FCHS College and Career Information
Prepare for the Future
Best Version of Yourself-Students
I am here if you would like to chat or need support.
Email: dziesmer@forestcity.k12.ia.us
Phone:641-585-2324 ext. 3206
Virtual Career Week May 11th-14th
You'll notice a lot of local (Iowa) speakers, but many others such as a NASA Astronaut, Walt Disney former VP, and much more. For the entire lineup and details
REGISTER HERE
Please know that all attendees have to register for the event to get reminders and a link to access.
Video and general chat will be disabled. The only person that can see the chat window is a CAPS-affiliated adult, who will take the items in the chat area and use them to do the Q&A. They are committed to making sure students are safe if/when they join to watch.
Career Exploration
Resources for students that are not sure there plans after high school:
Career Exploration Websites:
America's CareerInfoNet Assessments(link is external)- CAREER EXPLORATION
Career Exploration Resources from IowaLMI- CAREER EXPLORATION
My Next Move(link is external)-CAREER EXPLORATION
Occupational Outlook Handbook(link is external)
Plan Your Adventure-MAP-ACADEMIC AND CAREER PLANNING
On to College With John Baylor-ACADEMIC/ACT SUPPORTCollege Options
College Exploration:
College Options- My College Options
Check out this ebook: "Prepare for college from your couch"
ACT to Offer Summer/Fall/Winter At Home Testing
"IOWA CITY, Iowa—In response to uncertainty and school cancellations due to COVID-19, ACT announced today it will offer a flexible schedule for summer 2020 test dates and test-at-home options for fall/winter 2020."
To read the full press release click here: ACT Press Release
Countdown to College Calendar (from On To College with John Baylor)
- Visit a college. If your family is taking a summer trip, ask to stop by a nearby campus to check it out. Sign up for and take a tour. Find out if your local college offers a sports or academic camp that you might enjoy.
- Get a summer job. Build skills, add to your resume, and save earnings in a college savings account.
- Keep reading! Here are some suggestions. Reading rocks! Kaboom!
Sophomores:
- Visit one or more colleges. Hve a list of colleges that interest you, an schedule visits. Pay attention to dates specific to your interests- Engineering, Health-related professions, etc.
- Ge ta summer job. Build skills, add to your resume, and save earnings in a college savings account.
- Study for the ACT or SAT. Get a jump on your Junior year by taking Practice ACT tests: www.actacademy.com or check out OTC w/ John Baylor
- Plan to take the ACT twice Junior year in the Spring and twice Senior year in the Fall.
Juniors:
- Make a list of colleges that interest you. Become familiar with their entrance requirements. Ultimately plan to apply to 7-16 four year colleges, and/or two or three two-year colleges. The more competition there is for you, the more generous colleges tend to be.
- Talk with friends and family about their college experiences and your possible plans.
- Keep adding to your activities resume. Include academic successes, awards, leadership positions, and struggles (adversity can often be the best college essay material). Track community service hours. Pursue leadership roles.
- With your parents, grow your college savings plan, such as a 529 or prepaid tuition plan.
- Virtually research colleges of interest by visiting the respective websites.
- Get a summer job. Build skills, add to your resume, and save some of your earnings in a college savings account.
- Take the ACT again- four times total.
- Learn how to decipher and compare your financial aid offers. Complete all enrollment paperwork, ensure all deposits are submitted, and schedule orientation at your new school. Earlier dates generally mean better course selection.
- Prepare good habits to take with you to college. Practice goal setting and time management.
- Meet with Mr. Z to discuss future plans after high school. dziesmer.youcanbook.me
- Congratulations on finding a good fit after high school!!!
Scholarships
Here are some sites to look over as well:
*Contact Mr. Z, Mrs. Aberg or Mrs. Bruckhoff if you would like more information about scholarships.