What's Next - Fall 2009

Questions about the JCC programs and services described in this publication should be directed to Student Services at 517.796.8425. Comments or questions about the publication should be directed to the Marketing Department at 517.796.8416. Publisher: Cynthia S. AllenEditor: Dotty KarkheckWriter: Marilynn FryerCreative Director/Design: Lisa DrakePhotography: Lisa Drake Marilynn Fryer

JCC Board of Trustees

Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400Chicago, IL 60602-2504 (312) 236-0456 www.ncacihe.org

Dr. Edward A. MatheinChairman

John M. CristVice Chairman

Christina L. MedlarSecretary

Philip E. HoffmanTreasurer

Samuel R. BarnesTrustee

Matthew R. HeinsTrustee

Sheila R. PattersonTrustee

Dr. Daniel J. PhelanPresident

Jackson Community College2111 Emmons RoadJackson, MI 49201

517.787.0800www.jccmi.edu

It is the policy of Jackson Community College that no person shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, gender, marital status, or handicap, excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to, discrimination in any program or activity for which it is responsible for or for which it receives financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Education.

What’s Next Magazine • Winter 2008 Printing of this publication funded in part

through a Carl D. Perkins grant.

Fall 2009

A publication of Jackson Community College

Hello students!It may seem like you have all the time in the world, but before you know

it, your senior year will arrive and you will be making some big decisions

about your future. This publication is designed to offer you some guidance

on how to prepare while you’re still in high school, planning for college,

the process for admission and becoming familiar with college.

Whether or not you attend college will be a significant decision in

your life. There are many reasons to go to college, to train for a job, to

increase your opportunities to find employment, to improve your future

earning potential, and become a well-rounded individual. There are many

opportunities for higher education, including the community college,

public and private universities and more. Consider all of your options

when making this very important decision.

We are committed to seeing students succeed. College will be an exciting

new beginning for you, and we want you to have the best experience

possible. JCC offers excellent career programs that will help you develop

new job skills. Our partnerships with other colleges and universities

help you easily transfer JCC courses. We have a variety of student life

activities: sports, performing arts, leadership opportunities and more, to

help give you a full college experience.

Good luck to you as you journey through high school and plan for the

future. I invite you to visit JCC and see what we have to offer.

Sincerely,

Charlotte Finnegan Dean of Student Services

2

3

4

5

6

16

18

20

21

22

24

Preparing for college:What 12th Graders need to know

What 11th Graders need to know



Career Pathways: Arts and Communication Business Engineering Health Human Services

Online Learning:Is it right for you?

Footing the Bill:Financial aid helps withcollege costs

Online sites provide lessons in going to college

DISCOVER your futurewith computerized career tool

Advice from the experts

Extra credit!You can earn college credit while still in high school

What’s Next Magazine • Winter 2008

Don’t stop now. Keep taking challenging classes.

Fight “senioritis.” Second semester grades can affect scholarship eligibility.s Stay involved and seek leadership roles in your activities.

It’s time to apply! Apply to the colleges you have chosen. Prepare your applications carefully. Follow the instructions and pay attention to deadlines! College applications are typically due in January, though it varies, and you should find out in April

if you have been accepted.s Well before your application deadlines, ask your counselor and

teachers to submit required documents (e.g. transcript, letters of recommendation) to the colleges to which you are applying.

Financial aid. Complete all necessary financial aid forms. All colleges require the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which is available online or can be acquired from the college, guidance counselor or library.s Attend a financial aid workshop to learn more about the process. College Goal Sunday is offered in late winter. Check out www.micollegegoal.org for details on this free financial aid event.s Encourage your parents to complete their income tax forms early. That information will be necessary in filling out the FAFSA form, available online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.s Fill out your FAFSA as soon as income taxes are filed. Submit your FAFSA by the earliest financial aid deadline of the schools to which you are applying, usually by early February. After you complete your FAFSA, you should receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). Quickly make any necessary corrections and

send them to FAFSA for further processing.s Males age 18 to 25 must register for Selective Service to apply

for financial aid.

