College 101 - Winter 2021

INSIDE: Crafting a compelling essay • Navigating the FAFSA • Scholarship guide • Free college applications Winter 2021

College 101 Your guide to regional educational opportunities

Student

YOUR ADVENTURE

Living

STARTS HERE.

L I V E AT ROA M . CO M

3 0 5 E F RO N T ST , M I S S O U L A , M T 5 9 8 0 2

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Prepare for a future no one can predict.

The future belongs to those who will be able to reinvent themselves again and again over the course of their lifetimes. That’s why at Missoula College we help our students develop their critical-thinking skills, find and define their creative talents and master the art of communication. Study here and you will emerge a well-rounded, well-prepared individual – so you can go take on the world.

STAY CONNECTED WITH US. (406) 243-6266 • mcadmissions@umontana.edu • mc.umt.edu

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Applications, stress and finding the right path to the future There is life after high school, but determining what that will be is a stressful time for students and their parents.

With five kids, including two sets of twins that were just a year apart in school, those junior and senior years were dominated by FAFSA, scholarship applications, college essays and application forms. Our summer vacations turned into whirlwind tours of college campuses.

Jim Strauss

Cover: UM photo by Todd Goodrich

Five kids in college at once, plus my wife, who went back for her master’s after our younger set of twins graduated from high school, was financially challenging and stressful as well.

Looking back, those years were a blur, but we survived just fine. All five kids graduated in four years or less, and three completed master’s degrees, with one going on for his doctorate. My wife completed her master’s as well. Those long drives for campus tours and long nights reviewing college applications were well worth it.

Taking some of the pressure out of those

tense junior and senior years is what our new section, College 101, is all about. This new publication will be offered twice a year by the Missoulian and Ravalli Republic, offering helpful tips on how to navigate the college decision process.

This first issue offers practical articles about: • Using the free application form to apply at 16 Montana campuses.

• How to land those scholarship dollars.

• Where to find and how to complete applications for federal aid.

• Writing a college essay that tells a unique and interesting story, setting your essay apart from other applicants.

• Several stories from Montana college and universities about programs unique to their campuses.

We hope you find this first edition of College 101 helpful. Good luck with your search.

Jim Strauss is publisher of the Missoulian and the Ravalli Republic.

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Jim Strauss Toni LeBlanc

For advertising information, contact Toni LeBlanc, Toni.leblanc@missoulian.com, 406-523-5242.

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Start Your Education With Us! Online or On-Campus Learning Opportunities Available

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CHALLENGE WHAT IS

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Portland State University is more than Portland’s public research university.

It’s a place to test ideas and projects that show the world how different is done. With more than 200 degree programs to choose from, PSU is Oregon’s most diverse, innovative and affordable research university.

Portland State 20615205

Apply to PSU by June 15 to be automatically considered for the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) tuition benefit. WUE tuition is 150% of resident tuition. Eligible students from western states pay $14,318 per year compared to $29,837 for other nonresidents (costs are based on 2020-21 tuition rates). admissions.pdx.edu/wue

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UM File Photo

FREE TO APPLY

Applications free for state residents at 16 Montana campuses MICHAEL MERLO newsdesk@missoulian.com The Montana University System has made applying for Montana colleges easier this year with the Apply Montana initiative.

“It’s a free application for all Montanans to apply to all 16 campuses in the state,” said system Director of Admissions and Enrollment Scott Lemmon.

Lemmon said the program lets Montana residents select if that application is for either all 16 campuses or only the schools they prefer. The application is available year-round at applymontana.mus.edu.

Other resources are available through the website to help connect students with their potential career paths. Lemmon said that some of that data can help students pick the right school.

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Commissioner of Higher Education Deputy Commissioner for Academic, Research and Student Affairs Brock Tessman said that the goal is to make sure that students in Montana have the most information possible during the application process.

“It’s not likely that all 16 campuses are going to be the right fit for them," Tessman said. "What we want to do is make sure students aren’t missing opportunities on a campus. Maybe it’s a career in a technical field that works for them, maybe the kind of campus that’s closer to home if that’s what they prefer. We’re just trying to make sure that there’s a level playing field in terms of information.”

Students can also visit the college readiness portal and use it to map out their educational goals.

Tessman said multiple issues often stand between high school students and college: cost and financial aid understanding, understanding of programs, and navigating the bureaucracy that goes with getting an application done.

“The central application in the portal simplified that whole process so that we don’t have students just giving up or discouraged,” he said.

Lemmon said that the university system is trying to eliminate barriers by shortening the application as well as making it accessible online. It also explains the kinds of degrees and certificates available.

“It’s not always going to be the fouryear program in engineering…It could be a certificate," Lemmon said. "We want to bridge that gap between what students’ aspirations are with the correct program,”

he said.

Over 40,000 students are enrolled at colleges such as the University of Montana, Montana State University, Montana Tech, Helena College and other four-year universities as well as community colleges all over the state.

Lemmon said that roughly 40 percent of high school students choose not to engage in post-secondary education.

Tessman said that previously admissions and recruitment have always been separate responsibilities of each different campus.

“We’re a statewide system," Tessman said. "We have two-year colleges, we have four-years, we have graduate programs.

We’re all funded by the taxpayers in Montana. Let’s operate as a statewide system and let’s work together so that we can reach out across Montana as one.” ​

EXPERIENCE. EXPLORE. EXPAND YOUR FUTURE.

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WRITE YOUR PASSION

Best college essays tell a unique and interesting story MICHAEL MERLO newsdesk@missoulian.com Personal essays form the heart of many college applications, yet many writers forget to make the college itself part of that narrative.

