COLLEGE & CAREERS
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• Make the most of a college fair • The best jobs ranked • Where should you go to college?
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OMAHA AREA COLLEGE FAIR Oct. 1, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sapp Fieldhouse, University of Nebraska at Omaha, 6001 Dodge St. Admission, free Follow these tips to make the most of your college fair visit: • Before you attend, visit NebraskaCollegeFairs.org to register for a barcode to print and take to the college fair. College reps will scan the barcode to retrieve your demographic information so you won’t have to complete information cards. • Determine which colleges you want to visit (find a list of participants at EducationQuest.org). Arrive early so you have time to visit your top choices. • Prepare questions to ask the college representatives. Ask about deadlines for admission, scholarship and financial aid applications. • Attend a financial aid program at the College Fair to learn about types of aid and how to apply. For more information, visit EducationQuest.org
Babies born in 2017 could win some money for college
SAMPLE QUESTIONS TO ASK COLLEGE REPS Admissions & Financial Aid • Does the school offer academic programs that meet my interests?
Babies born in 2017 could win a little extra for college. The year-long sweepstakes is open to parents and guardians of Nebraska newborns in honor of the state’s 150th birthday this year. Each month in 2017, a parent or guardian will be chosen at random to receive a $529 contribution to a Nebraska Educational Savings Trust account. A total of 12 winners will be announced from entries submitted. To be eligible, babies must be born in 2017 and a Nebraska resident. It is not required that the baby be born in the state. To enter, a parent or guardian can fill out a form at www. nest529.com/newborndrawing. Entries may also be mailed on a 3-by-5-inch card in a No. 10 business envelope to First National Bank of Omaha, Attn: Nebraska NEST Birthday Babies Sweepstakes, 1620 Dodge St., Stop 1105, Omaha, NE 68197. Only one entry per child is allowed. Entry must include contact information of the parent or guardian, including first and last name, street address, city, zip code, phone number and email address. The child’s first name and date of birth and the words, Nebraska NEST Birthday Babies Sweepstakes, must also be included. Entries for babies born in 2017 must be received by January 10, 2018. For full rules, www.nest529. com/newborndrawing.
• What are admission requirements and deadlines? • What is the cost of tuition, fees and room and board? • What is the deadline for applying for financial aid? • How do I apply for collegebased scholarships? Housing & Campus Life • What are the housing options? • How many years are students required to live on campus? • How would you describe the neighborhood surrounding the college? • How safe is campus? What security features are in place? • What are the options for eating on campus (cafeteria, grills, sandwich shops, etc.)? • Can freshmen bring cars to campus? What are the parking fees? College Facts • How many students attend the school? • What makes your college unique? Are there any campus traditions? — EducationQuest Foundation
The University of Nebraska Omaha Sapp Field House will house the Omaha Area College Fair on Oct. 1. Omaha World-Herald
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College & Careers is a semi-annual publication of Suburban Newspapers Inc.
September 20, 2017
For advertising information, contact Paul Swanson, 402-444-1248.
Project editor and designer: Tom Knox Cover image: Metro Creative Connection
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TOP JOBS
Consider more than salary when choosing best career path for you There are many things to consider when looking at your college major and career path. Do you want a job that isn’t excessively stressful but that is challenging? Do you need something that lets you be creative? A job that pays well certainly would be nice. Something that has job growth would be great, too. U.S. News & World Report has ranked the 100 best jobs for 2017. The top 10 are highlighted here. Find the full list at usnews.com.
THE TOP 10 1. Dentist
7. Pediatrician
Median salary, $152,700.
Median salary, $170,300.
Treating mouth, teeth and gum issues.
Doctors who diagnose and treat medical issues specific to infants, children, teenagers and young adults.
2. Nurse practitioner Median salary, $98,190. Performs similar duties to physicians. 3. Physician assistant Median salary, $98,180. Working with doctors to care for the sick and injured. 4. Statistician Median salary, $80,110. Using numbers and data to make conclusions. 5. Orthodontist Median salary, $187,200. Creating picture-perfect smiles.
