CHART 2

High School Courses Recommended for a Four-Year College

Although academic requirements differ across colleges, the admissions requirements listed below are typical of four-year colleges. The specific classes listed here are examples of the types of courses students can take.

English -- 4 years

Types of classes:

composition American literature English literature World literature

Laboratory Science -- 2 to 3 years

Types of classes:

biology earth science chemistry physics

Mathematics -- 3 to 4 years

Types of classes:

algebra I algebra II geometry trigonometry precalculus calculus

Foreign Language -- 2 to 3 years

Types of classes:

French German Spanish Latin Russian Japanese

History & Geography -- 2 to 3 years

Types of classes:

geography U.S. history U.S. government world history world cultures

Visual & Performing Arts -- 1 year

Types of classes:

art dance drama music

Appropriate Electives -- 1 to 3 years

Types of classes:

economics psychology statistics computer science communications

Many schools offer the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) to their students. This is a practice test that helps students prepare for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). The PSAT is usually administered to tenth or eleventh grade students. A student who does very well on this test and who meets many other academic performance criteria may qualify for the National Merit Scholarship Program. You and your child can find out more about the PSAT/NMSQT and the National Merit Scholarship Program by talking to your child's guidance counselor or by calling or writing to the number or address provided in the back of this handbook.

Some colleges also require that an applicant take one or more Achievement Tests in major areas of study. It is a good idea for a student to consult a guidance counselor about this early in high school; often the best time to take an Achievement Test is right after the student has taken a course in that subject. For example, many students take the Biology Achievement Test right after they have completed a course in biology. This could mean that your child would take his or her first Achievement Test as a freshman or sophomore in high school.

At the back of this handbook, in the section that lists places where you can get additional information, you will find the address and phone number where you can write or call for more information about the SAT and the Achievement Tests. You will also find the address and phone number for the organization that administers the ACT.

Knowing what will be required for college is important; by taking the right courses and examinations from the beginning of high school, your child may avoid admission problems later on. In addition, students who do not prepare well enough academically in high school, if admitted to college, may be required to take remedial courses. Most colleges do not offer credit for these courses, and students may have to pay for these extra courses and spend extra time in college to earn their degrees. Chart 3 lists some questions that you or your child may want to ask your child's guidance counselor.

CHART 3

Questions To Ask Guidance Counselors

* What basic academic courses do they recommend for students who want to go to college?

* How many years of each academic subject does the high school require for graduation?

* What elective courses do they recommend for college-bound students?

* How does a student go about completing recommended courses before graduating from high school?

* Can students who are considering college get special help or tutoring?

* What activities can students do at home and over the summers to strengthen their preparation for college?

* How much homework is expected of students preparing for college?

* What kinds of high school grades do different colleges require?

Course Planner for Parent and Student

This exercise will give you and your child a chance to look ahead and choose future courses, but be aware that some courses must be taken in sequence. On the form below, list your child's current courses or courses he or she will take this year. Then list courses that he or she will take during each year of high school. If you are not sure what courses your child should take, you should make an appointment with your child's guidance counselor and get some advice.

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What can my child do outside the classroom to prepare for college?

Interpersonal and leadership skills, interests and goals are all important for college preparation. independent reading and study, extracurricular activities, and work experience will all help your child develop his or her skills, interests, and goals.

Independent Reading and Study

Independent reading and study will help your child to prepare academically for college. This is a good way to develop interests, expand knowledge, and improve vocabulary and reading comprehension skills needed for college and the SAT or ACT. Encourage your child to read all kinds of books for fun--fiction and non-fiction. The school library and the local public library are good sources of books, magazines, and newspapers.

Extracurricular Activities

Many school, community, and religious organizations enable high school students to explore their interests and talents by providing activities outside the classroom. Colleges are often interested in a student's extracurricular activities such as school clubs, the student newspaper, athletics, musical activities, arts, drama, and volunteer work, especially if a student has excelled in one or more of these areas.

Work Experience

Work experience--paid or volunteer--can teach students discipline, responsibility, reliability, teamwork, and other skills. Some students tutor elementary school children or fellow students in a subject they have mastered themselves. Others help the disadvantaged or volunteer in hospitals. Many colleges are interested in knowing about this type of experience.

A summer job is a good way to gain experience and earn money for college as well. If your child works during the school year, he or she should not work so many hours that the job interferes with school work.

Creating a Good Place To Study

Your child needs a quiet and comfortable place to study. Here are a few things that you can do:

(1) Help him or her find a quiet place with some privacy.

(2) Set up a desk or large table with good light and place reference books such as a dictionary on the desk or nearby.

(3) Make sure your child studies there on a regular basis.

How can my child go about choosing a college?

Colleges are located in big cities, suburbs, and small towns throughout the country. Some enroll tens of thousands of students; others enroll only a few hundred. Some are public; others are private. Some private institutions are affiliated with religious institutions; others are not. Some schools enroll only women, others only men.

