Education After High School

Well, you have done it. You have strutted across that stage, looked your high school principal in the eye for the last time, received your diploma (to a rounding applause from your friends and family). You have made it. Partied All Week, Hugged your friends good-bye. What a magical time. BUT THEN YOU REALIZE (DRAMATIC MUSIC), I AM NO LONGER A HIGH SCHOOL ATTENDEE. I AM A GRADUATE. So, what comes next? Well, the land of the giants called COLLEGE. College is the first step in becoming an adult. A major decision which should not be taken lightly. Here are some questions you shoud ask when considering a college:

• Does the school offer the courses and type of program I want?
• Do I meet the admissions requirements?
• Does the school offer a quality education at a reasonable price?
• Does the school offer services I need and activities I'm interested in?

Most of this information is covered in the school's catalog or in its introductory brochure, the reference section of your local library, or on the school's website. You should also find out about the financial aid availability at the school. You do have the right to receive the following information from the school:

• the location, hours, and counseling procedures of the school's financial aid office
• the financial assistance that is available, including information on all federal, state, local, private, and institutional financial aid programs.
• the procedures and deadlines for submitting applications for each available financial aid program.
• how the school determines your financial need
• how the school determines each type and amount of assistance in your financial aid package
• how and when you will receive your aid