The American Indian and Alaska Native Student's Guide to College Success

"List of Figures and Tables xi Preface xiii 1. Profiles of Successful College Graduates 1 2. Where to Begin the Journey 10CHiXapkaid The Ancestral Experience of Higher Learning 10 Why Go to College? 15 Clarifying Aspirations, Intentions, and Vision 24 Helpful Resources 26 3. Financial Aid 28College Pricing and Financial Aid 28 Important Advice about Financial Aid 31 Working and Going to College 39 Debt Management Material 41 Scholarships 43 ""101 Tips from the Pros"" 46 Early Commitment Programs 57 Sources of Financial Aid 57 Final Comment 58 4. Spiritual, Mental, and Physical Well-Being 60CHiXapkaid Community Longing or Homesickness 60 You Say You Want to Party? 62 Cultivating Resilience 64 5. Getting Prepared to Ensure Success in College 77What Matters Most 77 Academic and Social Preparation 84 Matriculation and the Critical Periods 89 6. Develop Problem-Solving and Critical-Thinking Skills 93Problem Solving 93 Critical Thinking 101 7. Internet Resources 110General Web Sites Dedicated to Improving Postsecondary Access and Achievement 111 Web Sites Dedicated to Improving Native Postsecondary Access and Achievement 116 State-Supported Web Sites and Links to Assist Parents and Students 124 Conclusion 126 8. Exemplary Four-Year Institutions and Tribal Colleges and Universities 127Private Institutions 128 Public Four-Year Institutions 130 Public Research Universities 136 Tribal Colleges and Universities 140 9. The Circle of Success 150What Is Success? 150 The Journey of Success 152 The Core of the Circle of Success: Cultural Identity—It's Complex 152 Concentric Circle: Individual, Family, and Community 154 Concentric Circle: Tribal Nations 155 Transitioning into the Outer Circle: Preparing for College 156 The Outer Circle: The Journey through College 158 The Outer Circle Becomes Complete: Returning to Serve 159 Final Thought 160 10. More Profiles of Successful College Graduates 161Appendix A: Factors Underlying Native American Student Success—A Literature Review 179 Appendix B: Financial Aid Terminology 199 Notes 223 References 229 Index 237"