COLLEGE SEARCH AND APPLICATION PROCESS Caroline McCall Admissions Officer

Things to Keep in Mind It’s not just about where you go; it’s about what you do while you are there You will find the “right fit”, but it may take time and will likely be a stressful time Research and preparation is key

Student’s Role Take the lead - YOU are the one going to college Ask yourself questions Why am I going to college? What do I value? What am I interested in? Research schools Research application/admission requirements Coursework Required Tests Deadlines

Family’s Role Guide, don’t lead Encourage student to explore options Don’t just look at “brand name” schools Be realistic, especially when considering costs

COLLEGE SEARCH CONSIDERATIONS

Educational Goals What level of education is required for the career I am interested in? Technical School Two Year College Four Year University Beyond Four Years

Things to Consider Quality of academic programs Size Location Urban/Suburban/Rural How Far From Home?

Things to Consider Academic Offerings Majors and Minors Support Programs and Enrichment Opportunities Honors Programs Study Abroad Disability Services Career Services and Internship Opportunities Bridge Programs

And More Things to Think About Admissions Requirements Specific courses CommonApp? Coalition App? School App? Required tests (if any) Essay Recommendations Resume/activity lists Interview Fees (can sometimes be waived) Cost, Financial Aid, and Scholarships

College Costs Tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, transportation, health insurance, etc. Sticker price v net price Full cost minus aid and scholarships Net price calculators and worksheets Possible application fee waivers

Financial Assistance and Information FAFSA Questions about income, assets and expenses Completed after October 1st of senior year Will have to do it annually https://fafsa.ed.gov/ CSS PROFILE Required by some schools http://css.collegeboard.org/ School-specific Applications Academic Scholarships Private Scholarships

Narrowing Down Your List Apply to at least 3 schools Safety, Match, Reach Meet with college representatives during school or at college fairs Utilize school counselor Research via the internet Visit campuses Tour campus before your senior year Attend open house in the fall of senior year Attend admitted student events once admitted Talk to friends, family members, teachers, mentors, counselors

Lingo to Know Early Action (EA) Early Decision Rolling Admissions Non-binding and students have until May 1 to accept or decline offer of admission Early Decision Binding agreement and student must attend. Good option for students with high interest in a particular college and low financial need You may not have the opportunity to compare financial aid offers Rolling Admissions Applications are reviewed in order that they are received and continuously until the college is full

What Colleges Look For Academically talented and motivated students Course selection (Honors/AP/college courses) Standardized test scores (if required) SAT I ACT SAT Subject Tests (if applicable)

SAT v ACT SAT “Focus on the knowledge, skills, and understandings that research has identified as most important for college and career readiness and success” 3 Parts: evidence-based reading and writing; math; optional essay 400 – 1600 score scale Lasts about 3 hours (4 with optional essay) https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat ACT Content based- tests the curriculum taught in high school 4 sections- English, Math, Reading, and Science Maximum score is 36, receive a composite score Last about 3 hours http://www.act.org/

What Colleges Look For Thoughtful and well written essay Topics are usually provided Provide information than we can’t get from your transcript Content, tone, structure and grammar Don’t summarize; think critically This may be the only time you can truly share your voice Capitalize those I’s! (Don’t forget the basics) Recommendation letters Academic person Non-academic person Not necessarily your highest grade

What Colleges Look For Interview (if applicable) Well presented Knowledgeable- you’ve done your research Motivated Leadership within Extracurricular Activities School-based Outside of school Volunteer/community service Religious activities Work Social Media (sometimes)

So You Have Submitted Your Application Make sure you that you have fully completed your application. Keep an eye out for mail, emails, phone calls, etc. There are many reasons a school could need to reach you. (The best of which being to let you know you’re accepted!) Keep focused academically. Schools may request your final senior year transcripts. Search for scholarships. University websites often have links to scholarships- or searches- beyond their own. Your counselors may have resources too. And look around in your community.

What Happens Once I’m Admitted? Compare offers Scholarships 1 time or renewable What is required to keep scholarship Financial Aid Loans, Grants, Work Study Major First choice, Second choice In terms of financial assistance, some schools may negotiate; some will not Attend an event on campus or take another tour Submit your enrollment deposit/acceptance fee Most schools have May 1 deadline Attend orientation and register for classes

So What Do I Do Now? 9th Grade Get started learning about college Start thinking about career fields Get involved Choose classes strategically Start thinking about costs Have conversations

So What Do I Do Now? 10th Grade Take the PSAT (October) Create a list of colleges of interest Continue on your academic and extracurricular path Come to these events  Continue to think about career fields Practice reading and writing Contact colleges for more info

So What Do I Do Now? 11th Grade Take the PSAT again (October) Narrow down your college list Contact recommenders Start your essay Visit colleges If early decision, make sure and get ready Take the SAT or ACT in the Spring Keep those academics going strong!

So What Do I Do Now? 12th Grade Visit schools again Take the SAT or ACT again, if necessary Apply Wait… Visit again Compare schools Compare offers Attend admitted student events Pay enrollment fees Enjoy!

Useful Websites Useful Websites College Search Paying for College www.petersons.com www.princetonreview.com www.bigfuture.collegeboard.org www.usnews.com Education section Much more than rankings Paying for College www.fafsa.ed.gov www.fastweb.com www.studentaid.ed.gov www.consumerfinance.gov Links above as well Useful Websites

Keep in Mind Fewer than 100 US colleges are highly selective (accept less than 25% of applicants). You are more than test scores. You are in charge. You are unique. You are not in this alone. The College Board