HSSW

2023-24 HIGH SCHOOL
STUDENT WORKBOOK
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WITHIN REACH ... WITHIN YOU
High School Student Workbook

Table of Contents
SECTION 1: WHY GO TO COLLEGE?.......................................... 3
What Do You Want to Be? worksheet......................................6
SECTION 2: WHAT DO I WANT TO BE?........................................8
Career Assessments............................................................. 11
Sample Career Plan.............................................................. 18
Developing My Career Plan worksheet................................. 19
SECTION 3: HOW DO I GET THERE?..........................................20
Tracking My Classes & Achievements worksheet..................27
SECTION 4: WHERE DO I GO?....................................................29
Understanding Campus Types worksheet..............................30
Picking a College Decision Tree............................................32
Places to Visit on Campus list................................................36
Campus Visit Checklist .........................................................37
Getting Answers on Campus worksheet................................38
SECTION 5: HOW DO I PAY FOR IT?...........................................40
Completing the FAFSA...........................................................45
GLOSSARY....................................................................................47
Introduction
UCanGo2. Within reach … within you!
That’s the message the Oklahoma College Assistance Program
(OCAP), an operating division of the Oklahoma State Regents
for Higher Education, wants you to know. No matter your
circumstances — straight As or all Cs, first generation or
third generation college student, rural or urban — if you have
determination and drive, you can attend a university, college
or career technology center and be well on your way to a great
career.
The information in this workbook will help you plan, prepare
and pay for college. When we talk about college, we mean all
types of training after high school: career technology centers,
trade/proprietary colleges, community colleges, regional and
comprehensive universities — basically, any type of education
beyond high school.
Don’t forget to check with your counselor for up-to-date
college prep resources, and visit UCanGo2.org for
additional college planning and scholarship
information.
Asistencia en Español
Múltiples colaboradores están disponibles para ayudar a los estudiantes y padres en español a través de la línea de información
para estudiantes de los Regentes del Estado, a la que las familias pueden llegar al 800.858.1840 (405.25.9239 en Oklahoma City)
o studentinfo@osrhe.edu.
SECTION 1: Why Go To College?
Why Go To College?
Understanding the Value of Higher Education
What comes to mind when you think about college? Some students can’t wait for classes to begin, but others may have
reservations. Are you excited and looking forward to a new place with new faces? Or do your thoughts sound more like this?
► I don’t like high school. Why would I want to go to college?
► I don’t know what I want to do with my life, so there’s no point going to college.
► College is too expensive. There’s no way I can afford it.
► I don’t need a degree. I can make more money if I get a job right now.
► No one in my family has ever gone to college so I don’t need to go either.
► I’m afraid I won’t fit in.
Whatever you’re feeling, you’re not alone! The thought of college brings up different feelings for different people. Fear,
excitement, anticipation — you name it, someone has experienced it.
Use the space provided on the next page to jot down ideas, thoughts and feelings you have about education after high
school or getting a degree.
UCanGo2 Student Workbook

My Thoughts
To Go or Not To Go: There (Really!) Is No Question

Before we check out the benefits of continuing your education, let’s tackle your concerns. Feel free to jot down your
thoughts and/or concerns in the space above.
I don’t like high school. Why would I want to go to college?
So you don’t like high school. That’s pretty common for a lot of students, but it shouldn’t stop you from considering college.
College is so different from high school! You have your choice of campuses, classes, professors and extracurricular
activities. You’re not limited by who you were in high school; college is a whole new opportunity to rediscover yourself.
I don’t know what I want to do with my life, so there’s no point in going to college.
No career plan? No problem! Most college freshmen haven’t decided on a major, let alone a career. Look at college as an
opportunity to explore your likes, dislikes and talents. By taking different types of classes and exploring new activities, you
might be surprised by what you learn about yourself.

College is too expensive. There’s no way I can afford it.
College can be costly in terms of tuition, books and time, but it’s a smart
investment in your future. Very few people get a full ride to college;
that’s why there’s financial aid. Financial aid comes in many forms, Myth: I don’t
including grants, scholarships, work-study and student loans. If getting an
education is your goal, there are financial aid options to help you along need college to
the way. succeed.
I don’t need a degree. I can make more money if I get a
job right now. Reality: While there
Can’t decide between getting a job and getting a degree? Keep in are some people
mind that the majority of today’s jobs require some form of degree
or certification beyond a high school diploma. Higher education also
who are successful
increases your chances of making more money and having more job without a college
perks when you enter the workforce. If you have to work right out of high degree, by 2025
school, there are ways to balance both work and classes. Most colleges
offer online classes that allow you the convenience and flexibility to plan
nearly three out of
your own study time. four Oklahoma jobs
No one in my family has ever gone to college so I don’t will require education
need to go either. or training beyond
Are you the first in your family to go to college? That can be both scary and high school.
exciting, but well worth the effort. Colleges are filled with students just like
you and have staff to help you handle challenges unique to first generation
college students. Going to college will not only prepare you for a brighter
future, but it can also be a source of pride for you and your family.
I’m afraid I won’t fit in.
No two college students are created alike and no two colleges are identical either. The trick is finding the campus that best
fits your unique needs. There are plenty of options to consider, like small versus large colleges, public versus private, rural
versus urban, etc. Do some research to find a campus that’s right for you.
Now that some of your concerns have been addressed,

let’s talk about your future lifestyle and how education can
play an important role. Picture your life 10 years from now.
Where do you live? What are your hobbies? Now, to afford
this lifestyle, how much money do you think you’ll need to
make each year? Use the worksheet on the next page to
write down your answers. Talk with your teacher or a parent
to discuss your future lifestyle. Will you need a degree or TOOLS TO USE
certification to reach your goals? Be sure to weigh your
education and career goals against the lifestyle you want
Check out the next page to
to live. If your heart is set on being an actor, but you dream complete a worksheet that
of driving a new SUV and living in a stylish three-bedroom can help you chart your
home, you may not be able to afford the lifestyle you want
on an actor’s entry-level salary. It’s important to keep
future plans!
lifestyle in mind when deciding whether to attend college
and when choosing a major or career.

What Do You Want To Be?
In the blanks below, brainstorm three jobs or careers that interest you:
1.
2.
3.
How much money will you make?
Where will you live? (city, country, house, apartment, etc.)
Does your future plan include children?
What will you do apart from work? (sports, hobbies, volunteer work, etc.)
Other than pay, what do you hope to gain from your career?
How Will You Get There?

Develop a list of steps to achieve your goals:
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What’s In It for Me?
No matter where you want to go or what you want to do, one thing is true. Getting some type of higher education will help
you along the way. Here are just a few of the perks:
HIGHER BETTER MORE JOB

INCOME BENEFITS SECURITY
► Higher Income - someone with a college degree earns significantly more money each year than someone with only a high
school diploma. In general, a higher level of education means a higher income.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers with a college education make more money than
those with just a high school diploma.
Some college, no degree = 21% higher salary
Associate degree = 31% higher salary
Bachelor’s degree = 76% higher salary
► Better Benefits - while earning a degree or certification may lead you to a more meaningful career, it can also lead to better
insurance coverage, paid vacation time, a retirement package and more.
► More Job Security - people with additional training after high school are two to three times more likely to have a job.
Wrap-up
Whether you want to be a plumber, beautician, teacher or lawyer, there’s a program designed to help you gain the
knowledge and skills to be the best you can be. Education is an important tool — it allows you to live the life you want.
Reflection
Do you want to pursue education after high school? Why or why not?

What excites you most about going to college?

What’s your biggest fear about going to college (paying for it, fitting in, etc.)?

Parent Part
Have a discussion with your parent(s) or guardian(s) about going to college. Talk openly and honestly about your plans and
ask for their feedback. Ask them how they made their decision to go, or not to go, to college.
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SECTION 2: What Do I Want to Be?
What Do I Want To Be?
Exploring Careers and College Majors
Have you known from second grade that you wanted to be an artist? Or are you panicking because you don’t know what
you want to do after high school? Some students know early in their childhood what career path they’ll follow. For others,
the discovery process takes longer.
No matter which category you fit into, this section will help you explore your interests, skills and strengths so you can
decide what options fit you best.
Career Versus Job

What’s the difference between a career and a job, you ask? Basically, a job is a short-term, paid position. A career is a
long-term profession that typically requires educational training. You may currently have a job, something that helps you
and your family pay for school clothes or your cellphone, but once you graduate you’ll want to decide on a career, an
occupation that allows you to use your unique skills and strengths.
With many career possibilities, how do you make a decision? What career path do you follow? How do you get there from
here? Well, the first step is to assess your interests and skills.
Investigate Your Interests

In the spaces provided on the next page, jot down your responses to the following questions. If answered honestly, these
questions should give you a fairly accurate snapshot of your interests.
Don’t forget to think about your volunteer experience when answering these questions. Volunteering is a great way to try
new activities that could lead to a potential career interest. Plus, you’re giving back to your community, which makes it
a win-win situation. Be sure to keep track of all your volunteer experiences, so you can include that information later on
college and scholarship applications.

What do you like to do?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
What are your hobbies?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
What type of school, church, social or sports activities do you enjoy?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Do you work after school or on weekends? What do you like most about your job?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
What are you really good at?
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Consider Your Skills

Next, think about the specific skills you’ve developed through your extracurricular activities, part-time jobs or
volunteer work. Track your thoughts in the following chart.
Activities Skills
Example: Yearbook staff Graphic design/layout, sales, photography, writing
Example: Student Council Communication, motivation, delegation, fund raising,

public speaking
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Evaluate your list of interests and skills. Were you able
to identify areas you excel in and enjoy? If so, you’ll
most likely be drawn to careers and occupations that
incorporate those interests and skills. Want to dig deeper
into your likes and dislikes? Visit the Career Planning
tab on OKcollegestart.org and take career assessment
surveys to determine what’s most important to you in your
future career, and for information about the careers that
fit your interests. You’ll find information on salaries, skills
needed, career comparisons and building a resume to
help you land the perfect job!
Remember to save all self-assessment tests and
quizzes. Consider starting a “My Future” file and stash
the results there, along with other college-planning
resources (test scores, certificates of achievement,
recommendation letters, etc.). Create a free
student account at OKcollegestart.org to build an
individualized life-long portfolio that contains all your
saved information.
Once you’ve inventoried your interests and skills and taken one or more career assessment surveys, you may have a career
option in mind. Then you can begin developing a career plan.
Myth: Career assessments will tell me exactly what career

is right for me.
Reality: Assessment tests can provide an overview of your
skills and interests and suggest career options you might
enjoy. However, no test is a crystal ball; it can’t tell you what
to do with your life or serve up the “perfect” career match.
Only you can direct your path as you grow. You don’t have
to know everything today. Use assessments with a bit of
caution, and critically examine test results with a career
counselor in terms of your own experience and knowledge.
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Career Assessments
Knowing who you are and what’s important to you
can help guide you to a career that’s the perfect fit.
OKcollegestart.org’s Career Planning section provides
various assessments designed to help you identify your
interests, skills and work values. After completing each
survey, you’ll have the opportunity to view careers that
match your results. As you research possible careers,
OKcollegestart.org will use your survey results to
compare your interests and skills to those needed to
work in the field. Your interests and skills will change
over time, so be sure to retake the surveys periodically.
► Interest Profiler — Identify your interests and match

them to careers.
► Career Cluster Survey — Match your interests and

personal qualities to Career Clusters to explore future options.
► Basic Skills Survey — Find out what careers require your current skills and figure out which skills need more development to
achieve your career goals.
► Transferable Skills Checklist — See how the skills you’ve learned can lead to new opportunities.
► Work Values Sorter — Find your work values and match them to career options.
► The Career Key — Discover your career interest areas in a few quick steps.
You may want to start with the Career Cluster Survey on

