College planning FOR 9TH & 10TH GRADERS October 25, 2018

OPTIONS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL College Technical Training Military Employment

Simplify the College Planning Process College opportunities exist for everyone. These 4 steps can help simplify the planning process: Learn the “language” of college Understand admission factors Explore college options Develop a financial plan

THE “LANGUAGE” OF COLLEGE 4-year vs 2-year Public vs Private vs Proprietary Selectivity

THE “LANGUAGE” OF COLLEGE In-state vs Out-of-state Tuition Early Decision vs Early Action vs Regular Decision vs Rolling Admission Scholarships/Grants/Loans

Admission Factors – What Colleges Consider Understand Admission Factors Admission Factors – What Colleges Consider The first part of planning for college is understanding what factors colleges consider when looking at a student profile. Primary Factors Quality/Rigor of Academic Courses Academic Performance/ Grades Test Scores (ACT, SAT, AP®, etc.) Additional Factors Cocurricular Activities Essay(s) Letters of Recommendation Demonstrated Interest

Understand Admission Factors Grades & Course Work Understand Admission Factors Your high school academic record is one of the most important factors in college admission. Colleges will look at a few aspects: Course selection: Challenge yourself with a rigorous course load and high-level classes, including AP or Honors courses. Grades: Every year counts, starting with freshman year. GPA trends: Keep improving through every grade. Class rank

Understand Admission Factors Other Considerations Understand Admission Factors Positive recommendations from educators and mentors Personal statement and essay(s) demonstrating writing ability and self-expression A “demonstrated interest” that shows your enthusiasm for the colleges to which you’re applying Extracurricular activities, including participation in sports, performing/visual arts, volunteering, etc. Community involvement, part-time work or internship Interview (if applicable)

Explore College Options – What to Consider Size and diversity of student body Location Academic programs Campus life — athletics, activities, housing Graduation and retention rates Financial aid and scholarship opportunities Above all, think about where you will be the most happy and successful in your college life.

Explore College Options Visit Campuses Explore College Options Get to know a school from the inside: Take a campus tour. Speak with an admission counselor. Ask about financial aid opportunities. Sit in on a class of interest. Read the student newspaper. Talk to students and faculty. In addition to what’s on this slide, here are some other things to do when you visit a campus: • Get business cards and names of people you meet for future contacts. • Pick up financial aid forms. • Participate in a group information session at the admission office. • Spend the night in a dorm. • Try to find other student publications — department newsletters, alternative newspapers and literary reviews. • Scan bulletin boards to see what day-to-day student life is like. • Eat in the cafeteria. • Wander around the campus by yourself. • Read for a little while in the library and see what it’s like. • Search for your favorite book in the library. • Browse in the college bookstore. • Walk or drive around the community surrounding the campus. • Listen to the college’s radio station. • Try to see a dorm that you didn’t see on the tour. • Imagine yourself attending this college for four years.

SO . . . What Should WE be doing? Choose challenging classes. Focus on grades!!!! Shoot for 3.0 QPA. Volunteer – and document! Get involved in school activities. Begin college research using collegefortn, college websites, campus visits, etc.

Helpful websites actstudent.org collegeboard.org ecampustours.com fastweb.com