It’s Not Too Early to Start Planning for College!

Considering
College?

A Publication  for 8th, 9th, and 10th Grade Students
Provided by The Ohio State University

Considering College?
A Publication  for 8th, 9th, and 10th Grade Students

Inside

Should I Go to College? 	1

Universities, Colleges, Schools—What’s the Difference? 	2

The College Prep Curriculum 	3

Subject Areas

English 	4

Math 	6

Natural Sciences 	8

Social Sciences 	9

Foreign Languages 	10

Visual and Per forming Ar ts 	11

Advice from Someone Who’s Been There 	12

Study Tips from the Experts 	13

How to Finance a College Education 	14

Frequently Asked Questions 	16

Pictured on the cover (clockwise):
Peter Jackson, Constance Hall, Naki Akrobettoe, Hillary Manalo, Gahanna Middle School South

“Should  I Go

You

to College?”

are probably asking yourself that question  right now as you read this publication. As you and your family consider your future educational plans, you may want to keep a few things in mind.
Perhaps most important, a college degree
is an investment that makes good sense.

You hear time and again it’s a changing world out there, and it is. You have seen a lot of change just in your short lifetime. For example, computers  have changed the way we live. Believe it or not, it wasn’t that long ago that you couldn’t shop, videoconference,  listen to music or watch movies all while sitting at your desk.
We don’t know what jobs and careers might be ahead. But we do know that a college education  can help prepare you for the challenges of the future, whatever those may be.
We also know that a college degree can bring you major financial benefits when you

$36,720

enter the “real” world. According to a recent U.S. Department of Education re- port, high school graduates earned an average of $22,624 in 1998,  while the average college graduate  earned $36,720. A four-year college degree can
lift your lifetime earnings by more than $600,000 over a 40-year career.

$22,624

Of course, there is more to college than the promise of making more
money somewhere down the line. The educational process really does make
you a more interesting  and well-rounded person. You will meet new people and make some of the best friends you will ever have. And as you develop new skills, you will learn to think for yourself, to come up with your own ideas and insights.
Here are three pieces of advice as you consider whether college is for you. First, ask
a lot of questions.  Talk to your teachers, to other people who have been to college, and

High school grad

College grad

ask about their experience.
Second, don’t let the price of college keep you from your goals. College is a big expense, but there are educational bargains out there, particularly at state colleges and universities. Like many people, you may have to think in terms of loans, work-study programs,  scholarships, and other ways to finance your college education.  It’s not too early to check out the many sources of financial aid. Scholarships aren’t just for rocket scientists. Many are given for leadership,
service, or particular areas of study.
Last, remember  that a college education  is about helping you learn many new things that will enable you to achieve your dreams.

Average Salaries

It Costs Less
Than You Think!

Many Ohioans think that their public colleges and universities cost much more than they really do. One sur vey showed that when asked the cost of resident tuition at Ohio’s public colleges and universities, Ohioans most frequently answered $10,000. The average answer was $8,000. Both were much too high. The state average for annual resident undergraduate fees at Ohio’s 13 public universities
for 2000–2001 was $4,610.

3

Universities, Colleges, Schools—
What’s the Difference?

College:
Offers courses leading to a bachelor’s degree.
University:

Colleges differ in the way they are funded:

A public or state college/university is supported in part by the taxpayers of the state. As a result, the tuition  (the cost of taking classes) is typically lower than at a private college or uni- versity which receives no money from
the government. A private school is also usually smaller than most state-supported
schools.

Is usually made up of several colleges (one university might have a college of business, a college of agriculture,  a college of medicine, etc.).
Junior or Community College:
Offers two-year degrees which can prepare you for a career
or transfer to a four-year college or university.
Vocational or Technical School:
Offers job-oriented programs lasting anywhere from a
couple of months  to two years.

How colleges admit students:

Colleges and universities vary in their admission requirements.

Many are open admission institutions. A college that has an open admission policy will admit students who are high school graduates until it reaches full en- rollment.

Others  may have selective or competitive admission requirements. A selec- tive school considers a variety of academic factors when deciding whether or not to admit you. Those factors typically include:

College prep courses (the more, the better)
High school grades or class rank
Scores on standardized tests (like the ACT or SAT)

A selective school may also consider other factors such as extracurricular activities, volunteer and work experiences, or special talents that an applicant has.