Scholarships. Apply for scholarships as soon as possible. Check with your high

school’s guidance office or local library about scholarships that are available, and ask about

any scholarships from employers or any professional associations, clubs or unions to which you or your parents belong. Many scholarship deadlines occur on or before March 1. Test do-over. Retake ACT or SAT tests if scores weren’t what you hoped to earn.

Check it out. When you receive acceptance letters from colleges inviting you

to enroll, review the acceptances and compare financial aid packages.

Make your decision. When you decide which school you want to attend, notify that school

of your commitment and submit any required financial deposit. Some schools require this notification

by May 1.What’s Next • Fall 20092

What’s Next Magazine • Winter 2008 What’s Next • Fall 2009

Prepare for tests.You will have two important tests to take this year.

s In October, juniors should take the Preliminary SAT®/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). You must take this test in the 11th grade to qualify for scholarships and programs associated with the National Merit Program.

s In the winter or spring, take the exams for college admission, the ACT® or the SAT®. Check with the college you are interested in attending to see what test they require. In Michigan, juniors will take the ACT as part of the Michigan Merit Examination during the month of March.

Research colleges. In February or March, make a list of prospective colleges and work campus visits into your family’s travel plans. A visit while classes are in session will be most beneficial.s College fairs and college nights are a great opportunity to learn more about several institutions at once. JCC offers College Night in October of every year.

Keep up the work! Continue to review the high school curriculum requirements for graduation. Work hard in class and maintain your good grades.

who’s on your pick list? In the spring before 12th grade, narrow down the list of prospective colleges and begin requesting applications, course catalogs and financial aid information.

Stay active. Continue your involvement in school or community-based extracurricular activities.

Math adds up. Taking a math class your senior year of high school will improve your performancewhen you get to college and reduce your need for foundational courses.

Build those savings!Continue to save for college.

3

What’s Next Magazine • Winter 2008What’s Next • Fall 2009

Look ahead. Meet with your school counselor or mentor to discuss colleges and their requirements.

s Almost all colleges and universities have web sites that can give you an idea of what the institution is like. s Talk with family, friends, neighbors and older students who have been or are currently in college and see what thoughts or advice they have to give.

Job shadow. Have some ideas about what careers may interest you but are not certain? Job shadowing someone in that field currently is a great way to find out more about it and whether it’s right for you.

Get involved.Join clubs, play sports and volunteer. This is a good way to develop or expand your interests. The Jackson Legacy Scholarship program requires community service to be eligible for funds.

Take the PLAN® test when offered, usually in the fall, a practice test for the ACT college entrance test. This will allow you to get some practice and familiarize yourself with test-taking, and results can help in guidance throughout your remaining high school years and future planning.

Take the PSAT® test now in preparation for next year. If you are thinking of dual enrolling in college courses, you should take the PSAT or PLAN.

Get connected.Utilize resources for career preparation that may be available to you at your high school, such as the Career Cruising® program.

Stay on track.Continue to take challenging core classes. Again, speak with your counselor to be sure you are following all graduation requirements and getting the courses you need that may be prerequisites to courses you take in your junior and senior years.

s Work hard in your classes, stay on top of homework and earn good grades.

Get reading. In your free time and over the summer, read as much as you can of a variety of materials. Reading can help build your vocabulary, improve your concentration and boost your writing skills.

4


As you begin high school, keep in mind that in just four years it will be time to start college! Here are some points to think about as a freshman:

Save, save, save!If you or your parents haven’t started yet, begin saving money for college. College costs do vary, and starting at a community college like JCC can save you money, but it is still a significant investment. It will be worth it – statistics show that college graduates make significantly more income throughout their lives than those with only a high school diploma, so saving and then investing in yourself can help you throughout your life.

