Prepare
Prepare Before You Begin
Before beginning a technical level program of study, an investigation into
your proficiency in reading and math is advisable. Typically colleges conduct
this evaluation testing without charge. Ask around to find where these tests are
given. Usually you don't have to be an enrolled student to take these
tests.
Most technically oriented courses use textbooks and supportive reading
material written at the 12th grade level. Yet many textbooks lack uniformity in
reading levels and will often shoot up to 14th or 16th grade for pages and even
whole chapters. If you expect to cope with technical reading, some reading
training is necessary.
The level of math skills needed will also vary substantially with courses
and programs. Discuss your math competency with a faculty advisor. Bring with
you your score on the math assessment exam. Then discuss the level of math
necessary for your program. One fact is clear. To learn a technical subject and
math concepts at the same time puts a double strain on you as a student.
Get a head start. Prepare your reading and math skills before entering a
technical program for best chance at success.
You are in charge
You have probably gone through quite a few pages at this web site and other
web sites. Great. You may have begun to plan for a technical career. At this
point it is important that you realize you are responsible for your own future.
In other words, you are in charge. The amount of input you place in your career
planning will produce results in direct proportion to that effort. Don't short
change yourself. Plan for your best possible job, best opportunities, and best
future. You deserve what you get.
Open Door
When you as an aspiring student are not required to take and pass entrance
exams for admission to a school, the school is said to have an open door policy
for admissions. Anyone who seeks admission is accepted. This is such an American
idea. It's great. Obviously if you have the desire and ability to succeed, a
full measure of stick-to-it-ive-ness will allow you to complete a technical
program of instruction. But watch out.
Revolving Door
Perhaps easy access to education is too easy. Perhaps people entering into
classes don't realize the amount of time and effort that will be necessary to do
the schoolwork. Without testing or guidance, a person can pick and choose
courses that seem right. Yet without some help from friends, counselors, been
there done that people, instructors, selecting courses can be a disaster. You
may feel frustrated in your attempt to master a course when you are not really
prepared to even enter the course. Therefore, you may well slip in and slip out
before you are even aware.
Yes, college may well be at fault when allowing just anyone to have rapid
easy , even walk-in access because of the open door policy. But then this open
door policy works for anyone who is serious enough and has the ability to do the
work. At least everyone can have a chance to get a start. How each person uses
this chance is as varied as people who use it.,
To succeed you must make an honest effort to succeed or the revolving door
may push you out. You will either know enough to jump inside at the right time
to take advantage of the education or the door may come up behind you and push
you out.
Competitive Entrance Exams
If the school you plan to attend requires an entrance exam of any sort,
there are a few things you must consider. The first is centered on your desire
to enter a particular school. After considering other schools, if you are
certain you want to enter, then go through these tacks carefully:
Obtain complete entrance information from the college.
Study rules, policies, and requirements carefully.
Question admissions counselors on vague items.
Draw a time line to show when tests are administered with application dates.
Ask around to find other students who have taken these same exams.
Listen to that they say about preparation.
Locate self help books written for people just like you.
Study enough so that you feel comfortable with the subject.
Take time to be coached by tutors who are experts.
Relax the full day before each exam.
Sleep well before the exam so you are physically prepared.
Eat moderately or not at all before the test.
Report a bit early to the test location to avoid being rushed.
Wait by yourself in a quiet place for the test to begin.
Enter into no discussion with others before the test begins.
Submit to the test, follow instructions, and do well.
Record test items when you return home for future use.
Await results with confidence that you did your best.
Enter school or get ready to re-take the tests next year as needed.
Successful admission to the school of your choice is the most difficult
aspect of many career training programs. Often there is a limit top the number
of students who will be registered. The preparation to pass exams may involve
more intense period of study than at any other time in the program. Many
students do not realize this fact. Now you do. Sop don't be proud. If you want
to succeed, the time to begin is even before the program begins. Study now and
avoid the last minute rush.
Admissions Checklist
Have a chat with an admissions counselor to get your questions answered.
Complete necessary forms and records.
Provide proof of residency for tuition purposes.
Ask to take a math evaluation test.
Ask to take a reading evaluation test.
Ask where the career counselors can be contacted.
Request transcripts be forwarded to the school.
Complete financial aids forms like Basic Education Opportunity Grants.
Ask about possible scholarships.
Sign up for benefits you are entitled to receive.
Ask who will evaluate your transfer credits.
Submit copies of military records, licenses, certificates for evaluation.
Have records of correspondence schools forwarded.
Take CLEP exams as possible.
Visit all faculty advisors in your subject area.
Visit the department office.
Visit counselors to discuss problems and questions you may have.
Visit the career planning office.
Walk around the campus.
Find the book store.
Find the library.
Check out the classrooms and laboratories.
When you are sure the school is for you, then pay your money to enroll.
Last suggestions
Getting ready to enter a program of study also takes work. When you know you
want to get into a specific career field, ask around to learn which skills are
necessary to be successful in the program. Is your entry level math skill
adequate? Do you read at grade level?
Refresher courses might be wise before jumping into a full schedule of
technical college classes, particularly if you have been away from the classroom
for a few years.
Yet, even if you are a recent high school graduate, you may want to brush up
during the summer or while waiting for a program to begin. The higher your
basic skill levels are when you begin, the more apt you are to finish.
Use this link rack to go to the next step you would like to make at
technicianeducation.com.
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Follow these hyperlinks to investigate details about each of
the technologies mentioned.
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