1. Grade 11 University/College Planning Night
Simeon Career Academy
Counseling Office
Counselor Swap
December 8, 2011
Dr. Deborah Beasley, NMC
Professional School Counselor

2. Overview Meet with your counselor Review responsibilities
Chooseyourfuture.org
The career/university search
The university list
Financial Aid/Scholarships
College procedures
What to do now?

3. *****************************
Meet your Counselors
*****************************
*******************************
Ms. Menyette Baker
Dr. Deborah Beasley
Mrs. Norma Levin
Simeon Career Academy simeonca.org
Cedric Muhammad
Ms. Constance Paprocki
Mrs. Sharon Rawls
Post Secondary Coach
RobertWilliams

4. Responsibilities – Student
Begin the process of selection EARLY
Gather and organize information on application requirements
Schedule individual meetings with your counselor
Ask teachers for letters of recommendation
Register for all required testing
Watch deadlines
Attend College Fairs
Stay in touch!

5. Responsibilities – Family
Assist students in gathering information
Discuss financial restrictions and prepare necessary financial documentation
Assist students in managing deadlines
Get students to College Fairs
Proofread essays
Keep an open mind

6. Responsibilities – Counselor /PSC
Provide guidance and support through the selection and application process
Complete required counselor references
Send all school documentation on behalf of the student to universities
Invite universities to Simeon and provide students with upcoming information on university related events

7. What to Expect From Your Counselor
“Information on College Fairs”
“College Countdown”
University visits & the event bulletin board
College Visits
Individual meeting with parents/students in the spring (make an appointment)
Individual meeting with parents/students in the fall (make an appointment)
Regular s – keep an eye out!
School library, College Lab

8. CHOOSEYOURFUTURE.ORG Web-based university search and application tool
Studentscholarships.org
Tutorial for all Grade 11 students
What are the features of Choose your Future?
SCHOLARSHIPS
Personality/Career Inventories
University searches
University info*
Resume help
University visits
Financial Aid Info

9. WHAT’S NEXT ILLINOIS.ORG
SCHOLARSHIPS
Personality/Career Inventories
University searches
University lists*
Resume help
University visits
Transcript Requests* Financial Info

10. Career Research
It is important to learn as much about and as many careers as possible over the next year
Career Day
My College Options Survey
WHAT’S NEXT ILLINOIS
Personality/Career Surveys
Do not be afraid if you still haven’t identified the “perfect job” for you! (Keep searching)

11. Terminology
Different parts of the world have different philosophies and terminology when it comes to selecting your academic path
INSTATE SCHOOLS
“College” vs. “University”
“Major” and “Minor”
OUT OF STATE SCHOOLS
“College” vs. University”
“Faculty”
“Course”

12. Bachelor of Science vs. Bachelor of Arts
What is the difference between a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts?
Equally strong programs
BS:
Usually involves more technical fields (sciences, architecture, engineering, etc.)
Usually, more “specific” coursework is required
BA:
Normally includes languages, literature, humanities and history
More “electives” are usually allotted

13. The University Search My College Options
WHAT’S NEXT ILLINOIS Resources listed in “Explore Careers”
My College Options
University websites – Admissions Office
US: The College Board
CHOOSE YOUR FUTURE
yourfuture.org
Universities and Colleges Admissions Services
NAME OF UNIVERSITY
University websites

14. What’s Next Illinois What's Next Illinois
What’s Next Illinois continued:
College advice, college admission applications, pay for college, financial aid, scholarships, apply online for admission, online applications….
Career Planning
College advice, college admission applications, pay ...
Scholarships/Financial Aid Planning
Explore Careers
College advice, college admission applications, pay ...
What's Next Illinois - Test Prep
College Planning

15. What to Look for in a University
A good match for YOU
LOCATION
Educational Philosophy
Cost
Size
Academic Offerings
Social Atmosphere
Selectivity
Can you see yourself there?

16. The Final University List
Balance, Balance, Balance!
“Reach”
“Target”
“Safe”
Timeline

17. What is a University Looking For?
A strong transcript is the most important piece of the application
Standardized testing (SAT/ACT/TOEFL)
Extracurricular accomplishments
Letters of Recommendation
Essays
FIT

18. Parts of the Application – Transcript
What does a transcript include?
How does a university evaluate a transcript?
What classes should I be taking in Grade 12?

19. Standardized Testing ACT - Reading, Math, English, Science, Writing
All Grade 11/Junior students should take the ACT in April –
SAT I – March 31st is the registration deadline. Register at
SAT II - Subject Tests
Other dates –
June , 2012
October 9, 2012
November 6, 2012
December 4, 2012
TOEFL –
Who should take which tests?

20. Extracurricular Involvement
Does it matter?
How to present extracurricular involvement?
Is it too late to get involved?

21. Letters of Recommendation
How many letters of recommendation do I need?
Which teachers should I ask?
What makes a good letter of recommendation?

22. The Essay/Personal Statement
START EARLY!
Generate ideas using known essay prompts –
“Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken and its impact on you.”
“Discuss an issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you.”
ADVICE: Write a draft this summer and be prepared to show your parent, teacher/ counselor when you return to school in the fall.
Attend an essay writing workshop in this year

23. OUT OF STATE SPECIFIC INFORMATION…
Check with the University or College

24. SIMEON CAREER ACADEMY What is a foundation year?
Apply online for up to 5 COLLEGES OR UNIVERSITIES
Early Decision November 15th and December 15th
Deadline is October 15th for programs in Nursing
Deadline is January 15th for all other programs
SIMEON will attach required school information to your online application ON REQUEST (Common App)
POST SECONDARY COACH will send your application directly to the universities of your choice

25. United States Watch the deadlines VERY carefully
Early programs vs. regular programs
California other states deadlines – November 30th
The Common Application
What is the most important part of the application?
Remember, the Universities are focused on FLEXIBILITY

26. Early Decisions Most schools have rolling admissions
All students applying to Post Secondary schools should take the ACT April, 2012
What is the most important part of the application?
Apply directly to that university or college – deadlines can vary

27. City Colleges Deadlines for city colleges: Open enrollment
Harold Washington
Olive Harvey
Kennedy King
Daley
Wright
Malcolm X
Truman
Other local colleges

28. United States Out of State In State Universities Local Universities
Most deadlines will range from Feb onwards
Local Universities
Most will expect applications in June after graduation. Check to see if national testing is required
In State
Semesters begin in either Feb/March or July/August
Have all application materials gathered before you graduate

29. Submitting Your Application
The student portion of an application is better submitted online
You will need to submit standardized testing through ACT or request from counselor or Post Secondary Coach
How to request your transcripts and letters of recommendation be mailed?

30. Scholarships and Financial AidUS
In state vs. out of state tuition for US citizens
Financial aid for U.S. citizens
FAFSA (June 30th of that year (deadline)
Financial aid for international students
Scholarships
Canada
Cost for Canadian citizens vs. international students
Scholarships for international students
Middle East
Scholarship Coordination Office
Ministry of Presidential Affairs Scholarship

31. What to do now? Register for the STUDY CLASS FOR THE ACT
Think about your plans for the summer
Sign-up for upcoming university visits
Career Day and US College Fair
Begin using What’s next Illinois
Sign-up for an individual appointment with your counselor in the spring. Do your Choose your Future homework first!
Begin to gather information on universities
Work to your full academic potential for the remainder of the year. Every grade counts!

32. Q & A
Thank you for your time and attention! Please continue to contact us and refer to your counselor for additional information.