Career Quest Rubric Career Quest Rubric
Post-Secondary Transition: Career Research Project Evaluation
Student Name: __________________________________________________
Project Title: ___________________________________________________
Criteria Exemplary (4) Proficient (3) Developing (2) Emerging (1) Job Description & Skills Deep understanding of daily tasks, required hard/soft skills, and work environment. Clear description of tasks and most required skills included. Basic overview provided; some skills or environment details missing. Incomplete or inaccurate description of the career role. Educational Path Detailed roadmap including degrees, certifications, and specific schools/programs. Identifies correct degrees and general timeline for entry. General idea of education needed but lacks specific details. Incorrect or missing information regarding required training. Labor Market Outlook Uses current BLS or similar data for salary and projected growth rates. Provides salary range and general growth trends for the field. Includes either salary or growth data, but not both clearly. Vague or outdated info on earnings and job availability. Personal Reflection Insightful analysis of how this career aligns with personal values and goals. Clear explanation of interest and perceived fit for the role. Brief mention of why the student chose this career path. Little to no reflection on personal connection to the career. Presentation & Visuals Professional layout, engaging visuals, and flawless grammar/citations. Clean design with relevant images and very few errors. Functional layout; some distracting errors or irrelevant visuals. Unorganized, hard to read, or missing required citations.
Instructor Feedback
Additional comments on student progress...
Total Score: _______ / 20
Pathway Picker Guide Pathway Picker
Comparing Your Post-Secondary Options
Name: __________________________
Date: __________________________
Choosing the right path after high school is a big decision. Use this guide to compare the three primary post-secondary options and determine which fits your career goals, budget, and learning style.
Trade School
Technical & Hands-On
• 6 months – 2 years
• Focus: Specific skill (e.g., HVAC, Coding, Nursing)
• Fast entry to workforce
2-Year College
Flexible & Affordable
• Associate Degree
• General Education or Transfer path
• Lower tuition costs
4-Year University
Academic & Broad
• Bachelor's Degree
• Wide range of majors & campus life
• Research & Networking
1. Initial Impression
Which of these three paths currently feels most aligned with your interests? Why?
2. Career Goal Check
Think of a career you are interested in. What level of education is typically required to enter that field?
3. The Big Question
What is one major concern you have about continuing your education after high school? (Cost, distance from home, difficulty of classes, etc.)
Pro Tip: Many students start at a 2-year college to save money on basics before transferring to a 4-year university. This is called a "2+2" plan!
App Strategy Slides Application Ace
Strategic Storytelling & Organizational Mastery for College Admissions
Mastery Series
The Strategy of "Why"
Admissions officers aren't just looking for grades; they're looking for fit.
Key Questions to Answer:
Why this specific school?
What value do you bring to campus?
How does this program fuel your goals?
Pro Tip: Avoid Generic Claims
Instead of saying "I am a hard worker," describe a specific project where you worked 20+ hours a week while maintaining your GPA.
Show, Don't Tell
Narrative is King
01
The Hook
Start in the middle of the action. Grab the reader's attention in the first 2 sentences.
02
The Conflict
What challenge did you face? Vulnerability creates connection with the reader.
03
The Growth
How did you change? This is the most important part of the entire essay.
"The essay is the only part of the application where you get to speak directly to the committee. Make every word count."
Critical Deadlines
Early Action
Non-binding. Apply early, hear back early. (Nov 1 / Nov 15)
Early Decision
BINDING. If you get in, you MUST go. Use with caution!
Regular Dec
Standard deadline. Most applicants apply here. (Jan 1 / Jan 15)
Rolling
Evaluated as they arrive. Apply as early as possible!
Financial Aid Navigator Guide Teacher Facilitation Guide
Financial Aid Navigator
Lesson Plan: Demystifying Higher Education Costs
Duration
60-90 Minutes
Objective
Students will differentiate between types of financial aid and identify the steps required to secure funding.
1 The "Sticker Price" vs. Net Cost
Hook: Ask students how much they think 1 year of college costs. Display local university tuition rates ($20k-$70k). Watch the "sticker shock" reactions.
Key Concept: Most students do NOT pay the full sticker price. Net Price = Sticker Price - (Grants + Scholarships).
2 The Financial Aid Big Four
Gift Money (Free)
Grants & Scholarships
Based on financial need or merit. Does not need to be repaid.
Earned Money
Federal Work-Study
Part-time jobs on or near campus for students with financial need.
Borrowed Money (Repay with Interest)
Federal & Private Student Loans
Money you borrow for school. Federal loans offer lower interest rates and more protections.
3 The Gateway: FAFSA
Explain the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) . It is the single most important document for college funding.
Opens every October 1st.
Requires tax information from 2 years prior.
Determines the Student Aid Index (SAI) .
Independent Practice Activity
Have students use the "Net Price Calculator" on the website of a college they are interested in. Ask them to compare the sticker price to their estimated net price.
Action Plan Blueprint Action Plan Blueprint
Designing Your Future, One Step at a Time
Name: __________________________
Target Graduation: ____________
1. The Destination
Define your primary goal for the year following high school graduation.
4-Year Univ
2-Year Coll
Trade/Voc
Military/Work
Specific Institution or Program Name:
Budgeting Basics
Estimated monthly expenses for your chosen path:
Housing/Dorm: $ ________
Food/Meal Plan: $ ________
Transportation: $ ________
Total Need: $ ________
Time Management
Identify your top 3 time-wasters and how you'll manage them in a less structured environment:
3. Immediate Next Steps
Action Item Deadline Completed Finalize Top 3 Schools/Programs __________ Submit FAFSA / Financial Aid Forms __________
|
| Complete Draft of Admissions Essay | __________ |
|
| Request Letters of Recommendation | __________ |
|
| Register for standardized tests (if needed) | __________ |
|
The Motivation
When things get difficult during this transition, what is the #1 reason you want to pursue this path? Keep this "Why" at the center of your plan.
