1. College Night Presentation
November 30, 2017

2. Agenda Preparing for a College Search Scholarships
Next Steps for Juniors
Myths and Facts about College Admissions
Q & A

3. Preparing for a College Search

4. Types of Colleges 4 Year 2 Year Offers Bachelor's Degrees and beyond
Provides a well-rounded college experience that includes an academic area of study
Admission Requirements include test scores, GPA, class rank, recommendations, essays, extracurricular activities, transcript
Offers Associates Degrees
Provides a way to ease into college/take general classes for college credit. Typically have agreements with 4-year colleges to transfer credits.
Generally an open-door admissions policy
Less expensive

5. Choosing Your College Priorities
What is important to you?
Location
Academics
Size
Campus Appeal
Social Life
10 Step Campus Culture Quiz
Total Cost - Including Aid
Net Price Calculators
Choosing Your College Priorities

6. About College Admissions Tests
ACT
Consists of four tests: English, Math, Reading, and Science
Writing Component is optional - I recommend you take this section at least once
The ACT is scored on a scale from 1 to 36
In-school ACT on 2/27
Super Score
SAT
Consists of Evidenced Based Reading and Writing, and Math sections with essay portion being optional
The SAT is scored on a scale from 400 to 1600 (essay would be scored separately)
Khan Academy (PSAT scores)
SAT Subject Tests
Hour-long content based tests that allow you to showcase achievement in specific subject areas
Only a handful of colleges require SAT Subject tests
Test Preparation
Prep Classes, books, websites, apps, Khan Academy

7. What Information Do College Admissions Officers Review?
Grades/Overall GPA
Strength of High School Course Selections
ACT or SAT score
Some schools are test-optional
Essay
Teacher and Counselor Recommendations
Demonstrated Interest
Class Rank
NDA provides decile ranking
Personal Accomplishments
Extracurricular Activities
Personality Characteristics
Courses in Progress Senior Year
How are you applying? EA/ED/RD

8. Scholarships

9. Merit Scholarship Tips
Merit scholarships are where the money is.
•More than $11 billion in merit scholarships available to students from colleges.
•Not just for “A” students.
•Some awards emphasize leadership or school involvement.
•The average merit scholarship is $5,000/yr.
•Many awards can be renewed year after year.

10. Scholarship Resources
Fastweb.com - Vast scholarship listing
fafsa.ed.gov - Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Studentaid.ed.gov - The federal government’s website about paying for college
MeritAid.com - $11 billion in merit scholarships
Cappex.com - Scholarship matching
finaid.org - Free student resource for learning about all types of financial aid
Toledo Community Foundation
Parent’s place of employment
Never pay for access to scholarship opportunities!

11. Next Steps

12. Next Steps for Juniors In School Stay focused on academics
Do not lighten your academic load for senior year
Meet with your college counselor
Stay involved in activities
Standardized Testing
Prepare for tests
Register for ACT/SAT tests
Register for SAT Subject Tests if needed
In-school ACT - 2/27

13. Next Steps for Juniors College Exploration
Explore colleges on the Web – Utilize Naviance!!
Visit college campuses
Meet with college representatives when they come to NDA
Attend college fairs – Lourdes Fair will be the first Tuesday in October
Familiarize yourself with the Common Application.
Begin working on the application and essay
Register with the NCAA ( ) if wanting to play DI/DII athletics

14. NDA Timeline Take the ACT/SAT at least once this school year
Attend individual meeting with Mrs. Meier next semester
Visits, visits, visits!
Work on essay over the summer
Retake ACT/SAT if necessary
Take SAT Subject Tests if necessary
August - Student Brag Sheet and Parent Brag Sheet
Attend FAFSA presentation in the Fall
Complete FAFSA
Complete CSS Profile if necessary
Applications will be due in Mid-October

15. Myths and Facts “I’m not going to get into college”
Fact: About 70% of colleges accept an average of 70% of their applicants
“If I haven’t heard of the school, it must not be any good”
Fact: There are countless schools that will offer you a great education. Don’t make your decision based on prestige or name recognition. Make your decision based on the best fit for you.
“Take the easiest courses your school offers in order to maximize your GPA”
Fact: Colleges know the most difficult classes NDA offers and they factor that in when reviewing your application

16. Myths and Facts “Be Modest”
Fact: Admissions officers won’t read between the lines. They have to read between 75 and 100 applications a day, so make it easy for them. Give them the facts and don’t be afraid to brag.
“By the time you get to applying to college, the hard work is done”
Fact: You have 5 pages to represent 17 years of your life. Every word needs to count, and essays must be written and rewritten many times. Don’t underestimate the time it will take to make sure your application is the best it can be.
“No college will take the time to look at your Facebook page”
Fact: Admissions officers can and do look at social-networking profiles, so make sure you aren’t putting anything out there that you wouldn’t want them to see.

17. Q & A
Ms. Adrian Meier