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News UCAN Use: Hipple's Hints

Submitted by Benjamin Williams on Mon, 04/27/2009 - 08:47

 
MAKING DECISIONS FOR MY POST SECONDARY EDUCATION
QUESTIONS TO ASK MYSELF
John Hipple, Ph.D.
University North Texas Counseling Center
 
 
1.   Why do I want to enter a Post Secondary Educational Program?
 
2.   What are my tentative Career interests?   How do I want to make my living? Do I have a realistic view of what jobs are available and what type of education is required for starting out?
 
3. What college major will help me along my career pathway?    What is my level of interest in this area?
 
4. What post secondary institution is best for my academic and career plans? Do I know who to ask or where to go to find these answers?
 
5. Does my ability level as shown by my high school grades, rank in senior class, and SAT/ACT score fit the institution to which I am considering making application?
 
6. Does my personality –as I know it right now—suit my academic and career pathway?
 
7. What do my parents think of my options?
 
8. Do I have a financial plan that will enable me to seek a post secondary education?
 
9. What do my part time and summer work experiences tell me about my interests and my ability to contribute to the costs of my education?
 
10. What do I think about the post secondary educational institutions I have visited?   Are they a good fit for me?   Do I know how to prepare to be a part of that environment?
 
11. Taking a full load of academic/vocational classes as a post secondary education student is a full time job in and of itself; am I ready for that work load?   To be in the B/C grade range you can count on spending 30-40 hours a week in class and studying.   Can I do that?
 
12. Have I been challenged in high school and do I have the study skills necessary to be successful at the post secondary level?   Am I willing to put in the time and effort that is required for academic success?
 
13. Do I have a realistic view of what a post secondary education experience will provide for me as I go through life.?
 
 14.   Am I ready to be 100% in charge of my life after high school ?   Am I ready to make the day to day necessary decisions?
 
15. Am I ready to leave home and live on my own; either in a dormitory or in an apartment?
 
16. Am I ready to leave my high school friends and venture out and make a whole new set of friends?