College & Career
The College and Career Resource Center is located in Student Services and has a multitude of resources available to students and parents as students prepare and plan for life after high school.
You can reach Ms. Kesler by email. Ms. Kesler is available before school, Falcon30, and periods 5-7.
Phone: 770-277-4466
Alex Kesler
College & Career Specialist
Alex.Kesler@gcpsk12.org
College and Career Information
Students, it is important to have a plan for what you will do after high school. Whatever path you take choose one that fits your interests, skills and desires. Here are some of your options:
Military Enlistment
Enlistment into one of the five branches of the U.S. military can give you career training, educational opportunities through the GI Bill and financial security. With the many career options available, the military is an excellent choice for students who want stability and a sense of purpose after high school. Military recruiters are in the commons during all lunches several days a month to answer whatever questions you may have.
Registered Apprenticeships
A registered apprenticeship is not an internship. It is a workforce development tool that develops minimally skilled workers and transforms them into high skilled members of the workforce. You hold a paid job and receive onsite training which leads to wage increases, mentorships and possibly earning industry credentials.
Technical School
Technical schools provide practical, hands-on training for specific careers. They give you the skills you need to enter the workforce as soon as possible and have different degree programs to fit your needs.
Technical Certificate of Credit - TCC programs are designed for quick completion in a year or less. They are credit bearing, so credits can potentially be applied to a higher degree if decided on later. They focus on specific skills and have flexible scheduling for classes such as evening and online classes.
Diploma - Technical diplomas are a step up from TCC programs and take about 1-2 years to complete. They provide a more in depth and comprehensive understanding of the trade, providing students with more comprehensive knowledge. Credits might be able to later be applied to an associates degree.
Associates Degree - An Associates Degree is the highest level of education one can obtain at a technical school. Students earning the degree are highly skilled in their fields. This degree can be used to transfer to a four year college or university.
Technical School System of Georgia
Funding for Technical Schools
HOPE Grant - Available to all Georgia residents. Recipients of this grant must maintain a minimum 2.0 in cumulative postsecondary education to remain eligible
Institutional Scholarships
All technical schools have their own foundations for assistance and scholarships available. Once admitted, call their student financial aid office to see what is available for you.
To explore technical options, you can see the following links below
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics
Georgia Department of Labor Occupational Trends
Traditional Four-Year College/University
Traditional four-year colleges and universities offer numerous advantages such as a higher earning potential and access to a wider range of career options. Students receive a comprehensive educational experience in order to obtain a Bachelor degree and then possibly a graduate degree, and the institutions often have a vibrant campus life and access to specialized programs. It’s important to note that all colleges and universities have their own unique acceptance criteria. Make sure you apply to several ‘safe’ schools as well as your ‘stretch’ school choices.
Research colleges and universities thoroughly before applying. Consider the location, size of school, activities offered, cost, living expenses, student life and retention rates. It’s also recommended that you visit the institutions to which you plan on applying.
You can begin looking for colleges at the following links
Schoolinks - available on the student’s county platform
The University System of Georgia’s Academic Program Finder
Applying to College/University
Many colleges and universities utilize The Common Application. You can apply to more than 1,000 schools through this one application. If the school you wish to apply to is not represented, visit the undergraduate admissions portion of their website.
Sending Transcripts - Oftentimes, you can send your transcripts through GAFutures. Otherwise, you can request a printed official transcript on MyPaymentsPlus.
Requesting Recommendation Letters
When you request a recommendation letter, always ask the teacher or counselor first before sending the request. Provide them with an academic and extracurricular resume that includes anything they can use to transform a basic letter to a detailed and glowing one. Never fail to send a thank you note or email. If your school requires the letter of recommendation to be mailed in, provide a stamped envelope addressed as the institution states. Make sure to give your recommender plenty of notice and do not push due dates.
Funding for College/University
HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships - Georgia high school graduates with a minimum 3.0 HOPE GPA receive the HOPE Scholarship. The Zell Miller Scholarship requires a 3.7 HOPE GPA and 1200 SAT. If the school has your social security number on file, you can check your HOPE GPA on GAFutures. For more information and regulations regarding the HOPE scholarship, visit the Georgia Student Finance Commission
FAFSA (The Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
The FAFSA for opens in October and you must fill it out every year, even if you do not take out student loans. Filling out the FAFSA is what provides you with HOPE and Zell Miller access. Be advised that whatever loans are taken out are done so in the student’s name. It’s the student’s responsibility to pay back the loan, so please be aware and responsible when doing so.
Scholarships/Grants
There are many scholarship websites to help pay for college.
Many foundations provide scholarships based on the ethnicities they serve. Colleges and universities also have their own local scholarships and funding options that you can inquire about after acceptance.
Collegiate Testing
Increasingly, colleges and universities are returning to requiring SAT/ACT scores. You can see their individual testing dates and how scores are calculated at their program websites
Fee Waivers
If you are free/reduced lunch, you qualify for fee waivers for both the SAT and ACT. Many colleges will also waive application fees. Please see/email Ms. Kesler to receive fee waivers.