For Middle School Students

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FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE ACADEMY OF SCIENCE – ST. LOUIS AT WWW.ACADEMYOFSCIENCESTL.ORG

TABLE OF CONTENTS

For a complete list of colleges in Missouri visit www.collegestats.org/colleges/missouri

• Every level of education you get increases the chances you’ll earn better pay.

• The more education you get the more likely you will have a job.

• College graduates have more job opportunities from which to choose.

• College is an opportunity to meet new people and explore your interests, while gaining

valuable skills and knowledge for your future.

Why College?

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What do you want to be when you grow up?

For a complete list of colleges in Missouri visit www.collegestats.org/colleges/missouri

Preparing for College in Middle School

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Schools that are competitive expect applicants to take challenging courses while in high school, such as Honors and Advanced Placement. Depending on your interests, you may wish to take challenging courses in specific subjects, such as science or mathematics, to improve your chances of gaining acceptance into a competitive college. In addition, colleges like to see that you’re involved in extra-curricular activities related to your interests. Join a club or volunteer for a non-profit.

• 4 credits: English (Communication Arts)• 3 credits: Social Studies• 4 credits: Mathematics• 4 credits: Science• 2 credits: Foreign Language (not required, but HIGHLY recommended)•• 1 credit: Fine Art• 1 credit: Practical Art• 1 credit: Physical Education• ½ credit: Health• ½ credit: Personal Finance• 3 credits: Electives

Preparing for High School

For a complete list of colleges in Missouri visit www.collegestats.org/colleges/missouri

• Try to take challenging courses, such as Advanced Placement or Honors.• Keep saving money for college.• Participate in extra-curricular activities or summer programs.• Discuss standardized test options with your school counselor.• Begin researching and visiting colleges.

• Practice good note-taking skills.• Participate in extra-curricular activities or summer programs.• Think about ways to save money for college.

Preparing for College in High School

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• Find out if you qualify for financial aid at each college where you have applied.• Complete your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). • Decide which college to attend and notify the schools of your decision.• Send your final transcript to the school you will be attending.

• Assume leadership roles in your extracurricular activities or sports.• Investigate and apply for scholarships and other financial aid.• Begin writing college application essays for your preferred schools and ask teachers or your school counselor to edit.• Maintain good attendance and grades.

Preparing for College in High School

For a complete list of colleges in Missouri visit www.collegestats.org/colleges/missouri

If you are interested in science, technology, engineering or math as a potential career, you will need to focus on those subject areas in high school to be competitive in applying for college degree programs.

For any STEM degree, you will need to have taken advanced math courses in high school, such as algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus.

If you are interested in science, a solid background in biology, chemistry and physics will look great on a college application.

Students should have at least a basic understanding of computer science for any degree, Students should have at least a basic understanding of computer science for any degree, but especially for STEM degrees since much of your work will involve using computers or other electronic machinery. Computer science is a growing field. If you are interested in technology, high school classes in computer science will help you achieve your goals.

To find colleges based on the degree majors they offer, check out US News’s website: http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges

Preparing for STEM Degrees

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American College Test used for admission to most colleges in the Midwest – taken during the 11th and 12th grades. Scores range from 1 to 36.

TheThe Advanced Placement program provides for certain college level courses to be offered to selected high school students. AP exams are given at the end of the course and the student determines which colleges receive the results. A college may award course credit, give a course waiver, grant advanced standing, or do none of these.

A scholarship program for Missouri residents to attend Missouri A scholarship program for Missouri residents to attend Missouri colleges. Applicants must achieve high test scores on high school standardized tests to be eligible.

High school students can supplement his or her high school courses by taking one or more courses at a local college for both high school and college credit.

An early college application process in which a high school student An early college application process in which a high school student uses junior year records for application. If a student is admitted under Early Decision, he or she agrees to enroll at that college and withdraw all other applications in process to other schools.

The FreeThe Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The form is available from your high school guidance counselor’s office or online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. This form must be submitted for a student to receive financial aid.

An amount of money given, rather than loaned or earned, to a student for a specified time of study or research. Sometimes based on need. Grants do not need to be repaid.

Vocabulary of College Terms

For a complete list of colleges in Missouri visit www.collegestats.org/colleges/missouri

Monies borrowed that must be repaid with interest by a prescribed date.

A state grant money program (based on need) that is requested by students applying to colleges in Missouri (requires checking the box on the FAFSA form to apply).

A federal grant money program based on need and requires checking the box on the FAFSA form to apply.

A course required before taking another course.A course required before taking another course.

Preliminary SAT, the results and other criteria may qualify a student for a National Merit Scholarship.

A college entrance test used by colleges primarily on the East and West coasts. Scores range from 1-800 per test. There are three tests – verbal, math and writing. You may also consider taking a subject test.

Free monFree money given to students of high academic achievement or special interests/talents for payment of all or part of their college expenses.

A summary or outline of a course of study that usually includes due dates of assignments and a schedule of exams.