8. Computer systems analyst Median salary, $85,800. Design computer systems and processes. 9. Obstetrician and gynecologist Median salary, $187,200. Offer care related to childbirth and female reproductive health. 9 (Tie). Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Median salary, $187,200. A dentist with at least four years of additional surgery training. Source: U.S. News & World Report. Median salaries are from 2015.
6. Nurse anesthetist METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION
Dentistry tops the rankings for best careers by U.S. News & World Report.
Median salary, $157,140. Working with patients regarding anesthetic treatment before, during and after surgery.
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SEPTEMBER 29 or 30
Milo Bail Student Center | 6001 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68182
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#BEaMAV #KNOWtheO The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. 0133ADUGA0917 2047315-01
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How and who to ask for a letter of recommendation Knowledge, skills and personality can get students far, but having the right people in their corners can open doors for new opportunities that students might otherwise never have considered. Perhaps this is why recommendations are so coveted when applying to schools. Asking for a letter of recommendation is something that should be done with forethought. The correct approach and proper timing can mean the difference between receiving a recommendation or not. Who to ask The first step for students is to decide who they want to ask for a recommendation. Select those teachers who know you well or can validate how you performed or improved in class. Opt for a teacher whose class you recently took so the recommendation reflects the student you are today and not the student you might have been when you were younger. It can also help to ask for a recommendation from teachers or staff who have sufficient experience. Their input may carry more weight
than someone whose career is less accomplished. A well-established teacher who leads a class that pertains to your academic goals is a good fit. Remember to consider the requirements of a college or university as well. Schools frequently ask for recommendations from specific people, such as a teacher in a certain subject. Ask early Teachers may be inundated with college letter recommendation requests around application deadlines and at the end of semesters. It’s better to leave plenty of time than to put teachers under pressure. The same rule applies to anyone else you’re asking to write you a recommendation. Request in person Underscore the importance of the recommendation by making it a personal request. Schedule an appointment with the individual and discuss why you believe he or she would be the right person to provide
the recommendation. Remind the person of your attributes and point out something that exemplifies your skills. Speaking face-to-face shows respect and gives you the advantage to make your points personally, rather than through email. Make the process easier Provide all of the necessary items to help the person along. This can include a brief résumé, academic progress report, required forms, and so on. Also offer any collegeor employer-directed requests. As the deadline looms, offer concise reminders that you will need the recommendation. Offer to pick it up personally. Make copies or scan and save the original just in case a mixup in the admissions office occurs. Recommendations are a key part of landing a job or being offered acceptance into a college or university. Asking the right people early will translate into recommendations that paint an accurate picture of applicants. — Metro Creative Connection
METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION
Choose wisely when selecting teachers to write letters of recommendation.
THE
! T I F T RIGH FIND
S M A L L T O W N C H A R M. BIG TOWN EXPERIENCE.
