1. Junior Jumpstart to College

2. How to choose colleges that are right for you
CGHS Junior Jumpstart – September 2018
Shery Boyles, Meredith College and Eli Maness, Campbell University

3. What do we mean by “good fit” college?
Good Fit is a college or university where you can succeed
There are approximately 2,500 four-year schools in the U.S. – more than one will “fit”
Know yourself first. Then make a college list.
What constitutes “fit?” 1. Academic Fit – how do your academic credentials stack up? 2. Social/community fit – how do you feel in the community? 3. financial fit – how do the finances work with my individual or family circumstances
How do you discover fit? It’s a balance of art and science
1. Do the research (your counselor, websites, faculty, students, admission counselors, alums 2. experience the place – how does it feel?

4. Importance of visiting campus
Cannot be overstated – you’re going to spend four years of your life there
visiting helps create a balanced list of schools - know before you go
no idea about what you want in a school? visiting a city where you can visit multiple types of schools within a few days (no more than two/day)
Don’t just show up– note the registration deadlines & capacity…plan ahead. And don’t skip the information session. You’ll learn a lot!
a formal visit means the chance to Speak with students, faculty, and an admission counselor – get to know the place.

5. Do you need to know your major when applying?
Generally, no. But, sometimes, yes. It Depends on the school type and/or program type. Do your research…
ask your admission counselor if you can you indicate multiple academic interests on the application. If you choose a major – schools may scrutinize your grades in related coursework
Some programs will require you to apply to a particular School within the institution. If so, you’ll need to narrow your interests. Engineering and Nursing are examples of majors you’d need to choose at time of application.
Liberal arts colleges love undecided students – Most college students “declare” their major second semester, sophomore year.
Approximately 80% of college students change their major at least once.

6. What college within the university is right for me
What college within the university is right for me? What about applying to specialized programs?
Type of UNIVERSITY
Not all universities require application to the specific college
May also depend on program/major
Contact Specific programs/department
Valuable information and expertise
Attend events
camps, Open Houses, Information Sessions, club meetings
Applying
pay attention to deadlines
May require additional materials

7. How to ask deeper/better questions
Research Schools before visiting
college website, alumni, current students, webinars
Passions/interests
Clubs, Majors, Community Service, faith, athletics
EX. Participating in theatre without being a theatre major
Have an open mind
Don’t close any doors you don’t have to
Multiple ways to reach same outcome
Just Ask
Admissions counselors want to help you
You never know until you ask

8. Seek a balanced college list
Organize your factors
What is important to your decision
EX. Small class size, location, major/program, athletics, Faith
Research, research, research
Narrow your search by your factors – your fit
Understand academic requirements
Know what is required and where you stand – GPA, Test scores, etc.
Visit Campus
On Paper vs. On Campus – may confirm or change your feeling of the school
Positives & negatives
Write down your pros/cons for each school

9. How does a College choose you?
Ms. Patty Baum (UNC)

10. Current trends in college admission
Ms. Rachael Hopewell (University of Alabama)
Ms. Joyce mai (North Carolina state university)

11. College Admission Testing
Test Optional/Writing Section
Concordance Tables: concordance.pdf
Admission Profiles & Merit Based Scholarships
Super scoring

12. June 2018 SAT/ACT Concordance Table

13. Merit Scholarship Sample Scale
GPA
ACT Score
SAT Score
2019 Scholarship
Presidential
3.5
32-36
$26,000
UA Scholar
30-31
$20,000
Foundation 29
$15,000
Collegiate 28
$8,000
Capstone 27
$6,000

14. Q & a: college admission reps

15. Q & a: college student panel