OKcollegestart.org, which finds your career matches
based on questions about activities you like, your
personal qualities and your favorite school subjects. You
can save your results, and those of any other
OKcollegestart.org career assessment, to your portfolio.
After you take at least one career assessment, make a
note here of your top three results:
1 ________________________________________
2 ________________________________________
3 ________________________________________
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Now that you know which career areas may interest you, explore some of the careers that fall in those categories. If you
used one of the assessments on OKcollegestart.org, you’ll be able to explore careers and degree programs directly from
your results pages.
Explore careers in the highest ranking categories or clusters in your results, as well as any other careers that interest you. The
following two pages include 17 career clusters and corresponding careers. Check clusters that match your highest ranking
assessment results and the careers that interest you. Do you see any occupations you want to know more about? If so, those
are careers you might want to research as future occupations.
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Career Clusters
Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources: Producing, processing, marketing, distributing, financing and
developing agricultural commodities and resources, including food, fiber, wood products, natural resources,
horticulture and other plant and animal products and resources.
Architecture and Construction: Designing, planning, managing, building, and maintaining the built environment.
Arts, A/V Technology and Communications: Designing, producing, exhibiting, performing, writing and publishing
multimedia content, including visual and performing arts and design, journalism and entertainment services.
Business Management and Administration: Planning, organizing, directing and evaluating business functions
essential to efficient and productive business operations.
Education and Training: Planning, managing and providing education and training services, and related learning
support services.
Energy: Interest in the design, maintenance, and distribution of traditional and alternative energy.
Finance: Providing and organizing services for financial and investment planning, banking, insurance and
business financial management.
Government and Public Administration: Executing governmental functions including national security, foreign service,
planning, revenue and taxation, governance, regulation, and management and administration at the local, state and
federal levels.
Health Science: Planning, managing and providing therapeutic services, diagnostic services, health informatics,
support services, and biotechnology research and development.
Hospitality and Tourism: Managing, marketing and operating restaurants and other food services, lodgings, attractions,
recreation events and travel-related services.
Human Services: Preparing individuals for employment in career pathways that relate to families and human
needs such as counseling and mental health services, family and community services, personal care and
consumer services.
Information Technology (IT): Designing, developing, supporting and managing hardware, software, multimedia and
systems integration services.
Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security: Planning, managing and providing legal, public safety, protective
and homeland security services, including professional and technical support services.
Manufacturing: Planning, managing and performing the processing of materials into intermediate or final products,
including related professional and technical support activities such as production planning and control, maintenance and
manufacturing/process engineering.
Marketing: Planning, managing and performing marketing activities to reach organizational objectives.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM): Planning, managing and providing scientific research
and professional and technical services (such as physical science, social science, engineering), including laboratory and
testing services, and research and development services.
Transportation, Distribution and Logistics: Planning, managing and moving people, materials and goods by
road, pipeline, air, rail and water, including related professional and technical support services such as transportation
14 infrastructure planning and management, logistics services, mobile equipment and facility maintenance.
Agriculture, Animals Energy Information Technology (IT)
& Natural Resources ❐ Electrical Engineer ❐ Computer/Information Systems Manager
❐ Agricultural Engineer ❐ Electrical Power-Line Installer ❐ Computer Engineer
❐ Agricultural Scientist ❐ Environmental Scientist ❐ Computer Programmer
❐ Animal Trainer ❐ Gas Plant Operator ❐ Computer Security Specialist
❐ Chef ❐ Geoscientist ❐ Computer Support Specialist
❐ Conservation Scientist ❐ Industrial Machine Mechanic ❐ Computer Systems Analyst
❐ Farm Equipment Mechanic ❐ Petroleum Engineer ❐ Data Communications Analyst
❐ Fish and Game Warden ❐ Power Plant Operator ❐ IT Mechanic
❐ Forester
❐ Veterinarian Finance Law, Public Safety,
❐ Zoologist ❐ Accounting Clerk Corrections & Security
❐ Appraiser ❐ Coroner
Architecture & Construction ❐ Credit Analyst ❐ Corrections Officer
❐ Architect ❐ Credit Checker ❐ Court Clerk
❐ Cabinetmaker ❐ Economist ❐ Detective and Investigator
❐ Carpenter ❐ Financial Counselor ❐ Firefighter
❐ Construction Manager ❐ Insurance Adjuster and Examiner ❐ Judge
❐ Electrician ❐ Insurance Agent ❐ Lawyer
❐ Civil Engineer ❐ Loan Officer ❐ Life Guard and Ski Patrolman
❐ General Construction Worker ❐ Tax Preparer ❐ Police Patrol Officer
❐ Highway Maintenance Worker
❐ Interior Designer Government & Public Administration Manufacturing (Mechanical/Industrial)
❐ Sheet Metal Worker ❐ City Planning Aide ❐ Chemical Engineer
❐ Surveying and Mapping Technician ❐ Construction/Building Inspector ❐ Forklift Operator
❐ Interpreter and Translator ❐ Gas and Oil Plant Operator
Arts, A/V Technology ❐ License Clerk ❐ Jeweler
& Communications ❐ Occupational Health Specialist ❐ Locksmith
❐ Actor ❐ Tax Examiner ❐ Metal/Plastic Processing Worker
❐ Art Director ❐ Office Machine Repairer
❐ Broadcast Technician Health Science ❐ Shoe and Leather Worker
❐ Camera Operator ❐ Anesthesiologist ❐ Welder
❐ Composer and Music Arranger ❐ Athletic Trainer
❐ Film and Video Editor ❐ Chiropractor Marketing, Sales & Services
❐ Cartographer ❐ Dentist ❐ Advertising Salesperson
❐ News Reporter ❐ Emergency Medical Technician ❐ Buyer and Purchasing Agent
❐ Photographer ❐ Physical Therapist ❐ Customer Service Representative
❐ Producer and Director ❐ Occupational Therapist ❐ Floral Designer
❐ Set and Exhibit Designer ❐ Pharmacist ❐ Market Research Analyst
❐ Technical Writer ❐ Physician ❐ Public Relations Specialist
❐ Graphic Designer ❐ Registered Nurse ❐ Real Estate Agent
❐ Sales Manager
Business Management Hospitality & Tourism ❐ Telemarketer
& Administration ❐ Baggage Porter and Bellhop
❐ Accountant ❐ Chef and Dinner Cook Science, Technology,
❐ Advertising Manager ❐ Food Service Worker Engineering & Mathematics
❐ Computer Operator ❐ Hotel Manager ❐ Aerospace Engineer
❐ Court Reporter ❐ Janitor/Housekeeper Supervisor ❐ Biologist
❐ Management Analyst ❐ Reservation and Ticket Agent ❐ Chemist
❐ Meeting and Convention Planner ❐ Restaurant Manager ❐ Electrical and Electronics Engineer
❐ Payroll Clerk ❐ Tour Guide ❐ Geographer
❐ Property and Real Estate Manager ❐ Travel Agent ❐ Petroleum Engineer
❐ Shipping and Receiving Clerk ❐ Umpire and Referee ❐ Mechanical Engineer
❐ Statistician ❐ Meteorologist
Human Services ❐ Physicist
Education & Training ❐ Child Care Worker ❐ Safety Engineer
❐ Audio/Visual Specialist ❐ Clergy
❐ Coach and Sports Instructor ❐ Cosmetologist Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
❐ College/University Administrator ❐ Counselor ❐ Air Traffic Controller
❐ Teacher/Professor ❐ Funeral Director ❐ Airplane Pilot
❐ Librarian ❐ Manicurist ❐ Automobile Mechanic
❐ Public Health Educator ❐ Professional Makeup Artist ❐ Flight Attendant
❐ Special Education Teacher ❐ Financial Adviser ❐ Motorboat Mechanic
❐ Speech Pathologist ❐ Psychologist ❐ School Bus Driver
❐ Residential Counselor ❐ Traffic Technician
❐ Social Worker ❐ Transportation Agent
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Develop a Career Plan
By now you may have a few career possibilities in mind. So how do you get from here to there? That’s where a career plan
comes in handy. A career plan will help you put together a strategy to accomplish your career goal. Let’s get started.
1. Write down your career goal. This can be a specific goal, like biomedical
engineering, or it can be a general field, like art or science. Don’t worry if
you don’t have a specific career goal in mind. If you find what you’re most
interested in, there are plenty of degrees and career options for you to
choose from. Refer back to any career interests you’ve discovered from the
surveys you’ve taken.
2. Determine your next steps. What type of training do you need to meet
TOOLS TO USE
your goal? Is a college degree required to enter the field or would a training Check out Page
program offered by a technology center better fit your needs? Also, think
about the extracurricular activities that could help you develop skills needed
19 for a sample
for a particular field. career plan.
For example, if you’d like to become a lawyer, join the debate team to polish
your persuasive speech. Dream of becoming a child care professional?
Baby-sitting is a great way to get experience. Have a heart for animals? Join
4-H or the National FFA Organization. Have dreams of winning a Pulitzer Prize or being a syndicated columnist? Turn to your
school or community newspaper for experience. Also, consider shadowing adults who work in the careers that interest you. Or,
work as an intern in the field for hands-on experience.
3. Go public. Jot down your goal and your plan of action and place it somewhere highly visible, like your bathroom mirror,
refrigerator or the back of your bedroom door. Seeing your goals every day will help you stay focused on making them reality.
Be sure to share them with your parent(s) and counselor.
Your career plan should include a specific goal, the training you’ll need to reach it, a list of skills needed for the job, work and
activities you’re currently doing to gain experience, and a plan of action for accomplishing your goal. Turn to Page 19 to see
a sample career plan.
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Most Popular Careers in Oklahoma
Still having a hard time deciding on a career? Check out the following charts to find the fastest growing occupations
in Oklahoma.
Ten Fastest Growing Occupations in Oklahoma

