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Many careers require training obtained through college degrees and trade and technical certificates. There is a training program or degree pathway for everyone that can meet your talents, skills, and career goals. 

Who chooses college? Students who:

  • Wish to pursue academic studies in an intellectual environment beyond the high school level
  • Plan to pursue a career or employment opportunity that requires college-level training and skill development
  • Want to increase their earning potential
  • Seek a higher quality of life for themselves and their families
  • Wish to meet new people, explore new interests, and experience success in a college setting
  • Desire for social and/or career status and mobility is often associated with a college education

Who chooses a technical or trade school? Students who:

  • Want to focus on career-focused, practical training right away
  • Enjoy working with their hands
  • Want to get into the workforce faster

Both pathways can lead to prosperous, in-demand careers. Students can choose the best path for them, or even combine both types of education! 

Types of Colleges & Universities
 

    • Students are not required to earn a minimum high school GPA or SAT/ACT score in order to be admitted.
    • The Florida College System offers career-related certificates and two-year associate degrees that prepare students to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program or to enter jobs requiring specific skills.
    • Many also offer baccalaureate degrees in high-demand fields.
    • Florida College System institutions have an open-door policy. This means that students who have earned a standard high school diploma, have earned a high school equivalency diploma, or have demonstrated success in postsecondary coursework will be admitted to an associate degree program.
    • Students earning a College Placement Test-Eligible Certificate of Completion will be admitted to an associate degree program upon completing a college placement test but are not eligible for federal financial aid.
    • Florida’s 28 public colleges are open-access institutions. They offer high school general equivalency diploma (GED®) preparation, adult basic education, as well as certificate, associate and bachelor’s degree programs.
    • Certificate and degree programs offered at Florida College System institutions range from auto mechanics to nursing to the Associate in Arts (AA) degree, which guarantees transfer to Florida’s public colleges and universities.
    • Many colleges now offer baccalaureate degrees in areas that meet local workforce needs such as nursing, teaching, management and technology.
    • Students who plan to pursue an associate or baccalaureate degree will need to earn a standard high school diploma or high school equivalency diploma.
    • While some colleges within the system have dropped “community” from their name and others have added “state,” all colleges retain their open-door admissions policy for students seeking an associate degree.
    • The Florida College System includes 28 colleges with 68 campuses and approximately 2,000 other service delivery centers.
    • View the listing of Florida College System Institutions

  • Technical Colleges offer certifications or licenses in specialized programs and typically take two years or less to finish. They prepare students for the specific career that they want, so students would only take classes related to their career interest.

    • SUS of Florida is comprised of 12 universities, some with branch campuses and centers in different areas of the state. The SUS is committed to providing educational opportunities of the highest quality for the state’s residents. All 12 public universities offer baccalaureate and graduate degrees, although two offer limited advanced degree offerings.

      SUS Minimum Admissions Requirements

      Admission into Florida’s public universities is competitive. Prospective students should complete a rigorous curriculum in high school and apply to more than one university to increase their chances for acceptance.

      To qualify to enter one of Florida’s public universities, a first-time-in-college student must meet the following minimum requirements:

      • High school graduation with a standard diploma
      • Admission test scores
      • 16 credits of college preparatory academic courses – see Bright Futures requirements (FAS and FMS)
      • 2 approved electives

      The university calculates the high school GPA using a 4.0 scale from grades earned in high school academic core courses (additional weights may be assigned for grades in AP, dual enrollment, honors, IB diploma program, AICE program, and other advanced courses).

      A SUS Matrix is released each year from the Board of Governors. This matrix will give students a snapshot of past enrollment history for the university, including mean GPA and test scores of admitted students. 

      View the complete listing of Florida universities!

      View what an ideal profile of an incoming freshman looks like to give you an idea of what you could be shooting for with your GPA, test scores, etc.!

  • HBCUs as institutions of higher education and learning, have provided a haven of opportunities for Black educators, students, and graduates to achieve success, and impact lives throughout the United States and internationally. These institutions have rich traditions and cultures. Students who attend these schools join the legacy and a network of many notable graduates. 

