Heritage High School College Planning 101 Josh Theil Coordinator of International Recruitment, Admission Representative Aquinas College

Step By Step College Search Choosing the right college can be overwhelming Take it one step at a time and start early

What is important to YOU? Research Your Options High School Guidance Counselor College Admissions Counselor College Nights / High School Visits Publications such as US News & World Report Admissions Viewbooks/Materials Web Sites A College Visit What is important to YOU?

Size Enrollment (undergraduate and graduate) Physical size of campus Class size

Location Distance from home Location & size of nearest city Physical attractiveness of campus Helpful Hint: Ask about reimbursement programs for campus visits

Academics Time to choose a major Ask yourself "What am I good at, interested in?“ Special Academic Programs Career/Graduate School Placement

Environment Type of school - Public or Private - Trade school, community college, liberal arts School Setting - Urban - Rural Co-ed, male, female Religious affiliation

Housing Requirements Residence Halls (Freshman, Honors Halls, Sororities/Fraternities, Apartments, Houses) Meal Plans Facilities - Fitness - Student Union - Library - Labs

Extra Opportunities How do you get involved? Clubs and Organizations (Volunteer, Academic, Fun) Religious affiliation, faith opportunities Athletics Travel / Study Abroad

Admissions Requirements Deadline Test required Average test scores, GPA, rank Essays Videos

What Colleges Look for on Applications What do colleges look for when admitting students? Strong junior year Number of academic vs. elective classes AP/Dual Enrollment classes Class Rank Subject criteria in high school (4 years English, 3 years Science, etc.) Extracurricular activities, awards, and recognitions Letters of recommendation Essay Admissions interview

Application Process Timelines vary depending on the institution - Rolling Admissions (ex: Aquinas, Alma, GVSU) Students apply and are notified of acceptance on a rolling basis - Early Action/Regular Decision (ex: U of M) Students who apply by a particular date (typically early November) will be notified of acceptance prior to those who apply after that date. - Early Decision/Regular Decision (ex: Hillsdale College, K-College) Students complete a binding application by a particular date (typically early November) to their first choice school. If admitted as ED student must commit to this school.

Application Statistics 2015 - 16 University of Michigan- Ann Arbor 55,439 applications received & 28.6% acceptance rate Michigan State University- East Lansing 35,300 applications received & 65.7% acceptance rate Grand Valley State University- Allendale 18,000 applications received & 80% acceptance rate Aquinas College- Grand Rapids 2,500 applications received & 70% acceptance rate Loyola University- Chicago, IL 14, 355 applications received & 65% acceptance rate

College Expenses Tuition, room and board Additional fees (parking, labs, studio, etc.) Estimated total budget (cost of living) Application fee, deposit Travel expenses

Financial Aid Deadline – FAFSA by March 1st Required Forms - FAFSA filed between October and March of Senior year - Estimator / FA Calculator in fall of Senior year Scholarships - Available through individual colleges, communities, fastweb.com - Scholly.org - app - Avoid Scams Grants - Need-based aid is determined through your FAFSA Loans - They are a reality - Federal vs. Private Work Study / On Campus Jobs

Source: Aquinas, GVSU & MSU Net Price Calculators Price Tag vs True Cost You are not going to know the true cost of a until you go through the process Student: GPA: 3.3 ACT: 23 SAT: 1130 Family: EFC: 8,800 Source: Aquinas, GVSU & MSU Net Price Calculators AQUINAS GVSU MSU Tuition $29,564 $11,520 $14,728 Room & Board $8,814 $8,740 $9,948 Total $38,378 $20,260 $24,676 Scholarship $15,000 $1,000 $0 Michigan Aid $1,800 $600 College Aid $2,700 $2,400 $3,500 Estimated True Cost $18,878 $16,260 $20,576

Search Once you have decided on important factors Take Virtual Tours, college websites Request additional information/Viewbooks Customizable Search Option: www.collegeview.com

Visit Visit more than one school Visit different types of schools Admissions Visit Campus Visit Days Talk informally to current students Walking around on your own is important too Sit in on a class / talk to professor Talk to coaches / watch a game College newspaper / radio station Eat in the cafeteria Spend the night on campus

To Do List: Narrow List Be aware of deadlines Apply for admission Take & Retake ACT / SAT File the FAFSA by March 1 Find your fit, go with your gut! Make a decision  & submit deposit by May 1st

Feel free to contact me with questions Enjoy Your Search! Feel free to contact me with questions Josh Theil Josh.theil@aquinas.edu 616-632-1122 THANK YOU!