1. Selecting a College or University
A Program for Students and Parents
Stone Bridge High School

2. Points to Consider Location Costs Gender Housing Guidance Resources
Majors
Size
Admissions Requirements
Activities
Self-assessment

3. Let’s Begin with a Self-assessment
Why am I going to college?
What do I have to offer?
What do I expect from the college?
Will I be able to participate in activities?

4. What do the admissions officers evaluate?
Academic Transcript (grades & course selection)
Standardized Testing
Extra-curricular Activities
Community Service
Leadership Qualities
Letters of Recommendation
Personal Interviews

5. Valuable Resources Index of Majors and Graduate Degrees Career Center
Interview field of study professionals
Discuss ideas with parents, teachers, SBHS graduates, and counselors
College Night
Guidance Counselor
Family Connection
SBHS Guidance Website
SAT Online Course

6. Where do I want to attend college?
Stay close to home or move away
In-state or out-of-state
Physical location (inner city, college-town, or other setting)
Geographic location
Climate
Transportation
Extended family and friends

7. What learning environment is best for me?
Average classroom size
Physical size
What setting do I learn better in?
Participation factors (academic/nonacademic)
Curriculum diversity vs. specialization

8. School gender considerations
How important are social interaction opportunities?
In what environment would I best learn?
In what setting would I be most successful?
Activities and Experiences

9. Where will I live? Guaranteed On-Campus Housing Off-Campus Housing
Commuters

10. Available Guidance Resources
Career Center
Internet based Information
College Videos
Test preparation
Written materials
College Representatives
Brown Bag Lunch Series

11. Financial Concerns Don’t allow costs to keep you from applying
More expensive colleges usually have more unrestricted aid
Aid qualification varies widely
Financial Aid workshops

12. JUNIORS Where are you now?
SAT/ACT Status
College exploration and inquiry
Planned visits
Course selections for next year
Grades and activities (resume)
Applications available in the fall from the college
Be responsible, proactive and prompt

13. Things to find out
What admission policy does the college use? (regular, rolling admissions, early decision and/or early action)
Requirements for admission (SAT ‘s, essays, letters of recommendation and specific courses completed)
Investigate the college…it will be home for the next four years!!

14. College application procedures
Step one: collect applications, check and meet deadlines, make copy for rough draft & notify references
Step two: fill out application thoroughly and carefully, concentrate on essay & keep copy for your records
Step three: notify guidance by completing the Transcript Request Form
Step four: reviewed by counselor, transcript attached,counselor section completed & mailed