a University: Colleges per say post secondary schools which may offer many types of degree and certification programs. Some may be 2 year, some 4 year. Universities are 4 year schools that offer Bachelor Degrees and up for study. Colleges are sometimes present within the University system, such as the college of pharmacy at the Washington State University. While this may be confusing, a university that offers specific "colleges" within their system means that they have specialized departments that while operating within the authority of the larger university, actually have some autonomy in their program administration. Many times this special "Colleges" within a "University" have special requirements for entry.
Branch Campuses: These are just like a bank branch. A branch campus is part of the university system but not the main campus. Think of it as as satellite or extended campus of the major university. Many larger universities are now offering branch campus for place bound students as a convenience. It can also be a money saver allowing students to stay at home and complete a bachelor's degree. The degree does not state "branch campus", but carries the same title as degrees offered on the main campus. Some possible disadvantages of a branch campus may be limited programs offered, waiting lists into programs, and students will not have the full university experience with co-curricular, extra-curricular activities, clubs, events, etc.
Public/State Colleges: Public colleges and universities are supported by state tax dollars and are generally are less expensive than independents. Public colleges are open to any student who meets the minimum criteria (core courses, testing, Admission Index, etc.) and who applies on time, (recommend by December 1 of your senior year) based on seats available. Public colleges are usually the best value for most families. About 70% of ZHS students who attend college attend a public colleges.
Independent (Private) Colleges: Private or “Independent” Colleges are not supported by state tax dollars. Some of these are labeled as "Liberal Arts Colleges. Many are affiliated with religious organizations/churches. Independents are generally smaller in nature and have smaller class sizes. They like to put more emphasis on the individual student. Some independents are more exclusive, reaching for a higher average student than public colleges. Most independent colleges want you to apply early (by Nov 1 of your senior year) While the cost to attend the independent colleges is higher (usually about twice as much as a state or public college), they generally have great financial aid packages, through endowments, to offer students. They try to be competitive in their financial aid offers to reduce the cost to attend and make the final cost similar to a public college. The following is presented by the Independent Colleges of Washington "Project Opportunity" Why Liberal Arts? There's a common misconception that “liberal arts” are limited to the humanities. It's much more than that. A liberal arts education promotes a broad understanding of the arts and sciences, the conditions of the natural and social world, the responsibilities of citizenship, and the foundations for critical reasoning and moral choice. A liberal arts education, whether one majors in English, physics, psychology, art, or business, is a well-rounded education that will prepare you for all aspects of life. You will learn to think critically and independently, communicate clearly, and become a problem solver — skills that are highly valued in any career. It will help you polish the skills that will allow you to continue learning, both for your career and for your own personal enrichment. A liberal arts education will help you prepare to be an active, responsible, and knowledgeable citizen and to appreciate all that life has to offer. A liberal arts education is personal. Classes are small, and you will get to know your professors and classmates, and have the sorts of deep discussions that lead to greater understanding of the subject. Liberal arts colleges are caring learning communities where people work together and students are inspired to scholarship and leadership. Value of liberal arts colleges: Liberal arts colleges are learning communities where students are respected, supported, and challenged. They are smaller colleges where you're not just a number. Classes are small, so you can participate in discussions and ask questions, not just listen to a lecture in giant auditorium. Liberal arts education is about questioning, learning, and reasoning, not just regurgitation of facts. Classes are taught by professors, not teaching assistants. With a low student-to-faculty ratio, you'll know the teachers on your college campus, and they'll know you. Often students and faculty develop close relationships that last through a lifetime of scholarship and friendship. Why does size matter? For one thing, the personal attention you will receive at a liberal arts college will help you finish in four years. The odds that you'll earn a bachelor's degree are much higher if you start out at a four-year school. If you do consider a community college, evaluate it using the same high standards for quality that you would for a baccalaureate institution.
