Getting Prepared for College Do’s and Don’ts for Counselors/Students/Parents

Why a College Education is Important ? Creates Options Intellectual Stimulation Skill Development Discover of Talents Enhances Marketability Higher Standard of Living

What Students Need to do to Prepare for College Sign up for the right core courses Take challenging courses Work hard to pass courses Build academic, language, mathematics & critical thinking skills Prepare for SAT or ACT early Get involved in extra-curricular activities early Start saving money in a college fund early Get an idea of what schools offer and what interests you

What Colleges/Universities Look for When Making Admission Decisions SAT/ACT Scores Class Rank GPA High School Core Classes Essay Audition/Portfolio Interview Letter of Recommendation

What Students Need to Know when Filling Out the Application Student fills it out! Know the deadlines Know the right college/campus Fill out the correct application Have appropriate email and one that you check Put down legal name FERPA!!!

Elements of An Application

High School Transcripts Three to four year academic history Class rank and GPA High School Academic Core Requirements Rigor of the Curriculum AP and Honors classes

Admission Test Scores Most schools require you to submit one of the following test scores: SAT SAT II ACT

Essay Showing v. Telling Shows creativity, personality, enthusiasm, and value systems Ability to write a good composition

Extracurricular Activities High School Activities or Community Service Demonstrates Leadership Demonstrates Commitment Demonstrates Time Management

Letters of Recommendation Many schools (private & selective) require you to submit one or more letters of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or other adults who know you well. Shows how you are perceived by classmates and teacher How you fit in the community What leadership roles have taken

Interview This is required or recommended by some schools Good idea to make a personal connection with admission person on campus

Audition/Portfolio If you are applying for a program such as music, art, or design, you may have to document prior work by auditioning on campus or submitting a tape, slide or other samples of your work

Five Things Students Should Consider When Choosing a College Academic Admission Requirements Social Life Career or Job Preparation Financial Aid

Academic Strength of academic programs Graduation/Retention rates Class Size/Challenging course of study

Admission Requirements How many applicants are admitted? Academic profile information (average GPA & test scores)

Social Life Location of the college, whether urban or rural What size is the college (small, medium or large/public or private) and does it suit your needs? What is there to do other than study and attend clubs? Is it a good fit for you? Will you fit in? What sports and athletics are offered?

Career or Job Preparation Placement rates of graduates in career area Percentage of students who go on to graduate school University Career Center

Financial Aid What is the actual cost of attendance? How does the college compute need? What kind of scholarships are offered? What financial aid forms are needed? Can you negotiate aid?