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“Students need to be aware of what the college they are applying to is looking for," Carroll College Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing Chato Hazelbaker advised. "It’s great if they had a great experience overseas, but students just want to have some self-

awareness in those essays if they’ve had some advantages along the way and what did they really learn.”

Hazelbaker said that out of the hundreds of student essays he’s read, it’s the narrative stories that work instead of a list of accomplishments.

“The key thing for us, and really the key thing for any school, is it’s got to be personal to the student and interesting," Hazelbaker said. "A lot of college essays are kind of the same thing over and over again, reading the same stuff. So anything that’s real personal to the student and

anything that talks about their experience in a unique way, those are the essays that stand out.”

don’t sound very good. I guess what I would say is to try to throw out all those expectations.”

The open-ended nature of most college essay prompts can freeze a writer looking for a more specific assignment. Missoula Writing Collaborative executive director Caroline Patterson advised searching for a topic that matters personally to the writer, rather than something that seems popular to others.

Hazelbaker said that essay writers should play to their strengths as writers and storytellers.

“I think one of the things people are looking for is authenticity,"Patterson said. "(Find) a voice and an experience, whether that’s an experience of suffering or whether that’s an experience of transformation. I think they (students) have a perception of what are acceptable experiences in the college essay and they try to write to that and it makes their voices stilted and awkward and they

A lot of colleges use essays for placement and seeing if the student can put together the essay academically and the form is important, he said.

“It’s got to just have that strong beginning, middle and end," he said.

Using good descriptive language as well as vivid characters also helps.

Some of the best stories come out of everyday experiences.

“It could be a fast-food job" Hazelbaker said. "It could be something they learned from a parent. Those are really powerful. It’s not the mountaintop

stories that make the best essays, I think.

It’s the perseverance stories and I think that’s something that’s important to think about when students are thinking about their college essays. A lot of college is about perseverance, so anything that you really stuck with over a long period of time, those make really good essays.”

because test scores and grades can’t tell us that. We want you to be successful."

Colleges are looking for how well students can form a narrative with characters and descriptors that reach a logical conclusion. There’s nothing wrong with submitting the same essay to multiple colleges if the prompt is similar, he said.

Sometimes students may think their own experiences are insignificant or sometimes even dumb because their stories are so familiar.

Some of those essays could even be used for scholarships as well.

“It’s not a test in the way the SAT or the ACT is a test," he said. "This is your opportunity to really show who you are

He also advised students to read their essays aloud and to never send them off until someone else has read it. Patterson echoed that advice, saying that multiple perspectives help hone the story.

“Try to get an authentic experience down on the page with all the nuances of that experience and then to distill it down to the best parts of it,” Patterson said.

“Even if it’s familiar to you, it’s not going to be familiar to another audience. Some things that are most familiar seem the most exotic to other people."

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KEEP IT SIMPLE

Federal aid forms get a much needed overhaul MICHAEL MERLO newsdesk@missoulian.com The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form will see some changes over the years, including crushing its 108 questions to a more manageable number.

“The big news lately is what was signed into law lately about the FUTURE Act,” MSU Billings Director of Financial Aid and Scholarships Thomas Valles said, referring to a congressional move to improve undergraduate education. The bill provides $255 million in permanent, mandatory funding for institutions serving minority communities as well as simplifying the time-consuming financial aid form.

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“I haven’t seen the final simplified FAFSA because I don’t think they have it yet,” he said. The reported changes differ and he’s heard the new application could go from 108 to 37 questions. But he’s also heard reports that only 22 questions might be removed.

“I hope they can get it down to the 37 questions," Valle said. "I think that would be ideal. You’d see a lot more filers, a lot more people encouraged to go to college.

A lot of people can realize it’s doable.

What we’re frustrated with is having a long complicated FAFSA hurts the students who need it the most. A lot of times, the high-need students come from disadvantaged backgrounds and they look at this thing and say forget it".

There are a lot of other things

happening in the federal aid world to simplify the FAFSA. Some of those changes may take time and others are starting to go into effect.

The 2021–22 FAFSA changes include the income threshold for an automatic zero Expected Family Contribution increased from $26,000 to $27,000 for the 2021–22 award year.

And improvements to the IRS Data Retrieval Tool would allow the IRS to disclose tax return information directly to authorized education officials for the purposes of determining eligibility and amount of Federal student financial aid information. Exceptions for filing some income schedules will be updated with “capital gains” being removed and “virtual currency” being added.

Many FAFSA help topics referencing financial forms will also include images of those forms, highlighting important information.

NPR reported that legislative FAFSA changes will increase Pell Grants for lowincome students as well as reinstate those grants for people in prison. Those changes occurred in a bill passed earlier in July.

Valles said that the best advice is that everyone should apply to the FAFSA to determine if students can get need-based scholarships.

“Always do the FAFSA," Valles said.

"Yes, it does determine loan eligibility, but it can also determine work-study, grants and need-based scholarships."

SCHOLARSHIPS:How to get that money!

Reach Higher Montana Scholarships are free money that can put a dent in your education costs.

Education is an investment in yourself and your future and the returns you’ll see from that investment are priceless. But education comes with a price tag.

No one likes paying full price. When you shop online, do you search for a promo code to apply to your cart before checking out? Think of scholarships as your promo code. You can pay for some or even all of your education with scholarships - it’s up to you.

Where to Start Get Organized There are several components that go into a scholarship application. Before you start your search for free money, gather the following information: Academic resume - put together a list of sports, extracurricular activities (clubs, student organizations), volunteer experience, leadership roles, honors/awards Letters of recommendation (work & academic) High school transcript ACT and/or SAT test scores Record of AP/dual enrollment classes and scores Search When it comes to searching for scholarships, our website, reachhighermontana.org, is a great place to start. We’ve curated a list of state and local scholarships for Montana students.

