The College Process Starting on the College Process The Application Financial Aid

The College Process In order to prepare for college admissions :  Take rigorous classes  Get good grades  Develop strong work habits  Be involved in extracurricular clubs/activities  Take on leadership roles  Explore interests in multiple ways  Volunteer (SJI Service Scholarship Hours)  Study for SAT/ACT

The College Process Getting Started Now is the time Online College Search(Do not worry about price at this stage) Private or Public 4 year or 2 year Location Major Percent accepted, SAT and ACT scores, hobbies, interests, etc.. School websites College Navigator Create a list

The College Process More Search Sites Colleges That Change Lives UCAN (Private Colleges) College Portraits 300 Public Colleges and Universities. room/2015/09/09/us-news-announces-the-2016-best- colleges Best Colleges (Might find colleges not heard of before, data based) room/2015/09/09/us-news-announces-the-2016-best- colleges Best Colleges (Return on investment based on jobs, salaries, debt) Best Colleges (Student perspectives, student surveys, college experiences)

The College Process Schools of Interest Average GPA of admitted students SAT/ACT of Middle 50% of First-Year Students Pros and Cons of each campus visited/researched Don’t worry about price SAT and/or ACT (May/June) Make an appointment with Gordy Waite: ask questions, get more ideas for schools of interest, differences in schools, explore personal interests, discuss majors, etc. Brainstorm personal interests. What might be a focus of study for you? Remember: Nothing is set in stone

The College Process Campus Visits Sign up for scheduled tours Attend information sessions Have prepared questions Visit with an admissions counselor Visit with a department head Sit in on a class Visit with a coach What do you like/dislike about the campus? What are the students like? Ask students questions Do you see yourself fitting in with this student body? Keep notes/pick up a brochure/newspaper Have lunch on campus Pick a variety of campuses to visit What type of campus feels right to you?

The College Process Through Junior Year Web Search Explore each “college of interest” website in depth Plan a trip to visit campuses Study for SAT (Khanacademy.com)Khanacademy.com Take SAT and/or ACT (May/June) Waivers available see Gordy Waite Review and continue to build resume Sign up for rigorous classes through senior year Use lists to solidify choices before entering senior year Rank your “schools of interest” Reach Schools (2-3) Solid Choice (2-3) Safety (2-3)

Application Process Summer after Junior Year/Fall of Senior Year Solidify your choices to 6-8 schools Are you an athlete? NCAA? Make Spreadsheet (available on CCC web page) Include: Application deadline Financial aid deadline Recommendations needed Is an interview required? Resume Essay

Application Process Apply on-line Fall of Senior Year Do not make mistakes Make or print check-off sheet Know deadlines!! Waivers available – see Gordy Waite The Application – 3 Parts 1. Academic Section Transcripts SAT/ACT Scores (order early from testing agency) Senior Class Schedule

Application Process 2. Personal Section Essay (This is important) This is all about you Who are you? What helped you become you? How do you think? Are you a good writer? Be Specific – Narrow Focus Brainstorm, Write, Proof, Correct, Rewrite Ask for help every step of the way

Application Process 2. Personal Section Recommendations Teachers Math or Science English or Social Studies Ask Early Two week notice (minimum) Ask politely in person (Don’t assume, Don’t ) Be prepared with resume Ask if an addressed envelope will be useful Counselor Choosing a College (can fill out junior year) Parent Input Form Resume

Application Process 3. Supplemental Section CD Writing Sports Resume/Highlight film Highlight DVD of Drama Production Talent Other recommendations Academic, Personal, Supplemental paints a picture of the whole student!

Application Process Solidify Choices Make Spreadsheet Know Deadlines Three Part Application Academic Personal Supplemental

Financial Aid File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid ( FAFSA) - FREE Submit the FAFSA early (October of senior year) Know college financial aid deadlines Required for federal and state aid Used by public and private colleges Online FAFSA — (Start now) Faster and easier Preferred method Paper FAFSA Extremely limited For use with special situations only

Financial Aid OK to estimate income Base on prior year’s tax information FAFSA determines your expected family contribution (EFC) Amount family expected to contribute toward college costs Lower EFC more likely to receive gift aid Money in students name Anyone can qualify for certain types of financial aid

Financial Aid Types of Aid Available Gift aid Doesn’t have to be paid back Work-study Earn while you learn Loans Must be repaid, including interest

Financial Aid Gift Aid/Grants Federal Pell Grants Federal Academic Competitiveness Grant Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) State grants College Bound Scholarship School grants may be available

Financial Aid Gift Aid/Scholarships Usually merit-based Awarded for: Academic achievement Talent or skill Community service Leadership/school activities Parent affiliation with a club or organization Financial need

Financial Aid Other Aid Forms Institutional aid forms CSS Financial Aid PROFILE ® Non-federal aid Considers other income and expenses Required at some private colleges Completed in the fall Filing fees Ask what the college requires

Financial Aid Finding Scholarships High school counselor Community Scholarships (Spring) College you plan to attend Public library Free online resources Fast Web: College Board: Washboard.com;

Financial Aid FAFSA – October of senior year FAFSA4caster (start now) Gift Aid, Work-study, Loans CSS Profile (Private Colleges) Scholarships University High School Community (Spring) Free On-line Sources

The College Process What we know Visit Colleges Start making lists Know Deadlines Application Financial Aid Organize Applications Know what is needed for each application Apply in fall of senior year FAFSA (Open October senior year) apply early CSS Profile (Private Schools) Community Scholarships

The College Process Websites of Interest Questions?