One way you can start saving is: s Open a savings account in a bank or credit union

Get focused.Take challenging core classes in academic subjects: English, social studies, mathematics, science and foreign languages. s Michigan has high school graduation requirements designed to prepare for future success in college and the workplace. Be sure to meet with your counselor so you are following the Michigan Merit Curriculum.

k Mathematics – 4 creditsk English Language Arts – 4 credits k Science – 3 credits k Social Studies – 3 credits k Physical Education & Health – 1 creditk Visual, Performing and Applied Arts – 1 credit k Language other than English – 2 credits k Online learning experience

Go explore. Start planning for college by thinking about your career interests. If you are not sure, try different classes and activities to see where your talents and abilities fit.

Work hard in your classes, stay on top of homework and earn good grades.

5


Careers in this path are related to the humanities and performing, visual, literary, and media arts. These include graphic and web design; writing; fine arts; journalism; languages; media; advertising; and public relations.

JCC programs in this pathway:Web developerWeb developers use a thorough knowledge of programming and server software operations to plan, develop, implement, maintain and enhance Internet web sites for businesses, profit/nonprofit organizations, colleges, governmental agencies, and other entities.

Arts & Communication

Business, Management, Marketing & Technology

Engineering, Manufacturing & Industrial Technology

Health Sciences

Human Services

6

If you are interested in becoming a Web Developer, you should prefer:s Activities that require creative imagination and high degree of risk s Activities of a scientific and technical natures Activities that require self-motivation s Activities relating to processes, machines and methods

High school pathway courses to take:Communications, Computers, Electronics, Math, Technology

5

What’s Next Magazine • Winter 2008 What’s Next • Fall 2009 7

Graphic designGraphic Designers create artwork to illustrate or promote products, services and ideas, and to improve appearance or attract attention. They plan, design and draw illustrations for displays, billboards, brochures, catalogs, books, magazines, newspapers, television, the Internet and packaging.

If you are interested in becoming a Graphic Designer you should prefer:s Activities concerned with communicating ideas to people s Activities which require creative imaginations Activities which provide satisfaction from seeing your work in print

High school pathway courses to take:Art, Math, Videography, Communications Computers, Photography

Art certificateprogramsJCC offers certificate programs in the following fields that can help you find job or career opportunities now, or serve as a building block for further study.

Theatre performanceActors perform in stage, radio, television, video, or motion picture productions. They also work for nightclubs, cruise ships and theme parks.

Technical theatreTheatre technicians or stagehands find work in a variety of production settings, including behind the scenes in theatre or with video production.

Video productionVideographers produce images that can tell a story, inform or entertain an audience, or record an event. Learn the basics of working with digital video. Studio artArtists create work to communicate ideas, thoughts and feelings using a variety of methods – painting, sculpting, or illustration. Individual creativity coupled with basic studio skills can help artists find success.


Careers in this pathway are related to the business environment, from management, entre-preneurship to marketing and sales, as well as computer/information systems.

JCC offers the following programs in this pathway that may prepare you for a career as a:

Microcomputer specialist

Microcomputer Specialists install, troubleshoot and repair problems with microcomputers, related hardware and software, and

components such as printers and terminals. They also train users of microcomputers in basic operation and maintenance as well as provide support for microcomputer systems.

If you are interested in becoming a Microcomputer Specialist, you should prefer:s Working with machines or equipments Using your imagination to find new ways of doing thingss Activities of a scientific or technical nature

High school pathway courses to take:

Communications, Electronics, Technology, Computers, Math

Three-dimensional design & animationDigital Artists and Animators create art for the digital environment. These artists

create special effects, animation, or other visual images using film, video, computers or other electronic tools and media for use in products or creations, such as computer

games, movies, CD-ROMS, music videos and commercials.

