College Planning and Prep February 9, 2017 Kyle Johnson Director of Freshman Admission 816-501-2345 Kyle.Johnson@rockhurst.edu Office of Admission

What are you hoping to gain from tonight?

• Different types of colleges/universities Overview • Different types of colleges/universities • Familiarity with college entrance requirements • Choosing challenging courses in high school • Getting involved in co-curricular activities • Researching college costs

Different types of colleges/universities

Types: Public, Private, etc Location Proximity to home Campus setting Different types of colleges/universities Fit Types: Public, Private, etc Location Proximity to home Campus setting Size Selectivity Academic interest areas

Familiarity with college entrance requirements

Colleges are looking at: High School Record Familiarity with college entrance requirements Colleges are looking at: High School Record Grades and coursework Activities and involvement Performance on the ACT or SAT Subjective criteria Letters of recommendation Interview Personal statement Essay questions Audition Portfolio

Choosing challenging courses in high school

Course selection Challenging curriculum AP courses Choosing challenging courses in high school Course selection Challenging curriculum AP courses Courses related to possible academic interest areas

Getting involved

Outside the classroom Clubs and organizations at RHS Getting involved in co-curricular activities Outside the classroom Clubs and organizations at RHS Leadership opportunities Get involved, but do not spread yourself thin Look for meaningful experiences Sports Community service Outside of school Church Career exploration job/shadowing Reflection and discernment

Researching College Costs

Project tuition increases 3%-4% national avg increase Researching college costs Research online Sticker price Merit scholarships Outside scholarships What can I do now? Net price calculator Project tuition increases 3%-4% national avg increase

Academic and financial need based 250 awarded per year Scholarship Opportunity KC Scholars $10,000 per year Academic and financial need based 250 awarded per year Apply in Feb of junior year, notified in May KC Scholars Matching - 4 to 1 match into 529 college savings account For more information: www.kcscholars.org Email: info@kcscholars.org

Merit scholarships: RU example (set goals now)

You’ve got questions… I’ve got answers! February 9, 2017 Kyle Johnson Director of Freshman Admission 816-501-2345 Kyle.Johnson@rockhurst.edu