Early Decision vs. Early Action: "Early Decision" plans allow you to apply early (usually in November) and get an admission decision from the college well in advance of the usual notification date. But there is a catch. Early decision plans are "binding," meaning if you apply as an early decision candidate, you agree to attend the college if it accepts you and offers an adequate financial aid package. Although you can apply to only one college for early decision, you may apply to other colleges under regular admission. If you're accepted by your first-choice college early, you must withdraw all other applications. Usually, colleges insist on a nonrefundable deposit well before May 1.
"Early Action" plans are similar to early decision plans in that you can learn early in the admission cycle (usually in January or February) whether a college has accepted you; However unlike early decision, most early action plans are not binding, meaning you do NOT have to commit to a college to which you've applied for early action. Under these plans, you may apply to other colleges. Usually, you can let the college know of your decision in the late spring or whenever you've decided.
Community College: Community colleges are sometimes called “Junior Colleges”. Many students from small high schools choose to start post secondary education at a community college. A small high school to small college is a nice transition for most students. Community Colleges offers 2 year programs of study. Go to the ZHS College & Schools webpage to see links to Community and Technical Colleges in Washington and throughout the nation. In addition the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges has launched a website "Check Out a College.com" which is a good resource to match career interest with state college options.
Most students chose a community college to live at home to save room and board costs. They pay a lower tuition fees for two years at the community college, yet can complete their basic education (GUR-General University Requirements or GER)-General Education Requirements) requirements just as if they were at the University for the first two years. Many students choose to work part time and earn money to help cover expenses and to save for transferring later to a university.
Students who enroll in a community college may look at that enrollment as their final step at formal education and enter the world of work once the certificate (terminal goal) or AA degree has been earned or they can use it as a stepping stone to a 4 year degree (transfer goal).
At a community college you can earn a special certificate in 1 year or less, or AA (Associate Degree) for two years of study. Most community colleges do have some technical AA’s certificate and degree programs that do not transfer all credits. Students would be aware of this if later they desire to move to a bachelor degree school. Program examples which may not transfer completely are usually in the technical areas such as Automotive Tech, Computer Tech, and others. This can be confusing when comparing Technical College and Community College options. To see YVCC's options (which will be similar to other community and technical colleges go to this page www.yvcc.edu/FutureStudents/Resources/counseling/Advising/Pages/DegreesandPrograms.aspx To view CBC's options go to www.columbiabasin.edu/home/index.asp?page=1083
The Direct Transfer Agreement-DTA: Another kind of AA degree is known as the Direct Transfer Associate Degree (DTA). Students who take the DTA courses are planning on eventually earning a four year Bachelors Degree (BA-BS). They take a parallel set of courses at the community college that follow what would have been taken the first two years at a baccalaureate college. DTA-AA Degrees are popular as they are a considered good value n education getting the general requirements satisfied and then transferring on to the university to study in the "major" area for the final two years.. If a student receives a 2 year DTA Degree with at least a 2.0 GPA will, if they apply on time, be automatically accepted as a Junior at the Washington public, and most of the private colleges and universities.
Here are samples that YVCC and CBC use to plan DTA-AA Degrees YVCC-Associate of Arts-DTA, Associate of Business-DTA and Associate of Sciences-DTA
CBC-AA-DTA (General Worksheet)
CBC-AA/AS DTA (options by program)
The Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) was designed as a method to help students complete GUR’s at a community college and then transfer "seamlessly" to a four year university. Students who complete DTA degrees do not undergo a course-by-course transcript evaluation; instead, the four-year institutions automatically accept two years of study and consider most, if not all, students’ GUR’s fulfilled. The DTA does not guarantee acceptance to a major. Only a small percentage of students report problems in transfer.
Graduation Requirements: Each college (both 2 year and 4 year) will have graduation requirements similar to high school graduation requirements, where certain classes must be taken by all students regardless of their major. In a DTA-AA Degree and in most 4 year colleges during the first two years of study, students complete the GUR’s/GER’s. These are basic courses in English, Reading, Writing, Humanities, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies with a few elective courses added to complete the degree. In some categories you will have lists of courses to choose from. Students are advised to take GUR courses that will help them in their major area of study or align with/support their major. Some students will choose courses which they already have a prep background from high school classes or courses which they have an interest to explore. Always look through catalog for course descriptions when choosing your GUR/GER courses. Don't guess on content based on course titles.