How selective is a selective school? That depends on the school. Selectivity can range from a liberal admission policy in which students from the lower half of their graduating  class with ACT composite  scores of 21 or less (SAT combined scores of 990 or less) are admitted,  to a highly selective policy in which most ad- mitted students come from the top 10% of their graduating  classes and have ACT
composite  scores of 29 or higher (SAT combined  score of 1300  or higher).

In this guide, we’re using the words college or school to refer to any school beyond high school.

4

The College Prep

Curriculum

If you’re planning to go to college, it’s important to take the right classes in high school. That way, you’ll be prepared for college courses, which cover more mate-
rial in less time than high school classes.

4

Note: Some universities may require fewer years in some subjects than we’ve recommended here, but for “strong  preparation,” you should plan to take the following:

4

English: 4 years of college prep English are required.  This will give you the skills you’ll need to understand literature and write effectively.

Math: 4 years will give you the best possible preparation. Students  who take math in each year of high school are far more successful in college than students taking

3

only three years.

3

Science: 3 years of lab sciences are recommended, even if you don’t plan to pur- sue a science-related field.

3

Social Studies: 3 years will give you the ability to understand and contribute to the world you live in.

1

Foreign Language: 3 years of the same language are recommended. Many uni- versities require their students to study a foreign language. Strong preparation  in high school will let you go further, faster in college.

Art: 1 year of a visual or performing  art is required.  This includes courses in which you study, create, or perform art, music, theater or dance.

Strong preparation	Many colleges will require students to meet cer tain college prep curriculum standards.
But just meeting the minimum is not necessarily the best way to prepare for college.
Strong preparation means going beyond the minimum—allowing you to star t your college career in college-level courses, not remedial courses designed to help
you catch up or review high school-level material.

5

English African American
CWhLich EngAlish courSses arSe colleIge pCrep? 	AL

Shaketsure, thpe shoret storay, comrposietion, creative

American literature, classical literature, Shakespeare, mythology,  British Litera-
writing, research writing, and many,
mythology

British

many more (ask your school counselor).

What makes an English course college prep?

College prep literature courses introduce you to many different authors  and kinds of writing—poetry,  stories, novels, plays. You will learn about and discuss characters, scene, and story line. You’ll learn what makes a great story great. And
you will learn to write effectively about what you have read.

Myth   Good writers are born, not made (and they always “get it right” the first time).

We often think of professional writers—Judy Blume, R.L. Stine, Ann Mar tin— sitting at their computers and turning out page after page of per fect writing. The truth is that professional writers often do their most impor tant writing after those first words are on the page as they revise and rewrite.

Myth   Learning and using correct grammar are the most impor tant par ts of writing.

The people who read your writing will expect you to know how to spell and use punctuation correctly, but in the big picture these skills are not the most significant par ts of your writing. Your ideas and
how you choose to express those ideas are far
more impor tant.

College prep writing courses (composition, creative, or re- search writing) usually cover the key elements of writing: style, grammar, and organization. More importantly, these courses will help you learn to develop your own style and teach you to use language effectively as you draft essays, poems, speeches, and short stories.

Why do I need to become a strong English student?

You need to be a good writer. And the best way to do that is
to read good writing and to practice good writing. That’s what you will do in college prep English courses. Writing is central
to the work you will do in high school, college, and in your ca-

reer. It’s true, you probably won’t need to write essays in your career. But the skills you learn writing essays will serve you well as you write reports, stories, letters, speeches, even the notes you pass back and forth in math class!

Subject Areas

6

How do I become a strong English student?

Reading and understanding literature: Practice makes perfect. To be a good lit- erature student, you need to read a lot of literature. The more you read, the better you will get at it, and the more familiar styles and themes will become.

Writing: Good writers regularly practice writing to stay sharp, the way an athlete regularly works out his or her body. Try these things to stay sharp as a writer:

• Keep lists of ideas for stories.
• Share your ideas with friends, family members, or teachers before writing.
• Always write at least two drafts. An essay or a story can never be perfect. The more you refine it, the better.
• Read. The best writers are often big readers.

What activities outside of school will help me with
English?

Did we mention reading? Almost any reading has value (it doesn’t have to be Shakespeare). Magazines, newspapers, comic books, song lyrics—all are good oppor- tunities for reading. And when you’re reading, think about what the writer is trying to tell you.