If you are interested in becoming a digital artist or animator you should prefer: s Activities concerned with communicating ideas to people s Activities which require creative imagination s Activities which provide satisfaction from seeing your completed work

High school pathway courses to take:Art, Communications, Computers, Math, Photography and Videography

Networking specialistsNetworking Specialists install, maintain, monitor and enhance the operation of an

organization’s computer Local Area Network. They evaluate vendor products and make purchase recommendations for hardware, software and telecommunications

equipment. Networking Specialists also recommend computer system policies and procedures to ensure the security of the network.8


If you are interested in becoming a Networking Specialist you should prefer:s Activities of a scientific and technical natures Activities involving computers and related equipment s Activities which require creative imaginations Activities concerned with the communication of ideass Activities which require self-motivation

High school pathway courses to take:Business, Math, Communications, Computers

Computer technicianComputer Service Technicians install, maintain and repair computers and computer-related machines, such as magnetic tape readers, high-speed printers, disk drives, modems, scanners, monitors, hand-held wireless mobile devices and data-entry equipment. If you are interested in becoming a Computer Service Technician, you should prefer:s Working with machines s Seeing the physical results of your work

High school pathway courses to take:Communications, Math, Computers, English, Electronics, Technology, Automotive, Technical Drawing, Building Trades

Computer programmerComputer Programmers write step-by-step instructions called programs for computers, using one of the languages developed especially for computers. These instructions tell the computer exactly what it must do to solve a problem.

If you are interested in becoming a Computer Programmer, you should prefer:

s Activities of a scientific or technical natures Activities which require creative imagination

High school pathway courses to take:Communications, Technology, Business, Computers, English, Math

eCommerceElectronic commerce, or eCommerce, is the term given to the buying and selling of products or services over the Internet. JCC offers an eCommerce program to help meet the demand of local businesses looking to expand in today’s electronic global marketplace and provide an avenue for individuals looking to make a few extra dollars.

If you are interested in going into eCommerce, you should prefer: s Activities which require creative imagination and a high degree of risk s Activities of a scientific and technical nature s Activities which require self- motivation s Activities relating to processes, machines, and methods

High school pathway courses to take: Business, Computers, Communications, Economics, Technology.

Administrative assistantTax preparerAccounting clerkAdministrative assistants manage a variety of clerical and technological duties in office settings. They serve as information and communication managers, plan and schedule meetings and appointments, organize and maintain paper and electronic filesand more.

Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks are an organization’s financial record keepers.

Tax Preparers help complete tax returns for individuals or small businesses but do not have the educational background

or responsibilities of an accredited or certified public accountant. Accounting Clerks prepare statements, invoices, and bills of lading (contracts issued to a shipper by a transportation agency).

If you are interested in becoming an Administrative Assistant, Accounting Clerk or Tax Preparer, you should prefer:s Activities of a routine, concrete, and organized natures Activities concerned with communication of data

High school pathway courses to take:Communications, Life Management, Business, Computers, Math, Accounting

SalespersonCareers in sales are available in a wide range of fields, from retail sales, to real estate and insurance, to marketers.

Sales personnel in all fields should be: Mature,creative, highly motivated, resistant to stress, flexible, decisive

High school pathway courses to take:Math, Business, Economics, Public Speaking, Computers, Communications

9


Careers in this pathway are related to technologies necessary to design,

develop, install or maintain physical systems.

JCC programs in this pathway include:

AutomotiveAutomotive Service Technicians

inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, diagnose and repair mechanical,

electronic and electrical parts of automobiles, vans, trucks and buses.

If you are interested in becoming an Automotive Services Technician,

you should prefer:

s Activities dealing with mechanical and electrical repair s Activities involving the use of

machines, processes or methodss Activities that bring satisfaction

from working on or fixing equipment

High school pathway courses to take:Automotive, Communications, Electronics, Math, Technical Drawing, Computers,

Technology


Climate controlClimate Control Mechanics are skilled workers who install, service and repair air conditioning, refrigeration and heating units used in homes, schools, commercial and industrial buildings. They may be called heating and cooling service technicians. If you are interested in becoming a Climate Control Mechanic, you should prefer:s Activities involving the use of equipment, processes, or methodss Activities that bring satisfaction from working on/producing equipment

High school pathway courses to take:Building Trades, Computers, Communications, Electronics, Technical Drawing, Science, Technology

Electrical TechnicianElectrical and Electronics Technicians, also known as electrical and electronic engineering technicians, apply electrical and electronic theory and related subjects to help develop, manufacture, maintain and service a wide variety of electrical and electronic equipment and components.

