beating the odds student takeaway

BEATING TH E

ODDS2016

#BEATINGTHEODDS

Thank you for being a part of today’s Beating The Odds Summit at the White House!

Want to make it easy to remember things at school? Sign up for Up Next!

Text “COLLEGE” to 44044 to sign up and get automatic text reminders throughout your college career.

ReachHigher.gov #ReachHigher

#BeatingTheOdds

BetterMakeRoom.org #BetterMakeRoom

First Lady Michelle Obama has advice for you!

“We give 120 percent every single time, because

excellence—excellence is the most powerful

answer you can give to the doubters and the

haters. It’s also the most powerful thing you can

do for yourself, because the process of striving

and struggling and pushing yourself to new

heights—see, that’s how you develop your

God-given talents.”

0 4 . 2 3 .16 Jackson State University Commencement

Beyond CollegeWith your degree comes immense opportunity! You have so much to contribute

to the working world and with these tips you’ll be well on your way to exciting

career options.

Be professional. First impressions are very important! Be sure that you dress for the job you want,

not the job you have. Always arrive at least 15 minutes early for interviews.

Remember: professionalism is the first step in workplace success!

Take initiative. Research opportunities to gain hands-on experience in your career field. Utilize

your college’s resources—go to resume building workshops, mock interviews and

job fairs. Find a professional mentor.

Network. Establish connections with individuals in your career field. Use social media sites

(i.e. LinkedIn) to build professional relationships. Always keep your resume

up-to-date!

Determination is key. Be persistent when following up with potential employers. Demonstrate the best

version of yourself. Make it clear that you are the most qualified applicant!

COLLEGE BUCKET LIST• Visit the Career Center.

• Make a connection with someone whose career interests you.

• Ask a professor for the best advice they ever received.

“Act with both your mind, but also your heart. And no matter what path you choose, make sure it’s you choosing it, and not someone else.”

0 5 . 0 9.1 5 Tuskegee Commencement

“It is so important for you to hold fast to your goals, and to push through any obstacles that may come in your way.”

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“Living a good life is not about being wealthy or powerful. It’s about being honest and doing what you say you’re going to do. It’s about how you act when no one is watching, and whether you’re the same person on the outside as you are on the inside.”


“Live lives worthy of retelling, lives that will inspire our next generation to keep walking that path to righteousness and doing the work to fulfill that dream.”

0 6 . 0 3 .16 City College of New York Commencement

“Those struggles should never be a source of shame—never—and they are certainly not a sign of weakness. Just the opposite. Those struggles are the source of your greatest strengths.”


“The minute you start to feel like you’re falling behind, the minute you find yourself struggling, you absolutely have to ask for help.”

0 4 . 26 .16 College Signing Day

“You don’t do anything great unless you’re willing to fail, and then overcome the things that happen when you fail.”

0 4 . 2 3 .16 Jackson State University Commencement

No More FAFSA WoesWhat happens if you don’t fill out the FAFSA?! You’ll miss the opportunity to get

possibly thousands of dollars in grants, scholarships and work-study that can help

you pay for college. Here are answers to your most pressing questions!

When do I have to fill out the FAFSA again? October 1! Beginning this year, the FAFSA will be available on October 1 instead

of January 1. You will use 2015 tax information (same info you used on the

2016-17 FAFSA) to complete it. Fill out the FAFSA ASAP after October 1 to

maximize the amount of financial aid you receive.

What should I do before then to prepare? Get an FSA ID if you don’t have one. Your parent probably needs one too. If you

already have one, make sure you know your username and password.

Are the state deadlines changing? We expect most to stay the same, but check with your state and school to be sure.

Where can I go to keep track of my student loans? StudentAid.gov/login

How can I limit the amount of student loans I borrow? Apply for scholarships, consider working part-time while in school, or ask your

school about payment plans.

What if I didn’t get enough financial aid? Apply for scholarships, consider working part-time while in school, ask your

school about payment plans, or ask about special circumstances reevaluation.

#BEATING THEODDSYou’ve

got this!

Life Outside the ClassroomCollege is more than just knowledge. These pointers will help you explore

countless opportunities available outside the classroom walls!

Plug in to campus life. Try different organizations and clubs. Explore the campus. Volunteer in your

immediate or surrounding community.

Find your community. Surround yourself with positive influences and encouraging individuals. Know

your own worth and find those who do too.

Manage your stress. Balancing the new responsibilities of college can be tough! Visit your school’s

counseling center if you’re feeling overwhelmed. People want to support you!

Don’t forget to enjoy! The transition to college is challenging but not impossible! Remember all you have

accomplished, and take advantage of the opportunities available to you here.

Enjoy this moment, for this moment is your life!

COLLEGE BUCKET LIST• Go to the club or activities fair.

• Vote in student government elections.

• Join an intermural sports team or community service group.

#BEATING THEODDS

Inside the ClassroomYou have worked so hard to get to this point. Though the transition to college might

not be seamless, here is how you can be successful in your new environment!

Stay organized. Add syllabus items to your calendar. Keep notes for a particular class in the same

notebook. Try using colored pens and highlighters to denote themes, big ideas

and vocab words.

Engage in your classes. Come prepared! Ask questions if you are confused about something. Participate

well in group activities. Join a study group.

Get to know your professors. Go to office hours for questions about the course, career plans or personal

recommendations.

Establish an academic routine. Unlike high school, there is no set structure. You are responsible for creating a

schedule that suits your responsibilities and needs. Routine allows for more

efficiency and better quality work!

Don’t leave assignments until the day before. If you have a paper, take home exam, or lab report, start early! Use campus

resources—like the writing center—if you are unsure of how to begin.

COLLEGE BUCKET LIST• Meet with your academic advisor to talk about your college

& career goals.

• Try a class outside of your intended major.

• Read a book just because it looks interesting.

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