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We all know the stereotypes about introverts and extroverts. While wildly exaggerated, introverts are often viewed as shy, timid bookworms who avoid parties like the plague, while extroverts are seen as outgoing social butterflies who dominate conversations and never seem to slow down.

Real people are much more complicated than these over-the-top clichés. But introversion and extroversion are real- there's science to back it up. Introverts and extroverts have their own unique strengths, but the problem is that most workplaces are designed for extroverts , rewarding the social, high-energy behaviors on which they thrive.

In or out of the workplace, cooperation and communication are challenging-especially for people with very different personalities. Extroverts might be used to the spotlight, but if they take the time to understand and support their introverted colleagues, they'll discover many wonderful qualities that make them valuable members of a team.

In this article, we'll break down what you need to know about introverts, what they need in the workplace, and how us extroverts can best support them-so we can all work together to accomplish amazing things.

What Makes an Introvert, Introverted?

To collaborate better with our introverted colleagues, let's start by understanding them!

Overall, introverts prefer less stimulating environments and have less of a need for social interaction . They seek out solitude, and tend to maintain fewer (but still close and intimate) personal relationships. Unlike people who are shy or struggle with social anxiety, introverts don't fear social interaction-they just don't react to it in the same way that extroverts do.

This isn't a question of personal preference. Introverts' and extroverts' brains are actually different, both in how they're built and how they behave.

Introverts' brains show higher cortical arousal , meaning that they process more sensory information from their surroundings. They're very perceptive, and more sensitive to details about their environment like color, light, and background noise. This is why introverts can become overwhelmed by high-activity settings and social situations-for them, it's information overload.

Introverts' brains also don't respond to other people like extroverts' do. In one study, introverts reacted to pictures of human faces and flowers in a similar way , while extroverts had a much stronger, positive response to images of people.

There are also vast differences in the situations and activities that each type pulls energy from. For example, extroverts often feel energized in environments full of people and stimulation, while introverts leave those same scenarios feeling depleted. Instead, introverts often need the absence of stimulation in order to recharge.

There are also physical differences between extroverts' and introverts' brains. Specifically, introverts have more gray matter in their prefrontal cortex , the part of the brain that handles abstract thought and decision-making. This could give introverts an advantage at writing , a key component of which is processing abstract thought.

What Do Introverts Need In The Workplace?

It's one thing to understand introverts better-but how can you apply this knowledge to the workplace? Let's start by explaining introverts' general workplace needs.

Privacy And Downtime

Because introverts can become overwhelmed by social interaction (and stimulation in general), it's very important for them to take time out of their day to recharge in calm , low-stimulating environments. For example, your introverted colleague might put on headphones and sit alone at lunch, go for a walk with their coffee solo, or share less dog memes on the company Slack channel.

This doesn't mean your colleague hates you, hates their job, or is antisocial. If you're an extrovert, you might be tempted to try and include your introverted coworker by inviting them to sit with you, tagging them in that meme, or joining them on their walk. Your intentions are good-you're trying to do for your coworker what you know would cheer you up. But spending time alone doesn't mean an introvert is unhappy. In fact, it's quite the opposite-they're practicing self-care. By taking some time out, they're giving themselves what they need to feel happy and calm at work.

Peace And Quiet

The science is clear-distracting background noise is bad for everyone's productivity. But it can be particularly hard for introverts because they're so closely attuned to their environment.

To do their best work, introverts often need a calm, peaceful workspace that's free of distractions. These can include music, radio, sounds coming from a colleague's phone or computer, and the biggest productivity killer of all : intermittent speech, or short, irregular bits of conversation.

Unfortunately, these are very common types of background noise in a typical office-and extroverts are often the culprits ( sorry to call you out like that).

One major advantage of remote work is the control it gives people over their environment, meaning this should be less of an issue on a distributed team. But regardless of how you're working, if you want to support your introverted teammate, respecting their need for quiet is a good place to start.

Time To Think

Putting an introvert on the spot is not the answer! As we explained above, introverts process a higher volume of sensory information per second than extroverts do. This is why they can come across as quiet- they need time to respond to their surroundings and get their thoughts in order before speaking.

Don't try to bring your introverted colleague out of their shell by singling them out in meetings, or springing last-minute plans on them unannounced. They may not feel ready to respond under those circumstances, and may feel pressured or stressed-out.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't give introverts opportunities to share. In fact, you'll miss out on thoughtful, deeply considered insights if you don't create space for their contributions.

Before expecting introverts to speak up or interact with others, make sure they have enough of time to prepare themselves and think through what they're going to say. We'll go over some more specific strategies in the next section.

Permission To Be Themselves

Finally, introverts must be able to be themselves in the workplace without feeling judged. Really, this is true for everyone-but it's especially relevant to introverts, because many workplaces are designed around extroversion.

No one wants to feel like the "office odd one out" because they like to eat lunch alone, or worry that their manager thinks they aren't paying attention if they don't speak up as often in meetings. When teammates and managers trust that introverts aren't timid, uninformed , or antisocial, they set the stage for them to shine as brilliant, valuable members of their team.

How Can Extroverts Support Introverts At Work?

Quiet, downtime, personal space-these all sound like reasonable requests. But what do they look like in action? Here are some ways to make workplaces a little more welcoming to your introverted team members.

Introvert-Friendly Meetings

Meetings center around social interaction, they can pop up unannounced, and the goal is often fast, intuitive collaboration-for many introverts, they're the most challenging part of their workday.

But with some consideration, it is possible to make meetings more productive and comfortable for introverts.

Start by planning meetings well in advance , rather than springing them on anyone at the last minute. When you schedule the meeting, make sure it has a clear agenda and share it with everyone in writing, along with any relevant documents or reading that will be discussed.

Dedicate time at the end of the meeting to hear from everyone who hasn't spoken, so that introverts don't need to try to get a word in around their extroverted colleagues.

This approach gives introverts time to get a handle on what will be discussed and prepare themselves so they don't get overwhelmed in the moment. Because they know they'll have a chance to contribute, they can carefully prepare some thoughts and trust that they will be heard. Being able to plan ahead for social interaction also makes it easier for them to schedule a buffer of quiet time afterwards to unwind.

Workspaces That Work For Everyone

There are many ways to make sure your workspace supports the kind of quiet and downtime introverts crave, but still feels comfortable for the extroverted members of your team.

The most obvious technique is to create designated quiet spaces within a physical office. This could look like a separate area of the break room that's intended for quiet relaxation rather than socializing, or setting up workstations that are more separated from the rest of the space.

But changing up the design of your office is a pretty big task-and what happens if you're working remotely? Luckily, there are plenty of other ways to create privacy, and they don't need to be elaborate or expensive.

For example, you and your introverted colleague could agree on a cue that they need space, such as "if I'm wearing my noise-cancelling headphones, that means I need uninterrupted time to myself" or "I will set my Slack mode to 'away' when I need to focus."

You could also ask your manager about blocking out times during which everyone will work more quietly. In particular, limiting when meetings are held , such as keeping them to the afternoons, or even designating one full meeting-less day during the week, can go a long way towards getting introverts the peace they need to recharge. And who knows, the rest of your team might enjoy it, too!

Communicating With Introverts (Quietly)

Written communication is great for introverts. Not only do they tend to express themselves better this way, but it gives them time to think without being put on the spot.

Of course, introverts are individuals, and they don't all have the same preferences. But it's worth asking your introverted colleague if they'd prefer to communicate in writing , such as by Slack or email. This might prove less disruptive or draining to their workflow than phone calls, unprompted conversations, or popping into their office unannounced.

Brainstorming is another activity that should be approached mindfully for introverts at work. Competing with other voices and calling out ideas in a stream-of-consciousness way is pretty much the opposite of how introverts like to communicate. And as common as brainstorming is for many workplaces, it might not even be the best way to get good ideas out of your team!

