College Search 101

Purpose Why attend college? Advice for the admissions search process Timeline for admissions process Questions?

Types of Schools Community College –Also known as 2 year colleges or city colleges –These institutions grant certificates, diplomas, and associate degrees –Schools are used to prepare students for higher education University –These are 4 year institutions that can be categorized as Professional/Vocational or Technology schools –These institutions grant bachelors, masters, or doctorate degrees

Myth… Private schools are more expensive than public schools….. –At first glance, public (state) schools appear to be less expensive –Private schools can be more accommodating with financial assistance –Public schools offer scholarships, but are very competitive –Private schools issue scholarships without competition

Steps to A (Mostly) Stress-Free College Search Process Step 1. Gather Information –College Fairs –Websites –Brochures –Parents and Friend –Campus Visits, Open Houses Create a big list of potential schools Keep a notebook for questions & information

Steps to A (Mostly) Stress-Free College Search Process Campus Visit: Schedule Appointment –Tour –Speak with Faculty & Staff –Speak with Students –Attend campus events Virtual Tour –Visit school’s web site –Online walkthrough of campus

Steps to A (Mostly) Stress-Free College Search Process Step 2. Research and compare –Size of institution – Where will you feel comfortable? –Reputation and Accreditation of the school –Location, Cost, Programs, Scholarships –Teaching Methods –Placement Services –Housing expenses –Facilities (library, computer centers)

Steps to A (Mostly) Stress-Free College Search Process Step 3. Rank and Narrow your list –Apply early and to several schools –Research online –Arrange individual visits –School rankings –Network with professionals

Steps to A (Mostly) Stress-Free College Search Process Step 4. The application process –Contact institutions for application materials Leave nothing blank on the application Include honors, awards, and activities Complete essay if required –Strong opening –Vision for the future –Show Uniqueness –Perfection –Make a note of deadlines and requirements –Submit required documents

Advice Don’t let the College Search process define your senior year; enjoy your last year of high school and only narrow your search down to schools that you are strongly considering Stand Out –Get involved! –Have strong recommendations Plan ahead Give your references expectations and guidelines If your references must mail the letter, supply them with a prepaid envelope Include a thank you letter

Advice for 9 th and 10 th graders 9 th graders –Do your best to start off strong academically –Get involved early in extra curricular activities –Start looking into ACT/SAT prep test 10 th graders –Begin to think about colleges that interest you –Schedule a practice ACT/SAT test –Start applying for outside scholarships

College Search Timeline September/October/November –Complete the ACT or SAT –Visit schools, attend college fairs –Apply to your top 5 -7 schools Apply for housing when you submit the application if required by your school Make copies of all your documents and applications –Request your HS transcripts –Remember – selective schools may have an early decision deadline (Usually November 1 st )

College Search Timeline December/January –Narrow your list to 2 or 3 schools –Ask questions…and more questions –Talk to current students –Apply for financial aid –Stay organized and focused!

College Search Timeline February/March –Deposit to one or two schools –Ask your guidance counselor to send your fall semester transcripts to your college(s) –Inform the other institutions of your intention to not attend –Stay organized and focused!

College Search Timeline April/May –Attend your college registration events –Attend your college orientation events –Send final official transcripts –Enjoy the last few months of high school –Plan for summer employment –Stay organized and focused!

Financial Aid Find what kind of aid you’re eligible for –Scholarships Institutional –Academic –Athletic –Performing Arts Outside –Local Businesses –High School – –Grants Government Institutional –Loans Government Private

Financial Aid The FAFSA –Free Application for Federal Student Aid – Make sure you AND a parent apply for separate PINs before filing for the FAFSA. – –Based on tax information, family size, and other contributing factors. –Must have income tax information in order to complete –

Questions???