Our experience working with students and scholarships for many years has shown that students are typically more successful earning local scholarships - there are generally fewer students competing for these awards compared to national scholarships.

There are lots of scholarship tools on the Internet. Be careful - you should never pay money to apply for a scholarship, and you’ll want to make sure you understand how your personal information is collected and used by scholarship sites.

The Essay Scholarships represent different businesses, causes, or people, which means

person. Remember, the reader is looking for a recipient who matches the character of their organization, cause or person.

Tease out the qualities of them and apply it to your story.

your essay will always vary. Luckily, we work closely with a Montana author who gave us the secret ingredients to writing a winning essay. Virginia Reeves is an accomplished author who offers the following tips for writing a compelling essay.

Remember, you are telling a story.

Winning essays happen because the reader is told a story they can feel, relate to, easily follow along to. Your experiences should be done in a story format because we as people are narratively driven. Elements for a good story: Theme - what is the central focus of your story? What are you trying to convey - Triumph? Ambition? Loss? Fear?

Survival? Good vs evil?

Plot - This is the sequence of events that keeps the reader engaged in your story. They hang on wanting to know how the story resolves itself.

As a writer, before diving into writing your essay, outline the series of events that will occur in your story to ensure your story stays on track.

Characters - One of the characters in your story will likely be you. Your main characters should be someone readers can feel something in common with. They also shouldn’t be perfect. The perfect character is unrelatable because no one is perfect.

What is relatable are flaws or weaknesses; they humanize us.

Style & tone - Know who your audience is and use words to paint a picture. Give speech direct quotes like “Go away!” instead of something indirect like “She told him to go away.” Write as you would speak it. If you use fancy, over the top words, it can be distracting to the reader. Be simple and clear so that your writing is easy to understand.

For crafting an unforgettable college or

scholarship essay, we recommend reading “Write Your Way In” by Rachel Toor!

The story that you’re sharing, have that be unique and specific to you. Unless specifically directed, scholarship essays are not based on fiction, they’re based on stories that shape you as a person. Readers want to know what you have gone through to be changed in one way or another.

Finally, the story should be about how you overcame something. Whatever you conquered shows strength, tenacity, and spirit, all of which are good qualities in a

Treat Scholarships like a Job When it comes to scholarships, applying to one and being done is not a good strategy. It takes work. Think of it as a part-time job, which most high school students do. Let’s say you work twelve hours a week at $9.00 an hour. After taxes, you’re looking at a paycheck around $90. Not too shabby. But if you take that same amount of time and compare it to applying to 12 scholarships, which you win two at $1,000 each, you’re looking at a $2,000 paycheck! That’s almost a 200% difference!

There is no secret to earning scholarship money. The recipe is simple: build a strong work and academic resume, write like your education counts on it and make applying for scholarships a part of everyday life.

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DUAL ENROLLMENT: What is it?

Missoulian File Photo

REACH HIGHER MONTANA Dual enrollment (DE) is pretty cool.

You may have heard it referred to as “dual credit,” “pre-college” or “concurrent enrollment,” all of which sums it up: taking college courses while in high school, either at your high school for both high school and college credit; at a college, with other college students, for college credit only; or online, which may (or may not) provide both high school and college credit. High school juniors and seniors can earn college credit before graduation and apply that credit to both their high school and college transcripts. Like we said, it’s a pretty cool concept.

Why we love dual enrollment There are many reasons why we love DE. Head start First and foremost, it provides the student with an introduction to college coursework. College courses require preparation, commitment, and organization, and for some students, this is a whole new experience compared to their high school classes. It also helps them understand the standards of college professors and the expectations of college- Grace Lawlor, a recent graduate of Helena High School, took dual enrollment classes in statistics and college writing through Helena College. level courses. Having that experience will information about current programs, Montana institutions will work with planning to receive both high school give them a strong start in their first year affiliated DE colleges, and what courses students in their junior and senior year credits and college credits, the timeline to of college. students should consider based on their of high school to take college courses. register for high school courses is often in Savings Tuition for dual enrollment career aspirations.

However, choosing a Students will have to meet the same the spring. classes is deeply discounted down, partner school doesn’t have to be limited requirements for admission that onsometimes by half the cost of regular Anticipated costs to your geographic location. Some schools campus students must meet such as tuition, for high school students.

The costs for dual enrollment range from offer online classes to provide remote pre-requisites, and more. From a nonStudents can get a head start on their free to $150 and up. Remember, the costs access for students. Again, check with academic standpoint, optimal candidates college transcript for half the cost - who are at a reduced rate, typically half of what your high school to ensure credits earned must manage time and projects in order doesn’t love saving money?! In some a college student would pay. Other costs to will be applied to your student’s high to complete the course successfully. Poor cases, if a student meets certain academic factor in are books or institution fees. school transcript. or failing grades can adversely impact a requirements, they may be able to enroll The “One-Two-Free” dual enrollment If there is a DE program that is student’s transcript, so you want to ensure program kicked off in the fall of 2018. for free! not affiliated with your high school, your student is being set up for success.

Time to Shine Not only can starting The program offers two tuition-free dual no worries!

While the credits may not Credits earned within the state may not college early help you graduate early, but enrollment courses, up to six credits, from be applied toward your high school transfer to out of state schools. Always it also gives you time to explore your participating Montana University System transcript, students can still earn credits check with your future institution to educational and career options. Many colleges that are eligible to all Montana towards their future college transcript. ensure your credits will transfer. electives can be taken as dual enrollment high school students. The classes can Students have even earned their two-year during high school, which can free up be on-campus, online, or in your high When to enroll time to explore all the options their college associate degree while still in high school school.

Double check with the school you imagine that! offers to make an informed career choice.