The type of institution best suited to your child depends on his or her individual needs and talents. Your child can begin focusing on the choice of a college by considering the following questions:

-- Why do I want to go to college?

-- What do I hope to achieve in college?

-- Do I have some idea of what I want to study or for which job I want to prepare?

-- Do I want to live at home or go away to school?

-- Do I prefer an urban or suburban environment?

-- Would I be happier in a small college or at a large university?

In order to choose a college, you and your child should ask the following questions about the nature and qualify of the schools in which your child has an interest.

The Nature of the Education Offered

* What is the philosophy of the particular college and what kinds of educational programs does this college offer?

Ask about the college's specialties, which types of classes the school offers, and in which fields students can earn a degree or certificate. How many students study in each area, and what do they do when they graduate?

* How long does it take to earn a certificate or degree at this college?

Students should know how much time it takes to complete a program before they enroll in it. Programs can last anywhere from a few months to several years. Also ask whether the time involved reflects full-time or part-time attendance.

* What do students do when they graduate from this school? Do they get jobs in the areas that they were trained for? Do they pursue further education?

Job placement rates are particularly important for vocational programs. If a very low percentage of students are employed in their area of training a year after completing the program, there may be a problem. It can also be useful to ask about beginning salaries of program graduates and the institution's career advising and placement services for its students.

Students who enroll in two-year colleges plans to transfer to four-year colleges should inquire about the possibility of doing so and about the number of graduates who transfer each year. Students applying to four-year colleges may want to know how many graduates go on to graduate or professional education.

The Quality of the College

* How many students who start at this school earn a certificate or degree? How many drop out?

A high drop-out rate may suggest that students are dissatisfied with the education an institution provides. Be particularly careful about having your child enroll in a school that graduates a very low percentage of its students. Also ask about tuition refund policies for students who drop out in the first weeks of an educational program.

* What is the default rate at this college? Do students repay their loans?

The default rate is the percentage of students who took out student loans to help pay their expenses but did not repay them properly. A high default rate may suggest that students who borrowed never completed their educational program, or that they were unable to find jobs and repay the loans when they graduated. Colleges with consistently high default rates may be barred from student loan programs, and students attending these institutions may thus be ineligible for Federal loans.

* Have other students who have gone to this college liked it? What has their experience been?

Colleges should be able to refer you to current students or recent graduates of their programs. These individuals can give you their opinion about classes, facilities, the faculty (teachers), and the skills they have learned.

* What kinds of facilities does this college have? Are they adequate for my child's needs?

You and your child should consider the condition of classrooms, libraries, and dormitories when choosing a college. The types of facilities appropriate for a college depend on the type of education provided. For example, a college offering classes in the sciences should have modern laboratories, and an institution that offers computer education classes should have adequate computer facilities.

Admissions Requirements and Financial Aid

* What admissions requirements does this college have?

Each institution can require students to take certain high school classes and submit certain items with their applications. Make sure you know what is required by the schools that interest your child.

* Is this college accredited by an agency recognized by the Secretary of Education and eligible to participate in Federal student aid programs?

Federal financial aid is available only to students attending eligible institutions. Students attending other institutions cannot receive Federal financial aid. If you are interested in having your child apply for Federal financial aid, be wary of unaccredited institutions and those with high default rates. You can call the Federal Student Financial Aid Information Center toll-free to find out if a particular college is an eligible institution. The number is 1-800-4FED-AID.

EXERCISE

College Inquiries

Using the form on the next page, help your child list the colleges he/she knows about and might be interested in attending. Write down whether they are two-year or four-year colleges or universities. Ask your child why these schools are appealing to him or her. You and your child may want to contact the colleges to get more information.

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How much does a college education cost?

Many people overestimate the cost of college or believe that all schools are expensive. For example, a recent Gallup survey indicated that 13- to 21-year-olds overestimated the average cost of public two- and four-year colleges by more than three times the actual figure. The same group estimated that the costs of private four-year colleges were one-third higher than they actually were.

Although some colleges are expensive, costs vary from institution to institution. In addition, the availability of financial aid--money available from various sources to help students pay for college--can make even an expensive college affordable for a qualified student.

College Costs

The basic costs of college are tuition, fees, and other expenses:

* Tuition

Tuition is the amount of money that colleges charge for instruction and for the use of some facilities, such as libraries. Tuition can range from a few hundred dollars per year to more than $18,000. However, there are a few institutions that don't charge any tuition at all. As shown in Chart 4, most students attend colleges that charge less than $3,000 per year for tuition. This occurs because over three-quarters of students attend public institutions whose tuitions are much lower than those of private institutions.

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* Fees

Fees are charges (usually small) that cover costs generally not associated with the student's course load, such as costs of some athletic activities, student activities, clubs, and special events.

