1. College Search and Selection
The Basics for Juniors – Fall 2017

2. Seven Steps of the College Planning Process
Gathering Information
Planning and Choosing
Making Two Visits – This may be difficult if out of state, but visits are always a great idea!
Applying
Interviewing/Essay Writing/Letters of Recommendation – Some of these are not applicable for certain applications (especially in state schools).
Applying for Financial Aid
Making Acceptance Decisions

3. “Pitfalls” for students to avoid…
“I’m applying to college X because all my friends are going there.”
“There’s only ONE college that is right for me.”
“All colleges are the same, so why bother with all this work.”
“I’m going to college X because my father, mother, brother, etc. went there (or wants me to go there).”
“College X is too expensive for me.”
“I’m not applying there because I’ll get rejected.”
BIGGEST STATEMENT TO AVOID – “If my number one school doesn’t accept me, I’ll be unhappy for the next 4 years.”

4. Objective College Guides
Provides information from a database (# of students, average ACT, etc.)
Objective guides are usually written by the colleges. Therefore, these guides may cast each college in a favorable light.
Examples of objective guides include:
The Ultimate Guide to America’s Best Colleges Fiske Guide to Colleges
Peterson’s Four-Year Colleges
America’s Best Value Colleges
Profiles of American Colleges

5. Subjective College Guides
Subjective guides are based on opinion
Similar to objective guides, but limit colleges discussed to specific groups, or focus on specific topics.
Updated quite often
Examples of subjective guides include:
Choosing the Right College: The Whole Truth About America’s Top Schools
The Ultimate College Guide by US News and World Report
The Insider’s Guide to Colleges
Colleges That Change Lives

6. Why do you want to go to college “X”?
Some things to think about….
To live in a different part of the country.
To be exposed to new ideas.
To have a more interesting social life.
To be near cultural activities.
To get practical experience in my chosen field.
To prepare for a specific professional school (law, engineering, medicine, etc.)
To get a solid liberal arts background.
To be challenged academically.
To compete with others “on my level”.
To go to a high status school.
To help me land a good job or career (networking, internship opportunities, etc.)

7. Why college “X” continued…
A few other things to think about…
To meet people different than myself.
To study and live abroad.
To take classes from renowned professors.
To develop my abilities, potential talents, and interests.
To be “out on my own”.
To join in extracurricular activities.
To earn a better living and have a better lifestyle.
To satisfy my family members.
To participate in high quality research.

8. Other Important Things to Consider
Institution Size
Geographic Location
Academic Programs
Campus Life
Cost
Diversity
Graduation Rate/Grad School Placement
Job Placement Rate in Field of Study
Scholarships – Compare scholarship amounts to tuition!

9. What do colleges look for?
Academic Performance
GPA
Class Rank - KAMS does not rank, though your local school may still rank you.
Academic Rigor – This is where KAMS students REALLY shine!
Hands On Research Experience
Standardized Test Scores (ACT/SAT/TOEFL)
Extracurricular Activities
Colleges are interested in depth of commitment, personal initiative, originality, leadership ability, and evidence of social conscience.
It’s not the # of activities, but the commitment and passion for those activities.
Community Service
Colleges want to see students that will be good citizens and stewards while on campus and in to the future.

10. What should I be doing my JR year?
Build/strengthen your resume. Will create one together. Quality over quantity!
Attend the “Majors and Graduate Programs Fair” here at FHSU – October 18, 2017
Get involved in clubs/organizations – Can be on or off campus.
Get a job – Here on campus or over summer break.
Intern, interview or job shadow at a business, industry, etc.
Volunteer in your community or here in the Hays community.
ACT/SAT Prep – Possible workshops. Resources in my office.
Participate in summer programs/institutes to further your learning.
Get involved and truly try to learn from your required research activities.
Visit colleges that interest you.