For more information, please visit have in mind, but most enrollment mus.edu/one-two-free or contact Montana Is dual enrollment a good fit? periods for DE are June through How does it work?

University System Dual Enrollment DE is not for everyone, but everyone early September for fall semesters and The first step in learning more about Manager, Jacque Treaster, dualcredit@ should check out their options for dual November through December for spring dual enrollment is to visit with your high school counselor. They will have great montana.edu. enrollment and decide if it makes sense. semesters. Keep in mind that if you are 14

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Youth Apprenticeship: What’s in it for YOU? Apprenticeship is a proven education and workforce strategy that combines paid, structured on-the-job training with related, classroom learning.

Students and employers benefit from highquality youth apprenticeship opportunities: Immediate workforce participation and retention for employers.

Integrated work and education environment for students.

Increase in relevant skills and innovation for students and employers.

Students increase long term earning potential in high-demand, good-paying jobs, including health care, information technology, and more.

Eliminating the choice between education and earnings after high school graduation.

Learn more!

A partnership to increase opportunities for Montana’s youth to prepare for in-demand careers through apprenticeship program models.

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YOU ARE MORE THAN YOUR GPA

At the University of Montana, we believe a diploma is only as good as the person who earns it.

That’s why we see beyond the courses you take to the person you promise to become.

We’re committed not only to providing you with a world-class education, but also giving you the critical life skills – independent thinking, perseverance, grit – you’ll need to embrace your ever-changing future. That’s why we celebrate learning with the same gusto we celebrate a campus debate, a climb up the M and a victory in eSports. It’s how we make you tomorrow proof.

It’s why we want you, here, in Griz country. admissions.umt.edu 16

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STAY CONNECTED WITH US. (406) 243-6266 • BeAGriz@umontana.edu admissions.umt.edu

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STAY CONNECTED WITH US. (406) 243-6266 • BeAGriz@umontana.edu admissions.umt.edu

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A GOOD HEAD START

Community college offers alternative advancement

MICHAEL MERLO newsdesk@missoulian.com While many students take the traditional 4-year college route, alternative opportunities await at Montana community colleges.

“There’s a lot of opportunities to take a shorter program that is very specific to the career they’re interested in," said Flathead Valley Community College Running Start Director Beth Romain. They get right out of college debt-free and start making really good money,” The Running Start program at FVCC provides eligible high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to get an affordable early beginning on their career by earning college credits before finishing 12th grade.

The first six credits are offered at no cost for Montana students. Courses after that are offered at a significantly reduced cost.

Romain said that the Running Start program helps transition students to the college load and for allows a quicker transition to a four-year college or the workforce.

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“By starting to take college classes while they’re in high school, it really eases that transition," Romain said. "They’re really able to navigate the college system, our terminology, the structure of college classes."

When students participate in the Running Start program, they have the opportunity to graduate with their associate’s degree along with their high school diploma.

“We offer those career and technical programs and so they’re shorter programs that are one semester to two years that are very focused on a specific career, Romain said. "FVCC works very closely with our community employers so we have advisory boards set up for our career and technical programs.”

Missoula College Dean Tom Gallagher said community colleges are supported by the local community while also being a feeder system to the state university system.

“We should also look at it as something that is economically advantageous for our whole state," Gallagher said. "We need a trained workforce. We need an educated

workforce. We need students entering the workforce to have more than a high school diploma.”

The dual-enrollment credit students earn are transferable to any Montana University System, he added.

“I know that there’s definitely a need for a more-educated workforce in the high-tech field, the construction trades, in manufacturing, in welding and in the transportation industry," Gallagher said.

"There’s also a need for people with coding skills and there’s a need for people with professional skills, things that you might find in a liberal-arts education.

“We have the common core numbering system in place. There’s lots of studies that show students who take just one college course in high school are much more likely to go on and pursue either a two-year or four-year degree,” he said.

Missoula College similarly offers a free six credits for dual-enrolled students. The classes can be attended while in high school, on the community college campus or via a remote option.

Romain said the remote option has really helped include more rural students who may not be able to get in-person education while being in high school.

Gallagher said the dual enrollment is meant to encourage students to pursue a post-secondary education, pursue a career and technical education and to get better jobs.

“Not everybody graduates in four years," Gallagher said. "Across the state of Montana, there’s lots of opportunities for 16, 17, 18-year-olds to get started on their college career whether it be a two-year career, technical or professional degree or a four-year degree.

He said over 900 high school students in Missoula County, Ravalli County and surrounding regional schools partook of the dual-enrollment option at Missoula College, Bitterroot College or The University of Montana.

Romain said multiple scholarships can help students afford community college, including some specifically for Running Start students who have passed their six free credits.

YOUR FUTURE IS NORTHERN At Montana State University-Northern, we prioritize an exceptional, affordable education. With our students going on to earn 50% more per year than

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Combined with a job placement rate of 94%, Northern provides an education that works.

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Missoulian File Photo

MONTANA UNIVERSITY SYSTEM

Many options available statewide for recent graduates LEE MONTANA NEWSPAPERS Quick, name at least 16 universities and colleges in the Montana University System.

How far did you get?

Hey, it just goes to show there are many options for public higher education in Montana. The institutions serve a combined enrollment of more than 46,000 students.

Here’s the list, with a little info on each, courtesy of the Montana University System website: The University of Montana: One of the system’s two flagship universities, with some 11,000 students, offers bachelor’s, masters and doctoral degrees. According to U.S. News and World Report’s annual “Best Colleges” guidebook for 2018, it is 20

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the No. 1 public university in Montana and 113th in the nation.

Some other accolades: 2019 World University Rankings, no. 1 in Montana; The Princeton Review ranked it in 2018 and 2019 among the top four-year universities in North America, and UM also made Princeton’s list of top Western colleges and “green” colleges.