Instead, try 'brainwriting' or 'electronic brainstorming.' These techniques allow people to contribute anonymously in writing, so they put much less pressure on introverts than typical brainstorming sessions.

Give Introverts Flexibility

If introverts have flexibility around their working conditions and schedule, it's easier for them to create the conditions that will let them do their best work.

Flexibility is good for many workers, but it might require a higher degree of trust from an introvert's teammates and managers. That's because their ideal working conditions might involve working from home more often, working with less supervision (such as coming in early or staying late), or even opting for an asynchronous meeting every now and then.

An introvert's colleagues need to trust that they're still getting work done, and that they're making these choices for the good of the team-not because they're checked out or lazy.

Establishing trust doesn't happen overnight. But once an introvert's coworkers understand them well enough to grant some autonomy, the results can be truly incredible.

Introverts and Extroverts, Working Together

Collaborating with people who are different from you is part of what makes work so exciting-and it can be very rewarding to find ways to bring out the best in each other.

Because introverts tend to get overlooked and misunderstood, they're often full of great ideas that are just waiting to be put into action. If extroverts and introverts get to know what it takes to support one another, they can create a team that's stronger than the sum of its parts. All it takes is some patience, understanding, and a willingness to appreciate the quieter side of life.

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What Introverts Want Extroverts To Know About Workplace Collaboration

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We all know the stereotypes about introverts and extroverts. While wildly exaggerated, introverts are often viewed as shy, timid bookworms who avoid parties like the plague, while extroverts are seen as outgoing social butterflies who dominate conversations and never seem to slow down. Real people are much more complicated than these over-the-top clichés.

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You could call me a productivity junkie. I've read countless books on the topic, hired a business coach to revamp my systems-I even write about productivity for a living. But like every junkie, many of the things I've tried have left me feeling burned out.

There was the time I hired an assistant to create a folder system to tame my emails, only to find that I preferred leaving my messages out in the open in my inbox. Shortly after was the two-day stint where I managed to hyper-focus on one task at a time using the Pomodoro Method , but then I felt exhausted and reverted to treating my task list like a sampler platter-a little bit of this for five minutes, a little bit of that for the next. (I need variety!)

I was starting to think something was wrong with me. That is, until I learned about productivity styles.

Developed by consultant Carson Tate , productivity styles refer to the way your brain is wired to process information, solve problems, and complete tasks. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach to getting stuff done, these styles give you the tools and knowledge to make the most of your innate tendencies.

"When you begin organizing your life and work according to the natural preferences of your style," writes Tate, "you are likely to find yourself relaxing and enjoying the sensation of truly being in the driver's seat of your life rather than struggling with the tension that arises from fighting against your preferred thinking style."

Just like you wouldn't put diesel in a gas-fueled car or try to plug an Android charger into an iPhone-why would you keep using productivity methods that don't work for the way your brain is built?

I took Tate's assessment and found out that I'm a Visualizer (I'll describe the four styles in detail below), which explains why I flit from task to task, craving the variety, and prefer a cluttered desk where I can see everything, as opposed to a filing cabinet where things are out of sight and out of mind.

So if you've consulted the productivity experts, tried every "hack" out there, but still struggle to be productive, let me introduce you to Carson Tate and her book Work Simply . Below, you'll learn the four different productivity styles, how to tell which one is yours, and how to use this knowledge to do your best work.

Based on her work with clients and informed by cognitive research, Tate developed a 28-item Productivity Style Assessment to help knowledge workers identify their preferred way of operating and optimize for maximum productivity.

The four personal productivity styles she identified are:

1. The Prioritizer

Characteristics: Logical, analytical, fact-oriented, realistic, efficient

The Prioritizer is a highly efficient worker who moves with decisiveness. Built with a keen sense of what matters most, the Prioritizer can zero in on the primary task and complete large amounts of work in a short span of time. They're laser-focused on outcomes and love to dive deep into the data. Walk into their office, and you're likely to find a professional setup that is functional, clean, and free of excessive decorations.
Strengths:

Determining the level of importance of each task and project

Analyzing and solving problems

Goal-oriented, consistent, decisive

Blind spots:

Tendency to be controlling and rigid

Excessive competitiveness

Valuing speed over excellence

Focusing on project over process

Communication style: Always focused on doing work quickly and effectively, the Prioritizer would rather skip the chit-chat-just give them the facts. Never one to overshare personal information, they may keep conversations short, and even their emails typically contain only a few sentences. The Prioritizer can give and receive feedback without any emotion attached to it.

Because they focus on data, Prioritizers tend to ask ' what' questions: What are the facts? What's the bottom line? What is the margin of error?

2. The Planner

Characteristics: Organized, detail-oriented, conscientious, punctual

The Planner has a penchant for schedules, list-making, and deadlines (which they never miss!). As such, they're excellent project managers. When planning any project, they're particularly conscientious about sticking to the rules, regulations, and protocol. Their workspace is pragmatic and free of clutter, and it's not unusual to find framed degrees or certifications proudly displayed on their walls.
Strengths:

A bias toward action, consistency, and practicality

Spotting the flaws in plans or processes

Keeping data organized

Creating thorough processes and plans

Blind spots:

Rigidity

Might miss opportunities because they don't want to deviate from the plan

Lack of spontaneity

Excessive attachment to the outcome

Valuing process over project

Communication style: There's nothing a Planner loves more than schedules and action plans. If you want to get the point across to a Planner, do it in writing and make it detailed and step-by-step.

Because they focus on process, Planners tend to ask 'how' questions: How will we complete these tasks? How will we resolve this issue? How can we improve this process?

3. The Arranger

Characteristics: Expressive, supportive, collaborative, team-oriented

Expression, emotion, and teamwork fuel the Arranger. They love to collaborate with others on projects, and with every decision, they strive to understand how a choice will affect everyone involved. Much like their productivity style, an Arranger's office is welcoming and filled with personal touches-from family photos to music to artwork.
Strengths:

Effective communication

Awareness of others' emotions

A strong intuition

Persuasion

Teaching

Blind spots:

Missing key details because of incomplete planning

Lack of awareness of how their style affects others

Excessive involvement with people; taking too much responsibility for other people's problems

Nearsighted, losing focus on the end results

Valuing people over project

Communication style: Talkative and warm, the Arranger prefers in-person conversations where they can make full use of their body language and tone of voice to connect with their teammates. They tell stories to get their point across and like to know how a project or task will affect others.

Because they focus on people, Arrangers tend to ask ' who' questions: Who's involved with this project? Who's in favor of this decision? Who can help with this task?

4. The Visualizer

Characteristics: Holistic, intuitive, integrating, synthesizing, big-picture thinking

Often serving as a catalyst for change, the Visualizer keeps their eyes on the big picture and dislikes being bogged down by details, structure, and tradition. They have a knack for connecting seemingly disparate pieces of information and can run wild with creativity. Peer into their office, and you're likely to find a desk piled high with papers, personal items, and collectibles.
Strengths:

Open-mindedness

Seeing the big picture

Innovation

Creative problem-solving

Blind spots:

Tendency to overlook the details

May fail to plan ahead and end up turning in work late

Excessive spontaneity and impulsiveness

Valuing possibilities over process

Communication style: Not surprisingly, the Visualizer likes to use visual words when communicating, such as "see," "envision," and "the big picture." Using metaphors and visual aids will help get your message across to the Visualizer. Further, the Visualizer appreciates knowing how a task or project will fit into the overarching goals of your company.

Because Visualizers focus on long-term vision, they tend to ask why questions: Why does this matter to the company? Why are we going with this option? Why did we decide to pivot?

How To Find Your Productivity Style

My guess is that as you read the descriptions of the four productivity styles, you felt an affinity for a particular one. But don't box yourself in! In Work Simply, Tate eschews "one-size-fits-all" approaches and encourages readers to pick and choose what works best for them-even if that strategy falls outside of their primary productivity style.