Write! Write what? Keep a journal or diary. Not only will it help you stretch your skills as a writer, but you will enjoy looking back on your journal as you grow older. Write stories. Write them collaboratively, with friends. Co-authoring will give you the chance to learn from others. Write letters. Get a pen pal. Or,
if you have a computer, an e-mail pal.

Careers for Writers Good writers have the inside track on many careers. Lawyers, speech writers,
radio repor ters, teachers, book publish-
ers, television producers, movie directors, business owners, engineers, surgeons, CIA agents, insurance agents—all of
them need to know how to write well.

7

Math

Which math courses are college prep?

High  schools typically offer one of two different math tracks:

1. Algebra I Geometry Algebra II Precalculus Calculus
This is the traditional  set of college prep math courses.

Myth   There is only one way to do a math problem.

A problem may be solved by a variety of methods, no one of which is “the right way.”

Myth   There is a magic key to doing math.

2. Integrated Math I Integrated Math II Integrated Math III Precalulus
Calculus
Recently, high schools have offered this “blended” track com- bining algebra and geometry topics.

Which track is right for you? That depends on what your school offers. Your school counselor will help you choose.

There is no formula, trick, or rule which will unlock the myster y of mathematics. Except hard work.

Myth   Girls are not good at math.

Big myth. Gender has nothing to do with analytical or quantitative ability.

Why do I need to become a strong math student?

You’re going to need math for these reasons
(and more):

1. Math is a tool for understanding our

(Also known as “But I want to be an English teacher” or “When am I ever going to use this stuff?”)

Myth   Memorizing the formulas is the key to success.

There is more to math than formulas. Knowing how and when to use formulas is far more impor tant than just knowing them.

world. It’s used in ways you wouldn’t guess: to determine the shape of an aircraft’s wings, analyze disease spread and control,  or design efficient transportation systems. And it’s used in our everyday lives: to balance a checkbook or leave a tip in a restaurant.

2. Learning math helps you reason things out (those impor- tant things called analytical skills).

3. Many professions involve a lot of math, including engineer- ing, science, medicine, and business. And all people, no matter what their job, use mathematics  in their personal
lives.

Subject Areas

8

Six keys to mastering math:

1. Take college prep math courses every year, starting in 9th grade.

2. Master skills, don’t just get familiar with them. “I’ve seen that before” or “I’ve had that”  won’t get it done.

3. Learn from returned tests. Rework the things you got wrong until you under- stand why you missed them.

4. Ask for help when you need it.

5. Draw pictures. Drawing gives you a better sense of proportion and spatial relationships.

6. Plan to exceed the minimum course requirements for college. Most college-bound students are underprepared for college math, even if they took the required  courses.

Non-academic activities that will make you a better math student:

• Play a musical instrument.

• Play chess, checkers, and other games requiring analytical and logical reasoning.

• Play sports. Athletics can help develop spatial awareness and a sense of motion, time, and speed.

• Get to know computers.

9

Natural Sciences

Which science courses are college prep?

Your high school may offer many science courses—but  not all of them are con- sidered college prep. You’ll need to check with your teachers or school counse- lors. As a general rule, college prep science courses are classes in which you spend
a large amount of your classroom time in the laboratory. These might include biology, chemistry, or physics. Some schools may also offer college prep courses in anatomy, physiology, or microbiology.

Why is it important to study the natural sciences?

The answer is simple. Humans  are living things, and it’s important for us to know how we function and relate to other living things in our envi- ronment. If you want to be an educated  person, you’ll need to know how such things as cloning, genetic engineering,  the
world food supply, diseases and extinction  of species relate to

Myth   Scientists wear white lab coats and dis- sect frogs or mix chemicals all day.

Wrong. Most scientists  seldom wear a lab coat or even a pocket protector. Most of them never dis- sect anything, though some of them may. Some of them spend time on research sites located on ev- er y continent around the world, and of course, in the oceans and fresh water, too.

Myth   Humans know just about all there is to know about chemistr y and living things on the planet, so there won’t be much for me to discover in the sciences.

Hardly! Species are disappearing faster than we can study them. We’ve only begun to scratch the sur face in understanding the human body and brain. And what about all the chemicals yet to
be discovered in plants and animals of the rain
forests?

our lives and how we can impact such issues.
There’s another  good answer: Colleges will expect you to understand the sciences, especially if you hope to pursue a re- warding career in medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, nurs- ing, zoology or one of many other areas.