The official recorded grade records that are needed by colleges to determine admittance.

A special college program, combining class hours and work hours on A special college program, combining class hours and work hours on the campus. Pay is usually minimum wage for approximately 15 hours per week, wages can be used for tuition and college expenses.

Vocabulary of College Terms

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Ask a College Student

For a complete list of colleges in Missouri visit www.collegestats.org/colleges/missouri

FAFSA: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is part of Federal Student Aid, the largest provider of student financial aid in the nation. This site allows you to apply for federal grants, loans, and work-study using one form.

Fastweb: http://www.fastweb.com/ A free scholarship search engine that helps you match your eligibility with scholarships.

US News: http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/applying Guide to searching for colleges and tips on how to apply for college, including college essay do’s and don’ts.

The Common Application: http://www.commonapp.org TThe Common Application is a not-for-profit organization that serves students by providing a college admission application that students may submit to institutions. 9 Missouri colleges participate.

GetIntoCollegeBlog: http://www.getintocollegeblog.com Free and helpful tips from a New York City college counselor on how to write a college essay, put together a college application resume, ask for recommendation letters, what to do when you have a low GPA and more.

SAT: http://sat.collegeboard.org/home Information about the SAT tests and free sample SAT questions.

ACT: http://www.actstudent.org/ Information about the ACT, including a free question of the day.

KnowHow2Go: http://www.knowhow2go.org/ A site to guide you through the steps of applying for college from middle school to senior year of high school.

HELPFUL LINKS

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www.maryville.edu Maryville University was ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of America's Best Colleges in the National Universities category. Maryville offers 50 undergraduate, ten master’s and four doctoral degree programs.

www.lindenwood.edu Lindenwood is a dynamic four-year liberal arts institution dedicated to excellence in higher education. Lindenwood offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to approximately 17,000 students through values-centered programs that lead to development of the whole person.

www.stlcop.edu The College admits students directly from high school, and the six-year curriculum integrates the liberal arts and sciences with a professional program leading to a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree.

www.mobap.edu Missouri Baptist University is an evangelical Christian, liberal arts institution and has as its purpose the offering of programs of study leading to professional certificates, undergraduate degrees, and graduate degrees in an environment where academic excellence is emphasized.

www.hssu.edu Harris-Stowe State University offers a solid General Education curriculum that serves as a foundation for its baccalaureate degrees in Business Administration, Teacher Education and Urban Specializations.

www.fontbonne.edu Fontbonne University is a Catholic coeducational institution of higher learning sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. Undergraduate and graduate programs are offered in an atmosphere characterized by a commitment to open communication, personal concern and diversity.

www.ccis.edu Columbia College is a private, coeducational liberal arts and sciences college offering associate, bachelor's and master's degrees as well as certificate programs.

LOCAL COLLEGES

For a complete list of colleges in Missouri visit www.collegestats.org/colleges/missouri

www.webster.edu Webster University, founded in 1915 with its home campus based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA, is the only Tier 1, private, nonprofit university with campus locations around the world including metropolitan, military, online and corporate, as well as American-style traditional campuses in North America, Europe and Asia. More than 100 undergraduate and graduate majors.

www.wustl.edu The University offers more than 90 programs and almost 1,500 courses leading to bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in a broad spectrum of traditional and interdisciplinary fields, with additional opportunities for minor concentrations and individualized programs.

www.umsl.edu UMSL offers 54 bachelor’s degree programs, 37 master’s degree programs, 15 doctoral degree programs, 24 graduate certificate programs, two education specialist programs, and the only professional optometry degree in Missouri. UMSL also boasts the Pierre Laclede Honors College, devoted to exceptional students, with small class sizes and an intimate liberal arts setting.

www.siue.edu With a student-to-teacher ratio of 17 to 1, SIUE offers the advantages of a small, liberal arts college and in-state tuition for Missouri residents. The University’s emphasis on undergraduate education, complemented by faculty research, creates practical applications for student learning.

www.slu.edu Saint Louis University is a Catholic, Jesuit university ranked among the top research institutions in the nation. Nearly 100 undergraduate programs and more than 50 graduate programs.

www.stlcc.edu With 15 college-transfer options and more than 100 career programs, as well as an ever-evolving array of courses and programs for personal development, St. Louis Community College offers you the opportunity to explore your interests, examine your options and expand

LOCAL COLLEGES

Teen Science Cafes are interactive science discussions and activities led by real scientists. These fun, free and informative cafes are designed for teens by teens.

Visit www.teencafestl.org for more information.

More than 400 middle and high school students from public, private and home schools across the region experience hands-on opportunities in science, engineering and medicine through the Junior Academy. Corporations, science organizations and universities open their labs and research areas to these teens at a critical time…when they are laying the science and technology path for their future. Any middle or high school student is welcome to join and scholarships are available.

Visit www.academyofsciencestl.org for more information.

The Academy of Science of St. Louis is an independent science organization supported entirely through community contributions. The Academy of Science has connected science and the

public for more than 150 years.