In 2018, UM was fifth in the country among public universities producing Rhodes Scholars, having produced 27 students who earned Rhodes Scholarships as of last year. The University of Montana leads the nation in Udall Scholarship winners (preparing for careers in the environment.) UM has had 42 Udall Scholarship winners and 13 honorable mentions. (See related story Page 22.)

Missoula College: The two-year unit at the University of Montana, Missoula College provides student-centered and relevant education through workforce development, including Certificates and Applied Associate’s Degrees, and transfer education, through the Associate of Arts Degree. Enrollment is 2,045. The college’s mission is a learning environment that fosters individual growth, facilitates workforce development, and provides a foundation for advanced academic achievement and pathways to a four-year degree program.

Missoula College also partners with regional high schools to provide pathways to higher education through dual credit course offerings.

Bitterroot College: This Hamilton college is a two-year institution in the University of Montana’s orbit. Founded in 2009, It offers a range of workforce, continuing education and associate’s degree programs. Enrollment is approximately 200.

Montana State University: MSU offers associate’s, bachelor’s, masters’ and doctoral degrees. The state’s largest university set a fall enrollment record in 2018 with 16,902 students on campus. Slightly more than half – 8,675 – are from Montana. The rest of the top 10 states where students hail from: Washington, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Oregon, Idaho, Alaska, Illinois and Wyoming, in that order.

Students’ average high school GPA is

3.54. Established in 1893, Montana State is Montana’s land-grant university. Its mission: “Montana State integrates education, creation of knowledge and art and service to communities.”

The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classifies MSU as one of only 131 colleges and universities in the nation, out of more than 5,300, that maintain “very high research activity.” MSU is the largest research university in Montana and the largest research and development entity of any kind in the state. Research expenditures at MSU typically exceed $100 million per year. In the past year, MSU students have received: A Rhodes Scholarship, Goldwater Scholarships (in math, science and engineering), a Marshall Scholarship, a Udall Scholarship and a Newman Civic Fellowship.

(See related story Page 24.)

Montana Technological University: Montana Tech offers associate’s bachelor’s master’s and doctoral degrees. Its enrollment is more than 2,100 students.

The Butte university opened in 1900 as the Montana State School of Mines. In recent years Montana Tech has consistently ranked among the top 10 public universities in the nation for return on educational investment. Montana Tech is the only designated “special focus” university in the Montana University System. (See related story. Page 26) Highlands College of Montana Tech: With an enrollment of approximately 850, this Butte two-year college associated with Montana Tech offers a range of workforce programs and associate’s degrees as well as serving as a pathway to a four-year education at Montana Tech.

University of Montana-Western was founded in 1893 as Montana State Normal School, with its primary focus the education of teachers.

The Dillon school has an enrollment of more than 1,500 and, despite rapid growth, is known for small class sizes and its "experience one" or "block one" program, unique in public education, which gives students a chance to complete individual classes in just 18 days. (see related story Page 23.)

Helena College: A two-year college in the University of Montana group with an enrollment of approximately 1,500, the college offers more than 30 options for one- and two-year certificates and associate's degrees. (See related story Page 27.)

Gallatin College: This Bozeman twoyear college with an enrollment around 500 often serves as a pathway to Montana State University, but also offers a wide range of certificate and associate's degree programs.

Montana State University-Billings: This four-year university is a regional hub and a satellite of Montana State University.

At more than 3,000 students, it is the third-largest university in the state. It offers bachelor's and master's degree programs in health, education, business, arts and sciences as well as associate's degrees and certificate programs from City College, its affiliated two-year institution.

Montana State University-Northern: Another four-year regional hub and satellite of Montana State, the Havre institution has an enrollment approaching 1,300. It offers one-year certificates, two-year associate's degrees, bachelor's and master's degrees.

MSU-Northern is rated the No. 1 school in Montana for economic mobility, and 15th in the nation. The rankings focus on the university's "mobility rate," or the number of students that started college in the bottom 20 percent of income distribution and reached the top 20 percent.

Great Falls College: Affiliated with Montana State University, Great Falls College is a two-year school with an enrollment of more than 1,600, offering one-year certificate and two-year associate's degrees.

The college is designated as a "militaryfriendly" institution, and is also offering "8week advantage" classes that allow students to delve more deeply into individual subject areas, and also arrange their schedules to graduate as soon as possible.

Community colleges: Miles (Miles City), Flathead (Kalispell), Dawson (Glendive): All are two-year institutions offering certificates and associate's degrees.

Flathead Community College has an enrollment of more than 2,000. Dawson's enrollment is about 300 and Miles about 500.

Tribal colleges: Aaniiih Nakoda College (formerly Fort Belknap College), Harlem; Blackfeet Community College, Browning; Chief Dull Knife College, Lame Deer; Fort Peck Community College, Poplar; Little Big Horn College, Crow Agency; Salish Kootenai College, Pablo; Stone Child College, Box Elder. The tribal colleges have a combined enrollment of more than 3,000.

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Programs only available at University of Montana TYLER MANNING tyler.manning@helenair.com The University of Montana in Missoula offers several degree programs that are not available anywhere else in the state.

It is the only Montana university that offers degrees in pharmacy, law, journalism, speech language pathology, public and community health, physical therapy, social work, dance, theater and forestry. The university also offers a master's degree in business administration and a law degree through the Alexander Blewett III School of Law. 22

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According to the university's data team, the most popular programs via undergraduate enrollment are business administration, health and human performance, wildlife biology, elementary education, biology, marketing and sociology. The top graduate programs are physical therapy, rehabilitation administration, public health and curriculum and instruction.

