1. The University of Akron
Planning for College
Mallory Kennedy
Admissions Counselor
The University of Akron

2. Discussion topics: Consider College Characteristics ACT and SAT tests
College Search & Campus Visits
Apply for Admission
Develop a Plan to Finance Your Education
Different Types of Aid
Review and Finalize Your Plans

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

4. Community Colleges: Advantages Technical degrees
Transfer degrees and coursework
Partnership programs
Costs
Proximity to home

5. Public Colleges/Universities:
Advantages
Affordable tuition
Merit & Need Based Aid
Wide range of academic programs
Broad range of student life opportunities
Large/diverse student population
Metropolitan, Urban, Rural settings
Regional Campus Options
Major sports programs
13 public universities in Ohio

6. Private Colleges/Universities:
Advantages
Small class sizes
Low faculty/student ratio
Opportunities for student leadership
Personal attention
Strong financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Wide range of locations, affiliations and costs

7. 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, Oberlin College, Harvard University
Competitive Majors:
Examples: Nursing, Architecture, Education, Business

8. ACT ACT – www.actstudent.org
Multiple choice tests in English, Math, Reading and Science
Optional writing test
Fees
$50.50 or $67.00 (with writing)
Upcoming Test Dates
April 13, 2019 – Register by March 8th
June 8, 2019 – Register by May 3rd
July 13, 2019 – Register by June 14th

9. SAT SAT – sat.collegeboard.org Upcoming Test Dates
Tests in Evidence Based Reading and Writing and Math. This is the new version of the SAT launched in March 2016.
Optional essay test
Fees
$47.50 or $64.50 (with essay)
Upcoming Test Dates
May 4, 2019 – Register by April 5th
June 1, 2019 – Register by May 3rd

10. Advantages FOR TESTING Junior year
You’ve completed most of the coursework corresponding to test material.
You’ll have your test scores and other information in time to influence your senior year curriculum.
Colleges will learn of your interest and will start to contact you.
You’ll have test scores that can be utilized in early fall of your senior year to begin the college application process.
Enough time to retest during your senior year if you are not confident in your junior year scores.
**Check out your local library and the ACT and SAT websites for helpful test prep information!

11. How colleges Use ACT and SAT Results
To make decisions regarding admission (in conjunction with a variety of other things: GPA, rigor of course curriculum, essays, letter of recommendation, etc.)
Course placement during your freshman year
Academic Advising and Career Counseling
Scholarship Opportunities $$
Plan to take the test more than once!

12. College search *Every college is different!
Prepare a college comparison checklist
Helpful tool included in your folder 
Weigh advantages and disadvantages
Review admission standards and application processes
Keep track of important deadlines
Contact the Office of Admissions
Schedule appointments for your college visits
*Every college is different!

13. 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

14. 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
Admission test results (ACT or SAT)
Other requirements based on each institution… could include essays, letters of recommendation, list of activities, interview, etc.

15. Applying for Admission: Continued…
Letters of Recommendation
Clear and comprehensive recommendations can make a difference in admissions decisions
Be courteous: Provide 3 – 4 weeks notice for recommendation to be written
Provide resume or “brag sheet” to individual writing recommendation
Essays
Brainstorm and outline ideas for structured intro, body and conclusion
Be creative and honest
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread!
List of Activities
Colleges look at commitment, level of accomplishment, leadership and initiative

16. Applying for Admission: Continued…
Some academic programs require additional steps in the admissions process
Be aware of supplemental applications, interviews, portfolio reviews, auditions, etc.
Know scholarship requirements
Honors Program/College - extra application or automatically considered for this opportunity?

17. Develop a plan to finance your education:
Sources of financial aid:
Federal and State Government:
FAFSA – available October 1st
Grants, Student Loans, Work-Study
College and University Scholarships:
Academic, leadership, athletic, fine arts scholarships
Each school distributes scholarships in a unique way
Please research deadlines and requirements to apply for scholarships
Merit-Based awards – GPA and test scores

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

19. What can you be doing now?
Have a PLAN! What courses will you take?
Get involved!
Take practice tests & sign up for the ACT or SAT
Think about college characteristics
Request information
Attend a college fair

20. College fair opportunity
Cleveland National College Fair
Saturday, March 23, 2019 from 1 – 4 p.m. at Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland
Fair is free! However, there may be a cost for parking.
Explore and chat with nearly 200 colleges and universities from Ohio and across the U.S.
Attend an information session on financial aid and scholarships, athletic eligibility, etc.
Medina County College Fair
Usually held in October of each year at Medina County Fairgrounds

21. Questions? Mallory Kennedy Admissions Counselor 330. 972. 6533
The University of Akron