Keys to success in the sciences:

1. Learn how to read, write, and think critically.

2. Learn how to take good notes.

3. Learn how to use computers;  there is a lot of great science information  on the World Wide Web.

4. Learn to notice even the smallest details.

5. (Maybe the most important key) Learn to love those math classes!

Natural sciences outside the classroon:

1. Watch science shows on TV.

2. Visit science sites on the World Wide Web, where you will find lots of science facts, pictures, sounds, and even videos.
3. Read science magazines—which often have great articles and photos.

Subject Areas

10

Social Sciences

What are social sciences?

(Social Studies)

Social science (or social studies) is the study of people and their behavior, past and present. Social science classes that you might take in high school include:

• History classes
• Sociology
• Psychology
• Government

Why study social sciences?

Social science helps us make sense of the world and helps us make better decisions. For example, a knowledge of political science (or government) helps people make good choices as voters. Sociology and anthropology make us aware of the di- versity in our society and the world; they help us understand the differences among people.

The secret to success in the social sciences?

One skill is especially important for success: the ability to think independently about material presented  in class or in a text- book. It’s impossible to try to memorize  all the material in a social science class. Don’t even try it. To succeed, you need to separate the most important material from the less important material.

Social sciences outside of school:

Social science is everywhere. If you’re involved in student  gov- ernment, key club, scouting,  4-H,  church or synagogue activi- ties, or any community  service, you’re learning about social science. When you read a newspaper or magazine, you’re a so- cial scientist.

Myth   Histor y is just memorizing names, dates, and battles; studying histor y is a waste of time.

In today’s world where war, revolution, and famine oc- cur ever y day, histor y is the key to understanding
these events. Histor y is the stor y of the human experi- ence, and without an understanding of that experience (and learning lessons from it), humanity is doomed to make the same mistakes over and over.

Myth   Studying the social sciences may be interest- ing, but it’s not going to prepare me for a career.

A background in the social sciences is excellent prepa- ration for many careers, as well as for graduate school (to pursue a higher college degree), professional
school (to prepare for a specialized career), or law school. Social scientists  can be found working in crimi- nal justice and law enforcement; in community work and social ser vice; in the business community; in fed- eral, state, or local government; and in the judicial
cour ts as lawyers and judges. In fact, political science,
histor y, and sociology are among the most popular ar- eas of study for students hoping to go on to law
school.

11

Foreign Languages

Which foreign language courses are college prep?

All foreign language courses are college prep. And the more you take, the better. Most colleges require two years of a single foreign language for entrance,  and some require three. Once you arrive at college, your foreign language skills may be evaluated by a placement exam. This is why it’s important to take language courses throughout your high school career. If you haven’t taken a language course for a year or more, you probably won’t remember  enough  to do well on place- ment exams or in college language courses.

Why study a foreign language?

No matter what career you choose, knowledge of a second language will give you a real advantage.
• Ever hear the term global economy? Businesses work closely with companies in other countries.
• Many careers, from physician to plumber to police officer,

Myth   Foreign languages are hard to learn.

Foreign languages are just like any other subject. They require study, some memorizing, and regular use. Besides, you’ll learn a foreign language dif- ferently than your parents did. You have the ad- vantages of new technologies and ideas about language learning.

Myth   I’ll never use a foreign language outside of the classroom.

Other languages are all around us. Have you ever thought about how many more newspapers, maga- zines, and books you could read, movies and TV programs you could understand, websites you could visit, people and places you could get to know with another language? Contribute to your community and your countr y through your ability to gather information and connect beyond the world of English.

involve languages other than English.

• Plan to visit a foreign country? Once you get off the tourist track, or if your car breaks down, or if you want better ser- vice in restaurants and stores, your knowledge of a foreign language will become a real asset.

Secrets of success in foreign language study

• Spend 20 minutes each day reviewing vocabulary and gram- mar. Don’t wait until the day before an exam to cram!
• Make flash cards with new vocabulary words and the En- glish equivalent on the other side.
• Get one of the new CD-ROM programs to supplement your learning.
• Keep a writing journal in a foreign language to get more writing practice.

What activities outside of school will help me with foreign languages?