Want the most accurate way to find your productivity style? Take the assessment here.

How Use Trello Based On Your Productivity Style

As Tate describes in her book, knowing which tools work best for you is just as important as knowing your productivity style. Below, I'll go over some ways you can harness the power of Trello to fit with the way you do your best work.

The Prioritizer

As a Prioritizer, you're always looking for ways to streamline your systems. Here's how Trello can help you boost your efficiency without any fluff.

Use Butler to create automated rules. Butler brings automation to your Trello boards. Use this tool to set triggers and actions ("if this, then that" commands). For example, you could set a trigger for "when a card is added to 'blog post ideas' list" and an action of "add member @janedoe to the card." That way, after every weekly content meeting, you can add the confirmed topics onto the Blog Post Ideas list, and Butler will automatically ping your managing editor-no time wasted!

Integrate with a time tracking app. Find out how long each task truly takes so you can improve your planning. While Trello doesn't have this as a native feature, you can easily install third-party apps that add time-tracking to your boards, such as the Toggl or Harvest Chrome extensions.

Time block with Trello. In her book, Tate recommends that Prioritizers often "time block" their day in small increments, devoting sections of their day to specific tasks. You can achieve this by creating one "Schedule" board, adding a list for each day of the week, and then adding cards for each block of time and task. For instance, Monday might have one card that says "sort emails" from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., another card that says "team check-in from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and so forth.

The Planner

The Planner is a list-making machine who loves to label, organize, and take action. Here's how Trello can help you plan for maximum productivity.

Make use of checklists. As a list lover, a Planner will treasure Trello's Advanced Checklists feature! Add a checklist to each card and satisfyingly mark each item when you complete it. You can even view it in Calendar and assign due dates and team members to subtasks.

Have fun with Labels. With Trello, you can add custom Labels to each card to help better organize your lists.

Add due dates to cards. For a Planner, deadlines are a must. Cater to your productivity style by adding due dates to each Trello card; that way, both you and your teammates can always deliver on time.

Use Timeline View. The project manager in you will love Timeline View. This helps you thoroughly plan out the details of each project and ensure everyone is completing tasks by deadline.

The Arranger

The Arranger thrives on expressing themselves and connecting with others. Here's how Trello can bring out the best in your productivity style.

Customize your board backgrounds. Spice up your Trello boards with a background from Unsplash, or upload one of your own!

Add members to cards. Love to collaborate? Add team members to cards so you know who's in charge of what. They'll also get notifications when the status of the card changes.

Add comments and tag teammates. Craving more communication? Stay in the loop by using the Slack Power-Up .

Use Table view. With Table view, you can see cards from multiple boards across your team in a compact, manageable table format. Table is sure to bring a clearer perspective to work happening from everyone on your team across multiple boards.

The Visualizer

As a Visualizer, you use visual cues to make sense of your world and prefer a high-level overview rather than the nitty-gritty details. Here's how Trello can help you see the big picture.

Take advantage of Calendar View . In one glance, see what's in store for the days and weeks ahead.

Have fun with stickers. Visualizers are creative and can use stickers as both a way to visually communicate an item's relevance and tap into their creative side.

Timeline View. As a Visualizer, you crave knowing how tasks and projects fit into the larger picture. Timeline view keeps teams on top of projects, goals, and sprints with a clear visual layout.

I'll never have the natural affinity for neatness and organization that are the hallmarks of the Planner, nor will I ever have a knack for analyzing data swiftly like the Prioritizer. While I can certainly force myself to adopt their methods-it's not pretty when I do.

Only by accepting the way my brain is wired can I make true progress toward productivity. As a Visualizer, my cluttered desk is my brain's preferred way of seeing what's important, and my unsystematic ways are also what help me connect unrelated ideas that lead to creativity.

So embrace your productivity style-but remember, you are not defined by it. You have a preference for a productivity style, a primary one that you lean on heavily, but you can cherry-pick strategies from other productivity styles that work well for you.

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Productivity Styles And Why They Matter For You And Your Team

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You could call me a productivity junkie. I've read countless books on the topic, hired a business coach to revamp my systems-I even write about productivity for a living. But like every junkie, many of the things I've tried have left me feeling burned out.

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19 College Application Tips (To Help You Stand Out)

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The WOW Factor: 7 Ways to Stand Out in College Admissions

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The coronavirus pandemic has intensified college application anxiety. I make this observation as an admissions dean who, as of late, has not just been answering emails and questions from parents. Instead, I'm also responding to media inquiries about how my school plans to manage our selection processes in this crisis.

All of these questions hint at an underlying concern that the disruption could be an automatic disadvantage. In reality, many colleges already take a student's circumstances into account.

Based on what I know about how college admission works, here are five things I believe that students and families ought to know when they apply to colleges during the pandemic.

1. Admissions officers will understand if grades are incomplete

In the emergency pivot to online learning in the spring of 2020, some schools stopped grading students. In many cases, these schools adopted other measures to show that students completed the academic year.

Many members of the class of 2021 and other college applicants are afraid that the absence of grades - from all or part of the 2019-2020 school year - could hurt their admission chances, when at least some other applicants have those grades.

This is not necessarily new. Some high schools don't ever assign grades, so colleges review a transcript that consists purely of their teachers' comments. Other students have attended multiple high schools, which means that their transcripts have different grading scales.

Bottom line: All of the academic work leading up to the pandemic still matters and can help frame the work in the past couple of months.

2. Entrance exams could be less important than usual

Since the spring, the SAT and ACT canceled test dates, and most students have limited options if they want to take rescheduled tests. With the uneven availability of the two most common entrance exams, hundreds of colleges and universities are at least temporarily taking the test-optional approach Bowdoin College first introduced in 1969. The University of California system is going even further by becoming test-blind, meaning the school won't review SAT or ACT scores, even if students do submit them.

Yet students are still worried that without SAT or ACT results they won't be competitive. Or if they took a test, and didn't have a chance to try again, their scores don't seem strong enough. They can take some comfort in that almost 400 colleges have stated that the lack of test scores is not an admissions disadvantage.

Likewise, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate testing was disrupted. Students who had dedicated nearly a year to their AP classes lurched into the spring facing tests that were quickly reconfigured in online format. The IB tests scheduled for May were canceled. I'm hearing that many students are worried about whether their test results, if they got them at all, will hold up to admissions scrutiny.

Again, they may be able to take comfort from the fact that hundreds of colleges recognize this predicament. Specifically, these colleges have signed an agreement that states the absence of AP or IB results will not put applicants at a disadvantage, and that they will "view students in the context of the curriculum, academic resources and supports available to them."

3. It's OK if students get a letter of recommendation from teachers they know only online

Many colleges require a recommendation from a teacher. Admissions officers rely on these recommendations for insight into the student's learning style and strengths. Since many schools have gone to remote learning, teachers may not get as much insight into a student as they did when they were teaching in person.

But even in that situation, teachers can characterize the student as a learner in an online environment, which is a valuable insight. As Lee Coffin, dean of admissions at Dartmouth College, told me via text message: "These cyber-relationships are another type of new normal, so we are interested in the teacher's view on how this works for a student."

4. Personality may count more than before

Student activities such as sports, performing arts, community service and jobs aren't immune to the pandemic.

FangXiaNuo/ E+ via Getty Images

For some students, the challenges of COVID-19 are just an interference with their daily lives. For others, the disease and its consequences are absolutely traumatic, with sick family members and financial crises. Depending on circumstances, some students might be able to list all of their activities because they were not interrupted. For others, the list could look blank since March.

Fortunately, even before the pandemic, there has been a movement among college admissions officers to begin to consider factors such as empathy and persistence, which we could notice in the hours a student commits to a school commute, or a teacher's testament to working well with classmates, or maybe as seen through an essay.

Some have followed specific recommendations for new ways to admit students that were made by Harvard's Making Caring Common project. This is good news for students because it signals that admissions officers value students' unique qualities beyond their academics and extracurricular activities.