OMAHA AREA
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Sunday, October 1 • 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
UNK’s campus feels like home…with a lot more going on. Set your sights on a peaceful community with space to run and play. Kearney is an ideal place for active and outgoing individuals. • 14 beautiful parks covering 438 acres • 20 miles of hike & bike trails • Division II NCAA Athletics
• Concerts, ice skating and hockey • Great variety of shopping & dining • Safe community
Visit unk.edu and learn how UNK can make a difference for you. The University of Nebraska at Kearney does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities or employment. UNK Communications & Marketing. 2017 2037768-01
University of Nebraska at Omaha Sapp Fieldhouse • 6001 Dodge Street
Find details At EducationQuest.org
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Be patient, the right major will surface Picking a college major is a big step for young students. Though many adults eventually find themselves working in fields that have little to do with their college majors, many more spend their entire careers in the same field they chose way back in college. The decision ultimately rests on the shoulders of the students who must consider a host of factors before committing to a specific field of study. But parents can still help, whether their kids are already enrolled in college or college-bound. — Metro Creative Connection
Encourage patience Today’s college students and college-bound teens are living in a world that’s significantly different from the one their parents or even older siblings might have encountered. Global and domestic unemployment rates remain high, and technology is changing the way many industries conduct business. But students trying to pick a major should avoid picking one too quickly. Just because a certain field is experiencing job growth does not mean that field is ideal for all students. Encourage kids to be patient when choosing a major so they can find the field that’s right for them, and not just the major they feel will produce the best job prospects or highest salary. Suggest a double major. Many of today’s students are fully aware of the difficult job market and the cost of a college education. As a result, such students want to choose a major they feel will put them in the best position to land a well-paying job after college. That’s a smart strategy, but it’s
also one that overlooks the joy of studying a subject you are passionate about. Parents can simultaneously encourage kids to be smart about their job prospects and pursue their passions by suggesting a double major. For example, if your child has a love of art but understands the difficulty in earning a living as an artist, suggest a double major in art and graphic design. This way he or she has more career options upon graduation but still has the chance to pursue a subject he or she is passionate about. Encourage students to apply for internships. An internship is another great way parents can help kids as they decide on a college major. Internships are rarely easy to get, but some firms hire interns who are still in high school. Parents should encourage kids to pursue internships as early as possible. Internships can provide young students with some real-world experience and give them an accurate glimpse into what their professional lives might be like if they choose a
particular field of study. Some kids might be encouraged by an internship, while others might realize a given field is not really for them. Either way, the internship can help narrow the field of prospective majors. Let kids know a major isn’t the same thing as a career The pressure to choose the right major can be overwhelming for some young students. But parents should let kids know that a major is not the same thing as a career, and many graduates end up working in fields that had little or nothing to do with their majors. For instance, just because a student earns a degree in finance does not mean he or she will end up working on Wall Street. While parents should emphasize the importance of choosing the right major, they should also let kids know that nothing is ever set in stone. That can help take some of the pressure off students as they make such an important decision.
METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION
Today’s college students have more to consider when choosing a college major than many of their predecessors. But parents can still take steps to help kids choose the right major without succumbing to the stress that typically accompanies the decision.
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PAYING FOR COLLEGE
Follow these steps to apply for federal financial aid and scholarships Step 1: Create an FSA ID
completing the FAFSA easier.
Both you and a parent will create separate FSA IDs at fsaid.ed.gov. The FSA ID (Federal Student Aid ID) is a username and password that you’ll need to complete the FAFSA and to apply for federal student loans. You will each need an email address to create an FSA ID.
Step 3: Expect a SAR
Step 2: Complete the FAFSA The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is your application for federal, state, and college-based financial aid. Complete the form at fafsa. gov. The colleges you list on the application will receive the results and will use that information to award financial aid. Apply on or after October 1, but before the colleges’ priority dates, to get the best financial aid package. Renew the FAFSA every year you’re in college. Use our FAFSA Tools to make
You’ll receive the SAR (Student Aid Report) via an email link 3-5 days after you submit the FAFSA. The SAR acknowledges that your FAFSA was received — and if you need to take further action to process your FAFSA. Step 4: Watch for a verification request The college(s) might request verification of your FAFSA information. If so, send the required documents to the college financial aid office.
or FAFSA results. Respond to all award notifications by the deadlines. Compare financial aid awards to determine what you would need to spend out-of-pocket or borrow in student and/or parent loans at each school to cover the full cost of your education. Step 6 Apply for student loans If you need student loans, your college will direct you to StudentLoans.gov to complete the necessary forms. Allow several weeks processing time. Step 7: Apply for scholarships
Step 5: Compare award notifications Expect a financial aid award notification from the colleges you listed on the FAFSA — if you were accepted for admission. It will detail the assistance they’re offering based on your financial need
Start searching for scholarships in the spring of your junior or the fall of your senior year. Follow the accompanying tips to find scholarships. Source: EducationQuest
Tips for finding scholarships
Where to find scholarships
· Organize scholarships in deadline order, and set aside time each week to work on scholarship essays and applications.