• Check out foreign language videos from the library or video store.
• Get on the World Wide Web. Read the news or access travel information  in a foreign language.
• Buy or borrow magazines or simple books in a foreign language.

Subject Areas

12

Visual and
Performing  Arts

What are visual and performing arts courses?

The term “the arts” usually refers to dance, music, drama/theater, and the visual arts. If you can, take courses in several areas to experience what each has to offer. Most schools offer courses in art (painting,  drawing, or media) and vocal or in- strumental  music. Some schools are able to offer specialized courses, which might include modern  and folk dance, ballet, ceramics, computer graphics, and art his- tory. Basically, an art class should:

1. Involve you in the creation or performance of works of art or
2. Help you understand and appreciate works of art

So why study art?

Studying art can be its own reward. If you have attended a concert, listened to a CD, or acted in a school play, then you have an interest in the performing  arts. People make choices every day that are more about art than they might think. When you choose what clothes to wear or how to decorate your room, you are making an artistic (or aesthetic) decision.
The arts are a key to understanding people. The arts have always allowed individuals and societies to express their most profound ideas, feelings, and values in special ways. And they still do—you probably know people who identify themselves at least in part by how they dress or what music they listen to. It’s impossible to fully understand any culture, including your
own, without  understanding the role of the arts in the life of the community.

Three keys to success in the arts

1. Experiment - The greatest artists try many, many different approaches before finding the one they want.

2. Practice - Even the most accomplished musician will spend hours each day practicing for a performance,  listening to each note to determine  if it’s too long or short, too loud or too
soft.

3. Remember - “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” In other words, different styles may appeal to different people, but there’s no right or wrong in the arts, as long as an artist
can defend a decision to do what he or she did.

Myth   Without “talent,” you won’t get anything out of the ar ts.

Truth is, ever yone can enjoy and par ticipate in the
ar ts. Even if you don’t become an ar tist or an opera singer, you can still enjoy an ar t exhibit or a concer t, or even dabble in the ar ts in your spare time.

Myth   The ar ts are not really ver y useful or impor tant when compared to other subjects like math or science.

Actually, the ar ts can help you develop creativity, disci- pline, concentration, obser vation, and problem-solving skills as well as the willingness to experiment and in- novate—good qualities for any subject area or field! Plus, if you know about the world’s ar ts, you can bet- ter understand and communicate with people of other cultures.

11

Advice from	Someone Who’s
Been There

There are three pieces of advice that I would give to someone preparing for their future in college:
respect others, get involved, and think for yourself.
In school, whether it’s middle school, high school, or college, your world will be opened to many new opportunities. How you choose to respond adds up to the experience of life

and defines
as another different are encou ions and other’s id
college exp
and people w

your individual personality. You may not always have the same viewpoint person. However,  you should always keep an open mind, no matter how their ideas are from your own. A college campus is a place where people raged to think about what is important to them and express their opin- feelings. It is also a place where people are expected to respect each
eas, even if they don’t agree with them. Keep in mind that much of the
erience is about encountering diversity. How you handle new situations ill shape your future greatly.

p

Second, take advantage of the many opportunities you have in school—there  is so much the world has to offer. This includes partici-
ating in extracurricular activities, such as sports, band, or a service
or activity club. These experiences and memories will be some of the richest of your life. You should never be scared to participate because you are afraid of failure. It is far better to try some-
thing and find out it may not be right for you than to look back and regret not trying at all.
Most importantly, learn to decide for yourself what you
need to do. Many decisions are not clearly defined as good or bad. Always remember,  just because “everyone
else is doing it” does not make it the best choice, just the easier choice. Individuality  means you can think for yourself and be creative. In my life I have made many choices, prob-
ably as many bad as good. The bad choices have taught  me many things. I believe you learn as much about yourself from your failures as you do from your successes.
As you are experiencing life, remember  to believe in your-
self. Only you know what you have inside your own heart.

People like to call them dreams; I like to think of them as goals for the future.

Rob Sheard
Major: Communications
The Ohio State University

12 

Study Tips

“Set aside a block
of time every evening to

from the Experts

“Make use of notecards

College classes can be more demanding than high school— in one quar ter (ten weeks) or semester (fifteen weeks), col- lege students cover more mate- rial than high school students do in a year. Successful college
students are the ones who have developed good study habits in
middle and high school. Here,

study, and treat it like a job.”

