“A Matter of Degrees…and More” Reference Sheet MILITARY Major Branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard Training Available: All types of careers, ASVAB test provides career matches Programs: Enlisted – for high school graduates Officer – for college graduates ROTC (Reserve Officer Training Corp) – ROTC scholarship available to cover college costs, must be willing to serve in service after completion of college, not all universities offer this program Military Academy – 4 year college degree earned at no cost except a commitment to the military after graduation; enter military as an officer, highly competitive to get in. Military Academies: West Point – Army; Annapolis – Navy; Air Force Academy; Coast Guard Academy. Upside: Career training, college benefits, steady paycheck, free housing, food and health care Downside: If you have a problem with authority, the Military is probably not the choice for you. APPRENTICESHIP Description: Apprenticeship trains workers to meet industry standards for a given occupation. Apprentices work and learn under the supervision of a journey-level craft person. Programs: There are over 800 programs to choose from ranging from baker to heavy equipment operator, and from tool and die maker to high tech programmer. Training Available: Training is divided between hands-on work and classroom learning. Programs can be 3-5 years in length. Many programs require math skills at the algebra level or above. In certain programs you can also earn an Associates Degree. Cost: Need to supply own tools and have reliable transportation. Upside: Earn while you learn – earn a living wage with retirement and health care benefits while learning a skill. Students finish the program without going into debt. With journey-level status you are licensed to work anywhere in the nation. Downside: Need to know how to budget. Some professions are seasonal; there is the chance of being laid off during slow times. CAREER COLLEGES (Private – formerly called Trade Schools) Description: Specific training in one career, such as: Northwest Railroad Institute – learn to maintain and operate train equipment International Air Academy – ticket agents, flight attendants Divers Institute of Technology – professional underwater divers for salvage and welding ITT Technical Institute – computers, electronics Programs: Specific career training only Training Available: Short term, usually 6 – 12 months No specific requirements to enter school Cost: High cost – because they are short term Upside: Get out into job market quickly; generally won’t take any classes that don’t specifically relate to career. Downside: High cost No regulated standards, so you may not be taught the most current skills. No degree, certificates only, credit does not transfer to other schools. TECHNICAL COLLEGES (Public) Description: For the career-focused student who knows what they want, choosing a technical school can get you on the fast track to success in your field. Students study all aspects of a trade, from management to technique. There are five technical colleges in our state, all on the west side on the mountains: Lake Washington Institute of Technology, Renton Technical, Bates Technical (in Tacoma), Clover Park Technical (in Tacoma) and Bellingham Technical College. Programs: 6 month certificate programs, two year Associate’s Degree and now four year Bachelor degrees are offered. Training Available: Technical Colleges offer hands-on courses in a range of practical subjects, such as information technology, applied sciences, engineering, nursing, auto repair, dental assisting, chef and many more. Who Can Apply? Student must be a high school graduate or 18 years old. Student must take a placement test called COMPASS for reading, writing and math which determines placement in English and Math classes at the community/technical college. Cost: Technical/community colleges average approximately half the cost of public four year colleges. The state helps fund colleges to give residents the opportunity to receive public education. Upside: Great way to get career training. More night classes are offered for those who need to work. Downside: Need to be sure of your future career before selecting a technical program. Not created to allow students to take a variety of classes and “shop around” for a field of interest. COMMUNITY COLLEGES (Public) Description: Community colleges offer two-year liberal arts programs or specific career training programs. After completing their studies, students receive a certificate, diploma or an associate’s degree. Many students then transfer to a four-year college or university to continue their education. Other graduates go directly into the work setting. There are 28 community colleges located in our state. Forty percent of students who earn a Bachelor’s degree in Washington State start at a community college. Programs: Two year degree programs called Associate degree, either Associate of Arts (A.A.) or Associate of Science (A.S.) which enable students to enter a career field after graduation. Two year TRANSFER degree programs allow students to complete the first two years of a four year college program at the community college and then transfer to a four year school to finish the final two years. Several schools are beginning to offer Bachelor degrees in high need areas such as nursing, radiology, interior design, sustainable practices, IT, and international business. Community and technical colleges offer numerous degrees and certificates in a wide variety of academic professional and technical fields. Who Can Apply? Both community colleges and technical colleges have the same requirements - see technical colleges above. Cost: Both community colleges and technical colleges are similar – see technical colleges above. Upside: Classes are often smaller compared to those at a large university. Classes are offered during the day or evening, to accommodate work schedules. If you don’t have the test scores or GPA to get into a four year college, this is a chance to build up your academic skills and then transfer to a four year school. Faculty members are expert instructors, known for teaching and meeting students at the point of their individual needs, regardless of age, sex, race, current job status, or previous academic preparation. If you aren’t sure about going to college, this is a great place for career exploration. Downside: Can lack the big college atmosphere and experience that some students want. Athletics are minimal compared to a