Requiring a Bachelor’s Degree
Median Median Annual

Occupation
Hourly Salary Salary
Information Security Analysts $38.39 $79,860
Athletic Trainers $22.43 $46,660
Medical & Health Services Managers $39.75 $82,670
Geoscientists $61.19 $127,280
Financial Examiners $36.57 $76,060
Operations Research Analysts $41.31 $85,920
Coaches and Scouts $15.84 $32,950
Petroleum Engineers $63.75 $132,610
Data & Mathematical Science $36.05 $74,980
Market Research Analysts & Marketing Specialists $23.92 $49,750
Ten Fastest Growing Occupations in Oklahoma

Requiring an Associate Degree
Median Median
Occupation
Hourly Salary Annual Salary
Occupational Therapy Assistants $29.83 $62,050
Physical Therapist Assistants $28.81 $59,930
Electromechanical Technicians $29.02 $60,360
Respiratory Therapists $28.91 $60,120
Geological & Hydrologic Technicians $34.49 $71,730
Aerospace Engineering & Operations Technologists $27.12 $56,410
Mechanical Engineering Technologists $28.85 $60,000
Radio, Cellular and Tower Equipment Installers & Repairers $22.85 $47,520
Dental Hygienists $38.17 $79,380
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $36.89 $76,730
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration
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Wrap-up
Hopefully, you’ve learned helpful information and tips to assist you in finding career options that best fit you and your
lifestyle. Remember to work with your parent(s) and counselor. Tell them about your goals and your planned action steps.
Reflection
Based on your interests and skills, what three careers are you interested in pursuing?
Parent Part
Tell your parent(s) about your career goals and ask if they know someone you could talk to who works in one of those
professions. Ask them to help you research the career in more detail and possibly shadow someone for a day. Job
shadowing involves observing someone who is currently employed in a career that interests you. It’s a great way to learn
more about future career options.
DID YOU KNOW?

The average annual
salary in Oklahoma
for the top 10 fastest-
growing occupations
requiring a bachelor’s
degree is $78,874.
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Sample Career Plan
CAREER GOAL
To earn a bachelor’s degree and work as an interpreter in Ukrainian community service.
Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in language or communications
Skills Needed
► Using scientific rules and strategies
► Reading comprehension
► Critical thinking
► Active learning
► Monitoring
► Judgment and decision making
► Complex problem solving
Current Skills and Interests

► Strong grades in English and Language Arts
► Grandparents speak Ukranian
► Want to assist Ukrainians coming to the U.S.
► Volunteer every week for the food bank
Plan of Action
► Take as many English classes as I can
► Earn a bachelor’s degree in foreign language or communications
► Speak to a degree counselor about the best pathway for me
► Attend lectures and study literature about Ukrainian culture
► Learn requirements for naturalization and citizenship in the U.S.
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Developing My Career Plan
My career goals
My skills and interests
Necessary training to meet my goals
My plan of action
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SECTION 3: How Do I Get There?
How Do I Get There?
Preparing and Planning for My Next Step
Have you ever traveled somewhere new without GPS? It’s hard to navigate the twists and turns without a plan in place,
isn’t it? Preparing for college is no different. You’ll need to develop a strategy to make sure you reach your destination …
a college education!
Help make your road to college a smooth journey by putting into practice the suggestions in this section. Be sure to
visit with your counselor about attending college or a technical institution. Your counselor can provide information about
nearby colleges, classes offered, admission requirements, scholarship opportunities and much more. It’s never too early
to start planning for your future! Visit OKcollegestart.org to explore postsecondary colleges, programs and majors.
Take the Right Classes

If you plan to attend a public college or university in Oklahoma, you must take certain courses during high school. These
courses will prepare you for college, and you’ll learn valuable skills in case you decide to enter the workforce after
graduation. The following page provides a checklist for you to use and complete as you pass classes in high school. This
checklist is a summary of Oklahoma’s College Preparatory/Work Ready Curriculum, and is in alignment with admission
requirements at Oklahoma’s colleges and universities and with the Oklahoma’s Promise curriculum.
For more information about curriculum guidelines, visit www.sde.ok.gov. Visit
OKcollegestart.org to find campus-specific requirements.
TOOLS TO USE
Check out the
worksheet on
Page 22 to track
your courses.
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COLLEGE PREPARATORY/WORK READY CURRICULUM GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
23 units or sets of competencies are required in order to meet state graduation requirements. Check beside each course upon successful completion of unit
or set of competencies.
SECTION I: COURSEWORK REQUIREMENTS

ENGLISH (4) HISTORY & CITIZENSHIP (3) ADDITIONAL UNIT (1)
___ ___ English I ___ 1/2 Oklahoma History Choose either one of the following subjects:
___ ___ English II ___ 1/2 Government • English
___ ___ English III ___ ___ U.S. History • Math
___ ___ Other approved course________________ ___ ___ Other approved course________________ • Science
MATHEMATICS (3) WORLD/NON-ENGLISH LANGUAGE OR • History
3 are required in grades 9-12 COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY (2) • World Languages
___ ___ Algebra I ___ ___ 1st year of Language:_________________ • Computer Technology
___ ___ Geometry ___ ___ 2nd year of same Language OR one of the following courses approved for college
___ ___ Algebra II OR admission:
___ ___ Algebra III ___ ___ 1st year of Computer Technology • Career Technology Education
___ ___ Pre-Calculus ___ ___ 2nd year of Computer Technology • Concurrently Enrolled
___ ___ Other approved course________________ Excludes keyboarding or typing courses • Advanced Placement
• International Baccalaureate
LABORATORY SCIENCE (3) FINE ARTS OR SPEECH (1) ___ ___ ___________________________________
___ ___ Biology I ___ ___ Music, Art, Dance or Drama
___ ___ Chemistry, Physics, or Physical Science ___ ___ Humanities ELECTIVES (6)
AND ___ ___ Speech or Communications ___ ___ ___________________________________
___ ___ Other Physical Science________________ ___ ___ ___________________________________
___ ___ OR Other Life Science________________ ___ ___ ___________________________________
___ ___ OR Earth/Space Science ___ ___ ___________________________________
___ ___ ___________________________________
___ ___ ___________________________________
Total Units Upon Final Check must match Total Units Earned in Section III. TOTAL UNITS UPON FINAL CHECK: ____________________________________
SECTION II: OTHER REQUIREMENTS

State law requires that students meet the additional requirements below in order to graduate from a public high school with a standard diploma.
ASSESSMENTS CERTIFICATES OR ENDORSEMENTS (IF ANY)
Taken in 11th Grade: Taken once during high school: ______________________________________
___ ACT OR ___ SAT ___ U.S. History ______________________________________
___ Science Assessment ______________________________________
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS ______________________________________
____________________ Personal Financial Literacy Passport ______________________________________
____________________ CPR/AED ______________________________________
SECTION III: INDIVIDUAL CAREER ACADEMIC PLAN (ICAP)

Each student is required to complete the process of an ICAP in order to graduate from a public high school with a standard diploma. The ICAP Career Assessment,
Career Goal and Coursework are to be reviewed annually. Enter the date the student completed each requirement below.
GOAL 9TH GRADE 10TH GRADE 11TH GRADE 12TH GRADE
Career Assessment ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________
Written Career Goal ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________
Courses Reflect Goal ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________
Students are also required to participate in Service Learning and/or Work-Based Learning Activities at least once in grades 9-12. Mark each grade level the student
participated in this requirement; not limited to one activity or grade level. Internship codes are reserved for 11th and 12th grade.
9TH GRADE 10TH GRADE 11TH GRADE 12TH GRADE
Service or
Work-Based Learning ____________ ____________ ____________ ____________
DATE OF CHECK STUDENT INITIAL TOTAL UNITS

____________ ____________ ____________
____________ ____________ ____________
____________ ____________ ____________
____________ ____________ ____________
Total Units Earned must match Total Units Upon Final Check in Section 1. TOTAL UNITS EARNED: ______________
Grades
Your parents were right when they said good grades are important. Achieving and maintaining good grades can help you get
into a better college, be awarded a scholarship and achieve your goals.
Getting good grades takes planning, attention to detail and lots of study time. Make it a goal to raise your grades in a few key
subject areas and speak with your teacher, counselor or parent(s) about a plan of action. Use the spaces provided below to
write in a few subject areas or specific classes in which you need improvement.
1 2
3 4
Visit OKcollegestart.org to find homework helpers and tips for being a successful student.
Strengthen Study Habits