5. The effects of gap-year students will vary

As colleges rolled out their plans for fall semester, many incoming first-year students - anywhere from 4% to 20% at various schools - chose to take a gap year.

In most cases, those gap-year students intend to enroll at colleges and universities that already accepted them in the spring of 2020. As a result, schools will hold their place and let them begin as first-years in the fall of 2021. While that is good news for students who want to wait, it also means that there may be fewer spaces available for students graduating from high school in 2021 who intend to begin their college educations in the fall of 2021.

The degree to which this situation changes the outlook for admissions will vary from school to school. Some of my counterparts - such as Jeremiah Quinlan, admissions dean at Yale, and Liz Creighton, admissions dean at Williams College - have told me they're just planning to welcome larger first-year classes in the fall of 2021.

At Bowdoin, our small number of deferring students won't significantly impact the spaces we can offer.

Going forth

These disruptions might alter the way college applications are evaluated, but - in my view - colleges are up for the challenge and prepared to be sensitive and flexible.

I would suggest that students and their families accept the disruptions for what they are, instead of getting too worried about them. High school seniors should devote their energy and time to the parts of their college applications that they can complete, not those that are impossible to do because of ongoing disruptions to everyday life.

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5 ways the COVID-19 pandemic could affect your college application

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The coronavirus pandemic has intensified college application anxiety. I make this observation as an admissions dean who, as of late, has not just been answering emails and questions from parents. Instead, I'm also responding to media inquiries about how my school plans to manage our selection processes in this crisis.

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College Search - BigFuture | College Board

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College Search - BigFuture | College Board

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The office of Federal Student Aid provides more than $120 billion in grant, work-study, and loan funds each year to help pay for college or career school.

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The office of Federal Student Aid provides more than $120 billion in grant, work-study, and loan funds each year to help pay for college or career school.

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StudentAid.gov provides in-depth information on federal student aid programs, applying for financial aid, and repaying student loans.

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If you need help paying for college or career school, the office of Federal Student Aid can assist you with getting the money you need. Check out this video to learn about grants, loans, and work-study jobs and how they can help fund your education. Visit http://StudentAid.gov to learn more.

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Use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form to apply for financial aid for college or graduate school.

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Use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form to apply for financial aid for college or graduate school.

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The FAFSA form must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central time (CT) on June 30, 2021.

***COLLEGE DEADLINE: Check With the College***
Visit the school’s website or contact its financial aid office. School deadlines are usually early in the year, often in February or March, although some are even earlier.

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"financial aid" "student loan" "paying for college" fafsa "financial aid minute" "ism college planning"

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ISM helps students and families learn the best ways to plan and pay for college to avoid excessive student loan debt.

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EXPLORE OVER 1000 COLLEGES WITHOUT EVER LEAVING HOME.
It's never been easier to check out so many schools in one place. Browse around or use the search to pick a destination. When you find somewhere you like, connect directly with the school from within the tour. Did we mention it's FREE?

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Virtual College Tours, Virtual Reality Education

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Experience 1,000+ colleges & universities in virtual reality. Narrow your college choices with the best virtual experiences of schools worldwide.

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CampusTours - Interactive Virtual Tours and Campus Maps

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CampusTours provides virtual tours of 1,700+ colleges and universities and builds virtual tours and interactive maps for schools and organizations worldwide.

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Guide for the College-Bound Student Athlete

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Guide for the College-Bound Student Athlete

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NCAA Clearinghouse - Academic Requirements

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NCAA Clearinghouse - Academic Requirements

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Make Sure You Meet the NCAA and NAIA College Academic Requirements.

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Academic Requirements for College Athletes Question.. What are the NCAA DI Eligibility Requirements? Answer.. The following requirements are for all athletes who want to play NCAA D1 sports and receive an athletic scholarship. 99% of athletes who meet the DI requirements will also be eligible at other division levels.

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⋆ Stand Out College Prep The Common App Questions: Step-by-Step

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Filling out the Common App is challenging. Use this guide to help you answer the Common App questions. Learn why and how to answer each question.

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"Better Grades Guaranteed."
Our online tutors are ready to help you 24/7

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The Princeton Review and Tutor.com are thrilled to introduce High-Dosage Tutoring! Our research-based Algebra program helps students make significant, accelerated learning gains. Learn more.

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1-to-1 Tutoring, Homework Help, and Test Prep for K-12, Higher Education, and Career

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Tutor.com provides 24/7, expert, 1-to-1 academic and job support for learners from K-12 through college, graduate school, continuing education, and career.

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Find information on SAT scores, college applications, and financial aid.

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ADMISSION INTERVIEWS:10 Things Colleges Look for in a High-School Student

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ADMISSION INTERVIEWS:10 Things Colleges Look for in a High-School Student

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What are college admissions officers looking for as they review your child's application? The admissions process varies and can be subjective to some degree, but here are 10 things that could help your child stand out and score acceptance letters from his or her favorite schools.

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What Colleges Are Looking For, College Admissions Tips

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What are college admissions officers looking for as they review your child's application? The admissions process varies and can be subjective to some degree, but here are 10 things that could help your child stand out and score acceptance letters from his or her favorite schools.

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It's important to select the right college, since higher education is an investment of your time and money. Also, you want to make sure the school meets your needs and will help you achieve your career goals.

There are several steps to selecting a school that suits you. Start now:

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It's important to select the right college, since higher education is an investment of your time and money. Also, you want to make sure the school meets your needs and will help you achieve your career goals. There are several steps to selecting a school that suits you. Start now:

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Financial aid is one of the tools that make higher education possible for many students. It may mean being able to continue your education when you otherwise would not be able. Or it could mean being able to attend the school of your choice despite higher tuition costs.

Get started

Most financial aid is based on financial need. Learn more about the calculations.

Additional resources

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Financial aid is one of the tools that make higher education possible for many students. It may mean being able to continue your education when you otherwise would not be able. Or it could mean being able to attend the school of your choice despite higher tuition costs.

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Developing a career plan is the first step to figuring out what type of work you want to do in your life. A career plan helps you determine your skills and interests, what career best suits your talents, and what skills and training you need for your chosen career.

By developing a career plan, you can focus on what you want to do and how to get there. When you are ready to develop your resume, you will have a better understanding of your skills and experiences to discuss with potential employers.

1. Assess your skills and interests. Think hard about what you enjoy, what you are good at, what kind of personality you have, and the values you hold.

2. Research occupations. Find out more about the nature of the jobs that interest you, such as educational requirements, salary, working conditions, future outlook, and anything else that can help you narrow your focus.

3. Compare your skills and interests with the occupations you've selected. The career that matches your skills, interests, and personality the closest may be the career for you.

4. Choose your career goal. Once you've decided what occupation matches you the best, then you can begin developing a plan to reach your career goal.

5. Find out more about the kind of training, education, and skills you will need to achieve your career goal.

6. Select a school that offers a college degree or training program that best meets your career goal and financial needs.

7. Find out about financial aid to help support you in obtaining your career goal. If you haven't already done so, begin saving for college.

8. Learn about job hunting tips as you prepare to graduate or move into the job market.

9. Prepare your resume, and practice job interviewing techniques.

10. Go to your career guidance center (at your high school, college, or local library) for additional information and help on career planning or research other Internet resources.

Visit MappingYourFuture.org for more career guidance information.

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Developing a career plan is the first step to figuring out what type of work you want to do in your life. A career plan helps you determine your skills and interests, what career best suits your talents, and what skills and training you need for your chosen career.

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Mapping Your Future: Prepare for College

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Mapping Your Future is a nonprofit organization committed to helping students, families, and schools navigate the higher education and student loan processes through trusted career, college, and financial aid counseling and resources.

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Welcome to the most comprehensive Study Skills website

Did you know? Good study skills are essential for learning and succeeding in school.

