Career Center

Personality/Interest Inventories
Holland  Career Tests
Keirsey  Temperment and Career Options

Job Search Sites
Career Builder 
Career Exploration from the State of Minnesota
Job Corps  free vocational training
Minnesota Workforce Center - connects workers and employers

Career Exploration

Best-Trade-Schools.net - offers free and useful information on the best trade schools around the country, which can be filtered by state and program according to the student's needs.
CareerOneStop - has national and state-specific information for all types of careers; content is broken down for job seekers or students.
CollegeToolkit - career exploration plus college and scholarship searches
Electrical Careers - information on 59 careers in the electrical industry and where to get training
Health Careers Center - comprehensive University of Minnesota website on health care careers and training
Interior Design Careers - comprehensive source of interior design career information
Marine Sciences Careers - comprehensive information on careers in marine biology, oceanography, ocean engineering and others
Medical and Health Care - explore the growing field of medical and health care careers at MyFirstDay.org.
TryEngineering.org is a good site for engineering career information.
Accounting Career Information Guide- which includes a list of top accounting programs and scholarship opportunities.
Plan Your Future - information for teens on military opportunities, money matters, beyond high school, and career toolbox
Students.gov - U.S. Government's "one-stop-shopping" about education planning, accreditation, saving for college, financial aid, career development, etc.
Steps to Choosing a Career - basic advice
The Occupational Outlook Handbook - nationally recognized source of career information A Guide to Practical Art Degrees: Combining the Artist's Life with a Viable Career: illustrates different industries and careers available with and emphasis on being marketable http://www.efficientlearning.com/accounting-career-guide accounting career information guide, which also includes a list of top accounting programs and scholarship opportunities.

Military Information
ASVAB - free practice tests in 25 areas for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery
U.S. Military Academy - at West Point, NY
U.S. Air Force Academy - at Colorado Springs, CO
U.S. Coast Guard Academy - at New London, CT
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy - at King's Point, NY
U.S. Naval Academy - at Annapolis, MD
United States Army
United States Navy
United States Air Force
United States Coast Guard

School Directories
Minnesota Private Colleges - Minnesota's 17 private colleges. Also information on summer tours during Minnesota Private College Week.
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities - Minnesota's colleges and universities. Note the free application window in the fall of each year. 
Historically Black Colleges and Universities
University of Minnesota System
University of Wisconsin System

Discover Business Degrees: Resources to help guide you to a business major at a college the fits you best.   

Engineering Career Information. Research careers in engineering

Accounting Programs - explore accounting programs at various colleges and scholarship opportunities. 

College Advice and Searches

Best Colleges in MN - Find out more about majors, popular degrees and cost. In addition what graduates are getting paid in many popluar fields. 
College Board  - register and practice for SAT; college search; college admissions advice
College Entrepreneurship Programs - connects to a searchable database of college entrepreneurship programs, resources and scholarships

My Options - matches each student's interests and abilities to over 3500 schools; includes research a major, college links, parents pointers, financial aid and career information

eCampusTours - virtual tours of colleges across the nation along with other college planning help

MN Career Information Systems (MNCIS)- college search, career search, scholarship search, ACT prep, and more! For East students, type your first portion of your school email  (xxxxx@isd709.org) and your computer login password. 
Peterson's Education Center - comprehensive school searches including culinary, nursing, arts, PRIVATE HIGH SCHOOLS, summer programs and study abroad programs
U.S. News College - RANKINGS of colleges, graduate schools, financial aid and careers

Grad Reports - Compare colleges with data of graduates. Based on over 100,000 college degree programs and the starting salary data of over 5 million graduates, rankings represent comprehensive collection of data-driven college rankings.
Virtual Tours of Colleges - tours of more than 800 U.S. colleges and universities
College Answer - Sallie Mae's all-inclusive college search advisor. Topics covered include Preparing (with test info); Selecting (step by step school selection); Applying (all aspects of the application process); Paying; Deciding (comparing college offers); and Financing (explanation of the loans available).

45 Must-Have Resources for Low-Income Students: 57% of students who qualify for assistance programs don’t even know they exist - find out how to access these resources. 

Student's Guide to Financial Aid Online: Pay less for education - find out more.

