Discover how you can take your education to the next level.

Learn more about finishing high school or getting your GED.

How to Get a Copy of Your High School Diploma
  • Contact your district Board of Education Registrar
  • You must provide some sort of identification.
  • You can also receive a copy of your transcripts. Most school districts do not have charges associated with this.
What are Post-Secondary Enrollment Options? (PSEOP)
  • These are college courses you can take in High School to earn actual college credits toward your future degree.
How to Get Your GED
  • What is a GED?
    • A GED is a non-traditional diploma awarded to provide certification that you have high school-level academic skills. It requires the passing of 4 subject tests and gives you an opportunity to finish high school if you had not previously finished.
    • The GED is a state exam created by the Ohio Department of Education.
  • Where can I learn more about the GED?
  • You can take the exam as many times as needed, but after your third attempt, you will be charged for the test.

Learn more about pursuing a college education.

Education 101: Basics
  • What is Higher Education?
    • Higher education is the next level of schooling after high school that allows you to pursue a named degree (Bachelor/Associate) in a specified field for the purpose of knowledge and more career opportunities.
    • You are able to get a college degree from a certified university. Different colleges have different requirements you need to get accepted (SAT, ACT, GPA). Contact the University you are interested in to find out what their requirements for entry are.

*Know your school’s requirements, and ensure it meets your needs. HAVE YOUR OWN PLAN

Associate’s Degree
  • Associate degrees are typically 2-year programs but could be the start of a 4 year degree. These programs typically require 60 college credits.
    • Associate programs are a great stepping stone to a 4-year degree because they allow you to receive core credits before continuing on to another program.
      • Check with colleges as there is a time limit that colleges will take credits and ensure your credits are TRANSFERABLE!
    • How do transfer credits work?
      • Contact college/university that you wish to attend to ensure you’re eligible to transfer credits. They will put you in touch with a counselor who can help you plan your transfer. They will need an official transcript and most colleges do charge for transcripts.
    • Why get an Associate’s Degree?
      • An associate’s degree gives you more job options after graduation than just a High School Diploma/GED. These opportunities can also pay more as well.
      • An associate’s degree typically costs less than a 4-year Bachelor’s degree.
Bachelor’s Degree
  • A bachelor’s degree is typically a 4-year program.
    • Can vary from different circumstances based on available time and previously taken college credits.
    • There are part time and full time options, as well as options for work study programs, on-campus living, commuting and online classes.
      • Work Study
        • Career Services
        • Alumni Services
        • Connect Students to Jobs After College Career
Life on a College Campus
  • Each college has different housing and on-campus living options. Contact the residence life and housing office at your university to learn more about what options are available.
    • If you are looking to live near your university but not on campus, there are typically off-campus living opportunities available. Check with your university to find what tools they offer to help you find a rental near campus.
  • Your campus is sure to have a variety of activities and on campus clubs. Check with your university’s office of student life to find out more information.
    • If you are looking to join Greek Life, contact your university’s office of Fraternity and Sorority Life.
  • Transportation and campus safety are also important features of each college campus. Get in touch with your university’s office of transportation to learn more.
Registration and Preparing for Courses
  • Academic advising
  • Do’s & Don’ts
Traditional Service Offerings
  • Women’s Center Mental Health Services
  • Physical Health Services
  • Health Clinics
  • Student Gov’t
  • Disability Services
  • Tutoring Services
  • International/ Foreign Exchange Student Services
  • LGBTQ Services
Applying to a School
  • Career offices
  • Registrar
  • Admissions
  • FAFSA
    • Information from IRS rolls over
  • High School Guidance Counselors
  • College Now Coordinators
  • Common App

Learn more about learning a trade or joining the military.

Trade Schools, Apprenticeships and Military
  • Trade School
    • Agreement with companies for trade school graduates to be hired
      • Almost like traditional schools: Tri-C pathways
    • Apprenticeships
      • Can go to the different unions to inquire about apprenticeship
        • Ironworkers, Laborers, Pipe Fitters, Plumbers, Carpenters, Electricians, etc.
      • Military

Learn more about financial aid and scholarships.

Financial Aid
  • Fees: it's how they get you!
    • Verify what fees are covered (i.e. Tuition)
    • FinAid: a comprehensive and trusted source
    • Scholarships: there are a wide variety of scholarships that you can apply to. Start here.
    • Ohio Department of Education: State-specific information
Loans
  • What’s deferred vs. not
  • Subsided vs. Unsubsided
  • Whose parental income affects grant/loan money
Textbooks and Other Fees
  • Assistance to get a laptop
  • Local library card
  • Access to other colleges’ libraries (online)
Funding Streams, Grants, Fellowships, Scholarships, and Other Opportunities
  • Support programs such as TRIO (first gen. college students)
  • Programs that provide stipends to help youth pay for college
    • Pell grants
    • Education training vouchers
    • College Bound
    • Scholarships
    • FAFSA
    • Naviance

Is Higher Education or Trade School Right for Me?

Everyone comes to a point in time when they need to ask this question. While the answer is complicated and depends on the individual, we have some advice from people who had to ask them same thing.

Application Checklist