Private Colleges and Universities

2 Why apply to a private college or university?  Wide variety of choices  Size  Location  Specialized majors  Personalized services  Small class size  Better access to faculty  Some guarantee graduation in four years  May be more affordable than you think

3 When choosing a school, think about who you are and what you want Type and reputation Type and reputation Location Location Size Size Majors Majors Selectivity (difficulty of getting accepted) Selectivity (difficulty of getting accepted) Class size - Faculty to student ratio Class size - Faculty to student ratio Surrounding community Surrounding community Housing Housing Internships/study abroad programs Internships/study abroad programs Job placement programs Job placement programs Retention and graduation rates Retention and graduation rates Faith affiliation Faith affiliation

4 Determine the right schools for YOU  Begin planning early.  Research college websites.  Visit college campuses. Talk with students. Keep a journal!  Some colleges host area sessions that you can attend. A few colleges offer an interview with an alum.  Attend college rep sessions at the EPC.  Get organized: compile a list of public and private schools and make a file and/or chart.  We recommend applying to 4 – 8 colleges. Decide on 1-2 “reach” schools, 3 “possibles,” and 2 “safety” schools.

5 Private colleges look for: Rigorous college-prep courses Rigorous college-prep courses Total GPA / Class rank Total GPA / Class rank SAT or ACT scores SAT or ACT scores Essay Essay Well written, free from errors, reflective, addresses the prompt, catches the reader’s attention. Activities that include community service, leadership, or that demonstrate unusual talents or skills. Activities that include community service, leadership, or that demonstrate unusual talents or skills. Letters of recommendation Letters of recommendation

6 Other Important Factors that may affect admission First generation university student First generation university student Under-represented cultural or ethnic background Under-represented cultural or ethnic background Other unique family circumstances Other unique family circumstances Sincere interest in attending the school Sincere interest in attending the school “Legacy” applicant “Legacy” applicant Geographical residence Geographical residence Special talent/ability Special talent/ability

7 Pepperdine

8 Santa Clara

9 Yale

10 Georgetown

11 Dartmouth

12 How to apply…  Use or or or to research colleges and find those that meet your specifications  Deadlines vary. At college websites get information about application requirements and deadlines. Keep a chart or calendar of all deadlines.  Most schools prefer online applications.  Consider using the Common Application:  Approximately 350 private and public colleges and universities accept the Common Application.  An additional supplemental form may be required by some schools when using the Common Application.  Most private colleges will require one or more essays.

13 Letters of Rec and School Reports  If applying online, letters of rec and school reports may be submitted electronically by your teachers and counselor.  Letters of Recommendation Print all forms, fill out your part and give to recommenders (counselor and teachers). Include addressed and stamped envelopes. Be sure to include Student Information Sheets (available in the EPC) with your packet. Request early - at least 3-4 weeks before the recommendations need to be mailed.  School Reports Print all forms, fill out your part and give to your counselor. Counselors attach the letter of rec, your transcript, and the school profile with the school report. Provide a manila envelope with 3 stamps for each school for those that need to be mailed.  Cover Sheet Include a cover sheet listing each college with its corresponding deadline date.

14  All private colleges will require SAT or ACT scores. Some may require SAT Subject tests. Have testing services send official scores directly to the colleges.  Make copies of everything you mail and get a Certificate of Mailing at the post office.  Note: some majors require a portfolio or audition.  Diligently check or your college portal access for college requests. Respond in a timely manner.

15 More information...  Most private colleges/universities require a form called a Mid-Year Report. Give this form to your counselor in January (with stamped/addressed envelopes).  Notifications of acceptance (and rejection) come in mid-April. mid-April.  Financial Aid packages will be received soon after April 1, if not included in the acceptance letter.  Student’s letter of acceptance should be mailed by May 1. Get a Certificate of Mailing.  Once you decide on your college, fill out an end-of-the-year transcript request in the registrar’s office.

16 Cost Comparison with Public Universities CSU: $24,000 is the average CSU: $24,000 is the average UC: $33,500 is the average UC: $33,500 is the average Private Colleges: $43,000 + Private Colleges: $43, % of students at California private colleges receive aid. Many private colleges throughout the nation have generous grant programs. If students graduate in four years (compared to public universities where it often takes longer), substantial savings are realized. If students graduate in four years (compared to public universities where it often takes longer), substantial savings are realized.

17 Financial Aid Be sure to file online FAFSA after January 1. Be sure to file online FAFSA after January 1. Get your FAFSA pin number now. Fill out verification form for Cal Grant through EPC for CA colleges. Expected family contribution (EFC) is determined from information provided on the financial aid forms. Expected family contribution (EFC) is determined from information provided on the financial aid forms. Use online calculators to get an approximate idea of your EFC. Use online calculators to get an approximate idea of your EFC. FAFSA4caster is available at: FAFSA4caster is available at: File CSS Profile if required. File CSS Profile if required. Financial Aid awards from each college will vary and will include a package of grants, loans, and work study. Financial Aid awards from each college will vary and will include a package of grants, loans, and work study. Search for scholarships online. Get information in the Educational Planning Center. Search for scholarships online. Get information in the Educational Planning Center. COA minus EFC = Amount of Financial Aid you qualify for. Your EFC amount stays the same no matter which college you attend.

18 Important Dates Financial Aid workshop at LHS Financial Aid workshop at LHS November 7 at 6:30 pm in Room 1113 FAFSA workshop at LHS FAFSA workshop at LHS after January 1, 2013 in Library Media Center 

19 Last thoughts …  Applying to colleges and universities is time consuming, exciting, and sometimes frustrating.  This is where you will live for the next four years, and where you will making life-long friendships. Spend time to look at options.  Remember: there is no one “perfect” college for you... find and apply to those colleges that are a “good fit” for you.