STRIVE Students Learn About College Options with Phil Trout
Posted by Steve Frazier
on Dec 15, 2011
Phil Trout was the guest presenter at the STRIVE Meeting on Thursday, December 15th. Phil is the College Counselor at MHS and helps students make wise choices about their post-secondary options.
Mr. Trout built his presentation around three numbers: 93 – 1,000,000 and 1. Phil stressed the importance of getting a high school diploma and how that will help open doors to each of the STRIVE kids futures. In a nutshell the three numbers represent the fact that 93% of the 2011 grads are attending some type of college this year! Also that a college education will help its recipient earn $1,000,000 more than not having a college education and 2012 is this groups graduation year and they should make sure that they have everything in line so that they will graduate on time. Phil mentioned that 99% of last year’s seniors graduated high school and that is a very impressive figure. “The number “1” is the most important because it is you. Everyone one of us counts! You as an individual have the responsibility to… determine the path of your own life; to protect your life; and to be a good family member.” Phil pointed-out that the Rotarian mentors and he is here to help each of them reach their goals. He also emphasized that when the STRIVE students come to see him they are the most important one and that he will help you in making their post-secondary plans. He ended his formal remarks by stating, “I’m thrilled that you are here in STRIVE to peruse your future1”
After his remarks he took many questions form the students. One student asked about how credits transfer from a community college to a four-year college and what information is sent to the college. Phil said that there is only one thing that is asked for upon transferring and that is the student’s GPA. “They are not interested in your H.S. GPA, your ACT scores, Your hair color or anything else – just you GPA!” said Phil. There were many questions but the one that stood out to the STRIVE students was his cost comparison between of various types of colleges: State University - $14K; Private - $45K, Normandale - $5; and U of M - $22.5K and also covered how financial aid can play an important role in attending college. Two important sources for information are: www.finaid.org and www.mnscu.edu for information on colleges and financial aid. He ended by handing out “Go Places” which is a publication of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities to help the STRIVE students explore the possibilities as they make their future plans.
It was a great presentation and every one of the STRIVE students and our Rotary Mentors took time to thank Phil for the presentation and what he does for the students at Minnetonka High School.
Pictured here with Dick Glover is a 2010 Grad, Ms. Burdick who briefly talked with the STRIVE students about her transition to college life and living away from home. (Story by Steve Frazier)