It's these unique offerings that drive most enrollment at UM, but the university also offers an array of majors from humanities like English, history and

psychology to sciences like toxicology, neuroscience and medicinal chemistry.

The university's total student body was just under 11,000 as of fall 2018. Of those, 7,000 were undergraduates, approximately 2,500 were graduate students and 224 were students in law school.

For the 2019-20 school year, tuition to the university was $7,354 for in-state students and $26,218 for out-of-state students. Room and board costs $9,966 for both in-state and out-of-state students.

Additional room-and-board fees apply to students with dependents, such as a

spouse or children. The university estimates additional costs of $1,100 for books and supplies, $1,500 for transportation and $1,694 for miscellaneous fees.

The total annual cost to attend UM is estimated to be around $21,668 for in-state students and $41,232 for out-of-state students. These figures assume the student lives on campus, accumulates all additional fees and takes 12 or more credit hours.

For more information about the University of Montana, visit the school website at umt.edu.

Missoulian File Photo

UNIQUELY MISSOULA

MONTANA-WESTERN 'Experience One' immersion wins big Seventeen years ago, the venerable University of Montana-Western was in precarious shape. The institution, then 110 years old, originally chartered as Montana State Normal School, saw enrollment drop below 1,000. Fewer and fewer students were finding a reason to attend the little Dillon school.

Now, it’s one of the fastest-growing public universities in the country.

The difference-maker, clearly, is Experience One, Montana-Western’s “block” scheduling plan, which not only transformed students’ schedules but profoundly altered the way classes are taught.

Under Experience One, or “X1,” students take one class at a time and “learn by doing.” Courses run three hours at a time each day for 18 days. The students are given an immersive learning opportunity.

Students say the focus of taking just one class at a time means they can totally commit to learning as much as possible about the topic.

Montana-Western is the only public university using block scheduling (private Colorado College also utilizes it).

The institution, founded as a teachers’ college, now offers a wide variety of

study topics, including everything from English, business and technology and education to equine studies, fine arts, history, biology and mathematics.

Frequently, the immersive classes take advantage of Montana-Western’s incredible surroundings.

As Chancellor Beth Weatherby says, “All of this takes place in an extraordinary environment, the charming and lively town of Dillon, which is surrounded by the beautiful mountain ranges and valleys of southwest Montana and on the western edge of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem.”

Indeed, the single-focus learning seems to fit in a small-town, big-country environment. And for many students, Experience One produces deeper relationships with the small “cohort” of fellow students that they study with in class and after class.

The results have been remarkable. As Weatherby is fond of pointing out, the little school leads the state in enrollment growth, percentage of courses completed, number of degrees, even in the average credit load that students take – adding up to fewer wasted hours, fewer wasted dollars and greater learning.

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STEM AND THE ARTS

Montana State University's diverse offerings TYLER MANNING tyler.manning@helenair.com Montana's largest university, Montana State University in Bozeman is known for its offerings in health, science, business and engineering but also offers an array of classes in the arts.

The university's most popular college is the College of Letters and Science, which includes science and arts programs. The college's most popular programs include ecology, psychological sciences, sociology and anthropology, cell biology and neuroscience, microbiology and immunology, earth sciences and 24

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English. That college has enrollment of 4,175, which is nearly one-fourth of the university's total student body.

Another one of MSU's crown jewels, the College of Engineering has nearly 4,000 students enrolled in the various programs it offers. Mechanical and industrial engineering is the most popular program in the college with just under 1,500 students.

The university's business program has higher enrollment than any other single program. Other programs with high enrollment include nursing, health and human development, university studies,

education, civil engineering and computer sciences.

Of MSU's record 16,902 students in 2018, just under 15,000 were undergraduates and just over 1,900 were graduate students. Approximately 60% of the student body is made up of Montana residents and 53% are male. MSU boasts international students from 69 countries, 589 full-time staff, 449 part-time staff and a 19:1 student-faculty ratio.

According to MSU materials, approximately 69% of undergraduates receive some kind of financial aid. On average, each student receives just under

$11,000 from all sources of aid.

This helps offset the average tuition and fees of $7,277 for Montana residents and just under $25,000 for out-of-state students.

The less expensive housing starts around $4,500, and the most expensive housing, which includes a double room housing one person, is a little more than $6,000. The total board cost averages around $5,500 per semester.

For more information, visit MSU's website at Montana.edu. For more statistics about MSU's various programs, visit montana.edu/opa.

CARROLL COLLEGE Prepares students for school and life The motto "Non scholae, sed vitae" or "Not for school, but for life" propels Carroll College in its second century. Established as a Catholic liberal arts college, Carroll College has continued to expand programs and offerings to meet the needs of students from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

The campus in the heart of Montana's capital city is shaped by those who come here to grow as leaders and thinkers on their way to a higher calling. Graduates rise into careers as doctors, nurses, entrepreneurs, chemists, teachers, attorneys and more.

Carroll College was recently named the best regional college in the West by U.S. News and World Report for the ninth year in a row. Carroll College has the highest graduation rate in the state of Montana and our five-state region.

A Carroll College education is defined by one-on-one attention in a hands-on learning

environment that engages the mind and the heart. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1, faculty know students by name.

Undergraduate research is a hallmark at Carroll College, as professors work side-byside on original research in everything from biology to political science. That combined with wide internship and study abroad opportunities uniquely prepare Carroll College students to thrive after college.

Academic accomplishments include: 85% acceptance rate to medical and dental school over the past 15 years According to the Department of Education College Scorecard, 10 years after entering college, the average Carroll graduate has a salary of over $45,000 a year, the best in the state according to the federal data.

