Meriam Library , California State University, Chico

When you search for information, you’re going to find lots of it. . . but is it accurate and reliable? You will have to determine this for yourself, and the CRAAP Test can help. The CRAAP Test is a list of questions to determine if the information you have is reliable. Please keep in mind that the following list is not static or complete. Different criteria will be more or less important depending on your situation or need. So, what are you waiting for? Is your web site credible and useful, or is it a bunch of . . .?! 

Evaluation Criteria

Currency: The timeliness of the information.

• When was the information published or posted?
• Has the information been revised or updated?
• Is the information current or out-of date for your topic?
• Are the links functional?

Relevance: The importance of the information for your needs.

• Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
• Who is the intended audience?
• Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
• Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?
• Would you be comfortable using this source for a research paper?

Authority: The source of the information.

• Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
• Are the author’s credentials or organizational affiliations given?
• What are the author’s credentials or oganizational affiliations given?
• What are the author’s qualifications to write on the topic?
• Is there contact information, such as a publisher or e-mail address?
• Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source? examples: .com .edu .gov .org .net

Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the informational content.

• Where does the information come from?
• Is the information supported by evidence?
• Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
• Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
• Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion?
• Are there spelling, grammar, or other typographical errors?

Purpose: The reason the information exists.

• What is the purpose of the information? to inform? teach? sell? entertain? persuade?
• Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
• Is the information fact? opinion? propaganda?
• Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
• Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases?

• 

  http://www.actstudent.org/explore/    things students need to know to plan for high school courses, prepare for the ACT, or choose a career direction

• http://www.knowhow2go.org/index.php   4 steps you must take to get to college for high schoolers or adults
• http://www.pathwaystocollege.net/  easy access to research-based policies, practices, and resources for improving college readiness – for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers
• http://www.collegeboard.com/student/pay/index.html  College Board provides the SAT, Advanced Placement, and other services about college readiness to millions of students
• http://students.gov/STUGOVWebApp/Public an official U.S. government web site designed for college students and their families

It takes real ambition to think about returning to College. At times this process may feel complicated, confusing and often frustrating as you navigate the channels of investigating careers, colleges and funding opportunities.  You have to think of this as a learning process in itself. And like other things in life after you have done it one time it always seems easier the next time (ie. Feel like you are going crazy registering for your first semester in college, don’t worry the next time it will be much easier).

Knowing the College Lingo

It is important to note there are many educational options to choose from. Your personal goals will lead you to the institution with programs to match your career choice. Do your research and ask questions. (Tips on research and investigating careers may be a topic for another article) Here is a sampling of terminology to be familiar with concerning community colleges and four year colleges or universities and funding options.

Community College:

1. Adult Basic Education includes English as a second language, basic skills improvement and GED completion.
2. Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) lower division transfer two-year degrees are designed to provide the general education foundation to later move on to a four-year degree.
3. Associate of Applied Science (AAS) two-year degree includes hands-on career specific professional technical education designed to lead to employment.  Shorter term Technical Certificates are also offered in career specific areas.
4. Community Education classes provide personal enrichment in a variety of areas for people of all ages. Programs range from summer youth classes to classes specifically designed for seniors.
5. Workforce Development provides short-term skill-building programs focused in growing career areas, customized workforce training for businesses, and on-line courses.

College or University:

1. Undergraduate Degree.  A baccalaureate degree or, “ bachelor’s degree” as it is more commonly referred to,   requires  four-years or more of full time study to complete the degree. There are many areas of emphasis to choose from and the degrees offered will vary by college. Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS), Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) and more. Some colleges may also offer associate degree programs.
2. Graduate Degree. Master’s and doctoral levels of study. Degrees will vary by area of study.

Funding

1. FASFA =  Free  Application for Federal Student Aid . Federal student aid is financial assistance that’s available through the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid. There are three categories of federal student aid: grants, work-study and loans. This web site will provide additional information www.fafsa.ed.gov
2. There are government supported funding. Check the web sites for eligibility information.

