SMART Goals Part II

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SMART Goals Part II

• Ms. M. Mack
• May 21, 2009
• Chemistry I and Physical Science

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Lets Review!

• What does the acronym S.M.A.R.T. stand for?
• Can anyone explain what SMART goals are?

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List of Schools

• Make a list of 3-5 schools of interest.
• Make a list of 1-3 majors that you would like to
  pursue.
• Are you certain that you are interested in this
  area of study?
• Are you aware of its demands and challenges as
  well as benefits and contributions to society?

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Admissions Requirements

• Each school has a set of admissions requirements
  that include, but are not limited to the
  following
• High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED)
• Minimum GPA (usually 2.5 or higher)
• Minimum standardized test scores CPT, ACT, SAT
• Volunteer Hours
• Extra-curricular and community involvement.

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Where do I stand?

• Compile a list of the requirements listed on the
  previous slide
• My GPA is __________.
• My standardized scores are _______.
• I have ________ volunteer hours.
• I participate in the following activities_____
• My anticipated graduation year is ______.

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Choosing a Major

• Choosing a major can be an arduous task,
  especially when you are interested in more than
  one field of study.
• Some students decide to major and minor
• It is very important to choose wisely when
  selecting a major. Although it can be changed, it
  is not the most favorable to graduate and
  professional schools to see that a students has
  changed majors multiple times.
• They want to see that you know what you want and
  that you can stick to it!

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Major

• My anticipated major will be ________
• If you have not yet decided, be honest with
  yourself!
• This plan must be SMART and you should choose
  undecided until you have reached a decision.
• Plan to attend college fairs and seminars held in
  the spring of your senior year to get some ideas.
• Request brochures from your schools of interest!

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Questions?
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How will I pay for college?

• The federal government allots financial
  assistance to students in both undergraduate and
  graduate/professional programs
• There are 3 main types of financial aid.
• Can you name them?

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Types of Financial Aid

• Scholarships
• Free money often granted for academic
  achievement or social affiliation.
• You often have to apply for scholarships and
  complete essays, but this money DOES NOT have to
  be paid back upon graduation.

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Types of Financial Aid

• Grants
• Free money, often provided through the federal
  government or through organizations.
• This money DOES NOT have to be paid back.
• Loans
• Subsidized
• Unsubsidized
• Must be paid back

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More on Loans

• Subsidized Loans
• The federal government will pay the interest on
  the loan while you are in school.
• The loan must begin payment following graduation
  after your grace period ends (usually 6 months)
• Unsubsidized Loans
• You must pay the interest on these loans as you
  go
• Usually arranged in easy monthly installments

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Financial Aid Tips

• Apply early!
• Get as few loans as possible!
• SAVE money when you can!
• Live on a manageable budget.

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How do I apply for financial aid?

• www.fafsa.ed.gov

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Information for my FAFSA

• General Background Information
• 2010 Tax Return-both you and your parent
• Plans to stay on-campus or off-campus
• Electronic pin- stands as a signature.
• Please visit the pin site www.pin.ed.gov.

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Personal Statement

• Each college application will be accompanied by
  the following
• Application fee
• Essays
• Writing a generic personal statement will help
  you gather the information you need in order to
  successfully complete any essay on any topic

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Assignment

• Purchase a folder (with pockets) and fill it with
  loose leaf paper.
• On the outside, put the title S.M.A.R.T. Goals
• Transfer the activities we do to your notebook
• Next week We will devise a timeline!

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Questions to answer by 5-27-09

1. Who am I?
2. Why do I want to go to college?
3. What is my future goal?
4. Why do I want to work in this particular field?
5. What have I been doing to prepare myself to work
   in this area of study?
6. What challenges in life have made me stronger?
7. What do I value the most?
8. If I have academic struggles, what will I do?