College 101 I’m a Senior – Now What??
Who are You? GPA Test Scores Curriculum Volunteer Opportunities Leadership Employment Personal Character
Where Should You Go? Location Size Programs Cost Sports Student Activities & Organizations Diversity Public/Private/For Profit Co-ed or Single Gender Reputation Selectivity Results
When Should I Apply? August 1st October 15th November 1 st March 1 st May 1 st Know the deadlines for all important steps! Early Decision or Early Action
Early Decision vs. Early Action Apply Early (usually by November 1 st ) Get Admission Decision Early (December /January Early Decision is Binding Early Action is Non-Binding Make deposits with everyone else
Choose Your Team Teachers Coaches Counselors Employers Supervisors
College Visits Call ahead Stay Overnight Visit Academic Department(s) Visit with Students Prepare!!! Take Notes Compare
The Application Online vs. Paper Parchment for transcript submission Common Application Read EVERYTHING Answer EVERYTHING Track Check on discrepancies Fee waivers for free/reduced lunch students
Recommendations Your team – ask the right person Request at least 2 weeks in advance Provide a deadline Give guidance Waive your right to read the letters Send a “Thank You” Consider writing your own letter
Should I Retest? Know the college/university’s entrance statistics SAT account creation Create an account at Collegeboard.org Register early Fee waiver for free/reduced lunch students for one retake Sending scores
Does Anyone Read the Essay? YES!!!
How to Write a Good Essay Give yourself time Follow the rules Be yourself Have someone proofread your essay Answer the question Don’t repeat yourself.
How Much Will It Cost? Tuition Room & Board Fees Books Supplies/Materials Transportation Living Expenses Don’t succumb to “Sticker Shock”
How Will I Pay For College? Scholarships Loans – subsidized or unsubsidized Savings Work Study Help from others
Do I Have to Complete the FAFSA? Most colleges will require FAFSA in order to receive any financial aid Some will require the CSS Financial Aid Profile Available October1 st 2016 Due March 10 th 2017 – state aid Changes to tax year information used Workshop here at BHS stay tuned!
Where Can I Find Scholarships? Senior Website – seniors.buchananschools.com seniors.buchananschools.com Guidance Office Bulletin Board Guidance Office Scholarship Drawer Ask parents, grandparents, friends, everyone you know.
When Should I Begin? TODAY!!!!!
Whose Job Is This? Yours