2. School Counseling Department The College Admissions Process

3. Planning for College

4. 3700 Colleges in the U.S. Community Colleges (Associates Degree) Two Year Private Colleges (Associates Degree) NJ State Colleges/Universities Other State Colleges/Universities –PA, DE, MD, NC, VA, etc HBCU Liberal Arts Schools Major Prestige College and Universities & Ivy League Schools Progressive Colleges Specialized Institutions (art, music, culinary arts, technology, etc.)

5. Decision Factors Size of school Location Distance from home Activities/Athletics Public/Private Coed/Single sex Entrance requirements Facilities Rules Entrance difficulty Reputation of School Faculty/Class Size Majors available Commitment to major by school Services Cost Campus personality

6. Your search should include: Guidebooks College brochures & viewbooks Internet searches College Fairs Videos Counselor conferences Recommendations from parents, friends, etc. School visits –Campus Tour –Open House –Interview –Overnight stays/class visits

8. How Colleges Evaluate Candidates: Course selection (difficulty, extended languages, extended math & science, honors & AP courses) Grades/GPA Rank in Class SAT or ACT scores –Take the SAT or ACT in the spring of your junior year and the fall of your senior year. –Review for the SAT /ACT or take a prep course. Scores will improve with practice. –Check schools for SAT II requirements.

9. Evaluation, con’t. Leadership positions Activities –sports –clubs & high school activities –community/church activities –volunteer community service activities –part-time jobs

10. Evaluation, con’t. Essay Recommendations –ask for letters of recommendations from two teachers early in the fall –remember to thank them and let them know where you have been accepted Interview

11. Hearing from the colleges: Regular Decision (April 1) Rolling Admission (reviewed as received) Early Decision (early application & commitment) Early Action (early application & no commitment)

12. Three most important actions before choosing a school!!! Visit Visit your School Counselor often! FOR MORE INFO...

13. ? ? ? ? ?