1. COLLEGE SEARCH AND APPLICATION PROCESS
Caroline McCall
Admissions Officer

2. Things to Keep in Mind
It’s not just about where you go; it’s about what you do while you are there
You will find the “right fit”, but it may take time and will likely be a stressful time
Research and preparation is key

3. Student’s Role Take the lead - YOU are the one going to college
Ask yourself questions
Why am I going to college?
What do I value?
What am I interested in?
Research schools
Research application/admission requirements
Coursework
Required Tests
Deadlines

4. Family’s Role Guide, don’t lead Encourage student to explore options
Don’t just look at “brand name” schools
Be realistic, especially when considering costs

5. COLLEGE SEARCH CONSIDERATIONS

6. Educational Goals
What level of education is required for the career I am interested in?
Technical School
Two Year College
Four Year University
Beyond Four Years

7. Things to Consider Quality of academic programs Size Location
Urban/Suburban/Rural
How Far From Home?

8. Things to Consider Academic Offerings
Majors and Minors
Support Programs and Enrichment Opportunities
Honors Programs
Study Abroad
Disability Services
Career Services and Internship Opportunities
Bridge Programs

9. And More Things to Think About
Admissions Requirements
Specific courses
CommonApp? Coalition App? School App?
Required tests (if any)
Essay
Recommendations
Resume/activity lists
Interview
Fees (can sometimes be waived)
Cost, Financial Aid, and Scholarships

10. College Costs
Tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, transportation, health insurance, etc.
Sticker price v net price
Full cost minus aid and scholarships
Net price calculators and worksheets
Possible application fee waivers

11. Financial Assistance and Information
FAFSA
Questions about income, assets and expenses
Completed after October 1st of senior year
Will have to do it annually
CSS PROFILE
Required by some schools
School-specific Applications
Academic Scholarships
Private Scholarships

12. Narrowing Down Your List
Apply to at least 3 schools
Safety, Match, Reach
Meet with college representatives during school or at college fairs
Utilize school counselor
Research via the internet
Visit campuses
Tour campus before your senior year
Attend open house in the fall of senior year
Attend admitted student events once admitted
Talk to friends, family members, teachers, mentors, counselors

13. Lingo to Know Early Action (EA) Early Decision Rolling Admissions
Non-binding and students have until May 1 to accept or decline offer of admission
Early Decision
Binding agreement and student must attend. Good option for students with high interest in a particular college and low financial need
You may not have the opportunity to compare financial aid offers
Rolling Admissions
Applications are reviewed in order that they are received and continuously until the college is full

14. What Colleges Look For Academically talented and motivated students
Course selection (Honors/AP/college courses)
Standardized test scores (if required)
SAT I
ACT
SAT Subject Tests (if applicable)

15. SAT v ACT
SAT
“Focus on the knowledge, skills, and understandings that research has identified as most important for college and career readiness and success”
3 Parts: evidence-based reading and writing; math; optional essay
400 – 1600 score scale
Lasts about 3 hours (4 with optional essay)
ACT
Content based- tests the curriculum taught in high school
4 sections- English, Math, Reading, and Science
Maximum score is 36, receive a composite score
Last about 3 hours

16. What Colleges Look For Thoughtful and well written essay
Topics are usually provided
Provide information than we can’t get from your transcript
Content, tone, structure and grammar
Don’t summarize; think critically
This may be the only time you can truly share your voice
Capitalize those I’s! (Don’t forget the basics)
Recommendation letters
Academic person
Non-academic person
Not necessarily your highest grade

17. What Colleges Look For Interview (if applicable)
Well presented
Knowledgeable- you’ve done your research
Motivated
Leadership within Extracurricular Activities
School-based
Outside of school
Volunteer/community service
Religious activities
Work
Social Media (sometimes)

18. So You Have Submitted Your Application
Make sure you that you have fully completed your application.
Keep an eye out for mail, s, phone calls, etc.
There are many reasons a school could need to reach you. (The best of which being to let you know you’re accepted!)
Keep focused academically. Schools may request your final senior year transcripts.
Search for scholarships.
University websites often have links to scholarships- or searches- beyond their own.
Your counselors may have resources too.
And look around in your community.

19. What Happens Once I’m Admitted?
Compare offers
Scholarships
1 time or renewable
What is required to keep scholarship
Financial Aid
Loans, Grants, Work Study
Major
First choice, Second choice
In terms of financial assistance, some schools may negotiate; some will not
Attend an event on campus or take another tour
Submit your enrollment deposit/acceptance fee
Most schools have May 1 deadline
Attend orientation and register for classes

20. So What Do I Do Now? 9th Grade Get started learning about college
Start thinking about career fields
Get involved
Choose classes strategically
Start thinking about costs
Have conversations

21. So What Do I Do Now? 10th Grade Take the PSAT (October)
Create a list of colleges of interest
Continue on your academic and extracurricular path
Come to these events 
Continue to think about career fields
Practice reading and writing
Contact colleges for more info

22. So What Do I Do Now? 11th Grade Take the PSAT again (October)
Narrow down your college list
Contact recommenders
Start your essay
Visit colleges
If early decision, make sure and get ready
Take the SAT or ACT in the Spring
Keep those academics going strong!

23. So What Do I Do Now? 12th Grade Visit schools again
Take the SAT or ACT again, if necessary
Apply
Wait…
Visit again
Compare schools
Compare offers
Attend admitted student events
Pay enrollment fees
Enjoy!

24. Useful Websites Useful Websites College Search Paying for College
Education section
Much more than rankings
Paying for College
Links above as well
Useful
Websites

25. Keep in Mind
Fewer than 100 US colleges are highly selective (accept less than 25% of applicants).
You are more than test scores.
You are in charge.
You are unique.
You are not in this alone.
The College Board