College Cost Calculator
Most colleges have a Net Cost Calculator under Tuition Costs. Go to any college website see what is your estimated cost for that college. Try this site, if you want to get a direct link to a specific college https://collegecost.ed.gov/net-price

College Application
The Common Application - accepted by many colleges
Fond du Lac Community College Online Application
Lake Superior College Online Application
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (all campuses) Online Application
On-Line Reciprocity Application - for Minnesota students planning to attend public colleges in WI, SD & ND
University of Minnesota-Duluth Online Application
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Online Application
University of Wisconsin (all campuses) Online Application

College Testing Information
ACT Web Site - Go to "high school student or parent" for ACT dates, online registration, school codes, etc. Click on "Test Prep" on page-bar at top for basic tips, content covered, practice test questions, a question of the day.
SAT Web Site - College Board provides dates, online registration, FREE test preparation and practice tests for SAT, PSAT, AP and CLEP
Kaplan Testing Center - provides some practice questions for ACT, SAT but asks for registration                         

MNCIS- college search, career search, scholarship search, ACT prep, and more!
Number 2 - provides FREE test prep for ACT, SAT, GRE and a Vocabulary Builder
Princeton Review - provides sample ACT test for practice; other prep help is for sale

Student Athlete Information
NCAA Eligibility Center - provides information on initial eligibility at Division I and II schools. Enter site and click on Student Athletes at the top of the page.
NCAA Homepage - NCAA rules for the college bound student athlete
NCAA Checklist for College Bound Student-Athletes - Eligibility Center's checklist, core courses, GPA and test score details

Study Abroad/International Students
AFS - school year and summer exchanges for high school students
EduPass - all purpose guide for international students studying in U.S.
International Education Financial Aid - financial aid and scholarships for study abroad
Study Abroad - everything you need to know, and thousands of programs for U.S. students  You can check out the guide here :http://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/college-resource-center/study-abroad/ This  guide provides an in-depth look at what studying abroad is all about. Key elements of the guide include: 

 - Popular destinations and subjects of study
- The true cost of studying abroad and how to reduce it
- Tips for travel, safety, and finding housing while abroad
- Alternatives to travel abroad programs, including internships, teaching and volunteer opportunities

No publication or website, no matter how thorough, can give you a complete picture of a college or university.  A campus visit is the best way to see for yourself what a college is like.  Advanced planning with the college’s admissions office is important to help you make the most of your visit.  When you’ve decided to visit a campus, email or call the admissions office.  Tell them the date you’d like to come and the approximate time you expect to arrive.  Ask if they can arrange tours, visiting classes, meeting a financial aid officer and, if applicable, meeting a professor in a particular area or coaches.

PREPARING FOR A COLLEGE VISIT –                                                                                            
You’ll Get More Out of Your Visit If You Plan Ahead

* Special visits and Open Houses are scheduled during MEA in October at many colleges in Minnesota.
* Visit during the school year when students are on campus.This is the best plan as you’ll only get a true feel for the campus if you’re there on a day when classes are in full swing.
* Research each college so you know something about it before you arrive.
* Get a map of the school so you know where to park and where various buildings can be found
(example: Admissions office)
* Be prepared to take pictures (using a camera or phone), take notes and use our comparison worksheet – the details of the colleges start to merge after seeing a couple.

Plan to spend about half a day at each college. Visiting no more than 5 schools in 3 days is a good rule.  While there plan to:
*Take a tour (ask a student tour guide for opinions)
*Eat in the cafeteria (many colleges will treat you)
*Visit the Student Union
*Browse in the library (ask about hours)
*Sit in on a class (the same class at each college will provide a good comparison)
*If interested in a particular major, talk to professors in that department
*Talk to students (views can vary so talk to as many people as possible)
*Read the school newspaper (it usually covers controversial issues)
*If you’re curious about a sport, program or club, arrange to attend a practice, rehearsal or meeting.
*Check on public transportation
*Talk to someone in the Financial Aid Office and pick up financial aid forms
*Get names of people you meet for future contact. (Send a thank you note to anyone you spent time with.)

Take notes on each visit in order to compare the colleges later.  Making a list of questions ahead of time that you ask at each college is a helpful way to compare them.

QUESTIONS FOR COMPARING COLLEGES

ADMISSIONS: What is the range of ACT (or SAT) scores and class rank for the freshman class? How many stay 4 years? How many applicants are there each year? How many who are admitted actually attend? Ask about the placement record for graduates in the field you might study.

CURRICULUM: How many courses are required and how many are electives? What is the policy on credit for AP/PSEO/CITS classes? Who actually teaches the classes for first year students? How much time do professors spend with students? How large are the classes and lectures? What is the policy if a class you need is full?

COSTS / FINANCIAL AID: What is the average financial aid package? Is any merit-based aid available?

STUDENT BODY: What percent of the students live in the dorms? How many commute? How many have cars? Do you need a car? What percent of freshman return for the sophomore year? What percent graduate in four years? What percent go on to graduate school or medical or law school? How many students take part in study abroad programs, and which ones does the school sponsor? What happens after class and on weekends? What athletic, cultural, religious or other campus events are offered and how many students take advantage of them?

ADVISING: How are advisors assigned, especially for freshman? Are they professors or teacher assistants? How many students are assigned to the same advisor? How much help is provided in choosing courses? What about tutoring or writing assistance? Who can help if you have personal problems? What opportunities are there for community service? What are the opportunities for internships? Can you work with faculty doing research
while an undergraduate? What services are provided for career planning and job placement at graduation?

SAFETY: What has been the record with crime on and near the campus? What precautions are taken? What about walking on campus late at night?

HOUSING: What types of dorm accommodations are available? What is the policy on changing during the school year? What eating options are available? Who is on campus during the weekends? What are the fraternity & sorority houses like?

FACILITIES: What are the library hours, especially during exam time? Where are the computer labs? What kinds of computer access is available in the dorm rooms? How up-to-date are the science labs? When are the labs available? What health services are available and the hours? What recreational facilities are available
and the hours?

When you talk to students, ask … 
*How many hours a week do you study? Is that typical? 
*Are campus jobs readily available? 
*Are faculty members interested in students and accessible outside of class? 
*Do many students go home on weekends?

*Is the food good? 

*Is it possible to study in your dorm room?  

*What’s the library like as a place to study or do research?  
*What do you like most about this college? ... least?
*How easy is it to get the classes you want at registration? 
*If you had to do it again, would you still choose this college? 

If you attend a class, ask yourself …

*Are students interested in the material?

*Is there time for questions & discussions? 

*Do students participate?

*Are students prepared for the class?

*Am I intellectually challenged by what is taking place in the class?

*Do I feel that the students are learning new facts or new ways of thinking about a subject? 

*Is there good rapport between professors and students? 

*Would I feel comfortable as a student in this setting?

As you tour the campus, ask yourself … 

*Are the older buildings in good repair? 

*Are there new buildings as well as older ones?
*Is the lab equipment up-to-date and plentiful?
*Are rooms in the residence halls pleasant? 
*Are they quiet enough to study in? 
*Are there laundry & kitchen facilities? 
*What’s the cafeteria like? 
*Are the grounds well-kept? 
*Is the setting and architecture appealing? 
*What’s the surrounding town or city like? 
*Would I feel comfortable here? 

When your visit is over, consider …

*Were the people you met friendly and answered questions fully and candidly?

*Did you feel the students were the kind of people you’d like to get to know?

*Did you sense the college was interested in having you as a student?

*Did you like the social atmosphere?

*Did the campus itself impress you in anyway?

*What did you think about the quality of instruction?

*What do you feel about the academic demands & atmosphere? 

THE INTERVIEW

Some colleges require an interview, though many do not. If the college requires or recommends one, see if you can schedule it during your campus visit. As with any interview, try to be on time. If you know you’ll be delayed, call ahead.
Also, review the information and notes you have on the college and prepare a list of questions ahead of time. Take the list along, so you’re sure to cover everything you wanted to find out. Try to schedule your interview with your first choice school after you have had others, so you will be familiar with the interview situation and feel more confident.
You will probably be asked about your background, interests, hobbies, goals and why you’re applying to the college. It’s natural to a little nervous. Try to see it as a conversation in which you ask questions, too. Relax and enjoy the experience.

In your interview, you could ask……
*What is distinctive about the college?
*Does your college have academic programs that fit my interests?
*What are the limitations, if any, for freshman as far as registration, academics, special equipment and programs?
*What are the strengths and weaknesses of the college’s advising system?