Planning for College Planning for College Source: ACT’s College Planning Guide Copyright 2004 by ACT, Inc.

Planning for College You can organize the college planning process in six simple steps Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Work Military Trades Apprentice Program Proprietary Schools COLLEGE Options After High School

Let’s Focus on College Remember...decision making is a PROCESS, not an event! Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Know Yourself and Your Reasons for Attending College n Recognize your strengths and weaknesses n Analyze your interests and values n Achieve a personal goal n Increase your earning power 1

Know Yourself and Your Reasons for Attending College n Prepare for a career and expand learning n Extracurricular activities & social life n Influence of family and friends 1 Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Take responsibility for your future! Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Recommended High School Curriculum for College n English4 units n Mathematics3 units n Social Studies3 units n Science3 units Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Recommended High School Curriculum for College n Many colleges also require additional courses in: –Foreign Language –Mathematics –Fine & Performing Arts Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Core Curriculum/ACT Score Study National Core or More National Ave. (Total) National Less than Core Core Curriculum: 4 Units – English 3 Units – Math 3 Units – Social Studies 3 Units – Nat. Sciences Source: 2004 ACT High School Profile

ACT Test Preparation n The best preparation is a solid high school curriculum n ACT includes four curriculum-based tests -- English, Math, Reading, and Science n Become familiar with the ACT test content and format n Review your PLAN results to identify academic weaknesses

ACT Test Preparation n Learn appropriate test-taking strategies n Use ACTive Prep ® – ACT’s test preparation software program n Take ACT’s free practice test n Visit the ACT website at n See your counselor for other test preparation materials Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Remember, test scores are only ONE factor used for college admission and scholarship decisions Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Consider College Characteristics n Majors & educational programs n Type of school & degrees offered n Admission policy n Location & size n Costs & financial aid n College affiliation & accreditation n Campus activities n Support services 2 Source: ACT College Planning Guide

List, Compare, and Visit Colleges n Compile information from several resources: –Internet/Websites –College catalogs, bulletins, videos, and computer-based services (DISCOVER  ) –College representatives & college fairs –Counselors and teachers –Parents, students, and alumni –Directories and ACT score report 3

List, Compare, and Visit Colleges n Prepare a college comparison checklist n Weigh advantages & disadvantages n Contact the office of admission n Schedule appointments for your campus visits 3 Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Every campus has a “personality” Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Checklist for a Campus Visit n Meet with an Admission Counselor n Verify admission requirements n Determine actual college costs n Ask about financial aid opportunities n Take a campus tour

Checklist for a Campus Visit n Investigate your academic program(s) n Attend a class n Talk with students and faculty n Discuss your chances for success: –admission –graduation –placement Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Apply for Admission and Observe Deadlines n Narrow your choices n Review college admission test requirements n Know application fees and deadlines n Know scholarship requirements 4

Apply for Admission and Observe Deadlines n Submit application materials (paper/ electronic) –Application for admission –High school transcript –Recommendations –Admission test results 4 Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Keep accurate records!

Develop a Plan to Finance Your Education n Determine college costs n Investigate ALL possible resources –Parents –Savings –Summer earnings –Financial aid: scholarships, grants, loans & work-study –Other sources 5

Develop a Plan to Finance Your Education n Secure necessary forms and note deadlines n Apply for financial aid as early as possible 5 Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Don’t eliminate any college because of costs before receiving financial assistance information! Source: ACT College Planning Guide

What Does Postsecondary Education Cost?

Review and Finalize Your Plans n Show initiative and be assertive n Talk with your parents and counselor n Select a college that meets your needs and preferences n Follow up with colleges to which you have applied 6 Source: ACT College Planning Guide

College Success Factors Test scores and high school grades are important However, they measure only part of your “potential” Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Keep in mind… making sound decisions will lead to satisfying and successful experiences! Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Planning for College Planning for College