Dina Levi May 10, 2014

PROCESS  EXPLORATION—Junior year and earlier  Self Awareness—what are you looking for?  What are the options out there?  APPLICATIONS—Senior Fall  ACCEPTANCES, FINANCIAL AID & DECISION— Senior Spring

Roles of Parents & Students PARENTS:  Structure the process  Act as Navigators—teach students how to be self- sufficient  Trust your student’s instincts STUDENTS:  Engage in the process—Act as Drivers  Reflect on your preferences and needs  Actively explore options  Take responsibility for preparing for college in the classroom and in the application process

The College Admissions Equation Qualities Student is Looking for in Learning & Living Environment + Qualities College is Looking for in Students = FIT & ACCEPTANCE (A Good Match)

What’s in a NAME? The NAME of a college  success What the student does while at college does = success A student does well when the college is a good fit & she/he thrives because of it

Factors to Consider in Choosing a College  Size of College Learning environment—size of classes & connection with professors Opportunities to be involved in extra curricular activities Social atmosphere/Sense of community Number of majors offered & research opportunities Support structure and services

Factors to Consider, cont.  Location of College Surrounding environment—urban/suburban/rural Distance from home Recreational possibilities Out of state opportunities  Academic Programs Majors offered Academic Rigor & atmosphere Special programs—honors/learning disability support/study abroad, etc.

Factors to Consider, cont.  Other factors Diversity-ethnic/geographic/socio-economic, etc. Religious affiliation? Single sex or co-ed? Campus housing—residential vs. commuter environments Specific extracurricular activities Social atmosphere Cost & financial aid options

How Do I find out what I want???  THINK!! About yourself, your preferences, your experiences and interests in the classroom and outside of it. (Check out Sizing-Yourself-Up survey in Fiske Guide to Colleges.)  RESEARCH—online, in reference books, with counselors and college reps. at College/Career Centers at school, at college fairs.  VISIT! VISIT! VISIT!

VISITING COLLEGES Visit when school is in session Take official tours Walk around on your own Sit in on a class Go to the cafeteria/student union Ask questions Visit Bay Area colleges if you can’t go further this spring Visit colleges any time when travelling

WHAT DO COLLEGES WANT???  Solid academic core coursework—all 4 years of high school—meet the minimums and more  Grades in academic core + overall GPA  SAT or ACT tests  SAT Subject tests??  Involvement in your school and/or outside community  Special talents???

FRESHMEN & SOPHOMORES— WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE? Do as well as you can academically (grades) Challenge yourself appropriately with academic coursework Get involved in extracurricular activities that interest you—at school, in the community or individually When you travel, visit college campuses Sophomores—take PLAN (pre-ACT) test if possible

JUNIORS—WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE? Stay focused academically Research and visit colleges Take PSAT in October Register and take ACT and SAT by June test dates Plan a productive summer Gradually develop a list of 5-9 colleges you’re interested in

SENIORS—WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE IN THE FALL? Stay focused academically Retake SAT or ACT Continue to research & visit colleges Include reach, possible & probable colleges in your list Complete applications, taking time to complete application essays Request and send required letters of recommendation, transcripts, etc.

SENIORS—WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE IN THE SPRING? Stay focused academically Apply for financial aid in January Send 7 th semester transcripts as required Receive acceptances and denials Revisit final options Evaluate financial aid packages Make decision by May 1 st Make housing, orientation and placement test arrangements

QUESTIONS???