College Awareness

Are you prepared for your future?

TATUM I.S.D.Pre K-16 Initiative

• Cultivate College Atmosphere

• District-wide programs and activities

• College Planning• Emphasis on rigor

coursework in all classrooms

• Career/College Investigations

Get Ready Now!

• A college degree helps you get a better job, earn more money, and gives you a good start in life.

• College is closer than you realize

• Every day of school counts

• Being prepared opens up your options

The Admissions Game: Key Criteria

1. Excellent grades in rigorous courses

2. SAT/ACT Test

3. A well written and authentic college essay

4. Teacher Recommendations

5. Extra-curricular Activities

What are colleges looking for in an applicant?

• Excels in the application criteria• Genuine interest in their school• Someone that will help them gain a well-rounded campus• Intellectual spark, academic drive, curiosity, purpose, vision,

authenticity • A “good match”

Big School, Big Benefits?

• Many degree program choices

• Lots of events, activities, and athletic teams

• Less selective about admissions

• Generally low tuition

The Small School Advantage

• Focus on undergraduate education

• Small class size• Good students, close

community• Diverse Opportunity• Smaller bureaucracy,

fewer registration nightmares

• Becoming increasingly affordable

The Cost Is Not As Bad As You Think

• Private schools have more money to give

• They meet a bigger percentage of need

• They're more willing to consider special circumstances

• Your child may graduate sooner

Other Ways to Pay For College

• Federal Aid, Work Study• Scholarships• Grants• Student Loans• Work• Accelerate your degree• Work off your debt with community service

What should you do in middle school to get ready for college?

• Get organized and develop good study habits• Practice time management skills• Start pursuing hobbies and personal interests• Make friends with good students• Challenge yourself personally and academically• Parents should start saving for college if they

haven’t already