• Bluefield College, Bluefield, VA www.bluefield.edu • Bluefield State College, Bluefield, WV wwwbluefieldstate.edu • Concord University, Athens, WV www.concord.edu • Marshall University, Huntington, WV www.marshall.edu • New River Community & Technical College, Beckley, WV www.newriver.edu • Potomac State College, Keyser, WV www.potomacstatecollege.edu • Valley College, Princeton, WV www.valley.edu • Virginia Community College System www.vccs.edu • West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV www.wvu.edu
2
DON’T LET YOUR DREAMS BE DREAMS. Just do it College opens doors. Whether you want to own your own business, become CEO of a company, or just have a job that pays enough to go on vacation sometimes, a college degree can get you there. You don’t have to get in to the top schools to get a quality college education either. College is more about the effort you put into it, not where you go. So in the words of Shia LaBeouf, just do it. Make your dreams come true.
3
NOT AS
major
AS YOU’D THINK. While high school seniors on the cusp of graduating and moving on to college give ample thought to their college majors, many are likely to change majors at least once after enrolling in a college or university. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 80 percent of college students nationwide change majors at least once. Many of them will change their majors three times before they graduate. The University of La Verne also reports that 50 percent of college graduates pursue careers that are not related to their majors. Career and personality assessments can help students determine which subjects they may want to study
4
upon enrolling in a college or university. Such assessments can help students discover their interests, and then students can work with advisors and career counselors at their colleges or universities to find majors that align with those interests. High school seniors on their way to college in the coming months can rest easy that, even if they don’t know what to study when they arrive on college campuses this fall, many of their fellow freshmen are equally uncertain.
80 percent of college students nationwide change majors at least once.
5
This is a 2017 publication of:
6
Have the BEST of both worlds!
WEST VIRGINIA
1-800-GO-GUARD NATIONALGUARD.com/WV 1090382960
7
HOW TO CUT LIVING EXPENSES And still live The cost of college tuition is a concern for many college-bound students and their families. The cost of a college education continues to rise, but it’s not just tuition and room and board that students and their families must account for. College students may underestimate cost-of-living expenses when planning their school-year budgets. But such expenses can be substantial, catching even the most well-prepared students off guard. Fortunately, there are several ways for college students to save money on living expenses and still make the most of their time on campus. • Venture off campus. Towns that rely heavily on colleges or universities to support their economies typically offer great deals to students willing to venture off campus. Local businesses, including bars, restaurants and entertainment venues like mini golf facilities or bowling alleys, may offer student discounts to
8
entice kids to leave campus. Students can take advantage of these offerings to save on food and entertainment, which tend to be among the more pricey cost-of-living expenses college students contend with. • Buy secondhand furnishings. College students living in their own apartments or dorm rooms may not have the financial resources to purchase new furniture. Rather than purchasing brand new items they are likely to discard after moving out or graduating, college students can purchase secondhand items from local thrift stores or used furniture retailers that offer sturdy furnishings at low prices. • Become a resident advisor.
Resident advisors, often referred to as “R.A.’s,” typically receive free or reduced room and board in exchange for living in the dorms and monitoring the floors they live on. Competition to be an R.A. can be competitive, but students who become R.A.’s can save thousands of dollars on room and board costs over the course of their time at school. • Make your own meals. Meal plans may be ideal for college students during their freshmen years, when students may still be adjusting to campus life. But older college students can skip the meal plan in favor of preparing their own meals. Doing so can save students substantial amounts of money, and some students may even prefer the variety available at the local grocery store over the more limited offerings available at dining halls or
other campus eateries. • Move off campus. Some schools do not permit freshmen and sophomores to live off-campus, but older students may find that private housing is more affordable than on-campus apartments or dormitories. Students eligible to live in off-campus housing can contact local real estate agents to get a feel for the off-campus housing market before making a final decision. Cost-of-living expenses at colleges and universities can be considerable, but savvy students can find various ways to save money.
