The University of Akron Planning for College Chris Stimler Sr. Assistant Director of Admissions The University of Akron

Options after High School: Trade schools Military Community colleges Public colleges and universities Private colleges and universities

WHY ATTEND COLLEGE?

Choosing a Major: What are you interested in? Do you want to work with people? Undecided? Go to uakron.edu and search for Focus2

Consider college characteristics: Majors Location Cost & financial assistance Size Admission policy Campus activities Support services

Community Colleges: Advantages Technical degrees Transfer degrees and coursework Partnership programs/Direct Connect Lower cost Proximity to home

Public Colleges/Universities: Advantages Affordable tuition Wide range of academic programs Broad range of student life opportunities Large/diverse student population Major sports programs

Private Colleges/Universities: Advantages Small class sizes Low faculty/student ratio Personal attention Strong financial aid and scholarship opportunities

Is Getting into College Hard? Open Admissions: Almost all students are accepted Example: Kent State-Tuscarawas, Stark State, Wayne College Selective Admissions: Certain GPAs, ACT/SAT scores are required. Also, an essay and/or interview are often required. Examples: The University of Akron, College of Wooster Competitive Admissions: Space is very limited. High school course selection, test scores, and extracurricular involvement are evaluated very carefully. Examples: The Ohio State University, Case Western Reserve Competitive Majors

CCP COURSES www.ohiohighered.org/ccp AP COURSES www.apstudent.collegeboard.org CCP COURSES www.ohiohighered.org/ccp College credit offered after passing an exam – not guaranteed Prepare for college work Stand out on admissions applications –strengthen your transcript Save time & money Free college courses offered at the high school, at a community college, or 4- year college (must pay back if you fail a course) College credit is guaranteed Prepare for college work Save time & money

SAT collegeboard.org ACT www.ACT.org Multiple choice test in English, math, reading, and science reasoning Test dates: April 13, 2019 June 8, 2019 July 13, 2019 SAT collegeboard.org Multiple choice test in evidence based reading and writing and math Test dates: March 9, 2019 May 4, 2019 June 1, 2019

College and University Visits: Contact the Admissions Office to schedule a campus visit If possible, visit when school is in session Types of visit opportunities: Large open house programs Bus tours to campuses Individual visits Overnight visits

Applying for Admission: Narrow your choices: Where did you feel was your best fit? Review college admission test requirements Know application fees and deadlines Application for admission: Most schools have an online application/common application High school transcript Test results (ACT or SAT) Essays/Recommendations Application Fee or Fee Waiver

Develop a plan to finance your education: Sources of financial aid: Federal and State Government: FAFSA Grants, Student Loans, Work-Study College and University Scholarships: Academic Leadership Major Specific Athletic Each school distributes scholarships in a unique way

Aid Distribution Academic Year $12,000 Fall Semester $6,000 Spring Semester Merit Scholarship: $1,500 $750 Pell Grant: $2,000 $1,000 SEOG: $500 $250 Sub Stafford: $2,500 $1,250 Unsub Stafford: $2,500 Total Aid: $9,000 $4,500 Out of Pocket Due: $3,000 $1,500

TUITION COST DIFFERENCES: Stark State: $5,427.20 + fees University of Akron: $12,000 University of Mount Union: $38,900

Review and Finalize Your Plans: Follow up with colleges to which you have applied: Financial aid On-campus housing Orientation

What can you be doing now? Have a PLAN! What courses will you take? Get involved! Shadow a job of interest Take practice tests: PSAT Think about college characteristics

Questions? Chris Stimler Sr. Assistant Director of Admissions The University of Akron 330. 972.8433 cms107@uakron.edu