Tara Richard, Nursing

“While in high school

or flashcards when you have lots of
information to remember so that you don’t have to fumble through your notes to find what’s really important.”

eight Ohio State students of fer their best study tips.

or junior high, make yourself read a lot, so you are used to the bigger reading demands when you head to college.”
Katie Newlon, Agribusiness and Applied Economics

“Sit in front of the classroom whenever possible. It helps you pay attention.”
Laura Husted, Molecular Genetics and Zoology

James Walker, Political Science

“Look over your class
notes later on the same day you took them. I find that looking over notes the day of class goes a long way, rather than trying to read and memorize all the material the
night before an exam.”

Marc Lavender, Biology

“Shortly after class, rewrite your notes. This allows you to reorganize your thoughts,
makes your notes easier to study, and gives you an extra review.”
Stephanie McFarland, Theater

“Really think about what you learn.
Don’t just memorize information; under- stand concepts.”
Jeff Blair, Classics

“Location, location, location: find a spot where you can create your personal study environment away from distractions.”
Joanna Zitnik, International Studies

13

How to Finance
a College Education

First of all, remember  that you are responsible for finding the money to pay for your student’s education.  The first place to look for funding is your family’s dis- cretionary income and savings. All colleges and universities will assume that par- ents are willing to invest a substantial proportion of their available cash in a college education  for their child.
It’s best to start saving early for college. Even a few dollars a week, put away regularly in an account that pays interest, can yield a substantial amount  of money for college. The state of Ohio also offers the Ohio Tuition  Trust Authority, which allows families to pre-purchase  tuition  credits to be used later at any state-sup- ported  university in Ohio.

But don’t rule out college
because you think you can’t afford it!

Many students qualify for financial aid to cover some or all of the cost. Nation- wide, about 60% of all college students receive some form of financial aid.

It helps to know the basics.

How much does college cost?
For 2000–2001, the average tuition  for public four-year colleges and universities was $3,510, ranging from less than $4,000 to more than $8,000. The average tuition  for private four-year colleges for 2000–2001 was $16,332, ranging from
$12,000 to more than $20,000. Room and board at nearly any college adds
an additional  $4,000–$6,000, and students have other costs such as books and supplies, transportation, clothing,  toiletries, and entertainment (The College Board, Trends in College Pricing, 2000).

How is financial aid eligibility calculated?

Eligibility is determined by using two figures—the amount  a year will cost at a particular school (budget or cost of attendance) and the amount  that your family can afford to contribute (expected family contribution).
The budget  varies from school to school and includes such items as tuition  and
other fees, books, room and board, and living expenses.

What’s a FAFSA?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This form must be filled out in order for you to apply for most types of financial aid, par ticularly need-based
aid. It’s available from college financial aid of fices and in high school guid-
ance of fices in Januar y each year.

14

The expected family contribution (EFC) is calculated yearly by the federal government from information  provided on the Free Appli- cation for Federal Student  Aid (FAFSA) and is constant  from school to school.
The cost of attendance  minus the EFC leaves the student’s financial need—it is this figure that schools attempt  to meet with need-based  financial aid funds.

Where does financial aid come from?

Cost of education (student budget)
–  Expected Family Contribution  (EFC)
= FINANCIAL NEED

Some financial aid comes from the college or university itself. This
may be scholarship money awarded for excellent grades or performance ability, or it may be grant, work, or loan assistance awarded to meet financial need.
Much of the financial aid awarded comes from the federal government.
Federal aid programs are awarded to meet financial need. The grant programs, Federal Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental  Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), are given to the students with the lowest EFCs, while the Federal Work-Study Program,  the Federal Perkins Loan, and the Federal Family Education Loan or William
D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program  are available to a wider range of families.

What if you can’t come up with the “family contribution”?

The federal government offers parents the ability to borrow from the Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)  to replace expected family contribution.

What other options do you have?

You may wish to explore private scholarship opportunities via your local library or on the World Wide Web at www.finaid.org. Many schools offer payment plans
to allow you to spread your payments over the course of a term.

Where can you get more information?

For more information, consult the College Board’s annual publication,  The College Cost and Financial Aid Handbook.

Frequently
Asked Questions

1

When should I begin visiting colleges?

