Source: ACT’s College Planning Guide Copyright 2004 by ACT, Inc. Planning for College Source: ACT’s College Planning Guide Copyright 2004 by ACT, Inc.

You can organize the college planning process in six simple steps Planning for College You can organize the college planning process in six simple steps Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Options After High School Work Trades Military Apprentice Program COLLEGE Proprietary Schools

Remember...decision making is a PROCESS, not an event! Let’s Focus on College Remember...decision making is a PROCESS, not an event! Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Know Yourself and Your Reasons for Attending College 1 Know Yourself and Your Reasons for Attending College Recognize your strengths and weaknesses Analyze your interests and values Achieve a personal goal Increase your earning power

Know Yourself and Your Reasons for Attending College 1 Know Yourself and Your Reasons for Attending College Prepare for a career and expand learning Extracurricular activities & social life Influence of family and friends Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Take responsibility for your future! Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Recommended High School Curriculum for College English 4 units Mathematics 3 units Social Studies 3 units Science 3 units Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Recommended High School Curriculum for College Many colleges also require additional courses in: Foreign Language Mathematics Fine & Performing Arts Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Core Curriculum/ACT Score Study National Core or More National Ave. (Total) National Less than Core Core Curriculum: 4 Units – English 3 Units – Math 3 Units – Social Studies 3 Units – Nat. Sciences Source: 2004 ACT High School Profile

ACT Test Preparation The best preparation is a solid high school curriculum ACT includes four curriculum-based tests -- English, Math, Reading, and Science Become familiar with the ACT test content and format Review your PLAN results to identify academic weaknesses

ACT Test Preparation Learn appropriate test-taking strategies Use ACTive Prep® – ACT’s test preparation software program Take ACT’s free practice test Visit the ACT website at www.act.org See your counselor for other test preparation materials Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Source: ACT College Planning Guide Remember, test scores are only ONE factor used for college admission and scholarship decisions Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Consider College Characteristics 2 Consider College Characteristics Majors & educational programs Type of school & degrees offered Admission policy Location & size Costs & financial aid College affiliation & accreditation Campus activities Support services Source: ACT College Planning Guide

List, Compare, and Visit Colleges 3 List, Compare, and Visit Colleges Compile information from several resources: Internet/Websites College catalogs, bulletins, videos, and computer-based services (DISCOVER) College representatives & college fairs Counselors and teachers Parents, students, and alumni Directories and ACT score report

List, Compare, and Visit Colleges 3 List, Compare, and Visit Colleges Prepare a college comparison checklist Weigh advantages & disadvantages Contact the office of admission Schedule appointments for your campus visits Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Every campus has a “personality” Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Checklist for a Campus Visit Meet with an Admission Counselor Verify admission requirements Determine actual college costs Ask about financial aid opportunities Take a campus tour

Checklist for a Campus Visit Investigate your academic program(s) Attend a class Talk with students and faculty Discuss your chances for success: admission graduation placement Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Apply for Admission and Observe Deadlines 4 Apply for Admission and Observe Deadlines Narrow your choices Review college admission test requirements Know application fees and deadlines Know scholarship requirements

Apply for Admission and Observe Deadlines 4 Apply for Admission and Observe Deadlines Submit application materials (paper/ electronic) Application for admission High school transcript Recommendations Admission test results Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Keep accurate records!

Develop a Plan to Finance Your Education 5 Develop a Plan to Finance Your Education Determine college costs Investigate ALL possible resources Parents Savings Summer earnings Financial aid: scholarships, grants, loans & work-study Other sources

Develop a Plan to Finance Your Education 5 Develop a Plan to Finance Your Education Secure necessary forms and note deadlines Apply for financial aid as early as possible Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Source: ACT College Planning Guide Don’t eliminate any college because of costs before receiving financial assistance information! Source: ACT College Planning Guide

What Does Postsecondary Education Cost?

Review and Finalize Your Plans 6 Review and Finalize Your Plans Show initiative and be assertive Talk with your parents and counselor Select a college that meets your needs and preferences Follow up with colleges to which you have applied Source: ACT College Planning Guide

College Success Factors Test scores and high school grades are important . . . . . . However, they measure only part of your “potential” Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Source: ACT College Planning Guide Keep in mind… making sound decisions will lead to satisfying and successful experiences! Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Planning for College