· ScholarshipQuest at EducationQuest.org. — contains more than 2,000 local and state scholarships. There are also resources at EducationQuest offices in Kearney, Lincoln and Omaha.
· If requested on the application, list activities, awards, honors classes, and volunteer or paid jobs. Track them using the Activities Resume feature at EducationQuest.org. · If an application requires a letter of recommendation, give the person writing the letter sufficient notice, a specific deadline, and a copy of your Activities Resume. · After writing an essay, ask an adult (preferably an English teacher) to review the document for spelling, grammar, and sentence structure.
· High school counselor’s office/website. Visit at least once a month during your senior year to learn about local and national awards. · Potential colleges. Contact colleges of interest for a list of scholarships they offer along with information about criteria, deadlines, and application procedures. · National scholarship search sites. Visit free sites such as: • CollegeBoard.org
· Follow all directions, and make sure the application is complete and submitted by the deadline or it will be disqualified.
• Petersons.com
· Never pay for scholarship services! Talk to your school counselor or contact EducationQuest about the many free options available.
• Cappex.com
• FindTuition.com • GoodCall.com/scholarships/ · Other resources include clubs and organizations, parents’ employers, and civic organizations. Source: EducationQuest
Visit Campus.
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Call 800.432.5852 to schedule a campus visit. Your future begins NOW at Iowa Western.
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Make the right match for you when selecting a college When choosing a college, students often look for the best academic institutions. While it’s hard to argue with that approach, high school students facing the decision of where to spend the next four years of their lives should know that the right university is not necessarily the one with the best academic reputation. A host of factors come into play when finding the right match between student and university. Academics should always carry the most weight, but students should consider a host of other factors before ultimately deciding where to continue their academic careers. Cost In a perfect world students would not have to worry about financing their college educations. But that’s not a world in which today’s students live, so the cost of a college education is something nearly every college-bound student must consider.
FINANCIAL AID SOURCES · Federal government grants, loans and other aid: 67% · College grants/scholarships: 22% · Private and employer grants/scholarships: 6% · State government grants/scholarships: 5% Source: CollegeBoard.org
The total sticker price includes the cost of living in a dorm, food, books, and the additional expenses college students typically have. And the College Board notes that, despite the year-to-year cost increase, financial aid budgets stayed the same as the year before, meaning even those students who received financial aid paid more money. While cost should not dictate where high school students ultimately go to college, students should know that eventually student loans will have to be repaid with interest, so those who do not want to bury themselves in student loan debt after graduation would
be wise to choose a university that’s more affordable or one that’s offering a more attractive scholarship and grant package. Unlike student loans, scholarships and grants do not have to be repaid. Distance from home While many high school students may think a school far away from their folks is ideal, the reality of being far away from home is a struggle for many college students. Homesickness is a very real thing for college students who are away from home and on their own for the first time. The cost of travel is a wise consideration. Mom and Dad might not be able to afford to fly their college students home several times per year for the holidays and other breaks, and the burden of financing that travel can fall on students. If you are not planning to work during the school year, then financing trips home may prove very difficult.
Environment Both the academic and social environments at a college or university merit consideration when students are deciding where to continue their educations. Some students thrive in a competitive academic environment, while others tend to fare better in a more casual setting. Students should assess which environment is best for them. A college or university’s social environment is another consideration. Larger schools tend to rely heavily on Greek life, while smaller schools may be more intimate and less exclusive. Students who hope to join a sorority or fraternity might benefit from a school with a thriving Greek life, while those who want a more intimate social environment might prefer a smaller school where all of the students seem to know one another. — Metro Creative Connection
Affordable education, close to home. On average, MCC students complete their education for about half the cost of two years at other Nebraska colleges and universities. Online courses and programs are available For more information, visit mccneb.edu/begin or call 531-MCC-2400. Sources: 2014-2015 Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and 2016 Nebraska’s Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education Tuition, Fees, and Financial Report.
Metropolitan Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, age, disability or sexual orientation in admission or access to its programs and activities or in its treatment or hiring of employees. 2051002-01
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