You’ll need to develop study habits early if you want to make good grades now in high school and later in college.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when developing your study skills:
During class—taking notes
Listen carefully and ask questions if you don’t understand, keep track of assignments and be sure to take notes on your
lectures. Quality notes are essential, as lectures may contain information you won’t hear or read anywhere else. Teachers
lecture on what they think is important, and they know what’s on the tests. Learning how to take good notes is a skill; the more
you practice, the more skilled you’ll become. Here are some tips on taking good notes.*
► Make sure you’ve completed your reading assignments before the lecture.
► Come prepared with your laptop, tablet, or paper and pen.
► If possible, sit close to the front of the room to avoid distractions.
► Note the title of the lecture, course name and date.
► Watch the speaker carefully.
► Type accurately or write neatly. This will save time in the long run.
► Use abbreviations; mark examples with “EX.”
► Use special symbols to mark important points (arrows, stars, etc.).
► Listen carefully to the introduction. It will often contain an outline that can help you organize the information.
► Keep it simple. Summarize the notes in your own words, not the teacher’s. Your goal is to understand what the teacher is saying,
not to record every word said.
► Listen for words and phrases that indicate an important idea is about to follow. Examples include: important, this caused, three
reasons, for example, therefore, in contrast, remember, the basic idea, and in conclusion.
► Include examples that support the main points. Give special attention to details not covered in the textbook.
► Listen carefully to the summary at the end. You can use it to check the organization of your notes. Add any main points that you
missed during the lecture.
► At the end of the lecture, ask questions about points you didn’t understand.
► Don’t hurry! Listen and take notes until the teacher dismisses the class.
*Adapted from “Lecture Note Taking,” College of Saint Benedict & Saint John’s University, csbsju.edu.
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At home—studying
► Review your notes as soon as possible, and make necessary changes to avoid confusion later.
► Keep notes from each class in one place—in a specific online file or separate notebook.
► Find a quiet place to study and remove any distractions (TV, games, social media, cellphone, etc.)
► Get in a routine and study throughout the week—at the same time of day, if possible.
► Organize your desk, papers and supplies.
► Schedule time to study when you’re at your best. Waiting until midnight the night before a big exam isn’t a good idea.
► Study the most challenging subject first. You’ll get it out of the way and be ready to tackle coursework you enjoy or something
that comes naturally.
► Study your lecture notes at least once a week until you’re sure all exams covering that material are over. Don’t forget about the final!
ACT/SAT Tests
All that study time will come in handy when you take the American College Testing (ACT) and/or Scholastic Aptitude Test
(SAT) exam. When it comes to college admission, these tests play a big role. So you’ve heard of the ACT and the SAT, but
what are they exactly, you ask? Well, the ACT and the SAT are used to measure your educational achievement in a variety
of subjects. The overall score may be used to help you meet admission requirements at certain colleges.
The ACT is more common in Oklahoma, but check with the colleges you’re interested in attending to find out which
test they prefer. Of course, colleges don’t base admission exclusively on these test scores, but it’s best if you can meet
their minimum score recommendation. Contact the admission office at the college or university that interests you or visit
OKcollegestart.org to take a free practice test.
The basic exams are typically $55 to $85, and fee waivers are available. Talk to your counselor for more information. It may
be best to take the ACT and/or SAT numerous times in an attempt to improve your score. You may want to take your first
exam during your junior year. Treat this exam like any other by getting a good night’s rest the night before, eating a healthy
breakfast and preparing to the best of your ability. A few sample ACT questions are listed on the next page.
When are ACT or SAT exams offered? Ask your counselor or visit ACT.org or SAT.org to find test locations, dates and
times. Write the next available test dates at the locations nearest you in the spaces below.
1)
Exam Date Exam Location
2)
3)
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Sample ACT Questions
QUESTION 1: QUESTION 2: QUESTION 3:
Ms. Hernandez began her math When x = 3 and y = 5, by how much What is the degree measure of the
class by saying: I’m thinking of 5 does the value of 3x2 – 2y exceed the acute angle formed by the hands of
numbers such that their mean is value of 2x2 – 3y? a 12-hour clock that reads exactly 1
equal to their median. If 4 of the o’clock?
numbers are 14, 8, 16, and 14, what A. 4
is the 5th number? B. 14 A. 15°
C. 16 B. 30°
A. 15 D. 20 C. 45°
B. 16 E. 50 D. 60°
C. 17 E. 75°
D. 18
(Answer is D) (Answer is B) (Answer is B)
Visit OKcollegestart.org to find free practice tests for the ACT, SAT and more.
MYTH: Colleges only look at ACT or SAT test scores when

determining admission. If I didn’t make that score, I won’t get in.
REALITY: Colleges do prefer students meet the ACT and/or SAT
entrance score requirement, but there are other factors, such as
volunteer work, extracurricular activities, GPA and class rank that
institutions may take into consideration.
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Why Wait? Earn College Credit Now!
Consider earning college credit before you graduate from high school. Taking advantage of these opportunities will
prepare you for the demands of college and can save you time, tuition and the costs of room and board. Here are a
couple of ideas you may want to consider. Your counselor can tell you which options are available through your high
school. For more information about each, check out OKcollegestart.org.
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses
These courses allow students to take college-level coursework in high school. Oklahoma colleges and universities will
award college credit to students who successfully complete these courses and pass the corresponding AP exams.
Concurrent Enrollment
This program allows eligible juniors and seniors to take credit-earning college courses while in high school. Concurrent
enrollment allows you to earn credit at a reduced cost and classes can be transferred to some postsecondary institutions
for college credit. A high school student may enroll in a combined number of high school and college courses per
semester not to exceed a full-time college workload of 19 semester credit hours. For purposes of calculating workload,
one-half high school unit is equivalent to three semester credit hours of college work.
Thinking Ahead
We’ll discuss paying for college in a later section, but there are ways you can cut future costs now. Want to know how?
Here are a few money saving tips. Be sure to show this to your parent(s). Helping them save money may earn you
brownie points!
Oklahoma’s Promise
Students must apply in the 8th, 9th, 10th or 11th grade, be a resident of Oklahoma, complete a specific high school
curriculum, achieve at least a 2.50 GPA both in the curriculum and overall, and abide by certain conduct standards. The
federal adjusted gross income of the student’s family may not exceed $60,000 for parents with one or two dependent
children, $70,000 for parents with three or four dependent children,
or $80,000 for parents with five or more dependent children at the
time of application, and $100,000 each year the student is enrolled in
postsecondary education. Oklahoma’s Promise will pay resident tuition
at a public college or a portion of tuition at private institutions or public
DID YOU KNOW? technology centers in Oklahoma. Learn more at okpromise.org.
Ninety-two percent Oklahoma 529 College Savings Plan
of Oklahoma’s It’s never too late to save for college. Consider signing up for a college
Promise graduates savings account through Oklahoma 529, or continue to add money to
are employed in an existing account. It’s generally best to keep most savings in your
parent(s)’ name(s). Visit oklahoma529.com for more information.
Oklahoma one year
after graduating from
college.
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Go the “Extra” Mile with Extracurricular Activities
What community or school involvement are you most proud of? What would you like to do to get more involved? Jot down a
few ideas in the spaces provided, focusing on traits you’ve developed, or could develop, and how they’ll help you succeed
in the future. Then refer to this list when drafting your admission essay and applying for scholarships.
Wrap-up
As you can see, there are many things you can do now in high school to prepare for your postsecondary education.
Focusing on these tips and suggestions will help ensure your future success. As always, if you have questions talk to
your counselor and parent(s) for additional information.
Reflection
Name three steps you’ll take to improve or keep up your grades:
Name three steps you’ll take to prepare for the ACT or SAT:
Parent Part
Share with your parent(s) or guardian(s) the subject areas you identified as needing improvement on Page 23 and ask
for their advice about improving those grades. You may consider staying after school and asking for the teacher’s help or
consulting a tutor. In addition, have your parent(s) help you find a consistent time to study each day. They’ll be able to help
make sure your study zone is free of distractions and help you stay on track when you don’t feel like doing school work.
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Tracking My Classes & Achievements
Jot down your volunteer work and achievements and track the classes you need to take each year to meet college admission
requirements. For example, will you take American history in the spring semester of your junior year? Write it down here.
Refer back to the list of required courses on Page 22 to see which classes you need to take and use this worksheet as a map.
You can also track your plan of study at OKcollegestart.org.
FRESHMAN YEAR SOPHOMORE YEAR

Fall Classes
Spring Classes
Honors and Awards
Volunteer Work, Jobs and
Extracurricular Activities
28

Volunteer Work, Jobs and
Honors and Awards Spring Classes Fall Classes
Extracurricular Activities
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JUNIOR YEAR

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SENIOR YEAR
29
SECTION 4: Where Do I Go?
Where Do I Go?
Researching Institutions and Programs
College isn’t one-size-fits-all. You’ll need to do a little research to decide which institution is the best fit for you academically,
socially and financially.
Researching colleges isn’t like researching your term paper. Of course, you’ll want to get as many facts as possible (cost,
size, location, etc.) but don’t rely on facts alone. Choosing a college or career technology center is a personal and emotional
decision, too.
Ready to discover a place that’ll prepare you for a successful future? Let’s get started!
You’re Just Not My Type (Of College)

Oklahoma has many types of postsecondary campuses (colleges that offer certificates, degrees and training beyond high
school). To decide what’s right for you, it’s important to understand the different types of institutions available and what they
have to offer. Review the information on the next page to learn how these types differ.
- 4-Year University
- Community College
- Technical Branch
- Technology Center
- Proprietary College
- Private Institution
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Understanding Postsecondary Campus Types
Oxford Dictionaries offers the following definition of college:
Main Entry: col·lege
Function: noun
An educational institution or establishment, in particular one providing higher education or specialized professional or
vocational training.
There are many different types of institutions, which means you have a wide variety of choices. The best type of education
for you may be available right here in Oklahoma. Check out OKcollegestart.org and select “College Planning/Explore
Postsecondary Schools” to learn about Oklahoma’s colleges and universities. Here are some examples to help with your
decision:
Four-Year Universities
► Offer undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees
► Include Oklahoma’s research and regional universities and public liberal arts university
► Examples: University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma and University of Central Oklahoma
Community Colleges
► Take about two years to complete a degree program
► Are usually less expensive than some other types of colleges
► Examples: Carl Albert State College and Rose State College
Technical Branches
► Emphasize education and training in technical fields
► Examples: Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology and Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City
Technology Centers
► Prepare you for a specialized career or trade
► Offer several certifications, some online
► Examples: Tri County Technology Center and Tulsa Technology Center
Proprietary Colleges
► Privately-owned or out-of-state colleges and universities that aren’t supported by state funds
► Prepare students for direct entry into an occupation or profession
► Example: Tulsa Welding School
Public Institutions
► Colleges and universities that operate under the supervision of state governments
► Offer Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral Degrees
► Examples: Oklahoma State University and Oklahoma City Community College
Private Institutions
► Privately-owned accredited colleges and universities that aren’t supported by state funds
► Offer associate, bachelor’s and/or graduate degrees
► Examples: Southern Nazarene University and Oklahoma Baptist University
Note that several terms can be used to describe the same college.
For example, the University of Tulsa is a four-year, private university.
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Location, Location, Location
Does a big city excite you, or do you prefer a smaller town? Do you need to live at home and commute? As you can see,
location is an important factor when making your choice.
Urban Campuses
Some colleges are located in large metropolitan areas and
offer plenty of local events, museums and entertainment.
The cost of living is usually higher than smaller towns
and parking may be a challenge, but off-campus housing
should be plentiful. Urban colleges may have more
opportunity for job placement or internships related to your
Which type of college do field of study.
you think is best for you Suburban Campuses
and why? Many colleges are located in medium-sized towns
whose revenue often depends on the college. Typically
____________________ called “college towns,” these cities usually grow with
the students’ needs in mind. Things a college student
____________________ needs, like laundromats, grocery stores and bookstores,
are conveniently located near campus. Local events
____________________ are mostly on-campus, and off-campus housing may be
located farther from the college.
____________________
Rural Campuses
____________________ Colleges that serve rural populations are often located in
regions strategically placed to serve a wide area. Rural
____________________ colleges typically offer plenty of on-campus housing for
those who don’t wish to commute; off-campus housing
____________________ may be harder to find. Student life is often focused on
campus, and local businesses may be spread farther
throughout the town. Rural colleges offer the chance for
students from smaller areas to attend classes without the
expense of travel to a larger city or town and the ability to
stay close to family or friends.
Size Up Your College

