Admissions 101 OCAN Advisor Training New Advisor Track

The College Admission Process What is it really all about?

Factors in Selecting a College 4 year vs. 2 year school Public vs. Private Small, Medium or Large Urban, Suburban or Rural Location (i.e. East Coast, West Cost, Midwest, etc.) Has major of interest

Academic Preparation The College Prep Curriculum/College Entrance Requirements English: 4 years Math: through Algebra 2, best: every year of HS Science: 2 – 3 years Social Science: 2 – 3 years Foreign Language: 2 – 3 years Visual/Performing Arts: 1 year

Challenging Curriculum Choices Advanced Placement (AP) –Earn credit or advanced standing at most of the nation’s colleges and universities while still in high school. Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) –Enables high school students in grades nine through twelve to earn college and high school graduation credit through the successful completion of college courses.

Advantages of AP & PSEO Get a head start on college- level work Improve writing skills and sharpen problem-solving techniques Demonstrate maturity and readiness for college Show willingness to push beyond the minimum Study subjects in greater depth and detail

The College Search Process Choosing the right college is a process that students can start as early as middle school First generation, low-income and minority students often start the process late and poorly prepared

Online Tools to Help Narrow the Search

Print Media Tools

Types of Admissions Policies Open Enrollment Liberal Enrollment Selective & Highly Selective –Early Admission 70% of all colleges have open or liberal enrollment

Admission Factors for Selective Colleges Grade Point Average Class Rank Standardized Test Scores Essays Extra-curricular Activities Letters of Recommendation Legacy Status Race, Ethnicity

Standardized Tests – ACT/SAT Assess general educational development Most colleges will accept both tests Each college will set the level of score needed for admission Students should prepare for the tests in advance –Free resources available on-line

The College Essay Why do colleges want you to write an essay? –To learn more about you –To see how well you can write –For scholarship purposes Each college has different requirements –Different topics –Different lengths

Visiting College Campuses It’s never too early to start visiting college campuses The visit is a college “test drive” Students should –Take the campus tour –Meet with faculty –Ask lots of questions

Admissions Checklist Admission application with essay Application fee (depending on the school, waivers may be used) Official high school transcript ACT/SAT test scores Extracurricular activities resume Letters of recommendation

College Success Many students focus on the financial concerns and not on academic preparation The ultimate goal is College Graduation! –This requires academic, social and financial preparation

How can 9 th & 10 th grade students prepare for college? Identify goals, academic interests, and possible career interests Identify strengths and interests, join related activities Seek help to strengthen areas of weakness Develop good study habits Keep grades up Practice reading and math skills

How can you help 9 th & 10 th graders? Assist with Self-Assessments –Understanding themselves, their talents, their interests is first step in the process Tools: -links.cfm

What should Juniors do to prepare for college? Take Challenging coursework Visit College Campuses Research colleges for best fit and scholarship information Take the ACT/SAT no later than summer between junior & senior year Sign up to meet with college representatives that visit the high school Narrow list of possible colleges

How you can help Juniors? Make sure students take the ACT or SAT before the end of Junior Year Registration, practice questions, college searches available on their websites: – –

High School Senior timeline Fall –Finalize list of college choices –Re-take the ACT or SAT if desired –Submit applications for admissions and scholarships –Apply for PIN# –Ask for letters of recommendations –Campus Visits

High School Senior timeline Winter –Complete and file the FAFSA –Admissions Decisions from colleges arrive –Campus visits

High School Senior timeline Spring –Financial Aid Awards arrive –Track awards and scholarships –May 1 is National Candidates Reply Date –Housing, Orientation, scheduling materials sent

High School Senior timeline Summer –Students attend Orientation/Scheduling programs –Summer Bridge Programs –Housing assignments, class schedules set

How to Help Seniors? Stress importance of deadlines Review applications and essays Write letters of recommendation Stress importance of deadlines some more

Questions? Michele Brown The Ohio State University Kelley Lieb Ohio Dominican University