2

It’s never too early to start visiting colleges and universi- ties. Visiting campuses in your early high school years will help you figure out what kind of environment you prefer (big or small campus, located in a city or a rural environ- ment, etc.). Try stopping  at campuses that are on your route when taking family vacations, or make plans to visit friends and relatives who are college students or who live near campuses. As a general rule, you should begin making visits to specific colleges of interest by your junior year of high school.

How difficult is college? How smart do you have to be?
College will be a greater academic challenge than high school. Even though you will take fewer courses at a time

3

in college, those courses will require more outside prepara- tion than high school courses do. Students  taking four or more classes at a time in college are usually referred to as “full-time students” because the work load and time com- mitment  is much like a full-time job.

What if I don’t know what to major in when I get to college?
You won’t be alone. Most students enter college undecided about a major or change their minds at some point after starting. Many colleges offer thousands  of different classes—and give you time to explore the possibilities.
Most colleges don’t require students to choose a specific
major area of study until their third year.

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volunteer activities are experiences that most colleges value. Remember,  however, that colleges will consider academic factors above all others.

What are my chances of graduating from college in four years?

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At colleges around  the country,  the average time to gradua- tion is more than four years. Why? Some students change their major several times and need to take more course work than students who stick to one area. Students  also often take advantage of special programs such as co-operative educa- tion, internships,  or overseas study, which are valuable expe- riences but can delay graduation. Many students work to help pay for college and may not take a full load of classes each term. There are many students,  however, who do graduate  in four years. It just depends upon the choices you make.

What is more impor tant: taking harder courses or maintaining a higher GPA?
It is important that you challenge yourself while in high school by taking difficult coursework. This will prepare you for the demands of the college classroom. Most colleges and universities will look at both your course selection and your grades in the admission process and balance them together. Of course, you should make sure that you are choosing the best course for your level. It’s not a good idea to get a very poor grade in an advanced course because it is over your head!

4Does it hurt my chances of receiving financial aid if 	8

credits from before high school will not count toward

we have money saved for my education?
In most cases, students whose parents have saved for col- lege are still able to receive financial aid, but end up with less loan indebtedness. This benefits the family, because it’s much cheaper to save than to borrow.  A typical graduate  who borrows to pay for college has an average of $174  per month  in student  loan payments. A student who can avoid borrowing  due to savings will start his or

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her life as a college graduate  without  the burden  of student loan payments.

What role do extracurricular activities play in the college admission process?
Colleges and universities are looking for well-rounded stu- dents, and extracurricular activities like student  govern- ment, school clubs, sports, yearbook, a part-time  job, or

What credits from eighth grade count toward college?
Most

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college. However,  if you take Algebra I or the first year of a foreign language in the eighth grade, many colleges and universities will count those courses as part of your college prep curriculum.

Do colleges and universities have programs and ser- vices in place to help students with special needs?
You will find that each college and university is different,
but most will offer help to students with special needs. Some common  programs and services are programs to help stu- dents with physical or learning disabilities, honors programs for exceptionally talented  students,  programs and services
for under-represented minority students,  and tutoring ser- vices for students needing additional  help with particular academic areas.

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Thanks to:

Ohio State faculty:
Ann Ackermann-Brown, Assistant  Dean, Biological Sciences
Larr y Baum, Professor, Political Science
Frank Carroll, Professor, Mathematics
Kay Halasek, Assistant  Professor, English
Linda Harlow, Associate Professor, French and Italian
Louis Lankford, Professor, Ar t Education
Judie Monson, Academic Program Coordinator, Mathematics

School counselor advisory group: Karen Coggins, Gahanna High School Keith Ebright, Pickerington High School Jane O’Shaughnessy, Hilliard High School Al Spilker, Grove City High School
Dan Straub, Dublin-Scioto High School
Jan Tinnermann, Reynoldsburg High School
Maureen Withgott, Bishop Watterson High School

And to:
Cinda Ankney, Michele Brown, Jack Cooley, Pat Kissel, Merilyn Lee, Myra Littleton, and Leah Weaver

Concept, design, and copy:
Admissions Office, Ohio State
University Marketing Communications,  Ohio State

UMC01247

Undergraduate  Admissions
Third Floor Lincoln Tower
1800  Cannon  Drive Columbus, OH  43210-1260 (614)  292-3980
www.osu.edu