If you are interested in becoming an Electrical Technician, you should prefer:s Working with electronic/electrical/scientific/technical equipments Solving problems about processes, machines and techniques High school pathway courses to take:Building Trades, Communication, Technical Drawing, Electronics, Science, Computers, English, Technology, Math ElectricianElectricians install and maintain the wiring, fuses and other components that bring electricity into homes, businesses and factories.

If you are interested in becoming an Electrician, you should prefer:s Working with electronic/electricial/ scientific/technical equipments Seeing the results of your work High school pathway courses to take: Communications, English, Computers, Math, Electronics, Technology, Science, Building Trades


Careers in this pathway relate to the promotion of health as well as the treatment of injuries, medical conditions and disease.


Medical assistantsMedical Assistants, under the direction of a physician, provide various medical care and related services. They may assist physicians examining patients and/or handle duties involving office management. If you are interested in becoming a Medical Assistant, you should prefer:s Activities of a scientific or technical natures Activities that involve helping and working with people High school pathway courses to take:Communications, Computers, Health & Health Careers, Math, Technology, Science

NursingRegistered Nurses provide care, treatment, counseling and health education to the sick and injured. They assist in the maintenance of health and the prevention or management of illness, injury or disability. If you are interested in becoming a Nurse, you should prefer:s Activities that involve direct personal contact with people s Activities of a scientific and technical natures Activities that involve helping and working with people High school pathway courses to take:Communications, Math, Nutrition, Science, Social Studies, Technology, Health and Health Careers

SonographySonographers, also known as ultrasound technologists, use complex equipment to direct high frequency sound waves into specific areas of a patient’s body to produce images. Physicians use these images in making diagnoses.

Vascular Sonographers perform arterial and venous diagnostic procedures.


Technologists who use ultrasound to examine the heart chambers, valves, and vessels are referred to as Cardiac Sonographers, or Echocardiographers.

If you are interested in becoming a sonographer you should prefer:s Activities of a scientific and technical natures Activities involving processes, machines and techniques High school pathway courses to take:Communications, Technology, Health and Health Careers, Science, Photography and Videography, Computers, Electronics, Math

Respiratory careRespiratory Care Practitioners (also known as respiratory therapists) work primarily in hospitals and assist in the evaluation, diagnosis and care of patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary problems.

If you are interested in becoming a Respiratory Care Practitioner, you should prefer: s Activities of a scientific and mechanical nature s Enjoy working with people, including patients, other caregivers and the public s Enjoy direct patient care

High school pathway courses to take:Health, Biology, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Communications

Emergency medical technicianEmergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) work as members of pre-hospital emergency care medical teams administering first-aid treatment and other emergency care to sick and injured persons and transporting them to medical facilities.

If you are interested in becoming an EMT, you should prefer:s Activities of a scientific and technical natures Activities which require working with and helping people High school pathway courses to take:Math, Social Studies, Science, Technology, Computers, Communications, Health and Health Careers

Radiologic technicianRadiologic Technicians (also called radiographers or X-ray technicians)

assist physicians in the use of X-ray and fluoroscopic equipment in the diagnosis of disease or injury.

If you are interested in becoming a Radiologic Technician, you should prefer:s Activities involving direct personal contact to help peoples Activities that bring personal satisfaction from your work s Activities of a scientific or technical nature

High school pathway courses to take:Business, Math, Communications, Computers, Technology, Science, Health and Health Careers

Health ManagementIf you are interested in working in the business and administrative side of health care, JCC offers a health management program. Workers in this field help in planning, directing, coordinating and supervising the delivery of health care.

