This document provides guidance on planning for life after high school. It discusses the importance of having a career plan and outlines several common paths like junior college, CSU, UC, private college, and the military. It emphasizes the value of higher education, noting that a high school diploma alone may not be sufficient in today's economy. The document also provides tips on applying to college, securing funding, choosing affordable school options, utilizing internships, and avoiding excessive student loan debt. The overall message is that developing a clear plan in high school will set students up for greater success in their careers and lives.

1. Life after HS:
Minarets Style

2. Everyone we know needs a career after HS.
Everyone we know isn’t
so rich they can just
“relax” for 60 years.

3. Have a
Plan!
Education when
you are young
will pay off
20-30-40 years
from now.

4. Three main paths (all include graduation)
Junior College UC
CSU
Career/ Elite Private
Vocational Private College College
School
ROTC Military
Basic military Academy
All of these can lead to a 4 year degree or beyond

5. This plan assumes
you are not going to
graduate and then
just sit at home.
People doing that don’t need a “plan”.

6. Thoughts on the GED
THIS IS A BIG DEAL
Getting the GED might sound easy—after all, it’s just a test—but the test is
supposed to reflect everything you learned in high school at the senior level.
Many people take numerous tries to pass, and some don’t pass at all. You’ll have
to demonstrate advanced knowledge of algebra, geometry and calculus, write an
essay, and pass history, science and critical reading sections. It’s not easy to
pass—and often the work you have to complete for a passing grade in high
school is easier. Don’t count on alternative ways to get a high school education if
you still have the opportunity to stay in school and graduate.
http://www.distance-education.org/Articles/Thinking-About-Dropping-
Out-of-High-School--Think-Again-242.html

7. Reasons to not drop out or take the GED
Employers have their pick of candidates
From
Many employers will screen you out entirely because you
have no degree—despite your experience. They’ll nearly
always take someone with a high school degree over
someone without, and often they’ll take someone with an
Associate’s before that—even if the job doesn’t
necessarily draw on skills you learn in high school or
college. More and more, an education is becoming
mandatory in our economy.
http://www.distance-education.org/Articles/Thinking-About-Dropping-
Out-of-High-School--Think-Again-242.html

8. Reasons to not drop out or take the GED
You’ll be competing against high school
and college grads all your life
From
Life is a competition. You’ll be competing for jobs
your whole life, and your education is the only
thing that gives you an edge when you’re young
and don’t have much work experience. But even
when you’re older, you’ll be competing against
candidates who have degrees—for jobs, for
promotions and for raises. Don’t set yourself at a
disadvantage before you’ve even started a career.
http://www.distance-education.org/Articles/Thinking-About-Dropping-
Out-of-High-School--Think-Again-242.html

9. Reasons to not drop out or take the GED
Think school is tough now? Try going
back as an adult
From School isn’t always easy. But most teenagers don’t
have to support themselves while they go to school.
Once you’re out, you’ll have to get a job—and you’ll
have to juggle school around that. Don’t expect your
employer to be sympathetic if you have to schedule
shifts around classes or come in tired because you
were up late studying the night before. If you have
kids of your own, going back to school is even
harder. Some people who drop out with only months
to go before graduation take decades to earn their
degree again. Get it done early, while you don’t have
as many demands on your time.
http://www.distance-education.org/Articles/Thinking-About-Dropping-
Out-of-High-School--Think-Again-242.html

10. FINAL Thoughts on the GED
THIS IS A BIG DEAL
In1971, male dropouts who worked full time earned an
average of $35,087.
In 2000, male dropout income shrank to $23,903.
It’s clear that our economy is changing—and an education is no
longer considered optional.

11. How do you get to college, military or vocational ed?
THE BASICS - STUFF YOU NEED
1. Graduate HS - not GED
2. GPA of 2.5 - 3.0 or better*
3. Funding or scholarships
*For UCs, elite colleges and military academies, you need a 4.0+ gpa. It’s very competitive.

12. THE BASICS - GET THE RIGHT START
Focus on the Positive
(-) Negative: Fs are a huge problem - you repeat the class and lose
electives (If you’re aiming to go straight to 4 year - you NEED C’s or
better in core classes)
(+) Positive: You are at a high tech, supportive school, do your part!
(-) Negative: Not having an “interest area”
(+) Positive: Compete and win AWARDS early, when you are a soph!
(-) Negative: You can’t begin when you are a Senior
(+) Positive: At Minarets, Freshman have access to rock the house

13. Funding Options 1: Cheap stuff
You have to have a car, apartment and
a job either way. Don’t add those costs
to your college planning.
You’ll need a car and apartment no matter what.
College can be as cheap as $1000/yr.
For a little more money, add college and career skills that will pay off in the long run.

