1. PLANNING FOR COLLEGE Kim Gentile The University of Akron

2. PLANNING FOR COLLEGE + Discussion Topics Consider College Characteristics Academic Preparation and ACT and SAT tests Collect Information/College Information Sources Schedule Campus Visits Apply for Admission Develop a Plan to Finance Your Education Review and Finalize Your Plans

3. CONSIDER COLLEGE CHARACTERISTICS Majors and educational programs Location and size of school Cost and financial assistance Type of school and degrees offered Admission policy College affiliation and accreditation Campus activities Support services

4. OPTIONS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL + Community colleges + Public universities + Private colleges and universities

5. COMMUNITY COLLEGES Technical degrees Transfer degrees and coursework Partnership programs Costs, proximity to home Almost half of all U.S. college students attend community colleges Advantages

6. PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES Wide range of majors Lots of opportunities to get involved Diverse types of public institutions Affordable tuition options Financial assistance

7. PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES Public schools in Ohio Opportunities for graduate study Major sports programs Regional campus options Ability to transfer credits

8. PRIVATE COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES Advantages Small size of classes Low faculty/student ratio Opportunities for student leadership Strong financial aid and scholarship opportunities Wide range of locations, affiliations, and costs

9. ACT AND SAT TESTING ACT – www.ACT.orgwww.ACT.org Multiple choice tests in English, mathematics, reading, and science Optional writing test; strongly recommended Writing test: required by Cincinnati, OSU Cost: $56.50 w/writing test; $39.50 w/o  Require test scores sent from testing agency: Cincinnati, Miami and OSU + Test dates:  Oct. 24  Dec. 12  Feb. 6  April 9  June 11

10. ACT AND SAT TESTING SAT – collegeboard.org  Current SAT: Critical Reading, Writing, and Math  New SAT: Reading, Writing and Language, Math and optional writing  Require test scores sent from testing agency: Cincinnati, Miami and OSU  Miami and Ohio University superscore the SAT  Cost: $54.50 – Cost for new test: $43.00 + Test dates:  Nov. 7  Dec. 5  Jan. 23  March 5 – new test

11. COLLEGE INFORMATION SOURCES  Institution and college planning websites  ACT.org and Collegeboard.org  College representatives and college fairs  Counselors and teachers  Parents/family members, students and alumni

12. CAMPUS VISITS + Schedule your visit – Contact Office of Admissions + Information session; campus tour; meeting with academic or student services areas; etc. + Types of visit opportunities: Large open house visit programs Bus tours to campuses Individual visits Overnight visits

13. APPLYING FOR ADMISSION + Narrow your choices + Review college admission test requirements + Know application fees and deadlines + Know scholarship requirements + Submit application materials  Application for admission – online applications  Common Application/Supplemental applications High school transcript – request from school counselor Admission test results (ACT or SAT) + Narrow your choices + Review college admission test requirements + Know application fees and deadlines + Know scholarship requirements + Submit application materials  Application for admission – online applications  Common Application/Supplemental applications High school transcript – request from school counselor Admission test results (ACT or SAT)

14. TIPS FOR WRITING A COLLEGE ESSAY Get started by brainstorming. Let your first draft flow. Develop three essay parts – intro, body, conclusion. Be specific. Find a creative angle. Be honest. Get feedback. Proofread and make corrections.

15. TIPS FOR LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION A great recommendation can add depth and excitement to your application. Who should write a letter of recommendation…teacher, school counselor, coach, employer, etc. Ask early.Provide them with information about yourself.Appreciate their effort…write them a thank you note.

16. DEVELOP A PLAN TO FINANCE YOUR EDUCATION + Sources of financial aid: Federal and State Government o FAFSA  Grants, Student Loans, Work-Study  www.fafsa.ed.gov www.fafsa.ed.gov 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

17. QUESTIONS? Kim Gentile Senior Associate Director Office of Admissions The University of Akron 330. 972.6345 gentile@uakron.edu