Academic plan, estimated edu cost, estimated financial resources, identify and analyze unmet need

183X Personal Finance in Early Adulthood -

Required Activity 2 / Module 6: Path to Graduation Instructions

Using the “Path to Graduation” PDF workbook provided in Module 6, create a 4-year plan comprised of

academic coursework and credits, estimated educational and living expenses, and estimated financial aid

options. Use this plan to determine total educational expenses and resources, and determine if there is any

unmet need for your educational expenses.

Instructions

 Download and complete steps 1-4 as outlined in the PDF or Word “Path to Graduation” workbook.

Steps 1-4 are covered on pages 1-8 in the workbook and also include examples on how to complete each

step. Be sure to read each step carefully, as you will be analyzing information expressed in both semester

and yearly terms. In addition, it is important to ensure financial calculations are accurate, as each one

carries forward into subsequent steps in the workbook.

 The PDF should allow you to type directly in each field. If, for some reason, the PDF does not allow you to

type directly in the fields provided, you may use the Word-formatted Workbook or create your own

document. If you create your own document, be sure to label your responses as Step 1, Step 2, and so on.

 Submit your completed workbook by uploading it as an attachment through the assignment link on

Blackboard. The submission link may be found in the Module 6 “Things To Do” folder, and there is also a

shortcut link in the leftmost column of the HDFS 183x course content menu.

Notes

 You will be graded on each of the content areas covered in Steps 1-4 (on workbook pages 1-8).

Specific components of your grade for each step are detailed in the Assignment 2 Grading Rubric on

Blackboard. Each step is worth 6.25 points, for a total of 25 points possible:

 Step 1: Chart Your Academic Plan

 Step 2: Estimate Educational Costs

 Step 3: Estimate Financial Resources

 Step 4: Identify and Analyze Unmet Need

 Steps 5-7 are optional: complete them if you find them useful, but they are not required as a part of

your grade for this activity.

 For fields that do not apply to your situation, please enter $0, “Not Applicable” or N/A in the field to show

that you still worked through each step.

 For fields that you are not sure of exact amounts, please use your best estimate. There are tips and web

links provided throughout the workbook to help you estimate income, expenses, and resources. You may

also access academic and financial information by logging in to AccessPlus (view degree audits, u-bills/cost

of attendance, financial aid award history, student loan history, and more).

 Tips for Various Educational Levels....

All students are expected to accurately fill out steps 1 through 4 as directed in the workbook, regardless of

educational level. Depending on your year in school, use the following tips if you have questions about

how to fill out the workbook:

If you are a freshman, use your best estimates to project your degree program (courses and credits),

expenses, and resources over the course of your degree program (typically a period of 3-5 years,

depending on the number of credits taken per year). Four-year plans and degree program credit

requirements are available through your Academic Adviser as well as in the Iowa State University Catalog.

If you are a transfer student, provide at least a summary of the courses and number of credits that

transferred in to your current degree program, as well as an itemized list of the courses and credits you are

(or will be) taking here at ISU. Course and Credit information for undergraduate degree programs may be

found in the University Catalog.

If you are a senior graduating this semester or year, fill in all courses/credits taken that apply to your

current degree program, using a Degree Audit from AccessPlus if needed. Please also fill in educational

expenses and resources to the best of your ability; estimates are acceptable. Financial Aid and Student

Loan histories may be viewed on AccessPlus, if needed.

 One attempt is allowed to submit this assignment. You will have until Friday, April 25th at 5:00 PM to

submit your work. After this date, the submission link will not be available. If you have questions or

concerns about the submission process or due date, please email the instructor through Blackboard.

 An average of at least 80% must be earned on Assignments 1 and 2 in order to meet the requirements for

passing the course. Please be sure all required steps of your submission are complete, and upload correctly

to Blackboard.