major university. FOUR YEAR COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES (Public or Private) Description: Colleges and universities offer many programs of study. They may provide a liberal arts education or more specific specialization such as nursing or engineering. They are funded in part by state money. The difference between a college and a university is that colleges only offer bachelor (4 year) degree programs. Universities offer bachelor degrees in addition to master and doctoral degrees. College professors see teaching as their primary responsibility and classes tend to be smaller than those in universities. University professors are usually involved in both teaching and research. Graduate students may help teach some of the classes at universities. Universities often offer more extensive resources than smaller colleges in terms of libraries, laboratories, and athletic programs. Programs: Bachelor degree (4 year) Master degree Doctoral or PhD degree Who Can Apply? Students must complete their CADR (Core College Admissions Requirements) in high school, plus at least two years of the same foreign language. Cost: Costs for colleges and universities vary depending on the type of institution (public or private) and other factors such as housing, books and supplies, and travel expenses. Upside: Four year colleges and universities provide a broad experience that allows students to get a general education experience as well as focus on particular fields. Many careers require a BA or BS (Bachelor of Art or Science) from a four year university as a minimum education requirement for entry level positions. Four year colleges and universities usually provide on-campus housing options, large athletic programs, a variety of campus activities, and career placement help at graduation. Downside: More costly than two year community colleges. Students may feel “lost” in larger four year universities. PUBLIC Colleges/Universities in state: Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, Evergreen State College, University of Washington, Washington State University and Western Washington University Colleges and Universities look at: Grades Essay or personal statement Test scores for SAT/and or ACT Class rank Teacher/counselor recommendation letters Extracurricular activities, including volunteer work, jobs, clubs, sports Leadership PRIVATE (Independent) Description: Most private colleges and universities are independent and are funded by tuition, endowments, gifts and bequests or corporate foundation grants. Cost: Depending on the school, costs may be very high. Although private schools often offer the best financial aid. Upside: Lower teacher to student ratio resulting in more individual attention Schools tend to be smaller, providing more opportunities for student involvement Have the latest equipment, textbooks and up-to-date buildings Offer specialized degrees Downside: Usually more expensive than public universities. OUT OF STATE SCHOOLS Out of state tuition for public schools TRIPLES when you go out-of-state. It is possible to establish residency in the new state, which generally takes at least a year. Name: _________________________________ Rebel Connection Teacher: _______________________________ “A Matter of Degrees…and More” Worksheet 1. Name the five major branches of the military: a. ______________________________ d.________________________________ b. ______________________________ e.________________________________ c. ______________________________ 2. Training time for an apprentice is divided between ___________________ and _________________. 3. Once an apprentice completes training they become a journey-level craft person which allows them to work _____________________________________. 4. A career college provides training for only a _______________ type of career. 5. Name the five technical colleges in Washington State: a. _______________________________________ b. _______________________________________ c. _______________________________________ d. _______________________________________ e. _______________________________________ 6. Technical/community colleges in our state cost less because they are _____________________________. 7. The requirements to get into a community/technical college are: __________________________ - OR - _____________________________________________. 8. The only test you must take to get into a community/technical college is a _________________ test, which covers ____________________, ______________________ and ________________________. 9. List four reasons why someone might choose to go to a community college for their first two years instead of going straight to a four-year college: a._______________________________________________________________________________ b._______________________________________________________________________________ c._______________________________________________________________________________ d._______________________________________________________________________________ 10. Bellevue Community College is now Bellevue College, why are community/technical colleges changing their names? ___________________________________________________________________________________ 11. What is the percentage of Washington state students who earn a Bachelor’s degree who start at a community college? _________% 12. What is the difference between a college and a university? _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ 13. Name the six public colleges/universities in our state (public means schools that are funded by the state): a.________________________________ b._______________________________ c.________________________________ d._______________________________ e.________________________________ f._______________________________ 14. List three differences between public and private college/universities: a. _______________________________________ b. _______________________________________ c. _______________________________________ 15. Admittance to a public or private college requires either the _________ or the ______ test. 16. What career(s) are you are interested in? How much education will that take? Careers of Interest Type of Degree/Training Needed The next step is for you to decide which post high school option you want to research – military, apprenticeship or college. Complete the appropriate worksheet and turn it into your Rebel Connection teacher by Nov. 13th. If you have any questions stop by the CRC.
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