Don’t forget to consider the size of a college. Small campuses give students the chance for more interaction with professors,
smaller classrooms and more personalized assistance with educational needs. Larger colleges provide more social
opportunities and more classes to build a flexible schedule.
Remember, colleges of all sizes and types can be found in all locations. A large, private, four-year college may be located
in a rural area near your hometown. Or, you might find a small technical campus in the heart of the city. Oklahoma offers
postsecondary campuses of all types, locations and sizes to meet your educational needs.
With college size, type and location in mind, use the decision tree tool on the next page to help you decide what type of
campus might be the best fit for you.
You should also visit OKcollegestart.org to utilize the college exploration tools, which include the School Finder, Distance
Search and College Matching Assistant.
32

Picking a College Decision Tree
Use this tool to help you decide which path will lead you to success. Read each question and think about your interests, wants
and needs. Answer “yes” or “no” and follow the corresponding arrows to help you reveal the college type and size that may
be best for you.
Do you want Do you want

Do you want
to receive to pursue a
to enter the
START certification in bachelor’s,
HERE!
workforce quickly NO a certain field
NO master’s or
but still earn an
to enter the doctorate degree in
associate degree?
workforce quickly? an area of study?
YES YES YES
Technology
Two-year center or Four-year
college proprietary/ university
trade school
Are you interested

Are you
in a wide variety Large
comfortable with
of extracurricular YES some classes of
YES College
activities and
100-300 students?
sports?
NO
NO
Would you prefer Medium

small classes of NO College
20-30 people?
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College
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What Do You Want in a College?
In Section 2, we discussed career exploration, so you may have a major or field of interest in mind. You’ll want to consider your
career interests when selecting a college and find one that has a strong academic program in that area to help you succeed.
Your career interest isn’t the only factor in this decision. Consider the following reasons and mindsets when making a list of
potential colleges. Your list may be large at the beginning, but you’ll be able to narrow it down later.
The Reasons Students Use To Make Their College Choice
College Matchpoint surveyed over 100,000 U.S. high school students about how they chose which college to attend.
Affordability
It offers my desired program
Reputation/Academic quality
Career outcomes/Job opportunities for graduates 80%
Value of education for the cost of attending
The feeling that I would fit in
Close to home
Hands-on learning/Real-world experience in curriculum
Sense of community on campus
Location
Campus and off-campus environment
My family wants me to go here
Flexibility of class schedule
0% 5% 10% 15% 20%

Key findings:
► 80% of the students surveyed indicated affordability, desired program, reputation/academic quality, career outcomes, value, the
elusive “college fit” or proximity to home factored into their final decision. It’s important to keep these reasons in mind as you
determine what’s important to you.
► Out of the 57% of survey participants who attended colleges in their home state, 24% indicated affordability was the leading factor,
followed by 14% who said they based their decision on the offer of a desired program.
► 27% of survey respondents attended a private college, and 17% based their decision on the school’s reputation or academic quality.
14% of those said career outcome was their deciding factor, while 13% said the offer of a desired program was their top choice.
Source: CollegeMatchPoint.com
What’s Your Mindset?

Prospective Student Mindsets identify the dreams and goals college-bound students may have for their upcoming
undergraduate education. Which mindset sounds like you?
EXPERIENTIAL INTEREST (19%) SOCIAL FOCUS (18%) CAREER THROUGH ACADEMICS (14%)
• Desires a career • Wishes to gain meaningful friendships in college • Searches for a long-term career
• Wants to find internships and employment • Intends to engage in every possible activity • Integrates strong academics with career prep
• Is concerned about cost and college affordability • Prioritizes campus social atmosphere • Is a level-headed decision-maker
CAREER PRAGMATISTS (21%) EXPLORATION & MEANING (17%) GRAD SCHOOL BOUND (10%)
• Looks for immediate return on investment • Wishes to make an impact on the world • Plans to attend graduate or professional school
• Is sensitive to college affordability • Is open to liberal arts outcomes • Values scientific, technical, and research skills
• Wants to find a job right away, but not • Thinks globally and makes decisions (like • Bases school choice on academic quality
necessarily career-focused which school to attend) emotionally and environment
34 Source: Encoura.org/
Narrowing Down Your Choices
Once you’ve examined your likes and dislikes, assessed your needs and made a
big list of possible choices, it’s time to narrow it down. Because application fees
can add up and campus visits cost time and money, it’s important to focus on a
handful of colleges that interest you most.
Affordability
Take a look at the websites of the colleges on your list. Each college is required
to provide an online tool that estimates educational expenses such as tuition and
fees. It’s called a Net Price Calculator or tuition estimator. You may still need to
add in the cost of books, travel for weekends and holidays and other monthly
expenses (cellphone, Internet service, etc.). These estimated costs will give you
an idea of how much you’ll need to rely on family savings, scholarships, grants,
work-study and student loans. If you need to cover some of your expenses with
federal loans, learn how to “borrow smart from the start” at ReadySetRepay.org.
Admission Requirements
Colleges can consider your ACT and/or SAT score, high school grades,
extracurricular activities, volunteer work and application essays during the
admission process. By the time you’re ready to narrow down your list of colleges,
you should have all your important test scores. Compare your qualifications to
the admission requirements and decide which colleges are most likely to accept
you. It’s generally a good idea to make sure your list includes at least one college
you’re confident will grant you admission.
You want to be realistic about your chances, but don’t be afraid to take a risk. College admission is decided by real people
who may be able to see beyond test scores. A great admission essay or dedication to a particular volunteer or extracurricular
activity can make the difference.
Myth: I should apply to as many

colleges as possible to make sure
I get in somewhere. Check Them Out
Exploring Colleges on OKcollegestart.org
Reality: As long as you’re realistic
OKcollegestart.org offers college profiles for career
about admission requirements, there’s
technology centers, colleges and universities across the
no need to apply to more colleges than
country. Search for colleges by name, browse by type of
necessary. College application fees
campus or use the School Finder to locate colleges and
can be expensive so don’t apply to a
universities that match characteristics such as cost, location
college unless you’re sure you want to
or admission standards.
go there. If you’re still not sure, pick one
college that you’re confident will accept Each section of a profile provides you with detailed
you, one school that will probably information about the college. Don’t have a lot of time to
accept you and one college that may review the profile? Check out the At a Glance section for a
be a long shot. And remember, with a brief overview of the size, location and cost of the college.
little research you can take many core If you can, take time to locate the Student Life portion of
college courses at one college and the profile. Learn about campus demographics, see a list
transfer to the college of your choice at of campus activities and organizations, and find information
a later date. about services available to students. You’ll also find a list of
sports and athletic scholarships offered at the college.
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Setting Up Campus Tours
Once you’ve narrowed down your college choices, you’ll need to get a feel for the campus, the students and the surrounding
area. The best way to do that is to arrange a campus visit. Talk to your high school counselor to see if your college offers
campus visits or tours.
The summer between your junior and senior year is a great time to tour campuses. Set aside some free time with
your parents, guardians or other close friends or family. You’ll need at least a full day for each college you’re seriously
considering. Remember to make travel arrangements, if necessary.
Before you arrive, contact the college’s admission office or welcome center to see what options are available to you. Most
colleges offer a campus tour, and others may have more events and programs for potential students.
Also, as you’re planning your visit, contact the department that houses your soon-to-be major. Connecting with the individual
department can:
► Give you the chance to meet professors and learn what they’ll expect from you.
► Help you learn more about the degree requirements so you can plan your classes early.
► Assist you in identifying practical challenges you may face in your career after college.
► Get a feel for the building or area of campus where you’ll spend a great deal of time.
Not all students know what they want to do before they get to college, and that’s OK. A few of the top reasons students
change their major are that they’re not interested in the material they’re studying, they want a major with a more attractive
compensation range, or they rushed into making a decision on their college major and didn’t evaluate all of their options. A
campus visit can help you learn what degrees are offered and which career path you may want to follow. When selecting a
major, be sure to think about where you’ll have to live to use your degree. For example, if you dream of a career in marine
biology but don’t want to leave Oklahoma, you may want to rethink your career choice. Make an appointment with the career
services department on campus to speak with someone about choosing a major.
Finally, to make the most of your campus visit, take a campus tour. It’s best to call ahead and schedule a campus tour with
an official tour guide. But, if that’s not possible for you, check out the next page for some places to visit during your self-
guided tour. Many colleges now offer virtual tours, which allow you to experience the campus, classrooms and other
features without the travel. Visit OKcollegestart.org to take a virtual campus tour of several Oklahoma colleges and career
technology centers. Use the notes section below to write down some colleges that interest you and what you think you
would like about each one.
Notes
36

Places to Visit on Campus U
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Admission Office
This is your chance to ask questions about submitting your application on time. These are the people who will look at your
application and make the initial decisions about your qualifications. Make sure you’re aware of deadlines and necessary
documents you’ll need to attach to your application, such as high school transcripts, letters of reference, test scores and essays.
Financial Aid Office
Not only can the Financial Aid office help you locate scholarships, grants, work-study and student loan opportunities, but they
can also help you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and answer important questions about ways to
pay for college. Ask for the college’s priority deadline for FAFSA submission.
Academic Advising
Each college or professional school has a different method for providing academic advising. Find out which departments offer
the classes you’ll need to achieve your degree.
On-Campus Child Care
Students who are also parents may want to inquire about child care. Even if you’ve already established care for your children
while you’re in class, you may find great deals on fees or hours that fit your class schedule.
Career Services
Knowing what classes to take is only one step in the process. Find the Career Services office and visit it frequently. Here
you can receive help preparing a resume, writing a cover letter and searching for jobs. This office can also teach you how to
market your degree in the workforce.
Housing Office
If you’re able to live on campus, be sure to stop by the Housing office to learn about the dormitories, meal plans and other
important information. Ask the office what items are allowed in the dorms so you can begin stocking your dorm room ahead of
time, stretching out the cost.
Parking and Transportation Office
If you plan to have a car on campus, you’ll have to learn the procedures for parking. This may be an added expense you’ll
want to consider in your budget. Also ask about public transportation, like bus routes to/from campus and on campus.
Student Life Office
If you’re visiting a campus large enough to offer activities, events and clubs, don’t miss the Student Life office. This is a great
place to learn how to get involved, meet new people and ask current students about campus life.
Student Union or Common Area
Many campuses have a building designated for students to use in between classes. Typically known as the Student Union,
this building often has restaurants, important offices such as the Student ID office, post office and even some banking
services. If you see a campus newspaper, be sure to grab it to read later so you can learn more about life on campus.
Library
Visit the campus library and take note of the operating hours. The library may offer free Wi-Fi and may be a resource for you
during your time on campus. Also, take note of smaller, departmental libraries that may offer specialized resources for specific
classes or assignments.
Health Clinic
Learn what options are available to you if you get sick while at college. Ask how much treatment may cost. Many colleges
offer health insurance for students.
Surrounding Community
Explore off campus to locate important businesses and services you may need. Get a feel for the safety of the area and see if
it’s easy to get around.
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Campus Visit Checklist
While on your campus visit, talk to as many people as you can and get a feel for the atmosphere. Don’t pass up a chance to
ask questions. Use this campus visit checklist to assist you during your campus tours.
❐ Visit the college’s website to learn how to set up a campus tour. Tours are usually scheduled throughout the
day, so your family may wish to plan the day around the tour.
❐ Schedule interviews with campus officials in admission, academic advising, housing and in your field of
study. Ask about the number of classes you should take each semester, meal plans and parking.
❐ Read a college newspaper to get an idea of the campus culture. Drop in at the Student Life office to ask about
student organizations and student activities.
❐ Grab any financial aid or application forms you may need. Ask about the college’s scholarship and
FAFSA deadlines.
❐ If possible, sit in on a class that interests you. Talk to coaches or sponsors of activities that interest you.
❐ Scan bulletin boards to see what activities are available. This is also a good way to get a feel for job
opportunities in the area.
❐ Eat in the cafeteria or around campus to check out the dining options available to you.
❐ Visit the dorms or campus apartments if you plan to live on college grounds. Ask about security practices for
all types of campus housing.
❐ Talk with current students about campus
life and ask questions.
❐ Ask someone in the health clinic about
their hours and the services they provide.
❐ Visit the college bookstore to price new
and used books.
❐ Stop by the library and ask about their
checkout procedures.
❐ Do you need child care? Ask about campus
services in the area.
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Getting Answers on Campus
Coming to campus for a visit is easy enough. Leaving with all your questions answered can be a challenge. Take this
opportunity to list questions you may have for each department you visit.
Admission Office Health Clinic