100% NCLEX licensure exam pass rate for nursing graduates in 2018 In 2019, Carroll College produced a

Fulbright winner, a Truman finalist and many other prestigious scholarship winners The college is a vibrant community with over 350 events annually for students and the community. The Fighting Saints athletic program fields 15 teams in the Frontier and Cascade Conferences of the NAIA. Over 70% of students live on campus in a tight-knit community. Campus Ministry is an important part of campus life, with opportunities for students to

go on retreats, attend Mass, or otherwise engage in learning how they will integrate faith into their profession and life after college. The Hunthausen Activity Center is a state-of-the-art fitness center that also serves as the home of the Carroll Adventure and Mountaineering Program (CAMP).

Through CAMP, students can learn outdoor adventure sports like rock climbing, or they can rent equipment for their own outdoor adventures.

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MONTANA TECH

Offers excellent return on educational investment

Lee Montana Newspapers newsdesk@missoulian.com If you want to maximize income after college, Montana Technological University in Butte might be the right fit for you.

The school consistently lands high on “return on investment” rankings. Its engineering graduates are in high demand — and so are the graduates of the school’s nursing program.

Originally chartered as the Montana State School of Mines and opening in 1900, the school has led the way for decades in many engineering fields — but its offerings have never been more diverse and yet tightly focused to its mission.

In 2018, Montana Tech changed its name to Montana Technological 26

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University, to give proper emphasis to its new “special focus” classification bestowed by the Montana University System.

Though its student population is a healthy 2,580-plus, the school maintains an average class size of 20. Student-tofaculty ratio is 15 to 1.

Montana Tech currently offers 22 bachelor of science degree programs.

In engineering, degrees can be attained in Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geophysical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Petroleum Engineering and Software Engineering.

Non-engineering bachelor of science

degrees are attainable in applied health and safety sciences, biological sciences, business and information technology, chemistry, computer science, data science, elementary and secondary education, interdisciplinary arts and sciences, mathematical sciences, network technology, nursing and occupational safety and health.

In addition, associate’s and certificate programs are available through Highlands College, Tech's two-year affiliated school.

In the graduate school, some 30 master’s programs are on offer, as well as a Ph.D. program in materials science, and an individualized interdisciplinary doctorate. Other doctoral programs are in the final stages of obtaining state approval.

The school’s central location also affords students almost unlimited outdoor recreational opportunities within easy driving distance, including two national parks, six mountain ranges, five rivers, eight ski areas, five hot springs and countless hiking and biking trails.

NAIA Division One athletic programs include men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s basketball, women’s volleyball and men’s football.

Several brand-new buildings grace the campus, including the Student Success Center, which includes two floors of new residence-hall rooms as well as collaborative study and social spaces.

HELENA COLLEGE Get an innovative education Located centrally in Montana’s beautiful capital city, Helena College University of Montana is an excellent choice for students wanting an innovative education, at one of the most affordable tuition rates the state has to offer. With more than 30 diverse degree and certificate programs on two campuses, students can pursue a variety of career and technical education programs, transfer pathways, and more.

A few program highlights The Associate of Science in Registered Nursing Degree Program at Helena College was named No. 1 in the nation in 2019 by RNCareers.org.

Communication classes are taught by critically acclaimed author Virginia Reeves.

Her first novel, "Work Like Any Other," was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize and the Center for Fiction’s First Novel Prize, and Booklist named it to their Top 10 First Novels of 2016.

The revamped Automotive Technology program has implemented a new apprenticeship model of learning. Students take classes in the mornings and work in a local dealership in the afternoons.

These students will graduate in two years with their AAS Degree, eight ASE exams completed, and over 1,000 hours of relevant work experience.

Students pursuing a degree in Machine Tool Technology/Computer Aided

Manufacturing attend classes four days per week and have the option to be employed at Boeing or Pioneer Aerostructures for three 12-hour shifts on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This offers them the flexibility to work full-time in their field while earning their degree. Boeing will also reimburse the tuition of full-time students/ employees.

Education after Helena College Helena College transfer students earn an average GPA of 3.0 after one semester. Students wanting to pursue a four-year degree can take advantage of the institution’s partnerships with other Montana universities. Depending on the program, there are even options to finish a four-year degree without leaving Helena.

Opportunities for high school students High school students can earn college credit through dual enrollment opportunities. Currently, dual enrollment offers 73 sections of 25 different courses and serves 10 different high schools.

Juniors and seniors in high school also have the option to take Helena College courses on campus, online, or during a six-week summer session from June 22 through July 31. Montana’s One, Two, Free program makes earning college credit in high school even more affordable by giving students the option to take two classes and earn up to six credits for free.

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FLATHEAD VALLEY Offers affordable start to education Flathead Valley Community College is an ideal place to begin the college exploration process. Faculty and staff understand that college is a big investment of time and money and want to help you navigate your academic choices and reach your career aspirations. That’s why the school offers an excellent education at an affordable price.

You can start at FVCC and go anywhere.

Whether you want to stay in Montana or go out of state, FVCC will customize your plan of study and guide you through the transfer process. Our academic advisors ensure that transferring students are connected to the best campus resources and advisors at their next institutions.

You can finish all of your general education courses at FVCC, then transfer to any Montana University System college

or university with your general education requirements complete.

Save thousands of dollars in tuition and fees.

FVCC’s tuition and fees for Montana residents are significantly less that of instate tuition and fees at Montana State University and the University of Montana, saving transfer students nearly $2,800 over two years. For some students, this means graduating without any debt thanks to FVCC’s generous scholarship offerings. Last year, FVCC students were awarded nearly $1.2 million in need-based and merit-based scholarships.

It’s not all about studying: FVCC’s Kalispell campus is located just 30 miles from the entrance of Glacier National Park and 12 miles from Flathead Lake. Two local ski resorts,

Whitefish Mountain Resort and Blacktail Mountain Ski Area, are short drives from campus. In addition to outdoor recreation opportunities, students will soon have access to a new multi-purpose activity complex with an indoor fitness area and gymnasium when the Paul D. Wachholz College Center opens in 2022.