“Savvy students can find ways to save”
9
FIND YOUR COLLEGE FAM. And stay safe College students have a few different living options at their disposal, but many opt for dormitory living, as it is one of the more convenient and popular boarding options, particularly for outof-town students. Thousands of post-secondary students pack up their belongings and move away from home in the pursuit of an education, and parents want to do what they can to ensure their college-aged kids are safe. For many students, college represents the first time they will live anywhere other than the homes they grew up in. Dorm life can be an exciting adventure, but it can also be one that may open new college students up to inherently risky situations. While students should look forward to fun and excitement at school, it’s also important for them to be prepared for what lies ahead at college and in dorm life — and to take the proper safety precautions.
10
• Fall in with a trustworthy group of dorm friends. Friends can be informed of your schedule for both classes and work, so they are aware of where you are supposed to be at certain times of the day. If something is amiss, these friends can alert authorities or investigate your whereabouts further. • Lock your dorm room door. Always keep the dorm room door locked, and make sure your roommate is on the same page. Locking the door can deter people from entering without your permission and prevent theft. • Keep belongings out of sight. When preparing to move into a dorm, leave heirlooms or expensive jewelry at home. Once you
move in, store your more valuable belongings out of sight or in a locked box or safe. Consider getting insurance for dorm belongings, which will protect you in the event of theft. • Travel in groups. When attending parties or other functions, always arrive and leave in a group. This offers extra protection, as assaults and other crimes are less likely to occur when criminals are outnumbered. • Know the evacuation routes. Learn your dorm’s
evacuation policies. Know where all exits are and how to get out of the building if exits may be blocked. Find out if fire drills or other safety procedures are practiced, and participate in them. • Use the elevator. If there’s an elevator, use it. Stairwells are secluded and dark and often provide the perfect opportunity for would-be criminals to take advantage of unsuspecting students. Use common sense and trust your instincts with regard to dorm safety. Make college memories good ones by emphasizing caution.
“Make college memories good ones”
40
WE’RE BRINGING ACADEMIC PROGRAMS TO BECKLEY THIS FALL FIND YOURS AT WVUTECH.EDU
11
DON’T MAKE DEBT YOUR NEW BAE. Spend smart The cost of college tuition continues to increase, and college graduates are feeling the burn of that trend when the time comes to begin repaying their student loans. According to an analysis from higher education expert Mark Kantrowitz, publisher of Cappex, an online resource for students seeking college scholarships, the average 2016 grad has more than $37,000 in student loan debt. Things are not much better in Canada, where the 2015 Graduating Student Survey by the Canadian University Survey Consortium estimated the average member of the class of 2015 graduated with $27,000 in debt. Though many prospective college students are beginning to question if college degrees are worth taking on the kind of debt many students must take on to continue their educations after high school, statistics still indicate that college graduates have far greater lifetime earning potential
12
than men and women who enter the professional arena with only high school diplomas. So what can prospective college students do to avoid graduating without tens of thousands of dollars in debt? The answer might not be so difficult. • Apply to tuition-free schools. Many students and parents might be surprised to learn that there are several tuition-free schools. Admittance to these schools is competitive, but students considering equally competitive, high-tuition alternatives might make strong candidates for admission to tuition-free schools. • Apply to fixed-tuition schools. If tuition-free schools are not an option, students can save money by applying for admittance to fixed-tuition schools. Such schools guarantee that the tuition students pay in their freshman year will not increase during the ensuing three years. (Note:
Tuition may increase if a student needs a fifth year of schooling.) That can lead to considerable savings, as many schools’ tuitions increase dramatically in just four years. • Begin at a two-year college. Two-year colleges typically charge considerably lower tuitions than four-year colleges and universities. Students who want to save money may benefit by enrolling in a two-year college out of high school and getting all of their prerequisite courses out of the way at a more budget-friendly cost. When considering this option, make sure credits at the two-year college fully transfer
to the four-year school students hope to enroll in after earning their associate’s degrees. • Remain in-state for undergraduate degrees. In-state tuition at public universities remains a considerable bargain over out-of-state tuition or tuition at private universities. Students planning to do postgraduate work might benefit by enrolling in in-state public universities and saving their money to finance their postgraduate educations. Students who hope to attend a public university in a state that borders their home state may be eligible for a border waiver, which grants them in-state tuition even though they attended high school outside of the state.