14. Funding Options 2: Keeping college affordable
FAFSA + CALGRANTS = Free money
AH! The spectre of paying too much for a degree.
The goal = pay as you go, or pay just for room and board.
If you HAVE to get a loan, consider these options:
• Go to a JC first (save $24,000 to 60,000) get the same credits
FAFSA, Pell and Cal Grants can get you free money - if you sign up on time.

15. Funding Options 3: Keeping college affordable
ASVAB + ROTC = Free college
• Get a good ASVAB score, join the military, or go in as ROTC and
college is free. In many cases, you’ll get a monthly check too.
CAUTION: If going military, be a good negotiator. Get a
career out of the deal and go to college before you serve

16. Funding Options 4: Use your work ethic and skills
Other cheap routes:
Maintain a 3.5 gpa and get accepted to the SCCCD Honors Program
3.5 or higher gpa means free JC and a guaranteed slot at a UC
Fresno State Smittcamp Honors College - 3.8 GPA = Free Ride to
Fresno State
Walk on in other “sports”, like band, or ag or media - they have
scholarships too!

17. What kind of school do I pick? (1)
Tuition: $30,000 and up
Everyone knows schools like these:
USC, CAL, UC Davis, Stanford (big $)
Some schools like Stanford will give a free ride if you’re low
income - but you have to qualify academically.

18. What kind of school do I pick? (2)
Tuition: $4000-‐6000 and up
And these are great choices as well (and affordable)
Fresno State, Cal Poly, Chico State
Many times, a 3.0 gpa is acceptable.

19. What kind of school do I pick? (3)
Tuition: $20,000 and up
But small colleges provide great options too:
Woodbury, Menlo, Whitworth, Cogswell, Azusa Pacific,
Fresno Pacific
Why pick a small private college?
You will be “known”, you get better personalization,
and better access to internships, which can be critical
when starting a career.

20. What kind of school do I pick? (4)
Tuition: None
Military Academies
No cost to the student
Excellent academics - The highest grades are required to enter
Don’t be confused:
You are signing up to go to war if necessary
This is a 6-8 year commitment
US Naval Academy
West Point US Air Force Academy
Coast Guard Academy

21. Internships!
At whatever college you select, internships are CRITICAL.
Ask how they work and who gets them before you sign up.
Internships can be a GOLDEN key to entering the career you
choose.
MAKE SURE THE COLLEGE YOU SELECT HAS
INTERNSHIPS BEFORE YOU SIGN UP.

22. The cost of learning trades/skills
More Choices Lower Cost
Trade / Art Schools Junior College
Art
Music Many Jr Colleges
Contracting have Two Year
IT degrees in
Mechanics trade / art
Beauty disciplines
Two years Two years
$15-25,000 $1,000- $2,000

23. What school should you pick and how do you get there?
NOTE: It will cost you $10,000 - $15,000 a year to live no matter what school or job you choose - this chart is about
DIRECT costs involved with going to school.
College CSUs UCs
Jr College
Career Private Colleges Elite Private Colleges
Basic Military
Paths ROTC Military Academies
GPA Goal GPA 3.0 GPA 3.0+ GPA 4.0+
Minarets Minarets Diploma
Classes Minarets Diploma
Diploma (3 yrs math, 2 yrs Foreign Language)
(4 yrs math, 3 yrs Foreign Language)
Required Honors/AP classes
ASVAB (military)
Interest areas,
Be plugged into an Interest areas, competitions,
Intangibles dominating competitions,
interest area awards, clubs
winning awards, starting clubs
CSU $6-7k/year
$20-30k/year
Cost $600-$1000/year Private $18- $30k/yr
Mil Academy = Free
ROTC -= Free

24. Life is LONG
School Years
27%
Learn NOW
Invest in yourself until
your are about 25 years old,
and the next 55+ years
The Rest of Your Life
73% will be far more rewarding
School Years The Rest of Your Life

25. Don’t OVERPAY FOR COLLEGE!
Be VERY VERY
careful with
student loans -
they ARE NOT
free money -
It’s like adding a
$100k house
payment to
your life debt

26. There are a lot of questions to ask,
but it’s going to be an exciting
time in your life.
Ask us if you have questions:
Claudia vanDenBerg
Cvandenberg@mychawanakee.org
Mike Niehoff
Mniehoff@mychawanakee.org
Jon Corippo
Jcorippo@mychawanakee.org

27. Life after HS:
Minarets Style