If you are interested in Health Management, you should prefer: s Activities concerned with the communication of data s Activities involving business contact with people s Activities directed toward helping people

High school pathway courses to take: Business, Communications, Health & Health Careers, Math, Social Studies, Technology

Medical Insurance Coder BillerMedical billers and coders communicate between medical offices, patients and insurance companies. With the growing complexity of health care, employers are looking for individuals with a good background of knowledge in coding and billing.

If you are interested in being a MedicalInsurance Coder Biller, you should prefer: s Activities concerned with the communication of data s Activities of a routine, concrete, organized nature

High school pathway courses to take: Business, Communications, Health & Health Careers, Math, Social Studies, Technology


Careers in this pathway are related to serving others, including careers in civil service, education, hospitality, police and the social services.


Law enforcementLaw Enforcement Officers and Detectives are government employees whose functions are protecting life and property, preserving the peace, detecting and preventing crime, and maintaining public order through the application of the law.

If you are interested in becoming a Law Enforcement Officer, you should prefer:s Working to serve your community s Communicating ideass Having business contact with people

High school pathway courses to take:Criminal Justice, Business, Communications, Computers, English, Foreign Language, Government, Health and Health Careers, Math, Physical Education, Public Speaking, Social Studies.14


CorrectionsCorrections Officers guard inmates in prisons according to established rules, policies and procedures to prevent disturbances and escapes.

If you are interested in becoming a Corrections Officer, you should prefer:s Activities concerned with communication of information/ ideas to people s Activities involving business contact with people

High school pathway courses to take:Math, Social Studies, Communications, Criminal Justice

Early Childhood Education Child care professionals and preschool teachers provide care for young children, either in the home, day care center or preschool settings. They provide nurture and care for young children who have not yet entered formal schooling and may supervise older children before or after school. Administrative roles in early childhood development are also available.

If you are interested in Early Childhood Education, you should prefer: s Helping people and caring about the well-being of children s Working with children

High school pathway courses to take: Art, Communications, Foods & Nutrition, Health & Health Careers, Life Management, Music, Social Studies.

15


Going to college can be as close as your home computer! Online education brings college coursework to you via the World Wide Web. Most colleges and universities today offer online learning – also called distance learning -- options.

At Jackson Community College, distance learning options teach the same concepts and require students to produce the same levels of coursework as those that are taught on campus, but simply eliminate time and place restrictions. Courses will transfer to two- and four-year colleges, making

16


furthering your education or completing your college goals a reality.Online courses offer the equivalent learning experience to the traditional classroom setting. Some courses do have tests, while others rely on several writing assignments to gauge students’ achievements. Weekly online discussions in which students comment on a topic or subject have helped build community between students, a kind of cyber-classroom.

Success in online courses does require you to have good time management skills and be self-motivated. Good reading ability, skill in navigating the Internet and sending and receiving e-mail, and a basic understanding of computers and file management are also important.

If online learning sounds good for you, it’s important as yourself some questions. Distance learning is ideal for you if: • You have time in your schedule to add a course commitment.

• You are a motivated, self-disciplined and responsible learner. While online courses offer great flexibility, there will be no one reminding you of deadlines or standing over you to make sure you understand the subject.

• You have computer skills necessary to take a class. You will need a minimal knowledge of computers and word processing to get started.

• You have consistent Internet access and a computer, preferably at home.

• You have college level reading skills to comprehend course materials. Almost all of your information will come in the form of written text.

• You have sufficient writing skills to communicate with your professor through e-mails, write class assignments, and attach documents to e-mail, or communicate through threaded discussions and chat rooms.

• You have appropriate study and time management skills.

• You are comfortable contacting your instructor and communicating any need for help or clarification. Your instructor can’t see your face if you’re confused, so you will be responsible for initial contact and being persistent when you have questions.

