College Knowledge Month

The College Readiness Consortium believes in an expansive definition of 'college' to include 2- and 4-year institutions, as well as technical programs that provide a transferrable credential. Finding the option that is best for you can be stressful and intimidating, however, exploring your who, what, where, why, and how of college can help you narrow your options. Read our latest blog to get concrete steps you can do now to help with the college search process.

Week 1 Activity: 

This week's activity is from our Ramp-Up to Readiness program. 

Directions:

1. Download the brainstorm worksheet by clicking on the image or here.
2. Record appropriate college word associations in the table below that start with each letter of the alphabet, such as B: books, Bachelor’s Degree, bookstore, and business office.
3. At least 15 boxes must have at least one response. 
4. Submit your worksheet here.

*Educators - You can find sample lessons similar to this on our Ramp-Up to Readiness website.

College is different from high school in many ways. As a college student you will have to find classes that will meet your goals and work best for your schedule. In college, for every 1 credit, you are expected to spend at least 3 hours of work to be successful in the class. This includes attending class, lab, and doing homework. A typical students takes 15 credits. That means you are expected to spend at least 45 hours on school-related work. College is a full-time job for students! Learn more about the differences between high school and college through a conversation with college students in our blog. 

Week 2 Activity:

In this week's activity you will practice creating a schedule and mapping out your weekly academic commitments as a college student. 

Directions:

1. Review the course catalog to see the days and times of each class.
2. When selecting your classes, make sure that there are no overlapping times.
3. You must include a first-year experience course in your final schedule.
4. Your final schedule should have at least 15 credits.
5. Your final schedule should also include about 2 hours of homework for each credit (ex. A 3-credit course should see at least 6 hours of homework every week). If you are at 15 credits, you will need to have 30 hours of homework scheduled. 
6. Submit your schedule to count towards the UMN College Knowledge Month drawing here. 

There are many jobs out there that requires a postsecondary education and some of which do not require a 4-year degree. Take the time now to explore your interests through your school courses, volunteering , internships, and extracurricular activities. These opportunities can help you determine what you like to do and things you may not be as interested in. Read our blog on the benefits of obtaining a Bachelor's Degree. Earnings and unemployment rates tend to be higher for those with a Bachelor's Degree, but continue to read more to learn how your health is also impacted.

Week 3 Activity:

Complete this week's quiz. As you go through the list of different career paths, choose the typical level of education that most workers need to enter this occupation. These questions are based on the Bureau Labor of Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. You can refer to this webpage if you are unsure what is the answer. 

1. You will be able to see your score once you submit your form and may edit your submission if needed.
2. You must receive at least 10 out of 12 questions correct in order to have it count towards this week's College Knowledge Month activity.
3. When reviewing your score, each question will link to the Bureau Labor of Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Explore this website to learn more about different career outlooks including job description, median pay, and education required.

Many students qualify for some form of financial aid. The cost of attendance that is shown for a college is often not the final cost paid. Financial aid includes grants, scholarships, work study, and loans. To qualify for many of these financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

Week 4 Activity: