All Things College
Did you know that finding the right college, writing a compelling essay for an application, and achieving a successful admission interview are equally important to the technical skills that you learn in class? It's true! The good news is that all the training, personal attention, and information that you need to be a highly successful college candidate is available to you right here through College Connection.
- College Classes @ MNTC
- Choosing a College
- Scholarships & Financial Aid
- Ten Things to Know About College
- Prior Learning Assessment
- College Tours
College Classes @ MNTC
Did you know that you can take OCCC or OSU-OKC general education courses at MNTC? You can save time and money by taking these classes, particularly if you are already learning your career tech skills at MNTC's Franklin Road campus. You are admitted and enrolled for these courses at the college that you choose. These courses are open to the community - to any adult or high school student who meets college enrollment requirements.
Check back to see what the next semester's offerings will be as they change semester to semester!
Choosing a College
When trying to decide on which college to attend, several things should factor into your decision. Does the college have the right academic, financial and social fits for you?
Academic Fit
Does the college have a program you want to study? Not all colleges have all majors. Review the college website to determine the academic programs available.
Unsure about what you want to study? Pick an institution with lots of options!
Do you meet the admission requirements? Some institutions have required high school GPAs and/or test scores to be admitted. Review the admissions department of the college website to determine their requirements.
Social Fit
This area is important because you want make sure you will be comfortable in and out of the classroom.
Do you want to live at home or stay on campus? Living at home can save you money. Living on campus can provide you with new experiences.
Do you want to attend a large school or a small school? This chart gives a comparison.
| Large School | Small School |
|---|---|
| Wide variety of majors and classes | Fewer majors and classes |
| Anonymity | Strong sense of community |
| Lots of extracurricular activities | Fewer extracurricular activities |
| More sports programs | Less competition = more opportunities |
| Urban or suburban area | Small town |
| Lots of people | Less crowded |
Financial Fit
Cost can often be a deciding factor when choosing a college. You can research costs on college websites using the keywords "tuition and fees". Some institutions charge by credit hour, which means you will pay tuition and fees per course. Some institutions charge flat rate tuition, which means you will pay a set amount for full time coursework (4-5 courses) and fees. If you are considering attending college out of state, please be aware that some institutions charge more for out-of-state students.
No matter where you choose to attend, there are ways to cut costs! Some include:
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Search for scholarships
- Contact the Financial Aid office at your institution
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Most careers and jobs that pay a living wage will require some training past graduating high school, many at least an associate's degree or technical certification. Therefore, figuring out how to pay for post-secondary education (beyond high school) is important. The good news is that MNTC's College Connection assists students in learning about the different types of financial aid, finding scholarships, and even writing scholarship essays! MNTC students have several opportunities throughout the school year to attend Steps to College Success workshops and events to get post-secondary financing options.
Scholarships
A scholarship is money awarded to you for college that you do not have to pay back.
Scholarship Resources:
Oklahoma City Community Foundation
Also, check with the Financial Aid office at your institution about scholarships.
Financial Aid
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the application for federal grants, loans, and work study funds. You will be asked to submit household and financial information. After you application is submitted, your eligibility for funds is determined. While you may not qualify for everything, it is recommended that you complete the FAFSA because it is often required for scholarship applications.
What is a grant?
A grant is a form of financial aid that doesn’t have to be repaid (unless, for example, you withdraw from school and owe a refund).
What is a loan?
A loan is money you borrow to fund your education that must be paid back with interest. You do not have to take any loans that are awarded to you.
What is work study?
Work study is a part-time job that allows you to earn money towards school.
Additional resources:
- Types of Financial Aid
- Financial Aid Explained
- Oklahoma Money Matters
- OK College Start Financial Aid Planning
- FAFSA in 5 Steps
Ten Things to Know About College
- 1. Check Your Email
- 2. Term to Know: Credit Hour
- 3. Follow Your Degree Plan and Meet with an Advisor
- 4. Term to Know: Bursar's Office
- 5. Create Your Own Schedule
- 6. Get Involved in Student Organizations
- 7. Utilize Campus Resources
- 8. If You Need Help, Ask
- 9. There is a Right Way to Email Your Professor
- 10. If You Want to Pass, Go to Class
1. Check Your Email
You are often required to use your personal email account to submit your application. You will receive important updates about the application process through this email account, so check it often to avoid delays in the process. Respond promptly when contacted.
Once you've been accepted, the college will assign a student email account to you. Be sure to check it daily since this is the primary method of communication for many instituitions.
2. Term to Know: Credit Hour
3. Follow Your Degree Plan and Meet with an Advisor
4. Term to Know: Bursar's Office
5. Create Your Own Schedule
6. Get Involved in Student Organizations
7. Utilize Campus Resources
8. If You Need Help, Ask
9. There is a Right Way to Email Your Professor
Professors teach multiple courses with different students in each section. This means they often receive many emails every day. In order to receive a quick answer to your email, it's best to follow these tips from Inside Higher Ed.
10. If You Want to Pass, Go to Class
Attendance often isn't required in college classes. But it you miss class, you risk missing important information. AdditIonally, you may miss quizzes or other assignments that count towards your final grade.
Online courses also have required activities for attendance, so pay close attention to those requirements.
Prior Learning Assessment
College Tours
Visiting a college campus is the best way to determine if a college is the right fit for you. Many colleges offer online tours if you're unable to visit in person. Below is a list of online campus tours, as well as resources for on campus visits.
In-Person College Visits
A college campus tour allows you to see the campus, resources available to students, and meet with students and faculty. College visits give you the opportunity see how comfortable you feel on campus, if your academic needs will be met and much more!
This guide will help you make the most out of your campus visit:
Virtual College Campus Tours
When an in-person visit is not an option, virtual college campus tours are the next best thing!
Below are links to some Oklahoma colleges in our area offering virtual tours or videos:
- East Central University
- Murray State College
- Oklahoma State University
- OU Health Sciences Center
- Rose State College
- University of Central Oklahoma
- University of Oklahoma
- University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma
For more Oklahoma virtual college tours, visit OK College Start.
Many colleges offer virtual tours. If you do not see your college listed, visit their website and search for virtual tours.
College Partners
