1. College Planning Meeting for Juniors
Jeff Stahlman, College Counselor

2. The Guidance Office Students and Parents are always welcome!
Mondays! Drop In Monday.
College representative visits in the fall
College Guidebooks to review
I am available for individual meetings with students and parents:
Build college lists
Make a testing schedule
Find colleges that suit your wants and needs
Address any specific issues you’d like assistance with

3. Guidance Office Website

4. Guidance Office Calendar

5. NAVIANCE
Conduct college research
Send your transcripts and recommendations electronically!
Track the progress of your transcripts, etc.
View college visits to Saint Charles and register for them on-line
Receive a weekly update from the Guidance Office – scholarships, Info. Sessions, etc.
Links to useful websites
If you haven’t logged in or you have forgotten your password, please stop by the Guidance Office
Please check your site and be sure that your is correct!

6. NAVIANCE

7. NAVIANCE

8. Junior Meeting Series Tonight – Your Profile and Selecting a College
Grades, Testing, Factors which will help you find colleges that “fit” you, admission plans, and building the “College List”
Wednesday, 3/14 – College Conference Night!
We will be joined by speakers who will discuss a variety of topics including (and much more):
Selective Admissions Effective College Visits
ACT vs. SAT The College Application
Athletic Recruiting Military Academies and ROTC

9. Timeline DECIDE! May 1st Grade 11 Grade 12
PSAT – completed in October, results mid-December
Research Colleges – visits, internet, books
Take ACT/SAT – winter/spring
Build Your College LIST!
Summer Application Camp - August
Grade 12
Finish your College List - Fall
Finish Testing - Fall
Apply! – Fall
Apply for Scholarships/Financial Aid – by February
Receive your acceptance letters – by April 1
DECIDE! May 1st

10. I wish I had met with my college counselor earlier and more often.
“What I Wish I Had Known” Mistake #1 (from student and parent comments on evals.)
I wish I had met with my college counselor earlier and more often.

11. A Few of My Guiding Principles
It’s about the “FIT” or “MATCH” – a school’s name is little solace if you are not happy there! FIT=GRADUATION
Think about “going” to college at least as much as you worry about “getting in”
Spend quality time now investigating schools. You will likely spend 4 years there
Find schools where you will thrive!
A voyage of Self-Discovery

12. The Student Profile
The Student Profile is who you are. It is much more than just your grades and test scores.
Your Profile includes:
Grades
GPA
Curriculum
ACT/SAT results
Your Resume – activities, involvements, community service, etc.
Essays
Recommendations
Talents/Interests

13. Your Transcript (p. 15) One Page “Snapshot” of High School
TRANSCRIPTS WILL BE SENT ELECTRONICALLY
Cumulative GPA based upon year end grades
YOUR GRADES MATTER!
Final grades for each class
Curriculum – listing of courses, Honors, AP, etc.
Senior Year courses
The Single Most Important
Document in Your Application

14. I wish I had begun to take my ACT/SAT sooner.
Mistake #2
I wish I had begun to take my ACT/SAT sooner.

15. College Testing: ACT/SAT/SAT 2
Why Test?
Predictor of success for colleges 75-80% of time
Common Denominator – a standard measure for students from all over the world
Class placement tool
$cholarship$
Some schools are “Test Score Optional” (p.35)

16. Testing – The Basics WHICH TEST - ACT or SAT? WHEN ? Generally Both
Take them both to see your strong test or test of preference and then focus on the strongest test
Most schools take your best score of the two, in fact many will “Superscore” amongst several of one test
WHEN ?
Junior Year – Late Fall/Winter first time
March 20 – State ACT exam
Junior Year – Spring second time for your test of preference
Make a testing plan now!
Fall senior dates can be used as a “mop up” for testing

17. The Test Expert: Michal Strawn
Michal is a ACT/SAT Test Prep tutor and expert with BWS Consulting.

19. SAT Subject Tests Subject Area Tests in specific subjects:
3 Tests at one sitting – one hour per subject
Few schools require or recommend, BUT these are generally more selective schools
Check your schools carefully! Also in your handout on pages 31,32, but keep checking for changes!
If in doubt, take them
This spring – May or June – are ideal test dates for SAT Subject Tests (especially for an AP class you are taking)

20. ACT/SAT Test Dates (p. 34) ACT SAT
11th Grade: Dec. 9, February 10, April 14, June 9, July 14 (new)
MARCH 20 at SC – all Juniors – free – No Writing
12th Grade: September, October , December
SAT
11th Grade: Dec. 2, March 10, May 5, June 2
12th Grade: August, October, November, December
**Can I get Extended Time?
**Can I get the fee waived?

