Trends in College Admissions (From the National Association for College Admission Counseling and the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education) Competition in college admissions can be attributed to four factors: The number of students graduating from high school is at an all time high. The percentage of high school graduates choosing to attend college has increased and will continue to increase. (U.S. Dept. of Ed. estimates about 300,000 more graduates than 5 years ago.) Students are applying to more colleges than ever before. The number of freshman spaces available at colleges has remained relatively stable as the above increases have occurred.

Statistically speaking… More than 3 million high school grads in 2016, some 70% of those students applied to college, and over 70% of students applied to three or more colleges. Students are taking longer to graduate. 6-plus years at public colleges 5-plus years at private colleges In 2016, average tuition/fees for a 4-year public college was about $9,650 (in-state) and $24,930 (out-of-state); for a private college, about $33,5000; about $3,500 for community college. Average debt for 2016 college graduates was approx. $37,000.

In 2016 the average financial aid grant at a four year public college was about $6,000; at a four year private college, it was about $16,000. Since 1980, family incomes have increased by more than 100% while college tuition increased over 400%. Common Application use has grown from 15 colleges in 1975 to almost 700 colleges; this year, some 850,000 students submitted more than 3.5 million applications through Common Application. The GOOD news is that 7 out of every 10 seniors who apply to a 4-year college are admitted.

Overview The purpose of this presentation is to help DHS students to be among the 70% who get into college and to improve chances of getting into their colleges of choice. The college application process can be divided into 3 distinct - yet overlapping - parts: Preparing to Apply to College Applying to College Paying for College

Preparing to Apply to College This is all about getting organized. Make sure you are taking the most rigorous classes possible and work to maintain the best grades you can. (Most colleges offer credit for AP classes.) Step up to leadership positions in clubs, sports and activities. Consider taking a summer class at a community or 4-year college. 4. Approach teachers re: future recommendation letters.

Develop a resume. 6. Use your three college visit days wisely. Take the SAT for the first time as early as possible, but no later than May or June of junior year. You can compare your scores with recently-admitted freshman classes. There is no disadvantage to taking the SAT more than once, as most colleges use a composite score, based on the highest score in each category. Subject Tests- required by some colleges.

Download a copy of one of your colleges’ application forms or the Common Application to see what awaits you. 9. LAST BUT NOT LEAST, develop an initial list of approximately 10 to 20 colleges that are of interest to you.

SAT Average SAT scores at DHS are just below the state average; you may need a strategy to improve your scores: Take the SAT in winter and spring of junior year, at a minimum. Consider ACT, if needed. Best time to take SAT Subject Tests is May or June of junior year…by Dec. of senior year at latest. (Fee waivers are available to students who receive free or reduced price lunch.)

Recommendation Letters Ask for 2 teacher recommendation letters – ideally one in either Math or Science, another in either English or History. Guidance counselor letter - requires completion of Senior Uniqueness Form and an interview.

Application Essay Provides an opportunity to set yourself apart from the competition. Make it Personal & Passionate. SHOW what makes you special. Write it. Revise it. Get feedback. Revise it again.

Applying to College Developing the Final List: Narrow your college list down to at least 3 choices - with at least 1 safe school, 1 match school, and 1 reach school: Safe Schools - GPA, SATs and course work exceed requirements. Match Schools - GPA, SATs and course work match requirements. Reach Schools - you may not meet the GPA and/or SAT score requirements, but you intend to use other factors to impress.

Preparing and Submitting the Application Familiarize yourself with application deadlines. Priority Deadlines Regular Deadlines Rolling Admissions SOONER is better - more openings, less competitive. Decide if you will apply Early Decision or Early Action. Early Decision is binding. Early Action usually is not binding.

Applications There are three different parts to a college application: Application Form (completed by the student) Secondary School Report (completed by Guidance) Teacher evaluation Consider using the Common Application when possible (check for supplements) Apply online when this option is available. Fee waivers (available if an SAT fee waiver is used)

Paying for College Two types of Financial Aid: Scholarships & Grants (No payback) Loans (different conditions for payback) (Attend DHS Financial Aid Night next year)

Applying for Financial Aid New Jersey scholarships: Top 15% of class eligible for STARS program. Tuition Aid Grants – need based. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Apply after Jan. 1 CSS Financial Aid Profile required by some colleges Scholarships available from local merchants and organizations, listed in guidance newsletter, and linked with websites such as Fastweb.com and Finaid.com.

Thanks for coming to College Night!