11. Questions to ask reps… Admission How do I apply to attend your school?
Are there any prerequisites before application is made?
How does your school handle KS Qualified Admission Requirements?
What website, address or phone number do I contact for admissions information?
Programs of Study
Is the field of study I want to pursue available at your school?
What are two or three best areas of study at your institution?
How many hours and what courses are general requirements for graduation at your school?
Enrollment
When are pre-enrollment dates?
What is the usual course load for most beginning freshmen?
How are the advisors assigned and how available are they to assist students?
What resources, such as tutoring, are available if students need extra help with their studies?
What courses are required for all freshmen?
Computers
What kinds of computer facilities/services are available for students?
Are students required to buy/bring their own computers to campus?

12. Rep Questions Continued…
Financial Aid
How much are tuition and fees per semester, or a year?
What scholarships are available at your school and what is the profile of students who receive them?
What are the scholarship application procedures at your school? Application deadlines?
What grants and loans are available?
Do you have a work study program?
What kinds of jobs are available for college students in your area?
What is the pay scale for most off campus jobs?
Does your school participate in the Federal Student Aid programs, and do I need to file for FAFSA? Deadline?
Any special discounts at your school?
Housing
Are freshmen required to live in dorms?
What does it cost to live in a dorm for a school year?
What meal plans are available for students living in dorms?
When should a person start looking in order to obtain off-campus housing?
What is the average monthly rent for most off-campus housing?
What are the rules that govern students living in dorms or off-campus housing?
Does the college have an off-campus approved housing list?
Campus Safety
What safety measures are in place to ensure student safety/wellbeing?

13. Rep Questions Continued…
Transportation
Are freshmen allowed to have vehicles on campus?
Is driving on campus permitted?
What parking facilities are available for students at dorms and on campus?
What rules govern student transportation?
Activities
What activities are available for students who attend your school?
What recreational facilities are available at your school?
Do you have an intramural program?
What clubs and organizations are available?
Library Facilities
What is the nature of your library facility and what are its hours? Open holidays?
Does the library have space available where students can study?
Medical
What medical facilities are available for students, and are students charged for health services?
Are medical insurance policies available to students at reduced rates?

14. PSAT/NMSQT Wednesday, October 11, 2017 Hays High School
All domestic juniors have the opportunity to take the PSAT.
Enter National Merit Scholarship Competitions
Commended Students
Semifinalists
Finalists
Helps assess skills and knowledge.
Identifies strengths and weaknesses.
Helps prepare for SAT and ACT.
Free online access to My College QuickStart—providing personalized lists of Colleges, Majors, and Careers

15. PSAT Details… Deadline to sign up Wednesday, September 20
The cost is $ Money will be due to Melissa.
Receive Study Guide when student signs up.
Preparing for the PSAT
Go to
SAT Practice on Khan Academy
SAT Daily Practice App
SAT Practice Tests
SAT Study Groups

16. ACT 7 Test Dates A Year Take ACT Only or ACT Plus Writing?
September
October
December
February
April
June
July
*Register at least 5 weeks before the desired test date.
Take ACT Only or ACT Plus Writing?
Take as many times as possible. Register Here!
ACT Test Prep
ACT Online Prep
ACT Kaplan Online Prep Live
The Official ACT Prep Guide – Have multiple copies in Will’s office!
Download a Free Study Guide
ACT Question of the Day

17. SAT 7 Dates a Year August October November December March May June
*Register 4 weeks before test date!
SAT tests students in the following areas:
Critical Reading
Mathematics
Writing
Register for the SAT by clicking here!
SAT Test Prep
SAT Online Prep
Multiple copies of SAT Prep books in Will’s office!
SAT Question of the Day

18. SAT Subject Tests
20 SAT Subject Tests in five subject areas: English, history, languages, mathematics and science.
Subject Tests test you on your knowledge of subjects on a high school level.
The best way to prepare is to take the relevant courses and work hard in them.
Given six times a year, on the same days and in the same test centers as the SAT — but not all 20 tests are offered on every SAT date.
You can’t take the SAT and an SAT Subject Test on the same day.
Reasons to take an SAT Subject Test:
Colleges may require SAT Subject Tests.
Stand out in the college admissions process.
Show colleges your interests/strengths.
Fulfill requirements or get credit.
Show what you have learned outside the classroom.
Register for an SAT Subject Test by clicking here!