Contents
A Letter to Students
A Message for Parents
Preparing for the Future
Using the Teens’ Guide
Forming a Plan
Communication Is Key
PART 1: YOU'RE GOING TO BE A FRESHMAN
Chapter 1: The Big Jump to High School
You’re Off to High School
The Differences: Middle School vs. High School
There’s So Much to Do!
Honors or Nonhonors: Choosing Classes
What in the World Is a GPA and What the Heck Is a Transcript?
Tips for a Smooth Start
Beware the Black Hole of the Backpack
PART 2: JUMP-START YOUR FUTURE
Chapter 2: A Look at Yourself
Ready to Fly?
Choosing a Career That Will Make You Happy
On the Hunt for Information
Chapter 3: The First Steps to a Career
The Vocational/Career Education Path
The Tech-Prep Path
Using the Summer to Your Advantage
Flip Burgers and Learn About Life
Try Your Hand at an Internship
Volunteering in Your Community
PART 3: THE ROAD TO MORE EDUCATION
Chapter 4: Planning Your Education While in High School
Your Education Time Line
Six Study Skills That Lead to Success
Classes to Take if You’re Going to College
Chapter 5: Tackling the Tests
What the Tests Are . . . and Aren’t
The ACT
The SAT
The PSAT/NMSQT
SAT Subject Tests
The TOEFL Internet-Based Test (iBT)
What Other Tests Should I Know About?
What Can I Do to Prepare for These Tests?
Chapter 6: The College Search
The Best Resources
Online Help
Campus Visits
The College Interview
Should You Head for the Ivy League?
Minority Students
Students With Disabilities Go To College
Chapter 7: Applying to College
What Schools Look for in Prospective Students
Admission Procedures
More Mumbo Jumbo
The Complete Application Package
Special Information for Athletes
Auditions and Portfolios
The Gap-Year Option
Chapter 8: Financial Aid Dollars and Sense
A Bird’s-Eye View of Financial Aid
Types of Financial Aid
Federal Grants
Federal Scholarships
Federal Loans
Other Federal Programs
Thinking Ahead to Paying Back Your Student Loan
Families’ Guide to Tax Cuts for Education
Applying for Financial Aid
National, Statewide, and Local Scholarships
Scholarships for Minority Students
Applying for Scholarships
What You Need to Know About Athletic Scholarships
Winning the Scholarship with a Winning Essay
Myths about Scholarships and Financial Aid
Scholarship Scams
Financial Aid on the Web
Chapter 9: What to Expect in College
Choosing Your Classes
Choosing your Major
The Other Side of College: Having Fun!
Roommates
Commuting from Home
What if You Don’t Like the College You Pick?
Chapter 10: Other Options After High School
Who is on the Traditional 4-Year College Path?
Distance Learning
Community Colleges
Vocational/Career Colleges
Financial Aid Options for Career and Community Colleges
Apprenticeships
Chapter 11: The Military Option
Should I Work for the Largest Employer in the United States?
Choosing Which Branch to Join
The ASVAB
Basic Training: What Have I Gotten Myself Into?
Paying for College through the Armed Services
PART 4: YOU AND THE WORKPLACE
Chapter 12: Jump into Work
The Career/College Time Line
Writing Your Resume
Job Hunting 101
The Job Interview
What Employers Expect from Employees
Jumping on the Salary Fast Track
On the Job
Chapter 13: Survival Skills
How to Say “No Thanks” to Stress
Winning the Time-Management Game
Moving Out on Your Own?
Are Credit Cards Okay for Teens?
Drugs and Alcohol: Are You at Risk?
Conflict: How to Avoid It or Defuse It
The Lowdown on Sexual Harassment
Staying Healthy in Spite of Yourself
The Future is Yours
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