How-To-Study provides all the resources you need to develop great study skills.

So go ahead, explore!

Use our FREE Study Skills Resources

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Study Skills Articles

Includes more than 100 practical articles. Topics include good study habits, managing time, reading and taking notes from textbooks, learning styles, preparing for college, study motivation, setting goals, and much more. Each can be printed.

Study Tips

Includes more than 1,500 useful study tips submitted by students, teachers, and parents from all over the world. The tips range from elementary school through college, and even graduate school. You will see an archive of tips going all the way back to 2007.

Self-Assessments

Includes assessments for learning style, test anxiety, procrastination, concentration, motivation, math study skills, social skills, and self-esteem. Each assessment takes about five minutes to complete. You will immediately see your score along with recommendations.

View Assessments En Español

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FREE Study Skills Resources for Educators, Students, and Parents

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Join the millions of visitors who have benefited from our study skills site over the past 15+ years. You will find 120 how-to articles, 1,850 study tips from visitors all over, and eight self-assessments with immediate results and recommendations. You will also learn about our three study skills curriculums. English and Spanish.

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Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete

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Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete

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NCAA.org - The Official Site of the NCAA

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NCAA Divisions I and II schools provide more than $2.9 billion in athletics scholarships annually to more than 150,000 student-athletes. Division III schools do not offer athletics scholarships.

Only about two-percent of high school athletes are awarded athletics scholarships to compete in college. Of the student-athletes participating in sports with professional leagues, very few become professional athletes. A college education is the most rewarding benefit of the student-athlete experience.
Learn more about the probability of going pro
Full scholarships cover tuition and fees, room, board and course-related books. Most student-athletes who receive athletics scholarships receive an amount covering a portion of these costs. Many student-athletes also benefit from academic scholarships, NCAA financial aid programs such as the NCAA Division I Student-Athlete Opportunity Fund and need-based aid such as Federal Pell Grants.

Division I schools may provide student-athletes with multiyear scholarships. Additionally, Division I schools may pay for student-athletes to finish their bachelor's or master's degrees after they finish playing NCAA sports.

If a school plans to reduce or not renew a student-athlete's aid, the school must notify the student-athlete in writing by July 1 and provide an opportunity to appeal. In most cases, coaches decide who receives a scholarship, the scholarship amount and whether it will be renewed.

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NCAA Divisions I and II schools provide more than $2.9 billion in athletics scholarships annually to more than 150,000 student-athletes. Division III schools do not offer athletics scholarships. Only about two-percent of high school athletes are awarded athletics scholarships to compete in college. Of the student-athletes participating in sports with professional leagues, very few become professional athletes.

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NCAA.org - The Official Site of the NCAA

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If you want to compete in NCAA sports at a Division II school, you need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center to make sure you stay on track to meet initial-eligibility standards.

If you have questions about your eligibility or the registration process, call us toll free at 1-877-262-1492. International students should call 317-917-6222.
Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center
Get Ready. Get Set. Go!
Grade 9

Ask your counselor for a list of your high school's NCAA core courses to make sure you take the right classes.
Grade 10 Grade 11

Check with your counselor to make sure you will graduate on time with the required number of NCAA core courses.

Take the ACT or SAT and submit your scores to the NCAA using code 9999.

At the end of the year, ask your counselor to upload your official transcript to the NCAA Eligibility Center.

Grade 12
Division II Academic Eligibility

To be eligible to compete in NCAA sports during your first year at a Division II school, you must meet academic requirements for your core courses, grade-point average (GPA) and test scores.

You must graduate high school and meet ALL the following requirements:

Complete 16 core courses:

Three years of English.

Two years of math (Algebra 1 or higher).

Two years of natural or physical science (including one year of lab science if your high school offers it).

Three additional years of English, math or natural or physical science

Two years of social science

Four additional years of English, math, natural or physical science, social science, foreign language, comparative religion or philosophy

Earn at least a 2.2 GPA in your core courses.

Earn an SAT combined score or ACT sum score matching your core-course GPA on the Division II sliding scale, which balances your test score and core-course GPA. If you have a low test score, you need a higher core-course GPA to be eligible. If you have a low core-course GPA, you need a higher test score to be eligible.

What if I don't meet the requirements?

If you enroll full-time at a Division II school, and you have not met all the Division II academic requirements, you may not compete in your first year. However, if you meet the requirements to be a partial qualifier, you may practice and receive an athletics scholarship in your first year at college. To be a partial qualifier, you must graduate high school and meet ALL the following requirements:

Complete 16 core courses:

Three years of English.

Two years of math (Algebra 1 or higher).

Two years of natural or physical science (including one year of lab science if your high school offers it).

Three additional years of English, math or natural or physical science

Two years of social science

Four additional years of English, math, natural or physical science, social science, foreign language, comparative religion or philosophyEarn at least a 2.0 GPA in your core courses.

Earn an SAT combined score or ACT sum score matching your core-course GPA on the Division II sliding scale.

If you are concerned you may not meet the Division II academic requirements, consider taking the following actions:

Ask for advice and accountability from your high school counselor. Check in with the admissions or compliance office at the college you hope to attend.

Get tutoring or other study help.

Graduate on time. Division I schools allow college-bound student-athletes who graduate on-time to take one core course during the year after they graduate high school.

Avoid quick fixes through credit recovery programs. These courses may not be accepted by the NCAA.

Keep your coursework. If the NCAA Eligibility Center needs to review your record due to irregularities, you may be asked to provide your coursework.

Follow your high school's policies. The best thing to do is work within the rules.

Amateurism

The NCAA promotes amateurism to create a level playing field for all student-athletes. The young men and women who play college sports are students first, athletes second. If you want to play NCAA sports at a Division II school you must be an amateur athlete.
Learn more about amateurism

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If you want to compete in NCAA sports at a Division II school, you need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center to make sure you stay on track to meet initial-eligibility standards. If you have questions about your eligibility or the registration process, call us toll free at 1-877-262-1492.

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NCAA Academic Standards for Initial-Eligibility

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NCAA Academic Standards for Initial-Eligibility

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NCAA.org - The Official Site of the NCAA

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Academic Standards

The NCAA Eligibility Center verifies the academic and amateur status of all student-athletes who wish to compete in Division I or II athletics.

College-bound student-athletes who want to practice, compete and receive athletically related financial aid during their first year at a Division I or II school need to meet the following requirements:

Graduate from high school.

Complete a minimum of 16 core courses for Division I or II.

Earn a minimum required grade-point average in core courses.

Earn a qualifying test score on either the ACT or SAT.

Request final amateurism certification from the NCAA Eligibility Center.

For Division I student-athletes who will enroll in August 1, 2016 and later, the requirements to compete in the first year will change. In addition to the above standards, students must:

Earn at least a 2.3 grade-point average in core courses.

Meet an increased sliding-scale standard (for example, an SAT score of 820 requires a 2.5 high school core course GPA)

Successfully complete 10 of the 16 total required core courses before the start of their seventh semester in high school. Seven of the 10 courses must be successfully completed in English, math and science.

Students that earn at least a 2.0 GPA but not a 2.3 GPA and meet the current sliding scale standard (for example, an SAT score of 1,010 requires a 2.025 high school core course GPA) will be eligible for practice in the first term and athletically related financial aid the entire year, but not competition. Freshmen who are academically successful in the first term will earn the ability to continue to practice for the remainder of the year.

Division III colleges and universities set their own admission standards. The NCAA does not set initial eligibility requirements in Division III.

For more detail about academic requirements visit the Eligibility Center.

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The NCAA Eligibility Center verifies the academic and amateur status of all student-athletes who wish to compete in Division I or II athletics. College-bound student-athletes who want to practice, compete and receive athletically related financial aid during their first year at a Division I or II school need to meet the following requirements: Graduate from high school.

