Getting Organized:
 
High School Timeline: Grades 9 - 12
 
Ninth Grade
* Review 2 + 2 Plan. Make sure you have signed up for the appropriate classes.
* Become involved in different activities--school, church, community--and keep track of what you have accomplished.
* Start an "Activity and Awards" file to record the honors, awards, leadership positions, part-time jobs, and service projects that you do or receive in high school.
* GPA and Class Rank are established beginning with 1st semester grades! It is
important to get off to a good start academically your freshmen year.
 
Tenth Grade
* Continue to work on establishing your GPA and Class Rank.
* Continue to be involved in activities. Update your Activities and Awards file.
* Take the PSAT as a sophomore. It is for juniors, but sophomores are allowed to take it for practice.
* Review your 2 + 2 Plan for your last two years of high school.
* Take the PLAN Test and review your interest inventory results for career options.
* Pursue Job Shadowing experiences and informal college campus visits in the summer. Seek summer workshops at area colleges to explore career interests and college settings.
 
Eleventh Grade
* Take the PSAT (a practice-SAT given nationally) in the fall.
* Consider what you are looking for in a college (what characteristics).
* Develop a list of schools that you are considering. Have 5 - 10 schools on your list.
Use a computer search to generate your list.
* Gather information from schools you are considering. Write or call colleges or visit
with college representatives.
* Attend the Greater Omaha College Fair (Fall).
* Take the ACT or SAT in the spring. Check which test you should take. Consider
enrolling in Prep Classes.
* Begin the scholarship search process by using the Career Center or the EPC.
* Develop a resume to use for college and scholarship applications.
* During 2nd semester juniors are allowed to make college visits.
 
Twelfth Grade
* Ask teachers, counselors, principals, or sponsors for letters of recommendation.
* Narrow your list of potential schools to 3 or 4.
* Make a college visit to the schools you are considering.
* Retake the ACT or SAT during 1st semester.
* APPLY FOR ADMISSION BEFORE CHRISTMAS.
* Read the Guidance Newsletter for scholarships and college updates.
* Apply for Financial Aid by filling out the FAFSA form.
* Attend Financial Aid Night at Gretna High School (early January).
* Let schools know of your decision.
 
 
Types of Colleges:
 
Private Career Schools:
 
Also called "Proprietary Schools," they offer specific training for specific occupations, with programs lasting from several weeks to over a year. Include Barber and Cosmetology, Business, Health Service, and Trade Schools. Usually offer diplomas, certificates, or associate degrees. Example: ITT Technical Institute.
 
Technical or Community Colleges:
 
Community Colleges offer certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees, with programs lasting one to two years. Programs are for specific occupations or Academic Transfer. Community Colleges are inexpensive and offer scholarships and financial aid. Example: Southeast Community College.
 
 
Four Year Colleges or Universities:
 
These institutions offer a four-year Bachelors Degree. Entrance requirements range from open admission to selective admission. Four year schools may be public (such as UNL or Wayne State College) or private (such as Creighton University).
 
 
 
Types of Degrees:
Certificate:
 
A course of study for a specific skill area oriented toward an occupation. Example: Bookkeeping.
 
Diploma:
 
A program that leads to specific employment skills. Usually takes 1 - 2 years to complete. Example: Surgical Technology.
 
Associate Degree:
 
A program that usually requires at least two but less than four years of full time college level work. Intended for job entry or academic transfer to higher education. May include general education requirements (English, math) for graduation. Example: Automotive Technology.
 
Bachelor's Degree:
 
A program that usually requires at least four years of full time academic work at a four-year college or university. Will include general education requirements for graduation. Example: Biology.
 
Master's Degree:
 
A program of instruction beyond the Bachelor's Degree. Usually requires a minimum of one year of full time academic work. Example: Master's in Business Administration.
 
Doctorate Degree:
 
A program of instruction beyond the Master's Degree. Usually requires at least three years of full time academic work. Example: Doctorate in Educational Administration.