Numerous online courses are offered by JCC and the Michigan Community College Virtual Learning Collaborative, a cooperative effort of member colleges across the state to offer courses and degrees to students via distance learning. If students can’t find the course they would like to take from JCC, they may go to the MCCVLC web site and scan the choices there.

For more information about online courses, visit the JCC web site at www.jccmi.edu.

17


Interested in going to college but have a big question mark in your mind about how to pay for it? Financial assistance is available for those with a need! Help is available!

Types of aidFinancial aid, or money to help with college expenses, comes from many sources. The U.S. Department of Education should be the first source to assess financial aid. Aid also comes from scholarships and grants from state governments, schools, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, religious groups and professional organizations. 18


Financial assistance is available in three forms: grants, work-study and loans. Grants provide money that doesn't have to be paid back. Work-study provides money you earn for work while in school. Loans are money that you borrow and pay back with interest.

Aid may be used to cover school expenses, including tuition and fees, books and supplies, and transportation, and the amount received is based on a person's need, as determined by federal guidelines. Both the College and the Jackson Community College Foundation provide scholarship funds to qualifying students. One application is available for all; contact JCC's Financial Aid Office at 517.796.8410, or any JCC location. Applications may be printed from JCC's web site at www.jccmi.edu/FinancialAid/FinancialAidForms.

Legacy ScholarshipStudents in Jackson County may also benefit from a new scholarship initiative, the Jackson Legacy Program. It is designed to assist students who choose to start their education at one of Jackson County’s three higher education institutions – JCC, Baker College and Spring Arbor University, providing $3,000 scholarships for the first two years. Visit http://www.jacksonlegacyprogram.org/ to learn more.

Get startedTo apply, complete the Free Application for Student Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. With limited financial aid available, the sooner one completes the form, the better. Completing the form online is the fastest, with the math completed for you and inaccuracies immediately detected.

Check your reportAfter applying, you will receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) either by Internet or mail, depending on how you applied. The report will highlight the information you provided on your FAFSA and give an Expected Family Contribution (EFC). This is the amount the family should be expected to contribute toward a student's education. Check the SAR over carefully and ensure that everything is accurate. When you are ready to apply at JCC contact the Financial Aid Office to make sure they have all of your information.

Based on this information, JCC will be able to put together a financial aid package that’s right for you!

19


Interested in college but want to learn more about it? There are some excellent online resources available that cover all areas.

www.college.gov This site is created by the U.S. Department of Education, in collaboration with students from across the country. With links to categories

such as “Why Go,” “What to Do” and “How to Pay,” the web site combines easy-to-understand information with real stories, comments and video from students. You can create your own “roadmap” for college and print it out, both small or wall-sized. You can even share with others why you want to go to college!

www.knowhow2go.org This site goes through step-by-step guides for students from middle school through each year of high school. It gives suggestions for four steps to get to college, as well as guidance, video feeds and more or each grade level. There is an animated campus tour with important information about high school graduation requirements, getting into college, types of colleges, paying for college, grades, student housing (you can even pick out a dorm room and decorate it!) and more. This web site is sponsored by the American Council on Education, Lumina Foundation for Education and the Ad Council.

www.collegeboard.com Makers of the SAT and PSAT/NMSQT tests, the College Board web site offers valuable information about how to plan for college. There

are numerous articles for high school students about what to do in high school and to get ready for college. For those who have taken their PSAT/NMSQT, they can set up a personalized college and

career planning kit, My College QuickStart.

www.nextstepmagazine.com Publishers of the Next Step College Planning magazine present a web site

with a variety of college planning information available. There are step-by-step tips with video available, and even

information for adult learners, in case Mom or Dad are interested in college. Information is available to help you

narrow down your list of possible careers.

www.educationplanner.com American Education Services (AES), provider of financial aid services, presents this comprehensive web site with steps for planning for college.

It includes categories from “Thinking About College” to “Choosing a College” to “Paying for College.” Search out

different colleges and even compare colleges based on your individual preferences.