  • A Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) is defined as an institution of higher education that:

    • is an eligible institution; and has an enrollment of undergraduate full-time equivalent students that is at least 25 percent Hispanic students

  • Admission to these schools is highly competitive; to be accepted to these universities, students have to achieve standards that are much higher than the ones at any average public university. Before deciding to enter into the Ivy League elite education, you should check the requirements that these schools tend to demand, including test scores (SAT, GRE, LSAT), GPA, recommendations, extra-curricular activities, and other academic achievements. If you aspire to run a major corporation, hold public office in government, or have a strong advantage in research and innovation, these schools have historically been a breeding-ground for accomplished and successful students

Florida's 2 + 2 System
Florida is nationally recognized for its highly effective articulation between and among institutions. Students can begin their postsecondary studies at a Florida college and, after earning a 2-year associate degree, transfer to a 4-year degree program at a state university, a Florida college that offers 4-year programs, or a private university.

Students who choose to transfer to a state university are guaranteed admission, although not necessarily to the university or program of their choice. About 40% of juniors and seniors in the state universities began their postsecondary studies at a Florida college.

2-Year Colleges & Technical/Trade Colleges

These are incredible options for after graduation for many reasons. 

The only requirement for enrollment is a high school diploma or GED 
They tend to be more affordable than 4-year colleges
Short-term training can lead to incredible, well-paying careers 
An Associate of Arts (AA) degree can help you transfer to a 4-year college, where you'll be able to finish your degree. An Associate of Science (AS) degree or technical certificate can help you launch careers in nursing, ultrasound, radiography, welding, dentistry, cybersecurity, cosmetology, construction, air conditioning, and more! Programs can last anywhere from weeks to years, and put you right into the career of your choice!   

 

Finding the Right Program 

 Choosing the right 2-year college or trade school for you comes down to the following questions... 

  1. Does the school have the program you are interested in?
  2. If the career you wish to prepare for has a required certification exam, what does the pass rate look like?
  3. How much does the program cost?
    1. Does the school take FAFSA? And if not, what types of scholarships and financial aid are available to help cover the costs? 
    2. Will you make enough money in the field to pay back any loans you take?  
  4. When is the program you are interested in offered? What does the class schedule look like?
  5. How many graduates are hired in their fields after completing the program? 
  6. What does the future of that particular career look like? Is the industry growing, shrinking, or staying the same? 
  7. If you are hoping to transfer to a 4-year university after completing your 2-year degree - what does support look like to help make sure you are ready to transfer successfully?  
  8. Are there prerequisite classes you need to take before officially starting your program?
    1. Example - if interested in nursing, are there classes you need to take before you can actually apply for/start the nursing program? 

Osceola Technical College, Valencia College, and Valencia Accelerated Skills Training (AST) are great places to start when considering an education at a 2-year or trade/technical school! Meet with your College and Career Counselor to learn more. 

How to Apply
Students apply to 2-year colleges, technical, and trade schools during their senior year. Students should also complete a FAFSA.

Senior Planning Checklist 
Seniors - you can use this checklist to help you track your progress toward enrollment in a 2-year, trade, or technical college!  

FAFSA Support
Seniors and their families can receive free FAFSA support at their high school through the Educational Opportunity Center with Educational Partners, Inc. See your high school's College & Career Counselor to schedule an appointment during the school day. For support after the school year ends or after school hours, please contact the following team members:

Mrs. Hollye Hendricks & Mr. James Hendricks  
Preferred method of contact: Text or email (from a personal email account)
Phone Number: 407-931-6187
Email: Hollyehendricks.eoc@gmail.com & Jameshendricks03.eoc@gmail.com
Serving the following schools: Harmony High School, Neo City Academy, Osceola High School, Professional & Technical High School, St. Cloud High School, Tohopekaliga High School, Zenith Accelerated Academy 

Dr. Terrace Brown, Mr. Mark Brown, & Mr. Brandon Wilson   
Preferred method of contact: Text or call. (If email is preferred, please email from a personal email account.)
Phone Number: 321-217-3442 
Email: terracebrown@mac.com & terracebrown@me.com
Serving the following schools: Celebration High School, Gateway High School, Liberty High School, Osceola County School For The Arts, Osceola Virtual School, Poinciana High School 

Osceola Prosper
The Class of 2024 can access tuition and fees at Valencia College or Osceola Technical College for no out-of-pocket cost! To learn more about no out-of-pocket tuition costs, visit our Osceola Prosper site! Students should complete all steps of enrollment AND the 2024-2025 FAFSA to qualify. Be sure to include Valencia College or Osceola Technical College on your FAFSA! 

The Class of 2024 must be enrolled at Valencia College or starting a program at Osceola Technical College by January 2025 to be eligible for Osceola Prosper! 