*Idaho Department of Labor, www.labor.idaho.gov

*Vocational Rehabilitation, www.vr.idaho.gov

*Veterans Services, www.veterans.idaho.gov

*Job Corps, www.jobcorps.gov

1. Scholarships.  Ask the college you plan to attend about their scholarship programs. Also inquire with professional organizations in the field you will be studying.
2. Employer Assistance. Some companies provide assistance with college tuition

It ‘s never too late to go to college. Become a lifelong learner knowing your education is something you will enjoy the benefits of for a lifetime!

Get Applications
You can get applications by requesting them through the college admission office. You will find those addresses on-line, or go to the career center or the counseling office to look in college books. The public library will also have college books to look up addresses.

Look at Deadlines
When you get the application, you must look at the due date! It is important that you turn in your application by the due date!

Check for an Early Acceptance Option
Some college applications also include an Early Admission Option. Finding out if you are accepted early (as early as November) means that you won’t have to wait for that acceptance letter later on in the year. Check to see if this is an option. If it is, you will want to see if your student qualifies. Students who usually qualify for early admission have already taken the tests (ACT,SAT) and have met admission requirements (An example would be that they took the second semester of English and American Government [two, full-year senior year requirements] in summer school and they are ready to graduate.

Find Out If You Need a Letter of Recommendation
Many applications will require a letter of recommendation from a teacher or a counselor. Choose a person that knows you well that will talk about your character and work ethic. If you ask a teacher please give them at least a week or more to write your letter. That goes for a counselor, as well. Not all colleges require a recommendation but make sure you read your application thoroughly to see if it’s required.

Fill Out the High School Transcript Request Form
Part of the application is sending in the high school transcript. (Your student has probably gone over this many times with his counselor to make sure the high school credit requirement has been met and that your student has met the admission requirement.) Students usually find the transcript request form in the counseling office. They can fill it out there and enter the college where it needs to be sent and it will be sent from the office. Students are not allowed to send transcripts (unless they are in a sealed envelope) because they are legal, confidential documents. Also, when a student turns 18 a parent cannot order a transcript to be sent without the student’s signature on the request form.

Find Out if a Personal Essay is Required
The personal essay is an important part of the application. Look over the application to see if one needs to be written. These essays are crucial because it gives your student a chance to sell himself to the college. Colleges are interested in knowing about one significant difference your student has made in improving the community, school, or the impact he has made in his world. If your student needs help with the essay then have a favorite teacher read it over or have your student read it to you. (You’ll get a big lump in your throat… I guarantee it)!!!

Fill Out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid
If your student needs financial aid, then it is important that parents fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). These forms usually arrive in the career center or counseling office the fall of your student’s senior year. Many times parents will say that they think they make too much money and they won’t qualify for financial aid but let the government determine that! You will need your income tax statement from the previous year and an estimate of this year’s income tax to fill out the form. After that is submitted you will have the results usually by the New Year. You can send in the FAFSA information if you are requesting financial aid from your college. All of this information will go with your college application. If you don’t have all the financial information by the time the application is due you can tell the college that it will be arriving soon. For additional tips before you fill out the FAFSA, visit their website at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Explore Scholarship Possibilities
Have your student go to the career center or counseling office to explore potential scholarships. Examples would be State of Idaho Scholarships, Pepsi, and others which are offered through the schools.

Watch for Admission Status Letters
Usually by April (often times earlier) your student will receive a letter in the mail with the admission status. If your student has been accepted, then the college will inform you that they can offer a certain amount of money to help your student attend. Sometimes it’s the breaker as to whether it is affordable or not. A college may have a fixed allotment number for how many students they can help financially per year, and colleges are also affected by the economy. Additionally, students are sometimes wait-listed until the enrollment numbers are finalized. Students who have already been selected have to respond by a certain date if they are planning to attend that school. Many students decide to go elsewhere, so that leaves some spots open. The admissions committee will go to the “wait list” and invite those students in. This list is usually for hard to get in schools like Stanford and other big name schools. Your student may still be admitted, but, to be safe, have a back-up school selected.