Want to learn more?

Take our interactive 360-degree tour to get an up-close look at FVCC’s Kalispell campus. Explore buildings, labs, learning spaces, student housing apartments and more at your own pace at fvcc.edu/digitalexperience.

defense, homeland security, the medical industry, information technology, energy, environmental monitoring, lighting, displays, and entertainment.

A large portion of the electronics and photonics curriculum is hands-on. Students spend a majority of their time working in a laboratory environment, applying their

theoretical knowledge to master the use of relevant test and measurement equipment to construct and troubleshoot advanced electro-optic systems.

Graduates of the program will have the ability to excel as technicians in the electronics, optics, laser, and photonics support fields.

GALLATIN COLLEGE MSU

Laser technology program focus offered The state of Montana encompasses one of the densest per capita clusters of optics and photonics institutions in the U.S. To meet the ever-growing workforce demands of this local cluster — and of the nation overall — Gallatin College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in photonics and laser technology to develop highly trained photonics and electro-optic technicians.

Located in Bozeman, the college complements the four-year programs at Montana State University and ensures access to workforce development that promotes a vibrant local economy. Since its inception in the autumn of 2016, the photonics and laser technology program’s three cohorts have graduated a total of 24 technicians, and all are working and excelling in the local photonics industry. Companies that

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have hired graduates from the program include LUMIBIRD, Aurora Innovations, Quantum Composers, FLIR Systems, and Resonon.

Program Students completing Gallatin College’s AAS program in photonics and laser technology will understand the scientific principles of electronics, photonics, and advanced manufacturing. This includes a focus on AC/DC, solid-state, and digital electronics, as well as the fundamentals of light and lasers, laser systems, associated applications, and advanced manufacturing techniques.

The training prepares students to become technicians in photonics and electro-optics who are capable of working on products or devices used in manufacturing, communications,

ONLINE RESOURCES

Reach Higher Montana

While school may look a little different this year, Reach Higher has tips to make the most of online learning. Also, learn how to plan and pay for college and prepare your career path. Reach Higher Montanan is a resource for Montana students looking for counseling. They help find early college credit opportunities, scholarships and other financial aid, find colleges, etc. Visit reachhighermontana.org.

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) A website run by the U.S. Department of Education provides students with access to financial resources. By filling out the free online form, FAFSA matches you with federal student aid resources. https:// studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. You must register to get information. If you need financial aid to pay for school, you should complete the FAFSA® form as soon as it becomes available. New forms are most often available October 1 each year.

FastWeb.com According to their website, they are the “leading online resource in finding scholarships to help you pay for school” with a “database of more than 1.5 billion scholarships— $3.4 billion dollars in funding.” Fastweb can help you find scholarships that are specific to your needs.

Also find information on colleges, financial aid and more. Visit fastweb.com.

Scholly According to their website, Scholly “started as a personalized scholarship search app” but has become a resource for students “at every stage of their academic journey.”

The site provides matching services for scholarships and an editor/personal proofreader for essays, school assignments or blog posts. Visit myscholly.com.

BigFuture Find the right college and look for careers using this online resource for students. The site has resources for grants, fellowships, scholarships, financial aid and more. You must register to get information.

Visit bigfuture.collegeboard.org.

College Greenlight Another online resource is College

Greenlight, which specialized in helping students find the perfect college. You must register to get information. Visit collegegreenlight.com.

Collegeexpress This website helps students find colleges, search for scholarships and find articles and advice on “College Admission, College Athletics, Financial Aid, Student Life, Test Prep,” etc. Search for schools by keyword, major, location, interest, and much more; compare your favorites; and connect with hundreds of different colleges. You must register to get information. Visit collegeexpress.com.

Important Dates FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) FAFSA forms must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central time (CT) on June 30, 2021.

Any corrections or updates must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on Sept. 11, 2021.

For complete list of FAFSA deadlines go to https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/ fafsa/fafsa-deadlines.

OUTSIDE OF EXPECTED

Rethink what’s possible at COCC, where an unparalleled combination of high-quality education and low-cost tuition come together in one of the most sought-after destinations in the country. Discover career and technical programs designed to immediately launch your career, transfer programs that place you firmly on the path to pursuing a bachelor’s degree and a vibrant campus with a world of activities, services and state-of-the-art residence hall.

It’s time to start thinking Outside of Expected.

cocc.edu/welcome | 541.383.7705

COCC is an affirmative action, equal opportunity institution.

ACT national test dates April 17, 2021: Registration deadline March 12, 2021 June 12, 2021: Registration deadline May 7, 2021 ACT Testing Amid COVID-19: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/ covid-19.html

SAT national test dates March 13, 2021: Registration deadline February 12, 2021 May 8, 2021: Registration deadline April 8, 2021 June 5, 2021: Registration deadline May 6, 2021

BACHELOR DEGREES ASSOCIATE DEGREES CERTIFICATES OF COMPLETION

SAT-PSAT-Related Coronavirus Updates https://pages.collegeboard.org/ sat-covid-19-updates Colleges and universities have their own registration deadlines, so be sure to check on those important dates with those schools that you are interested in attending. There are also different deadlines for local, state, and national scholarships so be aware those dates.

www.skc.edu

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UM File Photos 30

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when it comes to connecting students to future opportunities

ReachHigherMontana.org has the information, tools, and resources to help students plan their futures and prepare for life after high school. Our helpful website includes videos and guides, a directory of Montana scholarships, and much more.

Stay Informed! Sign up for our monthly email, on ReachHigherMontana.org.

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