“the average grad has $37,000 in loan debt”
13
Athens Campus 18883845249 Beckley Campus 13042560270 www.concord.edu
14
1090383255
DO THIS, GET HIRED. Jobs in demand As the cost of college tuition continues to rise and the job market grows increasingly competitive, college students are giving greater consideration to their prospects of being hired before choosing a major. A 2015 study commissioned by the National Association of Colleges and Employers asked 201 employers, including companies like Aetna, Macy’s and Procter & Gamble, which degrees are most in demand, even distinguishing between the most in demand bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees and doctorates. • Most in demand bachelor’s degrees: 1. Accounting 2. Computer Science 3. Finance 4. Business Administration/Management 5. Mechanical Engineering • Most in demand master’s degrees: 1. Computer Science 2. Electrical Engineering 3. Mechanical Engineering 4. Information Sciences & Systems 5. Business Administration • Most in demand doctorate degrees: 1. Electrical Engineering 2. Computer Science 3. Software Engineering 4. Computer Engineering 5. Mechanical Engineering
15
HIT THE ROAD, JACK. But do come back Study abroad programs give students unique opportunities to experience other cultures while pursuing their degrees. Such programs appeal to students who want to see the world without interrupting their studies, and many students who study abroad develop an affinity for travel that remains with them for the rest of their lives. When considering studying abroad programs or attending college overseas, recent high school graduates or current high school students should consider a few factors before committing to a program. Language barrier Students, particularly those who are not fluent in a foreign language, may find it easier to live in countries where English is the primary language. While study abroad students can
16
expect to work with professors who speak English regardless of where they go, life outside the classroom can be difficult for young students who do not understand the primary language spoken in the country where they will be studying. Life overseas Students who want to attend school full-time overseas may benefit by first studying through a study abroad program before committing to a two- or fouryear program in another country. This gives students a chance to get a feel for a country and its culture and lifestyle before making a long-term commitment to living and studying there. Program size The safety in numbers philosophy is applicable for all travelers, but it can be especially beneficial for young students
studying abroad. Students may feel more safe and comfortable when signing up for programs that include many students as opposed to more exclusive programs that include only a handful of students. Large programs provide a built-in social network, and students may feel safer exploring foreign cities in large groups made up of fellow students than going it alone or traveling in small groups. Documentation Students should speak with program directors about the documentation they may need to make the most of their time overseas. CEA Study Abroad recommends that students bring photocopies of all important documents, including passports, driver’s licenses, airline tickets,
health insurance cards, and student identification cards, with them when studying overseas. This protects students should their wallets or backpacks be lost or stolen while they’re overseas. Students also should include a list of any medical conditions or medications they take among their documentation and include their emergency contact information on this list. Studying abroad can be a very rewarding experience for young students, who must consider a host of factors before committing to a program so they can have the most enjoyable experience possible.
“Studying abroad can be rewarding.”
17
Get started early. Start applying today.
18
“I’M NOT ANXIOUS ABOUT GOING TO COLLEGE.”
— No one, ever
You’re not alone. Everyone has questions and concerns about going to college. How will I pay for it? What will my major be? Are my grades good enough? Your high school guidance counselors can help you find these answers. Get started today and see where your future can take you.
19
West Virginia’s Most Affordable College! Reach New Heights!
13 Nationally Accredited Programs
Now accepting applications!
Find out more at http://bluefieldstate.edu
20
1090383256