1. Morton East High School College and Career planning
Class of 2019

2. Objectives for Today: Students will be able to identify the following…
Possible options to pursue after high school
Ways to research colleges
Factors to consider when researching colleges
What colleges look for in an applicant
Financial aid options
Steps necessary to complete the college application process
College and career resources

3. Post High School Options
4-Year University
Public vs. Private Universities
Competitive Admission Process
Application Requirements

4. Post High School Options
Community College
Associate Program
Certificate Program
Open Enrollment
Some programs may be more competitive (i.e. nursing)

5. Post High School Options
Apprenticeship Program
Combination of on the job training and related instruction
Highly skilled occupations
Train under a master craftsman
Example Careers:
Heavy Equipment Operator
Carpenter
Welder
Plumber/Pipe Fitter

6. Post High School Options
Vocational/Technical School
Specific career oriented program
Example Careers:
Auto Mechanic
HVAC Technician
Aviation Maintenance Technician

7. Post High School Options
U.S. Armed Forces
Specialized training and educational opportunities
Five main branches
Air Force
Army
Coast Guard
Marines
Navy
ASVAB

8. How to Research Colleges
College Websites/Search Engines
Individual college websites
College Admission Representative Visits
Throughout the fall semester at Morton East
Sign-up in room 122
College Fairs
Chicago National College Fair, Sept. Place (11am-3pm)
MC College Fair, October Morton College (6pm-8pm)
College Campus Visits
Fieldtrip opportunities
Open houses or student scheduled visits

9. What Factors to Consider When Researching Colleges
Size of College
Location
Academics
Majors Offered
Cost
Activities/Athletics
Admission Difficulty
U of I– Urbana-Champaign
UIC
Dominican University

10. What Colleges Consider When Making Admission Decisions
GPA
Class rank
ACT/SAT scores
Rigor of courses
Extracurricular activities
Essays
Letters of recommendation
Student fit
Average SAT Score: 1460
Average SAT Score: 1310
Average SAT Score: 1120
Average SAT Score: 1040

11. College Admission Exams ACT vs SAT
English, Math, Reading, Science, Essay (optional)
SAT
Reading, Writing & Language, Math- no calculator, Math w/ calculator, Essay (optional)
Many students score higher on one test or the other
You are encouraged to take both to see which test suites you best
Most students score better the second time around

12. Upcoming Test Dates ACT SAT
Test Date: Saturday, October 27
Registration Deadline: September 21
SAT
Test Date: Saturday, October 6
Late Registration Deadline: September 24
If you qualify for a fee waiver, the late registration fee will be waived
Go to room 122 before school or during supervision to sign up

13. Financial Aid Need-based aid Merit-based aid FAFSA (Opens Oct. 1)
Family income
Assets
Number of siblings in college
Merit-based aid
Private scholarships or institutional scholarships
GPA/Class rank
ACT/SAT scores
Extracurricular involvement
Special talents

14. Sample Financial Aid Award Letter

15. Scholarship Example The Gates Scholarship Program
Provides outstanding African American, American Indian/Alaska Natives, Asian Pacific Islander American and Hispanic American students with an opportunity to complete an undergraduate college education in all areas and graduate education for certain studies
Scholarship Criteria:
- GPA of 3.3 or higher
- Demonstration of leadership abilities through community service or other activities
- Demonstration of financial need
- Must be a citizen/legal permanent resident or national of the U.S.

16. College Application Process
Complete online application for college/university
- Student information
- College essay
Submit other application materials
- ACT/SAT scores
- Transcripts (CommonApp, SENDedu, Parchment)
- Letters of recommendation (rec. form in 122 & counseling office)
* Give recommender at least two weeks notice
* This also applies to the start of holiday breaks
- Fee waiver (if applicable)
- Other required materials as needed
All materials need to be submitted by the application deadline
Make sure every school you apply to is also added to your FAFSA

17. Resources at Morton East
School Counselors
College and Career Center- Room 122
FAFSA assistance
Scholarship searches
Financial aid resources for undocumented students
College application assistance
Career research
ACT/SAT registration
Morton East Counseling Website: