All things collegiate Mrs. J

Step One: College Search Answering questions: How do I choose which college is right for me? How to find a college that will accept you? Is Texas State a good school? Collegeboard.org (college search) Use this website to find information about: GPA / Class Rank requirements SAT / ACT Score requirements AP Score(s) they will accept Application requirements

Step Two: College Visits Answering questions: How do I schedule visits at colleges? What should I ask/look for at college visits? There are two things you need to be aware of when doing this, one is to schedule with the university you want to visit and BE ON TIME and secondly, you’ll need to get a waiver from your counselor’s office and get it signed off so that the day is not counted against you Look on the university website, there will often be a link to schedule a visit (*hint: often you will click on “prospective students” on the front page and then click “freshman” if there isn’t a “visit __college name here __” link) Questions to ask a tour guide: How much time do students typically spend on homework? What is the average class size of introductory classes? Do you have a learning community or other freshman experience? (for more questions and the article where I got these click here.)

Step Three part I: The Specifics (Academics) Answering questions: How do I pick a major? How do I ace an interview with a private college? Picking a major: College Board has a lot of helpful tools and articles to read to help you along your process (here) Most universities have their own helpful websites and links (example) they will also have a Career Counseling in addition to their Academic Advisors who are there to help you find your way. Some even offer career assessment tests that assess your strengths, weaknesses, and interests to help guide you in the right direction. Interviewing: The Basics Practice & Strategies Mrs. Johnson’s help: Be well informed about the college, and be prepared to ask specific questions. Dress professionally and be well groomed. Be confident. Speak clearly and highlight your accomplishments.

Step Three part II: The Specifics (Extracurricular) Answering questions: Should I get a job in college? How do I find one that will work with such a hectic schedule? How do I get involved in clubs/extracurricular activities? What’s the big deal about frats? Are they good to belong to? How do I choose one? Based on need, the federal government might offer you a program called work-study. This is a job on or off campus to help you pay for college. Often, jobs around a college campus will be very aware, and flexible with your school schedule. If you go to the College Board website and select “Campus Life” it will fill you in regarding the general extracurricular activities offered. For more specific information, visit the university’s website. Often, during the first two to three weeks of school, you will receive flyers/handouts informing you about local clubs, and extracurricular activities that you can join; bonus: they often offer you free pizza to attend!

Step Four: Budgets, Loans, and Scholarships (oh my!) Answering questions: How do I fill out the FAFSA? How do I apply for a loan? How do you make a budget for college? FAFSA (You’ll need your parent’s most recent tax information to fill this out. If you need additional help, visit your counselor.) When you fill out the FAFSA it will automatically qualify/disqualify you from many Federal and State grants and Loans. For more information, click here. Be sure to carefully read up on all of them; some loans start interest as soon as you use them (Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, Federal Direct PLUS Loan) some start interest only after you graduate, as long as you’re fully enrolled the entire time (Federal Direct Subsidized Loan, Federal Perkins Loan).

Step Five: You’re in, now what? These are the things you didn’t ask, but need to know! Housing, food, scheduling classes, etc… Make sure during your application process you’re keeping tabs on housing. There should be an individual application process for dorm housing, make sure you’ve filled in all the necessary paperwork. Scheduling classes: while there should be some type of freshman course that should walk you through a lot of these steps, but just in case…

Step Six: Extra Questions What is college like? Is it as hard as you make it seem? Is there a way to check your grades in college? What are college hours like? Do you have a lot of free time? How do you pick professors? How do I study efficiently? What about long reading assignments? Is it a bad idea to move in with your boyfriend freshman year?