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The Internet offers a huge variety of career resources. Many of these resources can be used for self-help career planning (see links below), although we recommend searching for a credentialed career services provider. For the benefit of career development professionals, we have undertaken a time-consuming effort to collect, organize, curate, and publish online, a listing of free, current, and credible Internet resources.

In addition to the professional judgment of the volunteers from the NCDA Technology Committee, NCDA has set the following guidelines for inclusion of the resources linked on this page:

1. Follow the mission of NCDA which is "to inspire and empower individuals to achieve their career and life goals" and may not violate the NCDA non-discrimination policy.

2. Be viewable by anyone with Internet access without any major or substantial services requiring payment (in other words the critical information is free and the site does not try to entice users into paying for fee-based services)

3. Contain accurate, factual, unbiased, and current information

4. Have strong and obvious relevance to career development

5. Be easy and clear to navigate

6. Provide information of use to the client

7. Be professionally prepared and executed (embedded links work, presentation is professional, grammar correct, appropriate use of images, no typos, extra resources and assistance provided when appropriate).

8. Display content that is appropriate and fair to all cultures and genders

9. Use professional email addresses for contact purposes.

If a new site fits the above guidelines, submit the title of the resource, the link, a 2-3 sentence description of what the site contains, and additional information for the reviewers. Submit the request now using our form- do not email NCDA. Lengthy "sales pitches" about a new site will not be considered. Updates (typically quarterly) will be made at the editor's and reviewers' discretion.

Looking for a resource to help with your career planning?

Click on the category below to find the Internet resources you wish to review and use. Before using the links, please review the NCDA Legal Notice and Disclaimer.

[Note: New links were added in April 2023 after a review of the request forms. Reviews are conducted by the NCDA Technology Committee.]

Career Service Centers are granted permission to link to this Resources webpage - please give credit to NCDA!

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The Internet offers a huge variety of career resources. Many of these resources can be used for self-help career planning (see links below), although we recommend searching for a credentialed career services provider. For the benefit of career development professionals, we have undertaken a time-consuming effort to collect, organize, curate, and publish online, a listing of free, current, and credible Internet resources.

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Professionally designed templates, expertly written content for all resume sections and user-friendly formatting tools make our builder the top choice for writing a resume online. Choose from hundreds of free downloadable templates in the Hloom library to kick-start your resume writing process.

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Resume Tips, Career Advice and More!

Browse our articles and Career Corner for detailed resume and CV advice, along with other blog posts on job-specific career guidance and other job-related content.

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Everything you need to know about resumes, cover letters and your career can be found on Hloom and our frequently asked questions page. Feel free to contact us with any questions or comments.

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Find answers to any question you have about how to write a resume, our services and our website.

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Do you have a different question? Write to us and we'll get back to you quickly.

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Best Resume Builder and Templates for Any Job

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Customize the best free resume templates, examples, and use our professional resume builder to make your own. Enjoy cover letter, CV, and resume tips.

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What's important to you in a job? Discover how much you value achievement, independence, recognition, relationships, support, and working conditions in a job. Get a list of jobs that reflect your values.

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Welcome to the Work Importance Profiler

What's important to you in a job? Discover how much you value achievement, independence, recognition, relationships, support, and working conditions in a job. Get a list of jobs that reflect your values.

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Welcome to the Work Importance Profiler What's important to you in a job? Discover how much you value achievement, independence, recognition, relationships, support, and working conditions in a job. Get a list of jobs that reflect your values.

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We are here to help guide you through this journey. At different stages in your life, you will be needing different resources and assistance.

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CDDQ is aimed at helping individuals make better career decisions. The site helps locate the individual's specific difficulties in making a career choice, provides relevant information and guidance in the decision-making process, and directs the user to additional sources of information.

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Whether you are just starting out, or wondering if another career would suit you better, self-assessments can help you consider different options and confirm types of careers that might be right for you.

What can a self-assessment help you do?

Learn about occupations that are a good match for you

Decide where you need more training or experience

Identify the skills you bring to a job

Write more personal, detailed resumes and cover letters

Consider careers you may not have thought about before

Learn more about the different types of assessments:

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Whether you are just starting out, or wondering if another career would suit you better, self-assessments can help you consider different options and confirm types of careers that might be right for you.

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Assessment.com - Home of the MAPP Assessment - Assessment.com

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Looking for a new career or job? Take the online MAPP test and find out what truly motivates you!

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Test day is here, and you've got everything you need: photo ID, pencils, calculator, snack-and the confidence that comes from knowing what to expect.

You're On Your Way

One of our biggest goals in changing the SAT was to make sure it's highly relevant to your future success. The new test is more focused on the skills and knowledge at the heart of education. It measures:

What you learn in high school

What you need to succeed in college

If you think the key to a high score is memorizing words and facts you'll never use in the real world, think again. You don't have to discover secret tricks or cram the night before.

The same habits and choices that lead to success in school will help you get ready for the SAT. The best way to prepare for the test is to:

Take challenging courses.

Do your homework.

Prepare for tests and quizzes.

Ask and answer lots of questions.

In short, take charge of your education and learn as much as you can.

And One More Thing

Know what to expect.

Find out what kinds of questions you'll see on the SAT and what they measure. You can also watch videos for an overview of each test. Where do you want to start?

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Test day is here, and you've got everything you need: photo ID, pencils, calculator, snack-and the confidence that comes from knowing what to expect. You're On Your Way One of our biggest goals in changing the SAT was to make sure it's highly relevant to your future success.

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Colleges and scholarship programs are looking for students like you. One click can help you learn about colleges across the country without ever leaving home.

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College Board can help connect students like you to funding to help pay for college.

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The College Board National Recognition Programs create pathways to college for students from underrepresented communities by awarding them academic honors and connecting them with universities across the country.

Students who take the PSAT/NMSQT and are African American, Hispanic American or Latinx, Indigenous, or attend school in a rural area or small town, may be invited to apply for academic recognition as part of the College Board National Recognition Programs*.

Benefits

The College Board National Recognition Programs grant students academic honors that can be included on college applications. Colleges use these honors to identify students from underrepresented groups who have excelled on their PSAT/NMSQT and in their classrooms.

The following organizations are serving as advisers for these programs:

Student Search

Students interested in National Recognition Programs are encouraged to sign up for the College Board Student Search Service®. This program connects students with universities and scholarship programs across the country. Universities and scholarship programs use Student Search to find students awarded recognition.

Eligibility

College Board will contact students deemed eligible for recognition. To be considered, students must:

Take the PSAT/NMSQT in October of their junior year.

Achieve the minimum requested PSAT/NMSQT scores (qualifying level may vary by state each year).

Earn a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher by the middle of their junior year.

Identify as African American, Hispanic or Latinx, Indigenous, and/or attend school in a rural area or small town.

Program Rules:

Students will be considered for the Rural and Small Town Recognition Program based on the location of their high school. Areas are considered rural and small town based on location data from the National Center for Education Statistics. International students who attend school in rural areas or small towns who are not permanent residents of the United States are still eligible if they attend a valid high school. Additional information about high school eligibility will soon be available.

Students must list their race and ethnicity as African American, Hispanic American, Latinx, Native American, Alaska Native, and/or Native Hawaiian on the PSAT/NMSQT answer sheet to be considered for the African American, Hispanic, and Indigenous Recognition Programs.

Students considered for the African American Recognition Program must identify as black or African American (including African and Afro-Caribbean origin) and be permanent residents of the United States or a United States Territory. Students currently attending school abroad are still eligible.

Students considered for the Hispanic Recognition Program must identify as Hispanic or Latinx and be permanent residents of the United States or a United States Territory. Students currently attending school abroad are still eligible.

Students considered for the Indigenous Recognition Program must identify as Alaska Native, Native American, or Native Hawaiian and must provide their federal or state tribal affiliation. A student's school counselor must confirm their tribal affiliation using the Eligibility Verification Form. See below for more details.

Only junior year PSAT/NMSQT scores are considered for recognition. Students cannot qualify through the SAT or PSAT 10.

