Guiding the Way to Higher Education Families, Counselors, and Communities Together

Follow the Road to College ESSENTIAL IV Follow the Road to College This essential is aimed at students early in the high school years. 2

Questions What is your biggest fear as relates to your student applying and attending college? What counseling did you receive when you were in high school about the college admission process? Do you know what services or resources are available to help your student with the college admission process? Icebreaker questions. 3

Asking the Right Questions Small or large? Diversity? Urban, suburban, rural? Athletics and activities? Retention and graduation rate? Two year or four year? School with specific major or school with lots of variety? Cost? Weather? FCCT Page 50, Resource 4.1, page 87. These questions are included to help parents/ guardians understand a few of the variables among colleges.

More important is finding a college that is right for the student, and that the goals and personality of the student are well matched with the college. Students who think first about who they are and what they want are more likely to choose a college that fits them. 5

Gathering Information Campus Visits (including sponsored programs) High School Counselor College Admission Counselor or Recruiter Websites High School Visits College Fairs Page 50 FCCT, Resource 4.2, page 88 Have information about any college fairs that are held annually in your area. Have a variety of information about web sites that students can go to gather information about various colleges. A great resource is the NACAC website. 6

Applying to College Make a list of needs and wants of your ideal college. Keep college information in separate folders including email folders. Keep notes about likes and dislikes, contacts, and visits. Set up a checklist for all college applications including: Deadlines (admission, scholarships, and financial aid) Transcripts Test scores Essays Recommendations FCCT page 52; Resource, 4.3, page 89 7

Applying to College Keep a calendar with room for notes and a place to record all pertinent deadlines, contacts, interviews, etc. Read all information sent by colleges, both email and print. Make copies of every application for admission, scholarship, and financial aid before sending! FCCT page 52; Resource, 4.3, page 89 8

As the student finalizes the list of colleges and begins filling out applications, follow the Golden Rule of the college admission process: Never apply to a college that you would not gladly attend if offered the choice.

Admission Decisions Academic Record Test Scores Level of courses completed Grades in academic courses HS GPA or Class Rank Test Scores ACT or SAT, maybe SAT II’s - check with individual college to determine requirements. Student Activities and Employment How is time spent outside the classroom? Clubs, community service Commitments and responsibilities. Essay(s) Topics may or may not relate to academic or career interests/goals. Should be descriptive and specific to the student as an individual. Letters of Recommendation Additional insight about the student from an advocate’s perspective (teacher, counselor, mentor, employer, organization advisor or sponsor, etc.) FCCT pages 54 & 55; Resource 4.4, page 90 This is a good time to have a “mock admission” activity so parents can understand the process of “reading” an application and making an admission decision. 10

The School Counselor: A Valuable Resource Counselors are one of the best resources your student has; they are the student’s ally throughout the middle/ high school years and the entire college admission process. FCCT, page 57. Resource 4.6, page 92. 11

Prepare for College Calendar Freshman Year Sophomore Year Junior Year Senior Year FCCT Page 58, Resource 4.7, page 58 12

Families Roles The application period can be a time of anxiety for students. Help your student follow the procedures properly and meet all deadlines. Be an active participant in the exploration process Take questions. Encourage discussion. Provide additional resources. 13