1. When is the deadline for admission? 1. What types of services do you offer?
2. _______________________________________ 2. _______________________________________
3. _______________________________________ 3. _______________________________________
Financial Aid Office Student Life Office

1. Will my financial aid offer cover my expenses? 1. Is there a student organization for my major?
2. _______________________________________ 2. _______________________________________
3. _______________________________________ 3. _______________________________________
Academic Advising Parking and Transportation Office

1. What classes should I take my first semester? 1. Am I allowed to have a car on campus as a freshman?
2. _______________________________________ 2. _______________________________________
3. _______________________________________ 3. _______________________________________
On-Campus Child Care Library

1. What time does the child care center open and close? 1. When is the library open?
2. _______________________________________ 2. _______________________________________
3. _______________________________________ 3. _______________________________________
Career Services Housing Office

1. What steps can I take to strengthen my resume? 1. How will my roommate be chosen?
2. _______________________________________ 2. _______________________________________
3. _______________________________________ 3. _______________________________________
U
UCanGo2
TM
org
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Make Your Choices and Apply
After visiting all the colleges you’re interested in, you’ll know which colleges are worth the application fee. Don’t forget
to note important application and scholarship deadlines, and call the college’s office of admissions to make sure they
received all required documents. Check with the local financial aid office for specific information about scholarships
and any financial aid forms that may be required. Be sure your official test scores and transcripts are being sent to the
college(s) to which you’re applying.
Now you can start working on your college applications,
essays, letters of recommendation and anything else required.
Review these tips for preparing your college application.
► Read and follow instructions carefully.
Did You Know?
► Be accurate.
College fairs are a great way
► Find creative ways (within reason) to help your essay stand out.
to learn more about potential
► Don’t exaggerate. Be honest.
options. Representatives from
► Request high school transcripts early. many technology centers,
► Proofread! Proofread! Proofread! colleges and universities
► Know your deadlines and submit early, if possible. will be on hand to answer
► Keep copies of everything. your questions and pass
► Get confirmation your application was received. out information about
► Include your application fee, if required. For a current list of their campuses. To learn
application fees in Oklahoma, visit OCAP.org/CAW. about college fairs in your
area, visit GPACAC.net.
Wrap-up College fair worksheets
can also be found at
Researching colleges is a time-consuming process, but the
effort you put in now will make success after high school UCanGo2.org/Publications.html.
easier. Don’t forget to reach out to your parent(s), family and
friends during the process. They are your support system and
can help you with these difficult decisions.
Also, don’t miss helpful websites, like OKcollegestart.org, which offer tools and resources as you navigate the college
application process. Remember as you research colleges to ask questions, pay attention to your surroundings and make a
choice that’ll help you succeed.
Reflection
What type of campus (four-year, community college, career technology center, etc.) do you think is the best fit for you?
Why?
Parent Part
Ask your parent(s), guardian(s) or someone you trust to sit down with you to discuss your future. Ask them if you can be in
charge of researching colleges, setting up campus visits and asking the majority of the questions. By taking charge of this
process, you’re beginning to take charge of the rest of your life. Of course, they’ll want to be part of your decision-making
40 process, so be sure to keep them in the loop as you do your research.
SECTION 5: How Do I Pay for It?
How Do I Pay For It?
Finding and Getting Financial Aid
Grants, scholarships and student loans… oh my! Ever feel just a little bit overwhelmed by the thought of paying for college?
If you’re wondering how to pay for school or where to look for money, don’t worry! In Oklahoma, there are several
resources available to help you and your family plan for and manage the cost of earning a college degree. Plus, our
public higher education system in Oklahoma is among the most affordable in the country. U.S. News and World Report
ranks Oklahoma higher education’s tuition and fees as 12th lowest in the nation and student loan debt at graduation as
13th lowest in the nation.
College Costs
How much does college cost? It depends on the type of institution you plan to attend. In 2023-24, the estimated cost per
year ranges from $12,856 for career technology centers to $34,000 for a research university. The full cost of attendance
typically includes more than just tuition and books. Most colleges charge fees and many offer on-campus housing and
meals, which become part of the total expense. Check out OKcollegestart.org to find the current academic year’s cost
at most Oklahoma state universities.
Getting Financial Aid

Education after high school is an investment in your future. Fortunately, financial aid is available to help almost everyone
manage the cost. To be considered for federal and state financial aid you must complete the Free Application for
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form must be completed during your senior year and each year you will need aid
for college. If you’re a high school senior starting college in the fall of 2024, you’ll want to complete your first FAFSA
in December 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter. Contact any financial aid office if you have questions about
completing the FAFSA. You can apply online at FAFSA.gov, apply on your cell phone or tablet, or download and
complete a paper copy of the FAFSA. Beware of businesses that offer to help you fill out this free application for a fee.
Visit StartWithFAFSA.org for more information about completing the FAFSA. There you’ll find all of the information you
need to complete the FAFSA in just five steps, including video tutorials in both English and Spanish and a helpful flyer.
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After you complete and submit the FAFSA, you’ll receive a FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS). Review the FSS to ensure
all of your information is correct. The information from the FSS will be sent to the college(s) you list on your FAFSA. Once
all of your application materials are complete, the financial aid office(s) will let you know the types of aid you’re eligible to
receive. This is called a financial aid offer and it may be sent in the mail or emailed. In the aid offer, you’ll be asked to accept
or decline the awards listed and submit your response to the college. You don’t have to accept all funds offered to you.
Types of Financial Aid

Federal Aid
There are several types of student aid awarded by the federal government, including grants, work-study jobs and student
loans. As with all federal aid, you must complete the FAFSA to apply. Find out more at StudentAid.gov.
Grants and Scholarships
It’s best to always go for free money first. Free money, like grants and scholarships, is sometimes called “gift aid” because
you usually don’t have to pay it back. Grants are often based on financial need, while scholarships are usually merit-based.
You can get scholarships for a variety of reasons — not just perfect grades — and from many sources, including your state,
your college, private organizations or the federal government. Federal student grant programs include:
► Pell Grant: Awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need.
► Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): Awarded to undergraduate students with financial
need. Pell Grant recipients receive priority. Not all colleges participate in this program.
► Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant: Awarded to eligible students
who plan to become elementary or secondary school teachers. Not all colleges participate in this program.
► Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant: Awarded to students whose parent or guardian died while performing military
service in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11.
It’s recommended that juniors apply for 1-2 scholarships per week and seniors apply for 2-3 scholarships per week. That
may sound like a lot, but you can never get enough free money!
Scholarships are awarded based on a variety of criteria, including financial need, merit, residency, family history, skills,
hobbies and athletics. Scholarship deadlines vary, with some as early as December or January of your senior year. You
may want to subscribe to free online scholarship sources that match your interests with available scholarships and provide
the results to you. Some popular scholarship search websites are OKcollegestart.org, FastWeb.com, Scholarships.com
and Unigo.com. Many of these sites will notify you when new scholarship opportunities are posted. UCanGo2.org features
a page that provides information about scholarships and scholarship success. Check out your local library, too, which may
have a variety of books with scholarship listings.
Your college may offer tuition waivers to help cover your educational expenses.
Many of these tuition waivers have strict application deadlines. Check with the
office of admissions at the college you’ll attend for more information. Also, visit
UCanGo2.org/Publications.html to download a copy of the Are You Looking
for Money? booklet and other tools and publications to help you find ways to
pay for college.
If you’re a student of Native American heritage, contact your tribal office to ask
about programs you may qualify for. Visit okhistory.org/research/aitribes
to find contact information for your tribe. A few are listed on our Scholarship
Success Guide, available at UCanGo2.org/Publications.html.
Visit UCanGo2.org to browse scholarships.
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Want more information about scholarships and financial aid? “Like” us on Facebook at Facebook.com/UCanGo2 and
Facebook.com/OKcollegestart to learn about preparing for college, completing the FAFSA and finding financial aid
and scholarships.
Beware of scams! Stay away from companies who claim “to do all the work,”
“guarantee results,” or require a “processing fee.” Remember you should never
have to pay money to receive a scholarship. These are all games scammers use
to trick you out of your hard-earned money.
If you find you’ve been scammed by a scholarship or financial aid provider,
contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
Myth: My family makes

