Junior Jumpstart to College

How to choose colleges that are right for you CGHS Junior Jumpstart – September 2018 Shery Boyles, Meredith College and Eli Maness, Campbell University

What do we mean by “good fit” college? Good Fit is a college or university where you can succeed There are approximately 2,500 four-year schools in the U.S. – more than one will “fit” Know yourself first. Then make a college list. What constitutes “fit?” 1. Academic Fit – how do your academic credentials stack up? 2. Social/community fit – how do you feel in the community? 3. financial fit – how do the finances work with my individual or family circumstances How do you discover fit? It’s a balance of art and science 1. Do the research (your counselor, websites, faculty, students, admission counselors, alums 2. experience the place – how does it feel?

Importance of visiting campus Cannot be overstated – you’re going to spend four years of your life there visiting helps create a balanced list of schools - know before you go no idea about what you want in a school? visiting a city where you can visit multiple types of schools within a few days (no more than two/day) Don’t just show up– note the registration deadlines & capacity…plan ahead. And don’t skip the information session. You’ll learn a lot! a formal visit means the chance to Speak with students, faculty, and an admission counselor – get to know the place.

Do you need to know your major when applying? Generally, no. But, sometimes, yes. It Depends on the school type and/or program type. Do your research… ask your admission counselor if you can you indicate multiple academic interests on the application. If you choose a major – schools may scrutinize your grades in related coursework Some programs will require you to apply to a particular School within the institution. If so, you’ll need to narrow your interests. Engineering and Nursing are examples of majors you’d need to choose at time of application. Liberal arts colleges love undecided students – Most college students “declare” their major second semester, sophomore year. Approximately 80% of college students change their major at least once.

What college within the university is right for me What college within the university is right for me? What about applying to specialized programs? Type of UNIVERSITY Not all universities require application to the specific college May also depend on program/major Contact Specific programs/department Valuable information and expertise Attend events camps, Open Houses, Information Sessions, club meetings Applying pay attention to deadlines May require additional materials

How to ask deeper/better questions Research Schools before visiting college website, alumni, current students, webinars Passions/interests Clubs, Majors, Community Service, faith, athletics EX. Participating in theatre without being a theatre major Have an open mind Don’t close any doors you don’t have to Multiple ways to reach same outcome Just Ask Admissions counselors want to help you You never know until you ask

Seek a balanced college list Organize your factors What is important to your decision EX. Small class size, location, major/program, athletics, Faith Research, research, research Narrow your search by your factors – your fit Understand academic requirements Know what is required and where you stand – GPA, Test scores, etc. Visit Campus On Paper vs. On Campus – may confirm or change your feeling of the school Positives & negatives Write down your pros/cons for each school

How does a College choose you? Ms. Patty Baum (UNC)

Current trends in college admission Ms. Rachael Hopewell (University of Alabama) Ms. Joyce mai (North Carolina state university)

College Admission Testing Test Optional/Writing Section Concordance Tables: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/pdf/guide-2018-act-sat- concordance.pdf Admission Profiles & Merit Based Scholarships Super scoring

June 2018 SAT/ACT Concordance Table

Merit Scholarship Sample Scale GPA ACT Score SAT Score 2019 Scholarship Presidential 3.5 32-36 1420-1600 $26,000 UA Scholar 30-31 1360-1410 $20,000 Foundation 29 1330-1350 $15,000 Collegiate 28 1300-1320 $8,000 Capstone 27 1260-1290 $6,000

Q & a: college admission reps

Q & a: college student panel