Explore Careers and Colleges

The key to selecting the right career or schooling for you is to explore before you decide. With the Internet access
and college and career sites, it is easier than ever. You can even take a quick skills or interest checklist with the Choices program in the Library or through guidance to help determine
some areas of interest, career options, and requirements for jobs or school. You can find out about careers or occupations in the Occupational Outlook Handbook which describes what workers do on the job, working conditions, the training and education needed, earnings, and expected job prospects in a wide range of occupations. Another place for career and school searches and information is Virginia View , the Career Information System for the state of Virginia. You can find out about individual jobs, career trends, schools in Virginia and the nation, as well as military careers -
even summer and internship programs. Financial aid information and links are also provided.

Take a Virtual Tour of the campus. If you want to check out the school and grounds but can't visit - try this.

HOME

Preparing for College

Use some of the following sites to search and explore the right school for you. In addition to providing information on colleges and matching choices, these sites provide information on SAT's, financial aid, distance learning and more. Some offer practice tests and reviews for the SAT and ACT and tips for applications and examples of college essays. Check them out to find one for you.
www.collegeboard.com
www.collegeview.com
www.petersons.com/ugrad -
http://features.yahoo.com/college/
search.html
http://www.review.com
Even a free online SAT & ACT prep course. Minority On-line Info. Service offers data on historically Black Collegesand Universities, on Hispanic and Tribal-Serving Institutions, and on financial aid for minorities - African Americans, Asians, Hispanic, Tribal and others.

It is wise to set up your own planning
calendar to keep track of testing dates, application deadlines and registration dates. Take advantage of the calendars provided
by some of the individual college web sites or commercial sites, like collegeboard.com, or talbotsbooks.com to help you meet deadlines. College Board allows you to create a college plan for any high school year. Just select your grade in high school to view a scheduled outline of steps and preparations to get ready for college. You can create you own with my organizer.

Financial Aid

Check these sites out to find out about government sources of funding as well as scholarships and aid packages.
http://www.salliemae.com
http://fafsa.ed.gov/
http://www.ed.gov/studentaid http://educaid.com
http://www.fastweb.com

Make an appointment with your guidance counselor to review your plans and ideas, but don't rely on them to investigate. Get out and explore online or check out one of the many college catalogs from the library or your guidance office.

Armed Services

U.S. Army @ www.goarmy.com
U.S. Marines @ www.usmc.mil
U.S. Navy @www.navy.mil
U.S. Air Force @www. airforce. com/
U.S. Coast Guard @ www.uscg.mil/jobs

For information on ASVAB testing and schedules, check with guidance. Help with ASVAB practice and preparation is available online.

OCHS Local Scholarship Application