1. Heritage High School College Planning 101
Josh Theil
Coordinator of International Recruitment, Admission Representative
Aquinas College

2. Step By Step College Search
Choosing the right college can be overwhelming
Take it one step at a time and start early

3. What is important to YOU?
Research Your Options
High School Guidance Counselor
College Admissions Counselor
College Nights / High School Visits
Publications such as US News & World Report
Admissions Viewbooks/Materials
Web Sites
A College Visit
What is important to YOU?

4. Size Enrollment (undergraduate and graduate) Physical size of campus
Class size

5. Location Distance from home Location & size of nearest city
Physical attractiveness of campus
Helpful Hint: Ask about reimbursement programs for campus visits

6. Academics Time to choose a major
Ask yourself "What am I good at, interested in?“
Special Academic Programs
Career/Graduate School Placement

7. Environment Type of school - Public or Private
- Trade school, community college, liberal arts
School Setting
- Urban
- Rural
Co-ed, male, female
Religious affiliation

8. Housing
Requirements
Residence Halls (Freshman, Honors Halls, Sororities/Fraternities, Apartments, Houses)
Meal Plans
Facilities
- Fitness
- Student Union
- Library
- Labs

9. Extra Opportunities How do you get involved?
Clubs and Organizations (Volunteer, Academic, Fun)
Religious affiliation, faith opportunities
Athletics
Travel / Study Abroad

10. Admissions Requirements
Deadline
Test required
Average test scores, GPA, rank
Essays
Videos

11. What Colleges Look for on Applications
What do colleges look for when admitting students?
Strong junior year
Number of academic vs. elective classes
AP/Dual Enrollment classes
Class Rank
Subject criteria in high school (4 years English, 3 years Science, etc.)
Extracurricular activities, awards, and recognitions
Letters of recommendation
Essay
Admissions interview

12. Application Process Timelines vary depending on the institution
- Rolling Admissions (ex: Aquinas, Alma, GVSU)
Students apply and are notified of acceptance on a rolling basis
- Early Action/Regular Decision (ex: U of M)
Students who apply by a particular date (typically early November) will be notified of acceptance prior to those who apply after that date.
- Early Decision/Regular Decision (ex: Hillsdale College, K-College)
Students complete a binding application by a particular date (typically early November) to their first choice school. If admitted as ED student must commit to this school.

13. Application Statistics 2015 - 16
University of Michigan- Ann Arbor
55,439 applications received & 28.6% acceptance rate
Michigan State University- East Lansing
35,300 applications received & 65.7% acceptance rate
Grand Valley State University- Allendale
18,000 applications received & 80% acceptance rate
Aquinas College- Grand Rapids
2,500 applications received & 70% acceptance rate
Loyola University- Chicago, IL
14, 355 applications received & 65% acceptance rate

14. College Expenses Tuition, room and board
Additional fees (parking, labs, studio, etc.)
Estimated total budget (cost of living)
Application fee, deposit
Travel expenses

15. Financial Aid Deadline – FAFSA by March 1st Required Forms
- FAFSA filed between October and March of Senior year
- Estimator / FA Calculator in fall of Senior year
Scholarships
- Available through individual colleges, communities, fastweb.com
- Scholly.org - app
- Avoid Scams
Grants
- Need-based aid is determined through your FAFSA
Loans
- They are a reality
- Federal vs. Private
Work Study / On Campus Jobs

16. Source: Aquinas, GVSU & MSU Net Price Calculators
Price Tag vs True Cost
You are not going to know the true cost of a until you go through the process
Student:
GPA: 3.3
ACT: 23
SAT: 1130
Family:
EFC: 8,800
Source: Aquinas, GVSU & MSU Net Price Calculators
AQUINAS
GVSU
MSU
Tuition
$29,564
$11,520
$14,728
Room & Board
$8,814
$8,740
$9,948
Total
$38,378
$20,260
$24,676
Scholarship
$15,000
$1,000 $0
Michigan Aid
$1,800
$600
College Aid
$2,700
$2,400
$3,500
Estimated True Cost
$18,878
$16,260
$20,576

17. Search Once you have decided on important factors
Take Virtual Tours, college websites
Request additional information/Viewbooks
Customizable Search Option:

18. Visit Visit more than one school Visit different types of schools
Admissions Visit
Campus Visit Days
Talk informally to current students
Walking around on your own is important too
Sit in on a class / talk to professor
Talk to coaches / watch a game
College newspaper / radio station
Eat in the cafeteria
Spend the night on campus

19. To Do List: Narrow List Be aware of deadlines Apply for admission
Take & Retake ACT / SAT
File the FAFSA by March 1
Find your fit, go with your gut!
Make a decision  & submit deposit by May 1st

20. Feel free to contact me with questions
Enjoy Your Search!
Feel free to contact me with questions
Josh Theil
THANK YOU!