21. Testing Plan (sample at end of booklet)
I will take my first ACT on ________
I will take my first SAT on ________
My test of preference is the _______
I will take my next test on ________
Do I need the SAT Subject Test (SAT 2)?
To Register: for ACT
for SAT and SAT2
Register at least 5-6 weeks prior to exam

22. The Student Profile ALSO includes:
Essays
Letters of Recommendation
Your Resume
Your Interests
Your Community Service
Leadership
Your Accomplishments
Your Talents
Legacy
Diversity/Background
Special Skills
Athletics
WHO ARE YOU “BEYOND THE NUMBERS”?

24. You Can Improve Your Profile!
How Important are Activities?
Develop Your Activities:
Leadership
Your Activities – extra-curricular, community service, internships, etc.
Seek Opportunities! Summer, Columbus area too!
Your Talents – music, specific academic - Physics, etc.
Is there anything unusual about you that might stand out?
Hobbies?
What activities will you list?
You can work to improve your profile this year!

25. St. Charles Summer Research
30 Students placed in Research Labs last summer
Unpaid Internships
Usually 20 hrs. per week/8 weeks
Examples:
Aquatic Bio. / Biomedical Eng. / Biomolecular Engineering
Entomology / Biochemistry / Psychology /
Immunology / Molecular Virology
Schedule a meeting with Mr. Breckenridge if you are interested!

26. Are You a College-bound Athlete?
Be Realistic – see your coaches!
Register with the NCAA Clearinghouse this
winter IF you plan to participate in athletics at a D-1 or D-2 school ($70 at )
Do as well in school as you can, strong students have more options!
Market yourself! Send s to coaches.
Schedule a meeting with Mr. Stahlman

27. I wish I had built a better list and researched it more in-depth.
Mistake #3
I wish I had built a better list and researched it more in-depth.

28. The College Fit What kind of experience do you want from college?
Find your interests at colleges
How do you feel when you visit campus?
“Gut” feeling vs. Objective data
There will be many colleges which will “fit” you!!
Fit or Match = GRADUATION!

29. The College Selection Puzzle
Size $ COST $ Reputation
Social Life Distractions
Study Programs
Abroad Liberal vs. Conservative
Major
Diversity Campus Setting Selectivity
Grad Rate % M/F Ratio Who Teaches Dorms
% Returning Residential? Big Fish/Small Fish
Athletics/Activities Greek? Geography

30. Cost, Distance, Expectations, etc.
Mistake #4
I wish we had set realistic parameters early in the process of selecting colleges for:
Cost, Distance, Expectations, etc.

31. Size of Student Body Small/Medium/Large/Extra Large
How much personal contact would you like (or need) at college?
Are you assertive?
Are you OK with being a bit anonymous?
Can you be a small fish in a big sea?
Can you be a big fish in a small pond?
Would you like to know your professors well?
Would you like a lot of activity?
Do you value small, personal learning experiences?

32. THIS

33. OR THIS?

34. Location
How far away is too far? Are you OK not being home for Thanksgiving?
How close is too close?
Particular region of the country?
Are you adventurous?
Are you mature?
Regional Differences?
Out of the USA?
Are you flexible?
Can you go it alone?
Are you Independent?
City?
College Town?
Rural?