* Other Expenses

Besides tuition and fees, students at most colleges and universities pay for room, board, books, supplies, transportation, and other miscellaneous costs. "Room and board" refers to the cost of housing and food. Typical college costs are listed in Chart 5 below.

CHART 5

Typical College Costs

Tuition Books Fees Supplies Room Transportation Board Miscellaneous Expenses

Tuition at Public and Private Colleges

It is important to know the difference between public and private institutions. A school's private or public status has a lot to do with its tuition.

* Public Institutions

Over three-quarters of all students in two- and four-year colleges attend State or other public colleges. Since these schools receive a large proportion of their budgets from State or local government, they can charge students who live in that State (in-state students) relatively low tuition. Students from other States (out-of-state students) usually pay higher tuition.

In 1991-92, in-state students attending public four-year colleges faced an average tuition and fees of $2,137 per year. in-state students at public two-year colleges faced an average tuition and fees of $1,022 per year in 1991-92.

If the costs of room, board, books, supplies, and transportation are added to tuition and fees, the average total cost of attending a public four-year college was $6,437 in 1991-92. Since many students who attend two-year public schools live at home, the average total cost of attending a two-year public college in 1991-92 was $2,404. This includes the cost of tuition, fees, books, supplies, and transportation for a commuter student.

* Private Institutions

Private (sometimes called "independent") institutions charge the same tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students. Private college tuitions tend to be higher than those of public colleges because private schools receive less financial support from States and local governments.

Most private colleges are "non-profit." Other private postsecondary schools-mostly vocational and trade schools--are "proprietary." Such institutions are legally permitted to make a profit. Students at private colleges in 1991-92 faced an average tuition and fees of $10,017 per year at four-year colleges and $5,290 per year at two-year non-profit colleges.

If the costs of room, board, books, supplies, and transportation are added to tuition and fees, the average total cost of attending a private four-year college was $15,381 in 1991-92. If these same kinds of costs are added to the tuition and fees of a two-year private college, the average total cost of attending such a school was $10,019 in 1991-92.

Chart 6 below shows the average tuition and fees faced by students at four different kinds of colleges in school year 1991-92.

Future College Costs

By the time your child is ready to attend college, the tuition, fees, and costs of room, board, and other expenses will be larger than the amounts discussed in this handbook. Because there are many factors that affect the costs of a college education, it is impossible to know exactly how much colleges will charge when your child is ready to enroll. Be cautious when people tell you a particular amount; no one can be sure how much costs will change over time. In addition, as college costs increase, the amount of money you earn, and thus the amount you will have available to pay for college, will also rise.

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How can I afford to send my child to college?

Saving money in advance and obtaining financial aid are common ways for parents to make their child's education affordable. Other ways of making college affordable, such as attending college part time, will be discussed later in this handbook. (See the section beginning on page 32.)

Saving Money

Saving money is the primary way to prepare for the costs of college. Setting aside a certain amount every month or each payday will help build up a fund for college. If you and your child begin saving early, the amount you have to set aside each month will be smaller.

In order to set up a savings schedule, you'll need to think about where your child might attend college, how much that type of college might cost, and how much you can afford to save. Keep in mind that colleges of the same type have a range of costs and your child may be able to attend one that is less expensive. You can also pay part of the costs from your earnings while your child is attending school. In addition, your child may also be able to meet some of the costs of college by working during the school year or during the summer. Finally, some Federal, State, or other student financial aid may be available, including loans to you and to your child.

You will also want to think about what kind of savings instrument to use or what kind of investment to make. By putting your money in some kind of savings instrument or investment, you can set aside small amounts of money regularly and the money will earn interest or dividends. Interest refers to the amount that your money earns when it is kept in a savings instrument. Dividends are payments of part of a company's earnings to people who hold stock in the company.

A savings instrument has an "interest rate" associated with it; this refers to the rate at which the money in the instrument increases over a certain period of time. Principal refers to the face value or the amount of money you place in the savings instrument on which the interest is earned.

Chart 7 shows how much you would need to save each month in order to have $10,000 available when your child begins college. As the chart demonstrates, the amount varies depending on the interest rate you obtain and the number of years that you save. The higher the interest rate and the earlier you begin to save, the less you need to set aside each month.

For example, if you start saving when your child is born, you will have 18 years to save. As shown on the chart, each month you will only have to deposit $32 in an account earning 4 percent interest in order to save $10,099 by the time your child is 18. However, if you use the same savings instrument but do not start to save until your child is 16, you will have to save $401 each month. In addition, if you use the instrument with the higher interest rate--8 percent--you will only have to put away $21 each month starting when your child is born.

Remember, by starting to save early and by using instruments with higher interest rates, you can put aside smaller amounts. If you wait until later to start saving, you may not be able to afford to put away the larger amounts of money needed to meet your savings goals.

CONTINUED IN PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR COLLEGE  Part 3