Going to college, but not taking advantage of Osceola Prosper? No problem. Give this newsletter a read to help you stay on track!

Osceola Technical College Enrollment Steps 

(Click here to view a PDF version of the flyer!)

Valencia College Enrollment Steps 

  • Create your Florida Financial Aid Application (FFAA) (click here for more information and step-by-step directions).
    • This must be done by August 30, 2024 to receive state aid (Bright Futures and any other grants you are eligible for) 
  • Make sure you have completed ALL steps of the 2024-2025 FAFSA
  • Make sure you have completed ALL steps of the 2024-2025 FAFSA
  • Decide whether you're interested in an AA, AS, or AST pathway 
  • Apply online for Valencia College!
    • Set up your Multifactor Authentication & create your Atlas account 
    • Submit your residency documents on your Atlas account 
    • Register for New Student Orientation on your Atlas account and complete both parts 
      • Part 1 is online
      • Part 2 is registering for your advising appointment  
    • Check your Atlas email regularly! This is how Valencia College will communicate with you.

Need help with ANY of these steps? Check out the following events!

Prosper Summer Institute (Class of 2024 ONLY) 

Register in advance here. 

Valencia College Summer Enrollment Bash (for the class of 2024)

Get support for all steps required for enrollment: application, residency, FAFSA, and more!

What is a 4-year college?
4-year colleges are colleges and universities that grant primarily bachelor's degrees. Bachelor's degrees usually take around 4 years of full-time college coursework.  

How do I prepare to apply for a 4-year college?
The earlier you start planning for college, the more college options you will have! There are over 20 4-year colleges in the state of Florida alone, and they each have their own set of criteria they use when deciding who gets admitted and who earns the largest scholarships. 

Remember, this process is a marathon. Not a sprint. Start here, and reach out to your high school's College and Career Counselor to explore a personalized plan that works for YOU! 

  • Use Xello to explore colleges, college majors, costs, and admission expectations. There are even quizzes to help you learn more about careers related to your personality, goals, and interests!  
    • Helpful Xello Quizzes:
      • Matchmaker 
      • Personality Style 
      • Learning Style 
  • You can also use resources like College Board to expand your search 

What 4-Year Colleges Look For  
The 5 main things 4-year schools will look for: Remember, it's not just about earning an acceptance. It's about being prepared for academic success once you're there. 

  1. Strong unweighted & weighted GPA
  2. Rigor of your course load (you’ll want exposure to AP and DE classes to be both the most competitive you can be and the most academically prepared to succeed once you get there!)
  3. Competitive SAT/ACT scores
  4. Leadership & life experience – part-time job and/or quality school involvement 
    1. Schools want to admit students who will be an active part of their learning community. They use your high school and community involvement as insight to whether or not you'll be involved on their campus. 
  5. Project-oriented community service - volunteer hours in your community    

Admission committees will also consider:

  1. Strength of your personal statement/essay
  2. Strength of your letters of recommendation (at least one should come from a core academic class

How to Prepare for Your 4-Year College Application 
You will start applying to these colleges in August of your senior year. But, you start building your application long before then! If you are in high school...

  • Make sure both your School Counselor and your College and Career Counselor know that you are working toward 4-year college admission 
  • Meet with your College & Career Counselor starting in your 9th grade year to create a personalized plan and discuss your goals.
  • Here is a list of questions to ask your counselors       
  • Take academically rigorous classes (a “C” in AP is better than an “A” in a regular or honors class)
  • Look carefully into the pros and cons of dual enrollment/AP classes. Choose what is best for YOU when the time comes. 
  • Don’t slack off and settle for Bs and Cs if you’re capable of earning the A.
  • Do your best to find a balance. Challenge yourself, but do not overrun yourself. 

4-Year College Application Requirements & Recommendations 
Florida high school graduation requirements are much less rigorous than requirements for 4-year college admission.  

  • Keep a full, rigorous course schedule in your senior year  
  • Make sure you have the classes required for admission to the schools you are interested in.
    • Most schools will require at least the following classes: (It always makes you more competitive to have more.)
      • 3+ years of history
      • 4+ years of math (highest math class needs to be at least Algebra 2)
      • 4+ years of ELA
      • 4+ years of science (recommended – biology, chemistry, physics, and 1 additional science class)
      • 2 consecutive years of the same foreign language (for example - Spanish I and II, AP Spanish Language and AP Spanish Literature, French 3 & 4, etc)

The Application Cycle 
You only have 3 years to get ready to apply to 4-year colleges. You start the college application cycle in the summer following your junior year.