Community college advisors can go to a guidebook that would help you take the same courses at the community college as you would during the first two years at the four year college. This helps you take courses that you need for particular areas of study and basically replicates the first two years of the four year program. Normally all GUR’s/GER’s will be satisfied, so students can jump right into their major area of study.
Transferring-Community College to 4 Year University: The basic rule of thumb is that any college course taken from an accredited institution, with a course designation of 100 or higher, is transferable. Some courses may transfer as electives only and may not cover GURs, while others will cover GUR’s. The public colleges general accept all the 100 level and above credits earned. The independent colleges and out of state colleges may have different policies so if you are looking at these options you will have to check on their individual policies.
About 16,000 Washington community and technical college students transferred to four-year colleges and universities in 2006-07. About 25 percent of new undergraduate students at public four-year colleges and universities come from Washington community and technical colleges. Transfer students graduate at high rates over time, especially those who transfer to a four year institution with 90 quarter credits. Transfer students graduate most efficiently in social science majors, and less efficiently in math and science majors.
There is not a specific correlation between degrees earned and earning power. In general students who earn a 4 year degree often do earn more than an AA or a AA Technical degree. However using education as example a student earning a BA degree and becomes an elementary teacher after 4 years of college will start off at about $28,000 per year. A student earning a Technical degree in diesel mechanics after two years of study could be starting off at $35,000 or a Dental Hygienist after 3 years of technical training and certification could start off at $38,000. Again these are only examples.
Transfer Guides: Students who would like to transfer from community colleges to four-year colleges and universities can consult with their college advisors and review transfer guides. Different types of guides have been developed to fit the needs of different types of transfer students. Currently, four types of guides exist:
University Transfer Links Students who earn the Associate of Arts degree will be able to transfer to Washington colleges and universities that honor the Direct Transfer Agreement with junior standing, having met lower division general education requirements. The following are links to Transfer Guides for four-year schools:
University of Washington
Technical Colleges: A technical college offers programs of study for up to 3 years. They offer Technical AA degrees, certificates, certification or diplomas but most of these are not transfer degree options. That does not mean a student can not move to a 4 year college in the future, but it does mean that more academic preparation courses may be required to graduate with a Bachelors Degree. Students who enroll in a technical college usually desire that this step of education is to be their final step before they enter the work full time. They seek technical skills that are certified by a higher education agency so they may enter the workforce at a good starting wage and then can continue to upgrade needed news skills without having to drop out of the workforce. Technical colleges can be either public (state supported) or private/independent.
Specialty Schools: Technical type colleges which specialize in only few skill areas are often called Specialty Schools or Proprietary Schools. They may nor may not have the word "College" in their title. These are normally private/independent schools that teach and certify in one area such as business support, cosmetology, massage therapy, underwater welding, etc. In they are like technical colleges but may not issue a formal degree, but rather a certificate of achievement/competency. Some prepare the student for state, regional or national certification processes in their chosen field. It is strongly advised that ZHS students who are considering a specialty school do their research. Issues such as placement after completion, beginning starting wage, and eligibility for Federal Student Aid should be examined before enrollment. Ask to talk with references such as graduates of the school or employers who recruit and hire graduates from that school. A few of the more popular Technical and Specialty Schools in our area include
Military: The United States Military is one of the largest employers offering some of the best financial aid support for college and some of the best technical training around. The ZHS Militaryweb site has information on training, careers, college funds and other links. Military life is not for everyone, but students should do the research and then decided for themselves. The Today's Military is maintained by the U.S. Armed Forces to keep young people aware of changing opportunities for training, education, and careers.