Once contacted by College Board, students must submit an official high school transcript to confirm their eligibility for the recognition programs.

This is NOT a scholarship program. Students will receive academic honors that can be included in college and scholarship applications.

Application Timeline

October of junior year: Students take the PSAT/NMSQT and indicate their race and ethnicity on the answer sheet.

February-March of junior year: College Board invites eligible students to apply for recognition. Students apply online using the link provided.

April-June of junior year: Students work with a school counselor to submit the Eligibility Verification Form confirming their cumulative GPA. Students invited to apply for the Indigenous Recognition Program must also confirm their tribal affiliation using the same form.

July 1: Deadline for invited students to apply for National Recognition Programs. This deadline cannot be extended.

September of senior year: Students are notified via email that they have been granted recognition, and awards are sent to students' high schools. A student must be enrolled as a senior to receive recognition.

Counselor Responsibilities

Students invited to apply for recognition must work with their school counselor to submit the Eligibility Verification Form confirming their cumulative GPA. If necessary, their counselor can submit an estimated GPA or wait until a student's final GPA is available as long as the form is submitted by July 1. Students invited to apply for the Indigenous Recognition Program will also need to confirm their tribal affiliation as part of the Eligibility Verification Form. The Eligibility Verification Form will be sent to students as part of the National Recognition Programs online application.

Student Awards

Students awarded National Recognition will have an award letter mailed to their high school counselor or principal. They will receive a certificate and email notification in September of their senior year. Recognized students will receive awards in time to include them in their college and scholarship applications.

*The College Board National Recognition Programs are neither affiliated with nor endorsed by National Merit Scholarship Corporation or the National Merit Scholarship Program®.

Self-Nomination Instructions

Students who took the PSAT/NMSQT but did not indicate that they identify as African American, Hispanic American, Latinx, or Indigenous on the answer sheet or have since moved and now live in a rural area or small town, can still be considered for recognition. Email the College Board National Recognition Programs for self-nomination instructions.

Contact Us About Recognition

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The College Board National Recognition Programs

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The Application Deadline Has Been Extended to July 15th Students with incomplete Eligibility Verification Forms can still submit an application. The College Board National Recognition Programs create pathways to college for students from underrepresented communities by awarding them academic honors and connecting them with universities across the country.

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AP Updates for Schools Affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19)

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Learn about our new at-home testing option. Additional details are now available around exam features, time and tasks, scores, and security.

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The Pennsylvania CareerZone helps students, educators, jobseekers, and others access up-to-date information on wages, job openings, and other information specific to their state along with great information on careers, colleges, and more.

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Career and Counseling resources for Kindergarten to Adult

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O*NET Data descriptors are categories of occupational information collected and available for O*NET-SOC occupations. Each descriptor contains more specific elements with data ratings.

Interests

Preferences for work environments and outcomes.

Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Artistic - Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Social - Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Enterprising - Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

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O*NET Data descriptors are categories of occupational information collected and available for O*NET-SOC occupations. Each descriptor contains more specific elements with data ratings. Preferences for work environments and outcomes. Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

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"I love Dental Careers, because it's a really fun class... When I was a junior I already had a job at GKG Orthodontics."

A.W. Beattie has featured several of its students in 60 second ads in the North Hills Cinemark. Be sure to get to the movies early to see who is in our videos!

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"I love Dental Careers, because it's a really fun class... When I was a junior I already had a job at GKG Orthodontics." A.W. Beattie has featured several of its students in 60 second ads in the North Hills Cinemark. Be sure to get to the movies early to see who is in our videos!

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Welcome to PAsmart

A statewide movement for accountability, readiness, and training

Governor Tom Wolf created PAsmart to help students and workers prepare for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

PAsmart connects Pennsylvanians with the information they need to succeed in our evolving economy. We know a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work. That's why PAsmart includes resources on education and training opportunities, apprenticeships, and STEM careers. PAsmart highlights a variety of career options with family-sustaining wages, including careers that don't require a four-year college degree.

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Your Guide to Working and Learning in PA

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Governor Tom Wolf created PAsmart to help students and workers prepare for the jobs of today and tomorrow. PAsmart connects Pennsylvanians with the information they need to succeed in our evolving economy. We know a one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work. That's why PAsmart includes resources on education and training opportunities, apprenticeships, and STEM careers.

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If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website.

If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked.

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Financial costs and benefits of college (article) | Khan Academy

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If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website. If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked.

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History of College Education
The American debate over whether a college education is worth it began when the colonists arrived from Europe and founded "New College" (later renamed Harvard University) in 1636. In spring 2023, there were over 17 million college students in the United States, and over 43 million borrowers owe a collective $1.75 trillion in total student debt.

Colonial America produced nine colleges that still operate: Harvard University (1636), the College of William & Mary (1693), Yale University (1701), Princeton University (1746), Columbia University (1754), Brown University (1764), Dartmouth College (1769), Rutgers University (1766), and the University of Pennsylvania (1740 or 1749). These universities were funded by the colony or England and usually catered to a specific religious denomination such as Congregational or Presbyterian (Puritan). Primary and secondary school systems were not yet established so "college students" were sometimes boys as young as fourteen or fifteen years old and were admitted to receive preparatory education with the assumption that they would matriculate to college-level courses

Pro & Con Arguments

Pro 1

Jobs increasingly require college degrees and college allows students to explore careers and earn better job placements.

Colleges offer career services, internships, job shadowing, job fairs, and volunteer opportunities in addition to a wide variety of courses that may provide a career direction. Over 80% of college students complete internships before graduation, giving them valuable employment experience before entering the job market. Colleges provide networking value.

Meanwhile, college graduates have more and better employment opportunities. 85.2% of college freshmen said they attended college to "be able to get a better job." The unemployment rate for Americans over 25 with a bachelor's degree was 1.9% in Dec. 2019, compared to 2.7% for those with some college or associate's degrees, 3.7% for high school graduates, and 5.2% for high school drop-outs. Underemployment, meaning insufficient work, is lower for college grads (6.2%) as compared to high school-only graduates (12.9%) and people without a high school diploma (18.7%). 58% of college graduates and people with some college or associate's degrees reported being "very satisfied" with their jobs compared to 50% of high school graduates and 40% of people without a high school diploma.

Thus, college graduates make more money. The average college graduate makes $570,000 more than the average high school graduate over a lifetime. Career earnings for college graduates are 71% to 136% higher than those of high school graduates. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York calculated a 14% rate of return on a bachelor's degree, which constitutes a good investment. College graduates earn an average of $78,000, a 75% wage premium over the average $45,000 annual earnings for workers with only a high school diploma. 85% of Forbes' America's 400 Richest People list were college grads.

All of that means a college education has a high return as an investment. Return on investment (ROI) is calculated by dividing the gain from an investment (here the money earned as a result of a college degree) by the cost of the investment (the money spent on a college degree). A college degree has a return of 15% per year as an investment, larger than the stock market (6.8%) and housing (0.4%). Completing some college, but not earning a degree, resulted in a 9.1% return on investment. If a student spent $17,860 (the average cost of tuition and room and board in 2012-2013 for four years at a public university), that student could expect a 15% return of $2,679 each year. According to a 2011 Pew Research survey, 86% of college graduates believed college was a good personal investment.
Read More

Pro 2

Because they learn interpersonal and other skills in college, graduates are more productive as members of society.

