College Resource Counselor College Planning 101: A Guide for Juniors Jennie Strohm UW Colleges College Resource Counselor jennifer.strohm@uwc.edu During today's discussion, we’ll cover the college timeline that all juniors might want to follow and examine what it takes to be a competitive college applicant

Big Choices are on the Horizon

Looking at the UW System? Your new BEST FRIEND – UW HELP https://uwhelp.wisconsin.edu/ Information about all 26 campuses Admission requirements Profile of admitted students including class rank, GPA, ACT/SAT scores Essay Prompts Costs Contact information Majormania

Thinking about a Wisconsin Technical College? Start here: http://www.wtcsystem.edu/ Info about all 16 colleges and links to each website Programs vary by college and campus

Private university more your style? Check out: http://www.wisconsinsprivatecolleges.org/ Info about each of the 24 private colleges in Wisconsin. Enrollmet Admission requirements Cost Not a system like UW or WTC

Building Blocks of a Degree

How to Narrow Your Search Educational goals. Career aspirations Personal interests Start backwards Personal Preference Big city or smaller city Large campus or small campus How to spend free time

Get Out There Visit Campuses – The best way to figure out if a campus is right for you is to physically go there, walk around, and ask questions. Schedule a personal tour Attend Open House/Preview Events Check websites for upcoming dates Make a list of questions/things you want to make sure the campus has or doesn’t have

Preparing for Campus Tours Contact Admissions Office to set one up​ Includes: Tour and info session​ You can ask to do more​ (meet with professors, coaches) Daily Visit VS Open House/Preview Events​ Wear appropriate shoes​ Make a list of questions/things you want to make sure the campus has or doesn’t have​ Check out Social Media  

Possible Questions to Ask:   What do students do during their free time/weekends?​ What do you love about this college?​ What is it like to live here (on campus and in the city)​ What are the most popular programs?​ Is living on campus required?​ What is the total cost of tuition, room and board and books?​ What types of scholarships are there and how do I apply?

Let the Info Sink in a Minute…

The “You” Schools Will See Student GPA SAT/ACT Scores School Involvement Essay Required Prep Credits Outside Commitments

The Lens You Provide College application and fee Personal statement/ essay Test scores (ACT/ SAT/ AP) High school transcripts

High School Transcript What Story Does It Tell? Performance Grades, GPA ACT test scores Rigor Course selection Electives Identify student interest Validate what student discloses on college application

Make sure you are prepared academically. Junior Year Make sure you are prepared academically.

Take Rigorous Courses Take courses that prepare you for further education Take courses that put you ahead        of others Take courses that challenge you – honors, AP, IB Take courses that count for credit        after HS – AP, IB, YOP (ECC)

Testing… Take the ACT (possibly SAT as well). Find out if the schools you are looking at have a preference. Can retake in April or June if you desire.

Junior Year Get to know your teachers…more! They will be writing letters of recommendation. Meet with college reps at your high school. They are an excellent source of information.

Junior Year---SUMMER Visit College campuses Draft personal statement/ essay Make a note of college application deadlines Retake ACT?

Senior Year---FALL Apply to first/second choice Application Fee Transcript ACT Scores Follow up with those schools Gather college event information “College Options” nights Open houses Scholarships! FAFSA – www.fafsa.gov

Senior Year---Spring Watch your Email FAFSA If you haven’t done it Placement Test Housing Registration Orientation Scholarships FAFSA If you haven’t done it

Senior Year---Summer Watch Email Attend Send Final Transcript Placement Testing Registration Orientation Send Final Transcript Complete any paperwork campus asks of you

Questions?

Let’s be friends! Jennie Strohm College Resource Counselor UW Colleges jennifer.strohm@uwc.edu Call/Text: 920-376-2679 Facebook: UW Colleges Jennie