1. Kathy Leaver, Gifted Education & College Advisor Pat Holder, Counselor, 11 th -12 th (M-Z) Bobby Deavers, Counselor, 11 th -12 th (A-L) Looking for the Fit, Not the Brand: College Search 101

2. Why College? Earn on average $19,500 per year more than someone with just a high school diploma Over 40 years thats an additional $780,000 Expand knowledge and skills Improve written and oral communication skills Grasp abstract content and theory Experience self-discovery Increase global awareness

3. Common Excuses I cant afford it Nobody in my family has ever gone to college I dont know how to apply or where to go I dont know what I want to do with my life College is too hard for me I just wont fit in

4. Research College Choices … Ask some questions… Does the college offer the major(s) your student is considering? What size institution would be the best fit? What type of environment? Region of the country, city size, weather, convenience of travel? What about costs? And scholarships? AND … CAN HE/SHE GAIN ADMISSION?

5. Do Your College Homework… College guidebooks and surveys Web search engines -Google, etc. College publications & web pages College DVD visits Admission rep visits, area college fairs Try to narrow the list to 3-6 colleges by the beginning of the students senior year. Try to visit MOST, if not ALL, of those colleges! BUDGET for visiting!!

6. Public v. Private Public Colleges/Universities –Institutions in a given state that are largely funded by state tax monies –Usually easier for students to be admitted –Out-of-state refers to colleges outside state of residence (tuition is usually higher)

7. Public v. Private Private Colleges/Universities –Supported by tuition, endowment, and donations from alumni and friends –Usually more expensive than public colleges but depends on the school –Some are more selective but depends on the school

8. Make Every Campus Visit Minute Count… Make appointments BEFORE visiting!! Have questions ready Ask to speak to faculty/staff in area(s) of interest Check security reports and job/graduate school placement info Eat on campus & ask to see residence halls Talk to/observe currently enrolled students Take a tour (preferably w/ a student guide) Ask to sit in on a classroom session Ask about academic support services Thank You notes after a visit are appreciated!

9. What Factors Do Colleges Consider? Test Scores (ACT and/or SAT) Grades (in appropriately challenging college-prep courses) Strength of curriculum (AP, Honors, Dual Enr., etc.) And sometimes… Essays (Follow directions and proof, proof, proof!) Recommendation Letters (Dont wait till the last minute and expect a great letter. Plan ahead for who and when!) Extracurricular Interests/Community Service (Laundry list resumes are easy to spot and not very credible. So is service for resume building. Focus on 3-5 things.)

10. The College Application Process Apply online at the colleges website Pay application fee, if applicable Complete the transcript request form Request ACT/SAT directly from ACT/Collegeboard…to be official scores must come from the testing company Allow for timely completion of letters of recommendation, if needed Complete essay/schedule interview, if needed

11. Making the Application Stand Out… What is an appropriate number of schools for your student to apply to? Think about application fees! Be mindful of deadlines. (The College Calendar) Have the student treat this as a homework project. Care should be given to the accuracy of the application, but PLEASE….no MDI/DDI!!! Complete the on-line application form (Always make a hard copy of anything submitted!) Essay required? Give it proper attention! Understand various kinds of admission decisions, what they mean AND require, i.e. Early Decision, Early Action, Deferral, Wait List, etc.

12. The Common Application Common App-www.commonapp.org Admission application that is accepted by over 400 colleges & universities Students, counselors and teachers complete their sections online Once completed, application will be sent to selected colleges Colleges may have additional supplemental pages to be completed

13. Early Action A non-binding early admission program Students apply early (usually Oct/Nov) Students receive early response (usually Dec/Jan) Students not restricted to one college

14. Early Decision Binding early admission program Students can submit only one early decision application Receive decision as early as Nov 1 st of senior year If offered admission, student must withdraw all other applications

15. Deferred Admission College decision is delayed until: – the college has seen its full applicant pool –receives additional testing/grade information –Applicant may need to submit letter of recommendation

16. Wait List Colleges process of initially delaying or denying admission Colleges extend the possibility of admission in the future Based on number of regularly admitted students accepting their offers Students may choose whether or not to remain on the Wait List

17. Competitive Schools and/or Competitive Scholarships = Interviews and Essays… Many selective schools require an admission essay. Many special programs and scholarships require essays and interviews. The more selective the school, the more likely a student will benefit by scheduling an interview IF they are well-prepared and polished! BUT… the quality of an interview and/or an essay will nearly ALWAYS affect scholarship amounts positively or negatively, its up to the student!!! the quality of an interview and/or an essay will nearly ALWAYS affect scholarship amounts positively or negatively, its up to the student!!!

18. College Essays Tells a story only the student can tell Allows the reader to get to know the student in ways other than the rest of the application Illustrates uniqueness Provides an example of writing and communication skills Provides window to personality, values & goals

19. The Interview Allows the college, special program or scholarship committee to learn more about the student Provides opportunity for face-to-face communication Allows the student to assess their fit Could be held on campus or in the community Practice, Practice, Practice

20. Special Opportunities Honors Programs/Early Professional School Admission Programs Cooperative Programs (Co-op) Internships Student Designed Majors Study Away Academic Common Market - Study in a specialized field at an out-of-state college, while paying in-state tuition rates

21. OK, Now What? Make a list of colleges: research & visit Take the ACT/SAT Check grades to see if student meets requirements for admission Register with NCAA Eligibility Center, if applicable Research scholarship/fin aid possibilities Create a resume Get organized Dont let up

22. Resources http://podcasts.shelbyed.k12.al.us/omhs- counselors/ http://podcasts.shelbyed.k12.al.us/omhs- counselors/ http://podcasts.shelbyed.k12.al.us/kleaver/ www.actstudent.org www.collegeboard.com www.fastweb.com www.fafsa.ed.gov http://www.shelbyed.k12.al.us/studentreso urces/scholarship.html http://www.shelbyed.k12.al.us/studentreso urces/scholarship.html www.cappexx.com

23. Questions