35. THIS?

36. OR THIS?

37. THIS?

38. OR THIS?

39. OR THIS?

40. “College Life” Dorm life Roommates Fraternity life
Distractions/Parties
Residential/Commuter
Activities
School spirit
24 hours a day, not 8 hours

41. Have You Considered? Canadian Colleges International Colleges –
UK – Scotland-England-Ireland / Germany – some free tuition! / Europe / NYU Abu Dhabi/ Yale Singapore / SCAD Hong Kong
Historically Black Colleges
Religiously-based Colleges
Specialty Schools – Art Colleges, Performance Arts Colleges, Technical Institutes, etc.
Co-op colleges
Colleges with unusual calendars – J-terms, one class at a time, etc.
Innovative Colleges - Minerva

42. Military Opportunities?
Have You Considered?
Military Opportunities?
Service Academies: West Point / Naval / Air Force / Merchant Marine / Coast Guard
Summer Camp Programs
ROTC
National Guard / Reserves
Other Military Colleges – Virginia Military Inst./ The Citadel / VA Tech / Norwich / Texas A&M
Please schedule a meeting with Mr. Breckenridge soon!

43. I wish I hadn’t focused too much on my college major.
Mistake #5
I wish I hadn’t focused too much on my college major.

44. Major Do they offer my major(s)?
67% of students change their major at least once
NAVIANCE – Career Search!
What are my strengths and interests?
More important for very specific types of majors: engineering, nursing, architecture, fashion design, education, etc.
Does the college offer several of the majors I am considering?
You DO NOT need to know a specific major to select colleges to apply to!

45. Mistake #6
I wish we had known that very selective schools give little (if any) scholarship money, but LOTS of financial need-based aid.

46. What Does College Cost?

47. Cost: $$$$
What are your financial parameters? Discuss as a family – THIS YEAR!
Do you have college choices that are safe financial options?
Need-Based Financial Aid vs. Scholarships
As a “General Rule of Thumb” the more selective the college, the less scholarship money is available, but need-based FA is more available
“Sticker Price” is not necessarily your cost
Many Private Colleges/Universities give very good scholarship $$
College Scholarships – Supply and Demand
Loans are not necessarily bad (if they reasonable!)
Investment!

48. Will I Qualify for Financial Aid?
Net Price Calculator
Will I Qualify for Financial Aid?
YES NO
Don’t rule out Private Colleges
Consider State Schools in and out of state
COMPLETE your FAFSA on time!!!
Apply for private Scholarships
Do NOT eliminate schools that look “too expensive” – YET!
Consider Private Colleges where you may receive scholarships
Consider in-state, State Schools
Consider out-of-state, State Schools that are affordable
Apply for private Scholarships
Consider Applying for FAFSA

49. I wish we had visited colleges earlier! We began to run out of time.
Mistake #7
I wish we had visited colleges earlier! We began to run out of time.

50. How Can I Learn about Colleges?
RESEARCH IS CRITICAL!!!!
Visit the Guidance Office to meet with Mr. Stahlman. We can make a list of college matches
Visit Campus!!
College Rep Visits to SC – 100+ schools - fall
College Fairs – April 21st NACAC Fair at Convention Center
Fiske Guide, Best 382 Colleges, Insider’s Guide – p.58 – other Guidebooks, websites p. 59

51. Mistake #8
I wish we had visited colleges that my son would be sure to get into. Instead, we visited only very selective colleges.

52. The College Visit Call or schedule online ahead of the date (2 weeks+)
Ask to meet with a special department, coach, or service if you are interested
Schedule an Interview if afforded the opportunity!
ASK QUESTIONS! (p. 56)
Record your impressions immediately
Send a thank you note.
Get the card of the Admission Rep. and stay in touch

53. Building The College List
Likely School
85-100% chance of admission
Spend quality time looking for them
Only schools you want to attend
Apply to at least 2
Scholarship Money $$$
Possible School
60-75% chance of admission
Middle of Your List
Generally apply to at least 2
Reach School
25-50% chance of admission
Early Decision?
Realistic?

54. Mistake #9
I wish I had looked beyond the “Brand Names” of colleges that everyone seems to talk about. A couple of my friends are having great experiences at colleges I did not even think to consider.

55. To Determine Your Admission Chances
Admission Difficulty Chart and College Listings
(pages 69-81)
Locate your GPA from chart
Locate your ACT/SAT score from chart
Locate your point on the chart, this is your possible school
One region below is a likely school
One region above is a reach school
See the listings on pages to identify safe, possible, and reach schools for you

56. Admission Chart Sample (p. 70)

57. Every Choice is a 1st Choice!
The Good College List
Every Choice is a 1st Choice!
Allows YOU to be in control!
You will have many schools which are great matches
Likely School Myth
Selectivity does not = quality
Covers all of your varying needs
Allows you to Compare Options
What’s in a Brand Name and does it matter?
Your likely schools are where your Scholarship money will most likely come from

58. Mistake #10
I wish we had realized just how selective some colleges have become. Things have changed a lot from my day.

