College & Career Guide

When we put effort into something, we increase our odds of success. The more we invest in getting an education, the better our odds of achieving the life we desire. How can a college education give you a better chance at a great life?

•College grads are more likely to be employed than others.

•Individuals with high levels of education earn more money.

•The few years you spend in college can mean more than a million dollars in your pocket over your lifetime. Studies show that adult women with a bachelor degree earn 79% more than women with high school diplomas. College-educated men earn 74% more. This means that if a high school graduate has a job that pays $50,000 a year, a college graduate would earn about $85,000 per year.

•College educated adults are more likely than others to receive health insurance and pension benefits from their employers

•College educated adults are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs than people with high school diplomas.

• College educated parents tend to engage in more educational activities with their children, making them better prepared for school.

For more information on why you should invest in a college education, check out Education Pays: The Benefits of Higher Education for Individuals and Society, a publication released by The College Board Advocacy & Policy Center, http://advocacy.collegeboard.org/.

Preparing Students for College Success

Boston Public Schools is committed to ensuring that every student graduates from high school with the knowledge and skills to succeed in college, career and life.

In November 2008, Mayor Thomas M. Menino launched "Success Boston" to ensure that all Boston Public Schools graduates earn a college diploma. BPS is proud to partner with area colleges and universities and local non-profits to achieve the goals of students "Getting Ready, Getting In, Getting Through."

See also the "Graduation for All" page.

Free SAT help for BPS students

The Boston Public Schools and the Boston Public Library offer a variety of free online resources that students can use to prepare for the SAT exam.

www.collegeboard.com/quickstart

This website customizes a personal SAT study plan for students, based on their performance on the PSAT/NMSQT exam (taken by BPS students in grades 10 and 11).

Features:

SAT practice questions
Individualized skill building lessons
Test taking strategies for success
Official SAT exam with score summary
Links to other college and financial aid resources

Access is free. Just sign into the College Board site or use your Access code on the PSAT/NMSQT score results. For more information or questions, see your school’s guidance counselor.

www.myskillstutor.com

This online program personalizes tutorials for students so that they can “brush up” on the academic content covered on the SAT exam.

For a list of websites for area colleges and universities, visit the Partner Links page.

For more information, speak to your guidance counselor, principal or headmaster, or contact the BPS Guidance Office, 617-635-8030.

Features:

Lessons in critical reading, writing, and mathematics
Periodic assessments to determine progress
Opportunities to focus on content deficits

Access can be granted to any student in a BPS high school. Check with your school’s guidance counselor to receive password information for this website.