Students have the opportunity to interact with other students and faculty, to join student organizations and clubs, and to take part in discussions and debates. According to Arthur Chickering's "Seven Vectors" student development theory, "developing mature interpersonal relationships" is one of the seven stages students progress through as they attend college. Students ranked "interpersonal skills" as the most important skill used in their daily lives in a survey of 11,000 college students. Vivek Wadhwa, technology entrepreneur and scholar, states, "American children party [in college]. But you know something, by partying, they learn social skills. They learn how to interact with each other...They develop skills which make them innovative. Americans are the most innovative people in the world because of the education system." [ 7] [ 16] [ 18]

Students live, go to classes, and socialize with other students from around the world and learn from professors with a variety of expertise. The community of people on a college campus means students are likely to make diverse friends and business connections, and, potentially, find a spouse or mate. Access to a variety of people allows college students to learn about different cultures, religions, and personalities they may have not been exposed to in their hometowns, which broadens their knowledge and perspective. 70.7% of college freshmen in 2015 said they expected to socialize with someone of another racial or ethnic group while in college, while 59.1% said college would help improve their understanding of other countries and cultures.

College graduates attract higher-paying employers to their communities. A 1% increase in college graduates in a community increases the wages of workers without a high school diploma by 1.9% and the wages of high school graduates by 1.6%.
Read More

Pro 3

College graduates and their children are healthier and live longer.

83% of college graduates reported being in excellent health, while 73% of high school graduates reported the same. A University of Southern California study found that adults over 65 with college degrees spent more years with "good cognition" and fewer years suffering from dementia than adults who did not complete high school. In 2008, 20% of all adults were smokers, while 9% of college graduates were smokers. 63% of 25 to 34 year old college graduates reported exercising vigorously at least once a week compared to 37% of high school graduates. College degrees were linked to lower blood pressure in a 30-year peer-reviewed study and lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) by a Carnegie Mellon Psychology department study. In 2008, 23% of college graduates aged 35 to 44 years old were obese compared to 37% of high school graduates. College graduates, on average, live six years longer than high school graduates.

A medical journal study from 1970 to 2009 shows college graduates had lower infant mortality rates than high school graduates. Mothers with only a high school education are 31% more likely to give birth to a low-birth-weight baby than a woman with a college degree. Children aged 2 to 5 years old in households headed by college graduates have a 6% obesity rate compared to 14% for children in households headed by high school graduates. 18% more children aged 3 to 5 years old with mothers who have a bachelor's degree could recognize all letters compared to children of high school graduates. In 2010, 59% of children in elementary and middle school with at least one college graduate for a parent participated in after-school activities like sports, arts, and scouting compared to 27% for high school graduate parents.
Read More

Con 1

College is not a guarantee of a job or better life.

College degrees also do not guarantee learning or job preparation. Many students graduate from college with little understanding of math, reading, civics, or economics. In 2011, 35% of students enrolled in college reported they studied 5 hours or less per week and there was a 50% decline in the number of hours a student studied and prepared for classes compared to a few decades ago. 36% of students demonstrated no significant improvement on Collegiate Learning Assessments after 4 years of college. In 2013 56% of employers thought half or fewer of college graduates had the skills and knowledge to advance within their companies. 30% of college graduates felt college did not prepare them well for employment, specifically in terms of technical and quantitative reasoning skills. A Pew Research survey found that 57% of Americans felt higher education did not provide students with good value compared to the money spent.

Under- or un-employement also translates into fewer workplace benefits. In 2013, 68.9% of employed new college graduates did not receive health insurance through their employers and, in 2011, 27.2% received retirement coverage (down from 41.5% in 2000).

The total cost of going to college means more than tuition, fees, and books; it also includes an opportunity cost which equals at least four years of missed wages and advancements from a full-time job-about $49,000 for a 4-year degree and $20,000 for a 2-year degree.
Read More

Con 2

Student loan debt is crippling for college graduates, their families, and society.

In spring 2023, there were over 17 million college students in the United States, and over 43 million borrowers owe a collective $1.75 trillion in total student debt. 45% of people with student loan debt say college was not worth it. 10% of students graduate with over $40,000 in debt and about 1% have $100,000 in debt. In Feb. 2018, undergraduate college graduates had an average of $37,172 in loan debt. According to the US Congress Joint Economic Committee, approximately 60% of college graduates have student loan debt balances equal to 60% of their annual income. Missing late for loan payments leads to lower credit scores and additional fees, worsening the debt problem.

Finally, student debt could cause another financial crisis. As of 2012 student loan debt was over $1 trillion dollars, and more than 850,000 student loans were in default. According to the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, student loans are "beginning to have the same effect" on the economy that the housing bubble and crash created. Former Secretary of Education William Bennett, PhD, agrees that the student loan debt crisis "is a vicious cycle of bad lending policies eerily similar to the causes of the subprime mortgage crisis." On Feb. 3, 2012, an advisory council to the Federal Reserve also warned that the growth in student debt "has parallels to the housing crisis." As of Jan. 2013, the rate of default on student loans hit 15.1%-a nearly 22% increase since 2007.
Read More

Con 3

Many people would be better served learning a trade or pursuing work right out of high school.
Read More

Did You Know?

1. 19.9 million students were enrolled in colleges and universities in 2019, compared to 13.5 million in 1990, 7.9 million in 1970, and 2.7 million in 1949.

2. The underemployment rate was 34% for all college graduates and 41.1% for recent grads in 2019.

3. One in three college graduates had a job that only required a high school diploma or less, including more than 16,000 parking lot attendants, 83,000 bartenders, and 115,000 janitors with bachelor's degrees.

4. College graduates earn an average of $78,000, a 75% wage premium over the average $45,000 annual earnings for workers with only a high school diploma.

5. The unemployment rate for Americans over 25 with a bachelor's degree was 1.9% in Dec. 2019, compared to 2.7% for those with some college or associate's degrees, 3.7% for high school graduates, and 5.2% for high school drop-outs.

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Proponents of college education say college graduates make more money. Opponents say student loan debt is crippling for college graduates.

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Flipgrid is where social and emotional learning happens! The leading video discussion platform for millions of PreK to PhD educators, students, and families.

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Extensive, research-backed profiles of 16 personality types: learn how different personalities approach romantic relationships, career choices, friendships, parenthood, and more.

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Learn about lots of jobs that don't require going to college.

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Build Your Future Indiana is a unique collaboration of employers, state agencies and industry associations. Our goal is to encourage Indiana residents to learn about construction craft careers and training opportunities now emerging in our state, and to qualify for and get jobs in these high-demand occupations.

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Build Your Future Indiana is a unique collaboration of employers, state agencies and industry associations. Our goal is to encourage Indiana residents to learn about construction craft careers and training opportunities now emerging in our state, and to qualify for and get jobs in these high-demand occupations.

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Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook

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Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook

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A guide detailing the growth rate, average pay, and education requirements for jobs.

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The Bureau of Labor Statistics is the principal fact-finding agency for the Federal Government in the broad field of labor economics and statistics.

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Search for careers by interest.

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Streamlined career search and discovery for students and job seekers. Includes a built-in interest assessment and access to training, education, and job opportunities. Straightforward, easy-to-read one-page career reports help guide individuals’ next move on their road to a satisfying career.

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Learn about the college application process, what student aid options are available, and steps for college enrollment.

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About Steps2College

Steps2College is your one-stop site for everything you need to support your students through the college-going process. Resources and important dates are right here. You can learn about the college application process and what student aid options are available, celebrate college decisions, and ensure students know the critical enrollment steps once they have decided where to go - all in one place! Happy exploring!

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Steps2College is your one-stop site for everything you need to support your students through the college-going process. Resources and important dates are right here. You can learn about the college application process and what student aid options are available, celebrate college decisions, and ensure students know the critical enrollment steps once they have decided where to go - all in one place!

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Calculator based on lifestyle preferences.

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Fill in the choices on the next page to see if you can afford your dream life. You might be surprised at how much that life will cost. While local salaries, wages and lifestyle costs will vary throughout the United States, the internal data used in this calculator are national averages. The results will indicate a ballpark relationship between your expenses and the income you will need to support your dream lifestyle.

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Jump$tart's Reality Check - Jump$tart Coalition

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Fill in the choices on the next page to see if you can afford your dream life. You might be surprised at how much that life will cost. While local salaries, [...]