Navigating University Selection: The Essential Guide for Future Students

1. SHPE AHETEMS, Inc: Selecting a College/University Name of Presenter Name of SHPE Chapter Noche de Ciencias Location of Event City, ST #Date#

2. Types of Colleges/Universities • Four year colleges allow you to earn a Bachelor’s degree • Two year colleges may provide: • An associate’s degree • A certificate program • Technical training • Plan to continue your studies at a four-year college.

3. Types of Colleges/Universities (cont.) • Public versus Private Universities • Vary in size • Public colleges may be less expensive, particularly for in-state residents because they receive funding from state and local government • Both public and private colleges offer financial assistance from various sources

4. Selecting a University • Self-Assessment • Investigate Four to Eight Universities • Programs Offered • Academic Reputation • Location • Proximity to Home • College Town or Major City

5. Selecting a University (Con’t) • Campus Climate • Faculty, students, community involvement, sports, size, dorms, political climate • Visit at least your top two choices • Make the most of tour • Ask questions • Apply to 3-8 Universities

6. Selecting a University (Con’t) • Student Organizations • Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) • American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) • Co-op Opportunities • Work experience • School credit • Internships • Work experience • Research

7. Financial Costs Average Cost per Academic Year $13,000 for Tech/Trade School $13,000 for a Community College $18,000 for a In-State $28,000 for a Out-State $36,000 for a Private School

8. Sources of Aid Institutional (Varies by School) Government Federal & State Private Agencies

9. Who Can Apply • Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate • Are working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program  • Are a U.S. citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident with an Alien Registration Card, or an eligible non-citizen (refugee, asylum granted) • Have a valid Social Security Number  

10. Apply for Financial Aid Select a University Apply for Admission Planning for College Apply for Scholarships Prepare Yourself

11. Get Organized • Take SAT/ACT • Save Money • Transcript Fees • College Application Fees • Scholarship Application Fee • Postage and mailing

12. Create Portfolio • Wisely choose who will write your recommendation letters • Write an essay about yourself, your accomplishments, your strengths, your goals and how you will achieve them • Develop and update your resume • Request official transcripts with ample time to make the deadline

13. AHETEMS Scholarships • AHETEMS Scholarship Program • AHETEMS General Scholarships • AHETEMS Professional Scholarships • AHETEMS Intern-Scholarship Program • SHPE/CDM Intern-Scholarship • NASA/MUST Intern-Scholarship • SHPE/Freeport McMoRan Intern-Scholarship • AHETEMS Named Scholarships • AHETEMS/ExxonMobil Scholarships • AHETEMS/U.S. Steel Corp. Scholarships • AHETEMS/Verizon Scholarships • AHETEMS/Kellogg Scholarships • AHETEMS/Northrop Grumman Scholarships

14. College Success • Choose your classes wisely • Get requirements out of the way • Keep a balance between hard/easy classes and between subject areas • Take a writing course • Get to know your Professors • Ask for help Remember: ALL colleges offer tutoring and student support

15. Resources • Information about Colleges & Universities http://www.careersandcolleges.com/ • College Power Prep http://www.powerprep.com/collguid.htm • Register online for the SAT http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/reg.html • Register online for the ACT http://www.actstudent.org/regist/elecreg.html

16. AHETEMS Advancing Hispanic Excellence in Technology, Engineering, Math and Science The University of Texas at Arlington Box 19019 Arlington, TX 76019 817-272-1116 www.shpe.org www.ahetems.org