HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT COLLEGE?

Goals for Today To determine what things need to be considered when choosing postsecondary schools To discuss the timeline for tasks that need to be completed prior to choosing a college To provide information that will help allow all students an opportunity to see that college is possible for them

ASK YOURSELF: Who are you?(personality, interests, etc.) What do you want to study? How prepared are you?(admissions requirements, high school classes/grades, etc.) Do I need extra support/accomodations?

Other Factors to Consider… Location: proximity to home, weather, etc. Size and Diversity: student body, average class size, dorm life, etc. Academic Programs Offered Personal Opportunities: activities, jobs, internships Reputation check the school’s profile Cost

Top Myths About College College is for very smart people only. College is not affordable. A degree/certificate doesn’t really make a difference

Degrees vs Weekly Earnings Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey, 2013

What Should I Be Doing Now? Maintain a decent GPA Get involved in extracurricular activities and volunteer efforts Evaluate results of Kuder career interest inventories to see what careers may fit your interests/personality Create a list of prospective schools/visit/learn admission requirements Target school-desired school Safe school-know you can get in Reach school- more competitive(Ivy League ie. Harvard, Yale, etc.)

Sports in College? Athletes should register with Eligibility Center by the end of this semester if wanting to play sports in college.

What Should I Be Doing Now(cont.)? Taking College Entrance Test-ACT or SAT All jrs will take state admin in Mar 2018 Speak with college reps when they visit JHS campus Attend the TriCounty College/Career Fair held each year for jrs/srs in Clarke/Washington County Look at scholarship list on school’s website that I provide for srs each year. Preview requirements so that you can be prepared this time next year to compete for awards. Having a conversation with your family about your plans

What If I Need to Visit a College Campus to BE SURE? Research College Preview Days. Some Colleges have Preview Days on school holidays. You may request up to 2 excused college visit days that count as a 4X per junior and senior year. In rare cases, other days have been excused as needed. We prefer that you complete the form before visit. Get form from Mrs. Corley or Ms. Stabler. Spring and summer breaks are ideal times for tours as well

Money Should Not Be a Hurdle If You Want to Attend College!

How Will I Pay For College? Federal Aid or FAFSA Grants-Free Money that you don’t pay back Loans- Pay back Workstudy-Paid jobs on campus(library, recreation center, restaurants/café, computer lab, etc.) Scholarships based on academics, leadership, community/civic services, ethnicity, career field, sports, music/arts, etc. *All scholarships DON’T require high ACT score and GPA(equal or greater than 2.0)

Final Points Always try to visit your campus choices. Don’t rely on name recognition. Find your best fit! Don’t accept generalizations about colleges (i.e. “hard to get into,” “party school,” “too expensive”). Do your own research. Don’t be afraid to apply to “reach schools.” But, always have a few back-up plans. Don’t pick campuses just because your friends are going there. Make your own decisions! Don’t rule out colleges because of cost. There is financial aid available. And, remember, college is an investment in your future.

Count Down to Graduation Your senior year will be a whirlwind of decisions! Effective planning NOW will help you not to be overwhelmed LATER Keep in mind that no decision/action is a decision I’m here to help!!!