Note: These are just a few of the many sites on the World Wide Web with information about going to

college. These sites contain free information, please be careful in working with any sites

that request a fee or want you to pay for information. 20

What’s Next Magazine • Winter 2008

Want a career you can truly love? A job that will fit you perfectly?

Finding that right job takes research. Answering some simple career-related questions can help to put you on the road to success and satisfaction in your chosen career path. Jackson Community College can help students find the field that is right for them.

JCC’s Center for Student Success offers the DISCOVER career program to assist students in their search. DISCOVER offers inventories that examine areas such as interests, abilities and work values to begin to learn more about one’s self. Results from the interest inventory suggest various career areas that best fit your interests. Results from the abilities inventory will suggest career areas that best fit what you estimate your abilities to be. Results from the values inventory will suggest career areas that are more likely to contribute to your work satisfaction.

Career planning requires examining these areas and more. DISCOVER is a good start, offering information with multimedia features such as videos, graphics and photos.

“It gives you a good understanding of what areas fit your talents and abilities,” said Marian Burlingham, director of the Center for Student Success. While Michigan’s Career Pathways and high school educational development plans help students begin preparing for the future, there are still many college students who are not certain what they want to do, and adults returning to college may need assistance finding their best career choice.

With the inventories complete, DISCOVER offers guidance for possible careers and a “World of Work” map diagram that can help students in making a decision. It also offers information on a host of college majors, career opportunities available, colleges and universities, job search tips and more.

Career screenings are available to any JCC student. For more information, call the Center at 517.796.8415. Screenings are also available in Hillsdale and Adrian. 21 What’s Next • Fall 2009


Get a jump start on college by earning college credits while still in high school. If you are motivated and focused, several options are available.

Articulation Students who attend the Jackson Area Career Center, LISD TECH or Hillsdale Workforce Development & Technology Center and successfully complete requirements in eligible programs may receive JCC credit toward a certificate or an associate degree. Many high school career programs offer the opportunity for students to earn free college credits: • Automotive • Business• Building Trades • Computers• Health Care • Law Enforcement

For details, talk with your instructor or call JCC Student Services at 517.796.8425, or the JCC location nearest you.

Dual Enrollment Another way to earn college credit, save money and actually attend college while still in high school is through dual enrollment. Under Michigan’s Postsecondary Enrollment Options Act, high school juniors and seniors may be able to take college courses with the tuition and fees covered by the high school.

Dual enrollment programs offer students many benefits:

• Earn credit while in high school.• Explore subjects not available at your high school. • Save money on college tuition.

Ask your counselor if you meet the eligibility requirements for dual enrollment. Dual enrollment can save you money!

High school guest studentsIf you do not meet the dual enrollment requirements, you may still enroll as a

high school guest student with the permission of your parent or guardian and high school. High school guest students are responsible for the cost of college courses.

Advanced Placement Advanced Placement (AP) gives high school students an opportunity to take college level courses while in high school. High school instructors find that AP courses enhance their students’ confidence and academic interest; and college faculty report that AP students are well prepared for higher education. Getting started

Contact your high school counselor or instructor about earning college credit in high school. You may also call JCC at 1.888.522.7344 or visit the web site at www.jccmi.edu.

Jackson Campus 517.796.8425LeTarte Center, Hillsdale 517.437.3343JCC @ LISD TECH 517.265.5515

Office of Residence Life

Make JCC Your Home@ Campus View Student Housing

Want to experience college life at the fullest? Check out Campus View @ JCC!

• �� four-bedroom suites

• high-speed Internet hookup, phone and cable connections

• bicycle & outdoor gear storage

• ��/� security

For more information regarding on-campus housing at Jackson Community College, please call the Office of Residence Life at ��.��.�� or visit the website at www.jccmi.edu/studentservices/studentlife/campusview.htm!

What's Next - Fall 2009

Documents

Transcript of What's Next - Fall 2009