ZHS Military Service Awareness Information: All students are encouraged to consider the military service as a source of skill training, a career, and/or a financial aid source for future education. Awareness begins in the Freshman year and continues through the Senior year during the annual guidance conference. Information is maintained in the guidance center for students to review all branches of the military. Military recruiters are available to meet with individuals or small groups of interested student. Take the ASVAB test at ZHS in October. The ASVAB is recommended to all students because it will assess your strengths, interests, and career aptitudes. It is such a good indicated of success in a career area that it is required of all persons going into the military prior to placement. The higher the scores, the great the occupational options. If you decide the military service is a viable option for you, make an appointment to meet with a recruiter in the guidance center (a minimum of 24 hour advanced notice and a pre-arranged release from your classroom teacher is required) or for a home visit at your convenience. Investigate all branches regarding how they can help you reach your goals. Meet with at least two different branches to get a comparison of what the various services can offer and which will be the best fit for your personality, education, aptitude and goals. Also compare active service vs reserve and National Guard options and officer vs enlisted options if they apply. Some branches have programs that give you a sample of military life prior to making a commitment. If there is a weekend or summer opportunity to observe or participate in military training without obligation, arrange this with the recruiter. Get all guarantees in writing (training, placement, location, education/schooling, signing bonus, college savings plans, etc.). Compare college options while in the military and upon termination of service. Some students will make an early decision in the junior year and may even participate in a summer training between their Junior and Senior years. Others will delay deciding until late spring of their Senior year when all financial aid and school admission issues are complete. Some early decisions allow bonuses, special training/job options, and/or special duty assignments. Some late decisions can effect and limit these same areas. You will need to weigh the pluses and minuses when determining when to decide and sign. Discuss all options with your parents. Don't sign any agreement until you and your parents are sure of this decision. Sleep on your options for at least a day or two. A good deal today will still be a good deal tomorrow.
Apprentice Programs: Apprenticeship combines classroom studies with on-the-job training supervised by a journey-level craft person or trade professional. Like a college education, it takes several years to become fully trained in the fields that offer apprenticeships. An apprentice earns while they learn. At first, they make less money than skilled workers do. As they progress, they get regular raises and, once they have mastered the craft, they receive the same wages as a professional. Today's carpenters, electricians and plumbers were yesterday's apprentices. And tomorrow's asbestos workers, communication technicians and health care coordinators may be apprenticeship graduates as well.
You can find apprenticeship opportunities in many long-standing and emerging occupations. Workers who finish apprenticeships generally earn more during their working years than those who don't learn their skills in a formal training program On this CD I have the Apprenticeship Advantage Flyer which will give you the basic information provided in Washington. Apprentice Washington is a website that has up-to-date information on programs, training, occupations and contacts related to apprenticeship.
OTJ (On The Job Training): OTJ is generally thought of as job training for entry level jobs. Most jobs are service and fast food jobs that high school students might get part time or right after graduation to help pay for college. The training period may be a day to a month in length. There may also be a trainee/probationary period of ukp to 6 months. These jobs are sometimes called “dead end” jobs because they have little advancement opportunities, often pay minimum wages nor offer benefits, and do not hold much career advancement potential. Some consider apprentice programs as OTJ and in a way they are, but apprentice programs are really a more formal training program that does incorporate OTJ, but apprenticeship programs lead to many advancement opportunities
Graduate/Professional Schools: I will mention them briefly here because these are "Post Baccalaureate" taken after a Bachelors Degree, rather than Post Secondary after a high school diploma which is our focus of this program. Graduate schools are considered "professional level" Degrees such as Masters or Doctorate (PhD). Physicians, Lawyers, Dentists, many educators and others often required graduate degrees. Students plan during college for these opportunities and apply in their senior year of college.
ZHS Senior Placement Statistics: 4 year college is not for everyone, but as we have said over and over again everyone should participate in some post secondary training. Traditionally labor market statistics tell us this Not that everyone will fit the same pattern but it might be helpful to review the ZHS averages for post secondary placement. Over the past years statistics showing some average self reported choices by ZHS senior. About 98% of all ZHS graduates state that they plan to pursue some kind of post-secondary education. The numbers are By following the 4 year guidance plan we have had in place you have any option above open to you depending on your interests.
Another aspect of college to consider is the location. The next topic is:
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