Elizabeth Fitzgerald Stevenson University

 Offer a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science  Lay foundation for more advanced studies and professional work  Offer a more traditional, well-rounded approach to an advanced degree.  Allow the time and opportunity to explore several subjects before choosing career path.

 There are more than 3,800 colleges and universities in the United States.  There are more females than males going to college nationwide.  USA is #1 destination for international college students.

 Field of Study  Size  Selectivity  Setting  Special Interests ◦ i.e. Study Abroad, Diversity, Religion, Activities  Distance from Home  Public/Private  Athletics

 Visit college campuses – don’t wait! ◦ Open Houses ◦ Daily Information Sessions & Campus Tours ◦ Overnight Visits ◦ Interviews  High School Visits by College Representatives  College Fairs  Surf the Internet!

 Early Decision ◦ Apply by November 1 and receive decision by December 15 of senior year. ◦ Plans are binding – admission means you must attend. ◦ Can only apply to one school Early Decision.  Early Action ◦ Apply early, but admission is non-binding. Notified mid/late January. ◦ Have until May 1 to notify school of attendance. ◦ No limit on Early Action applications.  Regular Decision/Rolling Admission ◦ Apply by published deadline and receive a decision no later than April 1 of senior year. ◦ Rolling and first-come, first-served basis ◦ Have until May 1 to notify school of attendance. ◦ No limit on Regular Decision/Rolling Admissions applications.

 Paper applications  Online applications  Common Application® ◦  How many applications? ◦ No magic number ◦ Some students apply to 2-3 while others apply to 10 or more. ◦ Should be combination of safety, match, and reach schools. ◦ Fee waivers

 Application – paper or online  Application Fee  Official High School Transcript  Official SATs or ACTs  Essay  Letter(s) of Recommendation  Interview  Extracurricular Resume  Portfolio/Audition

 Classroom performance/grades earned  Course selection  Standardized test scores  Extracurricular activities  Quality of essay or personal statement  Interview  Legacy  Campus Visit

 Scholarships ◦ Almost $3 billion in scholarships is available annually as free money for college!  Types ◦ Merit-based – vast majority come from colleges ◦ Athletic – NCAA Divisions I and II only ◦ Major-specific competitions ◦ Local organizations  Lions Club, Rotary Club, and Kiwanis Club, churches, etc. ◦ Online searches  Collegeboard.com  Fastweb.com

 Financial Aid ◦ Makes up the difference between what colleges cost and what the family can afford to pay.  Types ◦ Loans - have to be repaid ◦ Grants – do not have to be repaid ◦ Work-study – earn money on campus  FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid ◦ ◦  Fill out beginning January 1of senior year

 Higher education experts say first three weeks are most critical.  Success in high school does not automatically translate into success in college.  College professors will not hold your child’s hand.

The Naked Roommate: And 107 other issues you might run into in college By Harlan Cohen Expect the unexpected. Allow yourself to be uncomfortable.

Elizabeth Fitzgerald Associate Director of Admissions Stevenson University