Seniors can use this checklist to help them map out their senior year and stay on track. Your College & Career Counselor will support you every step of the way! 

Remember, it's much better to apply early and update your application as you get new test scores and add community service hours than it is to wait to apply.

For most colleges, the latest you can take the SAT/ACT for your college applications is DECEMBER of your senior year. To submit the most competitive college application, counselor forms and letters of recommendation need to be requested on Xello by September 30th of your senior year. College applications should be completed and submitted by the financial aid priority deadline (NOT the application deadline) for each college you apply for. These dates usually fall before January of senior year.   

Building your College List 
You should apply to at least 6 4-year colleges.

Set yourself up for success! Research admission information for schools you are interested in to identify whether each school is a reach, match, or safety school for YOU.  

  • Reach - test scores and GPA encouraged for admission are higher than yours 
  • Match - test scores and GPA encouraged for admission match yours 
  • Safety - test scores and GPA encouraged for admission are lower than yours 

Use the links to explore who is admitted to 4-year public schools and private schools in Florida. Use the links to focus on GPA, SAT, and ACT scores from students admitted to each school to determine which schools might be a fit for you and to help you set some goals. This information is available for most schools on Xello. On your Xello dashboard, click Schools to search for different colleges and universities around the country. Or, use the search bar to search.  

  • Types of Admission

Finding the Right College for You 
It is important to think intentionally about what college would be best to help you achieve your goals. Location, school size and average class size, cost, admission requirements, majors and programs, and support for helping you find activities related to your future career are all important things to consider. You can use Xello to explore these factors. Below are a few more resources to help you! 

Questions to Ask Admissions Offices 

Letters of Recommendation 
Not all colleges require or even accept letters of recommendation. Check each school's application materials to see if they require or even accept letters of recommendation. If they do, think seriously about who will write your letters of recommendation for college.

You should have at least 1 letter from a teacher who can speak to your strengths in an academically rigorous course. You should also have at least 1 letter from another teacher who knows you well. Ideally, these are teachers you've taken class with for at least 1 full school year already. You should start asking for letters at the end of your junior year. 

Steps:

  1. Fill out a detailed brag sheet. You will give this brag sheet to your letter writer if they agree to write you a strong letter of recommendation.
    1. If you are asking a counselor, you will fill out the Common Application Counselor Brag Sheet. 
    2. If you are asking a teacher, you will fill out the Common Application Teacher Brag Sheet. 
  2. Ask your potential letter writer if they are comfortable writing you a strong letter of recommendation 
  3. Give your letter writers a copy of your brag sheet
  4. Give your letter writer at least 1 month to write your letter 
  5. Thank your letter writer 
     

Interested in playing a sport in college? 
This resource is a great place to start. You should also connect with your School Counselor, College & Career Counselor, and coach for more information and support. 

College athletics has 2 main governing bodies, the NCAA and the NAIA.  

Both organizations have a strict set of criteria (including a required number of math, science, history and English classes and GPA requirements) students must meet to be eligible to play under either organization.  

Students interested in playing their sport at the collegiate level should talk to their coach about the recruitment process and create profiles on both NAIA and NCAA. Students cannot be officially scouted until they have cleared registration on the NCAA webpage, NAIA webpage, or both, depending on which governing body schools of interest fall under. 

The creation of student profiles does cost money. Students eligible for free/reduced lunch are eligible for NCAA and NAIA fee waivers. Please see your College and Career Counselor for more information. 

Additional NCAA Resources:

The NCAA stands for the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Students can learn more about creating a profile and eligibility requirements at NCAA Eligibility Center 

Learn more about what it takes to qualify to play at the next level - click here!  

Additional NCAA Resources: 

Division II Academic Requirements
pdf
NCAA Guide for the College Bound Student Athlete 2024 2025
pdf
Division I Academic Requirements
pdf
NCAA Quick Tips for High School Counselors 2024 2025
pdf
NCAA Guide for High School Counselors 2024 2025
pdf
  • The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics banner, with a red background and the letters NAIA curving inside it.

The NAIA stands for the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. Students can learn more about creating a profile and eligibility requirements at Eligibility Center Resources - NAIA 

2024 Guide for the College Bound Student Athlete