Morton East High School College and Career planning Class of 2019

Objectives for Today: Students will be able to identify the following… Possible options to pursue after high school Ways to research colleges Factors to consider when researching colleges What colleges look for in an applicant Financial aid options Steps necessary to complete the college application process College and career resources

Post High School Options 4-Year University Public vs. Private Universities Competitive Admission Process Application Requirements

Post High School Options Community College Associate Program Certificate Program Open Enrollment Some programs may be more competitive (i.e. nursing)

Post High School Options Apprenticeship Program Combination of on the job training and related instruction Highly skilled occupations Train under a master craftsman Example Careers: Heavy Equipment Operator Carpenter Welder Plumber/Pipe Fitter

Post High School Options Vocational/Technical School Specific career oriented program Example Careers: Auto Mechanic HVAC Technician Aviation Maintenance Technician

Post High School Options U.S. Armed Forces Specialized training and educational opportunities Five main branches Air Force Army Coast Guard Marines Navy ASVAB

How to Research Colleges College Websites/Search Engines Individual college websites www.careercruising.com College Admission Representative Visits Throughout the fall semester at Morton East Sign-up in room 122 College Fairs Chicago National College Fair, Sept. 29 @McCormick Place (11am-3pm) MC College Fair, October 24 @ Morton College (6pm-8pm) College Campus Visits Fieldtrip opportunities Open houses or student scheduled visits

What Factors to Consider When Researching Colleges Size of College Location Academics Majors Offered Cost Activities/Athletics Admission Difficulty ----------------- U of I– Urbana-Champaign ----------------- UIC ----------------- Dominican University

What Colleges Consider When Making Admission Decisions GPA Class rank ACT/SAT scores Rigor of courses Extracurricular activities Essays Letters of recommendation Student fit ------- Average SAT Score: 1460 ------- Average SAT Score: 1310 ------- Average SAT Score: 1120 ------- Average SAT Score: 1040

College Admission Exams ACT vs SAT English, Math, Reading, Science, Essay (optional) SAT Reading, Writing & Language, Math- no calculator, Math w/ calculator, Essay (optional) Many students score higher on one test or the other You are encouraged to take both to see which test suites you best Most students score better the second time around

Upcoming Test Dates ACT SAT Test Date: Saturday, October 27 Registration Deadline: September 21 SAT Test Date: Saturday, October 6 Late Registration Deadline: September 24 If you qualify for a fee waiver, the late registration fee will be waived Go to room 122 before school or during supervision to sign up

Financial Aid Need-based aid Merit-based aid FAFSA (Opens Oct. 1) Family income Assets Number of siblings in college Merit-based aid Private scholarships or institutional scholarships GPA/Class rank ACT/SAT scores Extracurricular involvement Special talents

Sample Financial Aid Award Letter

Scholarship Example The Gates Scholarship Program Provides outstanding African American, American Indian/Alaska Natives, Asian Pacific Islander American and Hispanic American students with an opportunity to complete an undergraduate college education in all areas and graduate education for certain studies Scholarship Criteria: - GPA of 3.3 or higher - Demonstration of leadership abilities through community service or other activities - Demonstration of financial need - Must be a citizen/legal permanent resident or national of the U.S.

College Application Process Complete online application for college/university - Student information - College essay Submit other application materials - ACT/SAT scores - Transcripts (CommonApp, SENDedu, Parchment) - Letters of recommendation (rec. form in 122 & counseling office) * Give recommender at least two weeks notice * This also applies to the start of holiday breaks - Fee waiver (if applicable) - Other required materials as needed All materials need to be submitted by the application deadline Make sure every school you apply to is also added to your FAFSA

Resources at Morton East School Counselors College and Career Center- Room 122 FAFSA assistance Scholarship searches Financial aid resources for undocumented students College application assistance Career research ACT/SAT registration Morton East Counseling Website: https://www.morton201.org/Domain/96 www.careercruising.com