Higher Education: PLANNING FOR COLLEGE

** The resources suggested are intended to help both Traditional and Non-Traditional students guide their research and ultimately, make an educated decision about their future. This guide is not all-inclusive and should in no way serve as a substitute for your own, self-directed research.

Traditional [Undergraduate] Students - As defined from various educational resources, traditional students often meet most if not all of the following criteria:

• between the ages of 18-22 years old (and are enrolled in college immediately after graduation from high school)
• enrolled in college full time (at least during the Spring and Fall semesters)
• live on or near campus
• complete a Bachelor's degree program in four or five years (usually at the age of 22 or 23)
• are financially dependent on parents or others
• consider their college career to be their primary responsibility
• are employed only on a part-time basis if at all during the academic year
• do not have children

Non-Traditional Students - The National Center for Education Statistics [https://nces.ed.gov/] acknowledges that there is no precise definition for non-traditional students but suggests that these students meet one of seven characteristics:

• delayed enrollment into postsecondary education
• attend college part-time
• work full-time
• considered financially independent for financial aid purposes
• have dependents other than a spouse
• are a single parent
• do not have a high school diploma

Additionally, studies have shown that a large number of these students are also adults - often defined as 25 years or older.

Bard Baccalaureate (BardBac) - Bard College is offering a full-tuition scholarship BA degree program for adult students 24 years and older who hold a high-school diploma or equivalent. Tuition, books and fees are covered by the scholarship. All BardBac students must live within commuting distance of the Bard Annandale-on-Hudson, New York campus by the time they enroll.

**Applications for Fall 2024 enrollment will open on December 1, 2023.

Learn more at https://bac.bard/edu/

Preparing for college isn't something you can or should do over a single weekend. It also isn't a decision you should leave entirely to someone else.

High School Guide to College Planning [study.com] - This guide walks high school students through the process of planning and preparing for college. It focuses on the steps that high schoolers need to take to prepare themselves to submit competitive applications for admittance to college. This resource includes:

• A year-by-year breakdown of tasks high school students should complete.
• Recommendations on how students can decide on an academic major.
• An explanation of the different types of institutions of higher education available.
• An introduction to securing financial aid or scholarships.
• Pointers on how to prepare for standardized tests.

Peterson's suggests starting to plan for your first degree two years prior to graduating high school, and beginning the application process at least one year before you expect to begin your graduate study.

Click on the .pdf file below for a printable "College Admission's Countdown Calendar" or request Peterson's Four-Year Colleges by clicking here.

A Parent Guide to Supporting Your College-Bound Student [study.com]