too much money for me
to receive any aid. I don’t need to
Work-Study fill out the FAFSA.
The Federal Work-Study program provides the opportunity
for eligible students to find jobs on, and sometimes off- Reality: Never assume your
campus. The program encourages you to work for your family makes too much money to
college or to perform work related to your major. Like a qualify for aid. You may qualify
regular job, you work a set schedule and get paid an hourly for other forms of financial aid,
wage.
like unsubsidized loans, which
Even if you don’t qualify for work-study, working during aren’t based on financial need.
college is a great idea, provided you can handle your Many scholarship providers also
responsibilities as a student, too. Any dollar you earn — require FAFSA completion to
through work-study or through a regular job — is one less
award their scholarship dollars.
dollar you’ll need to borrow.
What organizations do I belong to that may offer a scholarship?
What skills or hobbies do I have that may earn me a scholarship?
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Student Loans
You may need to consider student loans to close the gap between free and earned money and college expenses. Like any
other loan, when you take out a student loan you’re promising to pay the money back. Even if you don’t graduate, you still
have to pay back every dollar you borrow, plus interest.
Federal Direct Loans
The main federal loan for students is called the Federal Direct Loan. All Direct Loans are either subsidized or unsubsidized.
The government pays the interest on subsidized loans while you’re in classes. These loans are also based on the financial
information you and your parent(s) provided on the FAFSA. You, the borrower, are responsible for all the interest on
unsubsidized loans. The unsubsidized loan is available to most students, regardless of their financial situation. Repayment
on both loans begins six months after the student graduates or drops below half-time enrollment status. The standard
repayment term is 10 years.
PLUS Loan
Parents of dependent undergraduate students can borrow through the PLUS program to help pay for their child’s education.
Parent PLUS loans have credit check requirements and, unless a deferment is requested and approved, repayment starts
almost immediately. Graduate and professional students are also eligible to borrow funds through a similar type of PLUS
loan program.
To find additional information about student loans, visit ReadySetRepay.org.
Tools to Use
Visit StudentAid.gov and select “Understand Aid” and then “Types of Financial Aid” to find
information about federal grants, work-study and current student loan interest rates and fees.
While there, check out the Types of Federal Student Aid video. StudentAid.gov also offers
information about who’s eligible to receive aid and how to apply for it through the FAFSA.
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Here are some tips to consider when borrowing money to pay for your education.
Turn to federal loans first. There are two categories of loans: federal
student loans and private loans. If you have to borrow to pay for college,
do some research. Federal loans almost always have preferable interest Did You Know?
rates and repayment options. However, some private loans are becoming Many students are
more competitive, so do your homework. You’ll want the best program offered more loan
available.
funds from outside
Borrow only what you’ll need. When accepting a student loan, know how sources than they
much money you’ll actually need to cover your college expenses, including
actually need.
your basic living expenses for the college term. Many students are offered
more loan funds from outside sources than they actually need. Remember, Remember, you
you don’t have to accept all funds offered to you. Be cautious in pursuing don’t have to accept
additional loans outside those recommended by your financial aid office. all funds offered to
Be salary savvy. Consider the starting salary for your chosen occupation you. Be cautious in
before taking out student loans. A good rule of thumb is to make sure pursuing additional
your student loan payments won’t exceed eight percent of your first-year loans outside those
monthly income after graduation.
offered by your
Don’t charge it. If possible, don’t rely on credit cards for tuition or college- financial aid office.
related expenses. Some families think it’s easier to put all their college
expenses on a credit card to avoid completing financial aid paperwork, but
interest on student loans is usually far less than interest on credit cards.
State Aid
Did you know Oklahoma provides millions in free grants and scholarships to qualified students each year? Our state offers
several programs you’ll want to check out, including the:
Oklahoma Tuition Aid Grant (OTAG) Program
Awards grants to eligible Oklahoma students who need money to meet part of the cost of education. Eligible colleges,
universities, and career technology centers select recipients. Visit OKcollegestart.org to learn more.
Oklahoma Tuition Equalization Grant (OTEG)
Awards grants to Oklahoma students attending eligible Oklahoma not-for-profit, private or independent institutions.
Family income cannot exceed $50,000. For more information, visit OKcollegestart.org.
Oklahoma’s Promise
Students must apply in the 8th, 9th, 10th or 11th grade, be a resident of Oklahoma, complete a specific high school
curriculum, achieve at least a 2.50 GPA both in the curriculum and overall, and abide by certain conduct standards. The
federal adjusted gross income of the student’s family may not exceed $60,000 for parents with one or two dependent
children, $70,000 for parents with three or four dependent children, or $80,000 for parents with five or more dependent
children at the time of application, and $100,000 each year the student is enrolled in postsecondary education.
Oklahoma’s Promise will pay resident tuition at a public college or a portion of tuition at private institutions or public
technology centers in Oklahoma. Learn more at okpromise.org.
Academic Scholars Program
Awards scholarships to Oklahoma residents who score at or above the 99.5 percentile on the ACT or SAT exam.
It’s also given to students who are named National Merit Scholars or Finalists, Presidential Scholars or Institutional
Nominees. Check out OKcollegestart.org to learn more.
Have questions? Call the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education’s Student Information Hotline at 800.858.1840 or
talk to your high school counselor about how to apply.
45

Completing the FAFSA
Students must complete the FAFSA each year they wish to receive financial aid for college. The following steps will help you complete
and submit your FAFSA in your senior year.
GATHER MATERIALS – Gather this information before you go to FAFSA.gov to complete your FAFSA:
❐ Social Security Card or Permanent Resident Card
1 ❐ Driver’s license
❐ Federal income tax returns, W-2s and other records of money earned for the specified year
❐ Current bank account balances and records of investments
❐ If you’re a dependent student, you’ll also need your parent(s)’ information. Determine your dependency status with
UCanGo2’s Dependency Questionnaire at UCanGo2.org/publications/fafsa/DependencyQ.
2
CREATE AN FSA ID – The Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) is the username and password students use to access and sign
the FAFSA. One or both parents of a dependent student also needs an FSA ID to sign the FAFSA. Use the FSA ID Worksheet
at UCanGo2.org to keep track of your answers when you set up your FSA ID at StudentAid.gov.
FILL IT OUT – After you start your application at FAFSA.gov, you will complete the sections below:
Student Demographics – When entering your personal information, read directions carefully and enter information accurately.
• Enter your full name and birthdate as shown on your Social Security card.
• Double-check your name, date of birth and Social Security number. Even one small error could cause delays.
College Selection – Select the college, university or career technology center you plan to attend. You can select up to 20
colleges.
Dependency Status – A list of questions will determine whether you are considered dependent or independent on the FAFSA.
3
Dependent students will be required to provide parental information.
Parent Demographics – Dependent students must enter information about their legal parent(s).
• If your parents are legally separated or divorced, list the parent who provided the most financial support in the last 12
months.
• If that parent has remarried, list both your parent and step-parent.
• If your parents are unmarried but living together, list information for both parents.
Financial Information – Everyone providing information on the FAFSA must consent to have their federal income tax data
transferred to the FAFSA via the IRS Direct Data Exchange (DDX). No federal financial aid will be awarded if consent is not
provided. To learn more, visit StudentAid.gov.
4
SIGN AND SUBMIT – Review your answers on the Summary page, correct any errors, then enter your FSA ID to electronically
sign your FAFSA.
• If you are considered dependent, your legal parent(s) are also required to sign your FAFSA.
• Don’t forget to click SUBMIT at the bottom of the screen.
• Review your confirmation page for information about the schools you’ve selected and an estimate of your financial aid
eligibility.
46
5 FOLLOW UP – Watch your email for a FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS), which provides a copy of your FAFSA responses.
Your college may also send you requests for further documentation before sending your financial aid offer. This offer will
contain the types of financial aid offered to you by the college(s) you’ve chosen.

Wrap-up Notes
As you can see, financial aid comes in several shapes and sizes. Need help
deciding what’s right for you? Visit or contact the financial aid office at the college
you plan to attend.
Reflection
What did you learn about financial aid that surprised you the most?
Parent Part
Have a discussion with your parent(s) or guardian(s) about paying for college.
Talk about grants and scholarships you want to explore and ask them to call the
financial aid office of the college you plan to attend if they have questions about
the financial aid process.
For additional tools and materials to help your family plan, prepare and pay for
college, contact the Oklahoma College Assistance Program.
405.234.4239 (local)
866.443.7420 (toll free)
UCanGo2@ocap.org
UCanGo2.org
StartWithFAFSA.org
OKcollegestart.org
OklahomaMoneyMatters.org
ReadySetRepay.org
47

GLOSSARY
Glossary
Academic Adviser: The person at a college or university who helps students decide what classes to take, what major to pursue, etc.
An adviser is similar to a high school guidance counselor.
Admission Requirements: Students wanting to attend an Oklahoma college or university must meet certain requirements to be
considered for admission, such as achieving a specified ACT or SAT score, reaching a certain high school grade-point average and/or
rank in class, taking specified high school courses, etc.
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses: Courses that allow students to take college-level coursework in high school. Many Oklahoma
colleges and universities award college credit to students who successfully complete these courses and pass the corresponding AP exams.
Associate Degree: Degree given upon completion of two years of full-time study or the equivalent. Most associate degrees are
awarded by two-year colleges, although some four-year universities also offer associate degrees. Some associate degrees transfer to
four-year universities; others are for career preparation.
Bachelor’s Degree/Baccalaureate: Degree given upon completion of four years of full-time study or the equivalent.
Certificate: Granted by a vocational/technical institution or proprietary/trade college upon completion of a program; usually requires
less than two years of full-time study. Some public and private universities and community colleges offer certificates, too.
Class rank: Ranking of a student within a high school graduating class based upon his or her high school grade-point average.
Clock Hour: A 50- to 60-minute class, lecture, recitation, faculty-supervised laboratory, shop training or internship. Also, can be 60
minutes of preparation in a correspondence course.
College: An independent institution of higher learning offering courses of general study leading to associate, bachelor’s or graduate
level degree programs.
College Catalog: A booklet published by an individual college or university that contains detailed descriptions of course and degree
offerings, fees, academic policies and requirements for graduation.
Community College: Also known as a “two-year college,” a community college grants associate degrees for transfer to four-year
institutions orfor career preparation. Community colleges usually offer flexible class schedules with smaller class sizes. They are known
as open door institutions because performance standards (standardized test scores or combination of class rank and grade-point
average) are not required for admission.
Commuter College: A college at which students live off-campus and travel to campus for classes.
Concurrent Enrollment: A program that allows eligible high school students (juniors and seniors) to take credit-earning college courses.
Cost of Attendance: The estimated total cost of attending a college for one year. This amount includes tuition, fees, room and board,
books, supplies and travel expenses.
48

