Explore Careers and Colleges

The key to selecting the right career or school  is to explore thoroughly before deciding. Choices are made easier with the wealth of information available via the Internet. One can even take a quick skills or interest inventory  to assist in determining some areas of interest, career options, and requirements for jobs or school. The Occupational Outlook Handbook describes what workers do on the job, working conditions,  training and education required, earnings, and  job prospects in a wide range of occupations. Virginia View, the Career Information System for the state of Virginia, details jobs within the state, categorized by region. Links to additional information about individual jobs, career trends, schools in Virginia and the nation, as well as military careers - even summer and internship programs --  are provided as well as financial aid information links.

Take a Virtual Tour of the campus. If you want to check out the school and grounds but can't visit - try this.

Explore Virginia's community colleges with Virginia Education Wizard. This site allows you to create your own account to explore careers, learn about college costs, seek financial aid information as well as search the programs offered at each of Virginia's community colleges.

Embark.com -- offers assistance in selecting the right college. Set up an account to establish a college calendar tracker (a month by month guide to the college application process).

Preparing for College

Use some of the following sites to search and explore the right school for you. In addition to providing information on colleges and matching choices, these sites give information on SATs, financial aid, distance learning and more. Some offer practice tests and reviews for the SAT and ACT and tips for applications and examples of college essays. Check them out to find one for you.
www.collegeboard.com
www.collegeview.com
www.petersons.com/ugrad -
http://features.yahoo.com/college/
search.html
http://www.review.com
Even a free online SAT & ACT prep course. It is wise to set up your own planning calendar to keep track of testing dates, application deadlines and registration dates. Take advantage of the calendars provided
by some of the individual college web sites or commercial sites,such as  collegeboard.com helps you meet deadlines. College Board allows you to create a college plan for any high school year. Just select your grade in high school to view a scheduled outline of steps and preparations to get ready for college. You can create you own with my organizer. 

Financial Aid

Check these sites out to find out about government sources of funding as well as scholarships and aid packages.
http://www.salliemae.com
http://fafsa.ed.gov/
http://www.ed.gov/studentaid
http://www.fastweb.com
http://Scholarships.com

Make an appointment with your guidance counselor to review your plans and ideas, but do not rely on them to investigate. Get out and explore online or check out one of the many college catalogs from the   Counseling Center.

Armed Services

U.S. Army @ www.goarmy.com
U.S. Marines @ www.usmc.mil
U.S. Navy @www.navy.mil
U.S. Air Force @www. airforce. com/
For information on ASVAB testing and schedules, check with the Counseling Center. Help with ASVAB practice and preparation is available online.

 Student Loans
Consider GreenNote.com -- family members and friends can help or anyone in the network can assist. Interest rates may be lowered or waived.

CollegeDegreeFund.com -- connects needy students with individuals and companies that want to sponsor their education. Membership is free and money is in the form is "micro-sponsorships."

FinAid.com -- a great source for sorting out the loan process.

WiredScholar.com -- explains all the various financial aid options and ways to apply.

eStudentLoan.com -- Compare loans and apply online with major lenders.

Two online communities that are popular are: Prosper.com and LendingClub.com; however, they may not offer the best terms (payment is required within 3 years.)

 

 
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