1. Source: ACT’s College Planning Guide Copyright 2004 by ACT, Inc.
Planning for College
Source: ACT’s College Planning Guide
Copyright 2004 by ACT, Inc.

2. You can organize the college planning process in six simple steps
Planning for College
You can organize the college planning process in
six simple steps
Source: ACT College Planning Guide

3. Options After High School
Work
Trades
Military
Apprentice Program
COLLEGE
Proprietary Schools

4. Remember...decision making is a PROCESS, not an event!
Let’s Focus on College
Remember...decision making is a PROCESS, not an event!
Source: ACT College Planning Guide

5. Know Yourself and Your Reasons for Attending College1
Know Yourself and Your Reasons for Attending College
Recognize your strengths and weaknesses
Analyze your interests and values
Achieve a personal goal
Increase your earning power

6. Know Yourself and Your Reasons for Attending College1
Know Yourself and Your Reasons for Attending College
Prepare for a career and expand learning
Extracurricular activities & social life
Influence of family and friends
Source: ACT College Planning Guide

7. Take responsibility for your future!
Source: ACT College Planning Guide

8. Recommended High School Curriculum for College
English units
Mathematics 3 units
Social Studies 3 units
Science 3 units
Source: ACT College Planning Guide

9. Recommended High School Curriculum for College
Many colleges also require additional courses in:
Foreign Language
Mathematics
Fine & Performing Arts
Source: ACT College Planning Guide

10. Core Curriculum/ACT Score Study
National Core or More
National Ave. (Total)
National Less than Core
Core Curriculum:
4 Units – English
3 Units – Math
3 Units – Social Studies
3 Units – Nat. Sciences
Source: 2004 ACT High School Profile

11. ACT Test Preparation
The best preparation is a solid high school curriculum
ACT includes four curriculum-based tests -- English, Math, Reading, and Science
Become familiar with the ACT test content and format
Review your PLAN results to identify academic weaknesses

12. ACT Test Preparation Learn appropriate test-taking strategies
Use ACTive Prep® – ACT’s test preparation software program
Take ACT’s free practice test
Visit the ACT website at
See your counselor for other test preparation materials
Source: ACT College Planning Guide

13. Source: ACT College Planning Guide
Remember, test scores are only ONE factor used for college admission and scholarship decisions
Source: ACT College Planning Guide

14. Consider College Characteristics2
Consider College Characteristics
Majors & educational programs
Type of school & degrees offered
Admission policy
Location & size
Costs & financial aid
College affiliation & accreditation
Campus activities
Support services
Source: ACT College Planning Guide

15. List, Compare, and Visit Colleges3
List, Compare, and Visit Colleges
Compile information from several resources:
Internet/Websites
College catalogs, bulletins, videos, and computer-based services (DISCOVER)
College representatives & college fairs
Counselors and teachers
Parents, students, and alumni
Directories and ACT score report

16. List, Compare, and Visit Colleges3
List, Compare, and Visit Colleges
Prepare a college comparison checklist
Weigh advantages & disadvantages
Contact the office of admission
Schedule appointments for your campus visits
Source: ACT College Planning Guide

17. Every campus has a “personality”
Source: ACT College Planning Guide

18. Checklist for a Campus Visit
Meet with an Admission Counselor
Verify admission requirements
Determine actual college costs
Ask about financial aid opportunities
Take a campus tour

19. Checklist for a Campus Visit
Investigate your academic program(s)
Attend a class
Talk with students and faculty
Discuss your chances for success:
admission
graduation
placement
Source: ACT College Planning Guide

20. Apply for Admission and Observe Deadlines4
Apply for Admission and Observe Deadlines
Narrow your choices
Review college admission test requirements
Know application fees and deadlines
Know scholarship requirements

21. Apply for Admission and Observe Deadlines4
Apply for Admission and Observe Deadlines
Submit application materials (paper/ electronic)
Application for admission
High school transcript
Recommendations
Admission test results
Source: ACT College Planning Guide

22. Keep accurate records!

23. Develop a Plan to Finance Your Education5
Develop a Plan to Finance Your Education
Determine college costs
Investigate ALL possible resources
Parents
Savings
Summer earnings
Financial aid: scholarships, grants, loans & work-study
Other sources

24. Develop a Plan to Finance Your Education5
Develop a Plan to Finance Your Education
Secure necessary forms and note deadlines
Apply for financial aid as early as possible
Source: ACT College Planning Guide

25. Source: ACT College Planning Guide
Don’t eliminate any college because of costs before receiving financial assistance information!
Source: ACT College Planning Guide

26. What Does Postsecondary Education Cost?

27. Review and Finalize Your Plans6
Review and Finalize Your Plans
Show initiative and be assertive
Talk with your parents and counselor
Select a college that meets your needs and preferences
Follow up with colleges to which you have applied
Source: ACT College Planning Guide

28. College Success Factors
Test scores and high school grades are important . . .
. . . However, they measure only part of your “potential”
Source: ACT College Planning Guide

29. Source: ACT College Planning Guide
Keep in mind… making sound decisions will lead to satisfying and successful experiences!
Source: ACT College Planning Guide

30. Planning for College