Credit Hour: One unit of academic credit, representing attendance at one scheduled period of instruction per week throughout a
semester, quarter or term. Most college classes are three credit hours, meaning their total meeting time for a week is three hours. To
calculate tuition, multiply the number of credit hours for each class (three) by the cost of tuition per credit hour.
Default: Failure of a borrower to repay his or her student loan according to the terms agreed upon when the promissory note was
signed. Defaulted accounts are reported to the major consumer reporting agencies, which may affect a borrower’s ability to get credit in
the future.
Deferment: An authorized period of time during which a student loan borrower may postpone principal payments and/or interest payments.
Degree: A recognition of academic achievement at a particular level granted by an institution of higher education, normally as the result
of successfully completing a program of study.
Direct PLUS Loan (parent loan): A non-need-based loan available to parents with a good credit history to help pay educational
expenses of a dependent, undergraduate student who’s enrolled on at least a half-time basis.
Direct Subsidized Loan: A need-based education loan for undergraduate students for which interest is paid by the federal government
while the student is in college and during specified periods, such as deferment.
Direct Unsubsidized Loan: A non-need-based loan for undergraduate and graduate students for which interest isn’t paid by the
federal government. Borrowers are responsible for all interest accrued on unsubsidized loans from the date the loan is disbursed.
Doctorate (doctoral degree): The highest level of academic achievement in our country.
Federal Work-Study (student employment): A program providing part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with
financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay educational expenses. The program encourages community service
employment and work related to each student’s course of study.
Financial Aid: Money provided to the student and/or parent(s) to help pay for the student’s education. Major forms of financial aid
include free aid (grants and scholarships), earned aid (work-study) and loans.
Financial Need: The difference between the college’s cost of attendance and the expected family contribution is the student’s financial need.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): A federal form required each year to apply for federal student aid, available online
at FAFSA.gov. The information provided on this form is used to determine the student’s Student Aid Index (SAI), which allows financial
aid offices to identify the types of aid the student is eligible to receive.
Full-time Student: An undergraduate student enrolled in at least 12 credit hours or a graduate student enrolled in at least 9 credit
hours, or the equivalent, in one semester or academic term.
Grace Period: A transition period – generally six months following the date a borrower leaves college or drops below half-time
enrollment status – during which the borrower isn’t required to make student loan payments. This period is designed to help the
borrower prepare for repayment.
Graduate PLUS Loan: A federal student loan that helps pay for graduate and professional education.
Graduate student: A student working toward a master’s or doctoral degree.
Grant: Aid that’s often based on financial need and usually doesn’t have to be repaid.
Half-time Student: An undergraduate student enrolled in at least six credit hours or a graduate student enrolled in at least five credit
hours, or the equivalent, in one semester or academic term.
High School Grade-point Average (GPA): Average of all grades earned in the ninth through 12th grades.
Higher Education Center: Institution with flexible admission standards that provides higher education opportunities to citizens in the
areas surrounding the center. The center works with various colleges and universities to provide undergraduate and graduate courses
and students can earn an associate, bachelor’s or master’s degree.
49

Independent Colleges and Universities: Accredited colleges and universities that offer associate, bachelor’s and/or graduate degrees
in traditional subject areas. Private colleges and universities are not supported by state taxes. They receive the bulk of their revenues
from tuition, donations and grants.
Individual Career Academic Plan (ICAP): The ICAP is a customized student planning and tracking process through which students
complete activities designed to explore career and education opportunities after high school. Students will gain an understanding of their
strengths, interests and learning styles while creating a vision, goals and plan for their future.
Interest: A fee charged for the use of borrowed money. Interest is calculated as a percentage of the principal loan amount. The rate
may remain constant throughout the life of the loan (fixed rate) or it may change at specified times (variable rate).
Lender: A financial institution (e.g., bank, savings and loan or credit union) that loans funds to students and parents for educational
costs through the private or alternative loan program. These loans typically have higher interest rates and less favorable repayment
options than federal loans. All federal education loans are funded by the U.S. Treasury through the Direct Loan program.
Loan: Borrowed money that must be repaid with interest.
Major: An academic subject area, such as economics or geology, in which students take many courses and choose to earn a degree.
Master Promissory Note (MPN): The MPN is a legal agreement that lists conditions under which a federal student loan is borrowed
and the terms under which the borrower agrees to repay the loan with interest. It allows a borrower to receive loans for either a single
academic year or multiple academic years.
Master’s Degree: A graduate degree that follows a bachelor’s degree; may be required before earning a doctoral degree.
Minor: An area of interest studied at the same time as a major. It requires fewer courses than a major.
Part-time Student: A student who is enrolled in a certain number of course credits or hours which are less than full-time. For an
undergraduate student this is usually less than 12 credits or hours. For a graduate student, it is usually less than nine credits or hours.
Prerequisite: A course which a student must take before enrolling in another (usually more challenging) course.
Private Institution: Sometimes called “independent schools,” these accredited colleges and universities offer associate, bachelor’s
and/or graduate degrees in traditional subject areas. They aren’t supported by state taxes and are considered not-for-profit. The bulk
of their revenue comes from tuition, donations and grants.
Professional Student: A student majoring in what are considered the professional degrees. These include Veterinary Medicine
(D.V.M.), Law (J.D. or LL.B.), Medicine (M.D.), Engineering (D. Eng.), Business Administration (MBA), Nursing (B.Sc.N.), Pharmacy
(Pharm.D.) and more.
Proprietary/Trade College: A privately owned or out-of-state institution offering courses in Oklahoma. This type of institution prepares
students for direct entry into an occupation or profession.
Public Liberal Arts University: An institution that grants bachelor’s degrees in arts and science fields, including humanities. A public
liberal arts university tends to have smaller class sizes that facilitate close interaction between faculty and students.
Regional University: A university that offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and in some instances, associate and professional
degrees. While regional universities focus primarily on instruction, they are also responsible for extension and public service, as well as
some research. They tend to have mid-sized student populations and campuses.
Research University: Also known as a “comprehensive university,” a university that grants bachelor’s, graduate and professional
degrees and offers a wide variety of courses and degree programs. Along with instruction, these institutions also focus on research,
extension and public service. Research universities usually have large student bodies and expansive campuses.
Residential college: A college at which students may live on-campus in dormitories or apartments.
50

Scholarships: Financial awards given for a variety of reasons, such as good grades, special talents or career plans. Scholarships don’t
have to be repaid.
Semester: Calendar system used by colleges and universities. Classes and grade reports are commonly divided into two periods,
usually fall and spring, each lasting about 16 weeks and one period in the summer, usually lasting eight weeks.
Standardized Test (ACT or SAT): Test used by colleges and universities to evaluate applicants’ academic skills and abilities. The
standardized tests most widely used by colleges and universities are the ACT and SAT.
State (public) Colleges and Universities: Colleges and universities that receive funding from state taxes to pay part of operating costs.
Student Aid Index (SAI): The measure of a student and the student’s family’s ability to pay for college, based on the information
submitted on the FAFSA.
Subject Area Test: Standardized tests given by ACT in math, science, reading and English. Public colleges and universities look at
these test scores when helping students enroll in courses.
Technical Branch: Institution that has a special emphasis on education and training in technical fields. Some technical branches offer
academic courses and programs, but not all institutions offer two-year programs that lead to an associate degree.
Technology Center: A campus that prepares students to enter a specialized career, trade or vocation.
Tribal College: A college controlled and operated by a Native American tribe that provides accredited degrees and/or vocational
training for both Native American and non-Native American students. Tribal colleges include Native American culture, language and/or
traditions in their coursework.
Tribal Grant: Financial assistance given by many Native American tribes to help their members pay college expenses. Qualifications
and grant amounts vary by tribe.
Trimester: Calendar system used primarily by the state’s technical branches. Classes and grade reports are divided into three periods,
each lasting about 10 weeks.
Tuition: The charge or fee for instruction at a public or private college or university.
Two-year College: An institution that grants associate degrees for transfer to four-year institutions or for career preparation. Two-year
colleges usually offer flexible class schedules with smaller class sizes. They are known as open door institutions because performance
standards (standardized test scores or combination of class rank and grade-point average) are not required for admission.
Undergraduate Student: A student at an eligible college who’s enrolled in a two-, four- or five-year program that’s designed to lead to
an Associate or Bachelor’s degree.
University: A higher education institution that usually offers four-year degrees, as well as degrees beyond the baccalaureate level
(graduate and professional degrees). They may also offer associate degrees.
U.S. Department of Education: A government agency that oversees education and federal student aid in the United States.
51

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The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, in compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the
Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other federal laws and regulations, do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin,
sex, age, religion, handicap or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid and
educational services. This publication is issued by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, as authorized by 70 O.S. 2001, Section 3206. Copies have not been
printed but are available through the agency website at www.okhighered.org. Two printout copies have been deposited with the Publications Clearinghouse of the Oklahoma
Department of Libraries.
2023

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2023-24 HIGH SCHOOL

High School Student Workbook

UCanGo2 Student Workbook

To Go or Not To Go: There (Really!) Is No Question

UCanGo2 Student Workbook

Now that some of your concerns have been addressed,

UCanGo2 Student Workbook

How much money will you make?

Where will you live? (city, country, house, apartment, etc.)

Does your future plan include children?

How Will You Get There?

WITHIN REACH ... WITHIN YOU

UCanGo2 Student Workbook

HIGHER BETTER MORE JOB

UCanGo2 Student Workbook

Career Versus Job

Investigate Your Interests

UCanGo2 Student Workbook

Consider Your Skills

Example: Student Council Communication, motivation, delegation, fund raising,

UCanGo2 Student Workbook

Myth: Career assessments will tell me exactly what career

UCanGo2 Student Workbook

► Interest Profiler — Identify your interests and match

► Career Cluster Survey — Match your interests and

You may want to start with the Career Cluster Survey on

UCanGo2 Student Workbook

UCanGo2 Student Workbook

UCanGo2 Student Workbook

UCanGo2 Student Workbook

Ten Fastest Growing Occupations in Oklahoma

Median Median Annual

Ten Fastest Growing Occupations in Oklahoma

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration

UCanGo2 Student Workbook

DID YOU KNOW?

UCanGo2 Student Workbook

Current Skills and Interests

WITHIN REACH ... WITHIN YOU

UCanGo2 Student Workbook

My skills and interests

Necessary training to meet my goals

WITHIN REACH ... WITHIN YOU

UCanGo2 Student Workbook

Take the Right Classes

UCanGo2 Student Workbook

SECTION I: COURSEWORK REQUIREMENTS

SECTION II: OTHER REQUIREMENTS

SECTION III: INDIVIDUAL CAREER ACADEMIC PLAN (ICAP)

DATE OF CHECK STUDENT INITIAL TOTAL UNITS

Strengthen Study Habits

► Come prepared with your laptop, tablet, or paper and pen.

► If possible, sit close to the front of the room to avoid distractions.

► Note the title of the lecture, course name and date.

► Watch the speaker carefully.

► Use abbreviations; mark examples with “EX.”

► Use special symbols to mark important points (arrows, stars, etc.).

UCanGo2 Student Workbook

► Organize your desk, papers and supplies.

UCanGo2 Student Workbook