1. The University of Akron
Planning for College
Chris Stimler
Sr. Assistant Director of Admissions
The University of Akron

2. Options after High School:
Trade schools
Military
Community colleges
Public colleges and universities
Private colleges and universities

3. WHY ATTEND COLLEGE?

4. Choosing a Major: What are you interested in?
Do you want to work with people?
Undecided? Go to uakron.edu and search for Focus2

5. Consider college characteristics:
Majors
Location
Cost & financial assistance
Size
Admission policy
Campus activities
Support services

6. Community Colleges: Advantages Technical degrees
Transfer degrees and coursework
Partnership programs/Direct Connect
Lower cost
Proximity to home

7. Public Colleges/Universities:
Advantages
Affordable tuition
Wide range of academic programs
Broad range of student life opportunities
Large/diverse student population
Major sports programs

8. Private Colleges/Universities:
Advantages
Small class sizes
Low faculty/student ratio
Personal attention
Strong financial aid and scholarship opportunities

9. Is Getting into College Hard?
Open Admissions:
Almost all students are accepted
Example: Kent State-Tuscarawas, Stark State, Wayne College
Selective Admissions:
Certain GPAs, ACT/SAT scores are required. Also, an essay and/or interview are often required.
Examples: The University of Akron, College of Wooster
Competitive Admissions:
Space is very limited. High school course selection, test scores, and extracurricular involvement are evaluated very carefully.
Examples: The Ohio State University, Case Western Reserve
Competitive Majors

10. CCP COURSES www.ohiohighered.org/ccp
AP COURSES
CCP COURSES
College credit offered after passing an exam – not guaranteed
Prepare for college work
Stand out on admissions applications –strengthen your transcript
Save time & money
Free college courses offered at the high school, at a community college, or 4- year college (must pay back if you fail a course)
College credit is guaranteed
Prepare for college work
Save time & money

11. SAT collegeboard.org ACT www.ACT.org
Multiple choice test in English, math, reading, and science reasoning
Test dates:
April 13, 2019
June 8, 2019
July 13, 2019
SAT collegeboard.org
Multiple choice test in evidence based reading and writing and math
Test dates:
March 9, 2019
May 4, 2019
June 1, 2019

12. College and University Visits:
Contact the Admissions Office to schedule a campus visit
If possible, visit when school is in session
Types of visit opportunities:
Large open house programs
Bus tours to campuses
Individual visits
Overnight visits

13. Applying for Admission:
Narrow your choices:
Where did you feel was your best fit?
Review college admission test requirements
Know application fees and deadlines
Application for admission:
Most schools have an online application/common application
High school transcript
Test results (ACT or SAT)
Essays/Recommendations
Application Fee or Fee Waiver

14. Develop a plan to finance your education:
Sources of financial aid:
Federal and State Government:
FAFSA
Grants, Student Loans, Work-Study
College and University Scholarships:
Academic
Leadership
Major Specific
Athletic
Each school distributes scholarships in a unique way

15. Aid Distribution Academic Year $12,000 Fall Semester $6,000
Spring Semester
Merit Scholarship: $1,500
$750
Pell Grant: $2,000
$1,000
SEOG: $500
$250
Sub Stafford: $2,500
$1,250
Unsub Stafford: $2,500
Total Aid: $9,000
$4,500
Out of Pocket Due: $3,000
$1,500

16. TUITION COST DIFFERENCES:
Stark State:
$5, fees
University of Akron:
$12,000
University of Mount Union:
$38,900

17. Review and Finalize Your Plans:
Follow up with colleges to which you have applied:
Financial aid
On-campus housing
Orientation

18. What can you be doing now?
Have a PLAN! What courses will you take?
Get involved!
Shadow a job of interest
Take practice tests: PSAT
Think about college characteristics

19. Questions? Chris Stimler Sr. Assistant Director of Admissions
The University of Akron