59. For Example! OSU – Columbus
Class of 2017:
52K applications and growing
65% of students admitted in top ten percent of class
95% of students admitted in top 25% of class
Avg. ACT: 29.2
Many other schools are now more selective than ever as well, but there are still many great options available to all levels of students!

60. Ultra-Selective Schools and “Hooks”
Ultra-Selective schools and Most Selective schools typically admit less than 30% of their applicants.
“Hooks” are admission boosters which help students get in at these schools:
Legacy
Athletics
Early Decision!
National Level Talent
Minority Status
The Unusual – donor, actors, fascinating backgrounds, influential citizen’s children
“Authentic” Students – love for learning
HOW CAN YOU CONTRIBUTE TO THE COLLEGE?

61. Ultra-Selective Schools
At the or so Ultra-Selective Schools admission is so competitive that perfect grades and test scores are no longer guarantees of admission.
“Lottery Admissions”
The GOOD NEWS is:
there are more than 3,000 colleges
The quality of education is not necessarily tied to selectivity
There are many schools which will “fit” you
Acceptance Rates 2017
Stanford 4%
Harvard 5%
Columbia 6%
Yale 6%
Princeton 6%
U Chicago 7%
MIT 7%
Cal Tech 7%
Brown 8%
Pomona 8%
Penn 9%
Northwestern 9%
Claremont-McKenna 9%
Duke 9%
Dartmouth 10%
Vanderbilt 10%
Swarthmore 10%
Johns Hopkins 11%
Harvey Mudd 12%
Pitzer 12%
Amherst %
Cornell 13%
Tufts 15%
Cal – Berkeley 15%
Wash U – St. Louis 15%
Georgetown 15%

62. Early Decision (ED)
You apply early and make a contract that if you are accepted by the college that you will attend their college. It is BINDING.
Early Action (EA) is NOT BINDING.
3 QUESTIONS:
Have I visited the school?
Is this college my top choice?
Can I afford this school? (use Net Cost Calculator on college website for guide)
***IF you really want to attend a selective school and feel that it is affordable for your family – you will want to at least discuss/consider ED***

63. How Much Difference Does Early Decision Really Make?
Examples: (2016 data) % admitted % admitted % class filled % students who apply School Early Dec. Regular Dec. Early Dec. Early Dec. Northwestern 35% 11% 53% 9% Vanderbilt 23% 10% 50% 11% Denison 88% 46% 34% 4% Case Western 32% 36% 9% 2% Miami (OH) 71% 65% 19% 4% American U 87% 32% 40% 5% Lehigh 58% 28% 46% 8%

64. What is “Demonstrated Interest”
How can I Demonstrate Interest?
Visit!
Discover what interests you about the school and articulate it to admissions
Meet the Admission Counselor and develop a relationship
Stay in contact with the Admission Counselor – , fairs, etc.
Interview if given the opportunity
Do not hesitate to tell a school it is one of your top choices (if it is!)
Consider applying Early Decision

65. Parents and Students Be Realistic About Your Profile
GPA
Test results
Curricular choices
Your special talents and needs
Build a GREAT List!
“Lay all your cards on the table” about:
College Cost vs. Family Income
Family Parameters – cost, how far, etc.
Student Achievement and progress at college
Expected student financial contributions
Final Choices – a family decision

66. Students
Be “Personally Knowledgeable” about the colleges on your list. You should know their:
Admission requirements – Likely/Possible/Reach
Facilities
Curricular options
“Personality” of the school
Quality and reputation
Majors available
Higher degrees?
And many, many more things

67. Next Meeting Wednesday, March 14th 7PM-9PM
College Conference with a variety of topics that you will select from.
HOMEWORK!
Make Your College Testing Schedule
Discuss Your Parameters with your parents
Complete a Net Price Calculator or more
Begin to make plans to Visit and Research colleges
Schedule a meeting with Mr. Stahlman