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

3. Points to Consider zLocation zCosts zGender zHousing zGuidance Resources zMajors zSize zAdmissions Requirements zActivities zSelf-assessment

4. Let’s Begin with a Self-assessment zWhy am I going to college? zWhat do I have to offer? zWhat do I expect from the college? zWill I be able to participate in activities?

5. What do the admissions officers evaluate? zAcademic Transcript (grades & course selection) zStandardized Testing zExtra-curricular Activities zCommunity Service zLeadership Qualities zLetters of Recommendation zPersonal Interviews

6. Valuable Resources zIndex of Majors and Graduate Degrees zCareer Center zBridges.com zInterview field of study professionals zDiscuss ideas with parents, teachers, SBHS graduates, and counselors zCollege Night zGuidance Counselor zFamily Connection zSBHS Guidance Website zSAT Online Course

7. 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

8. What learning environment is best for me? zAverage classroom size zPhysical size zWhat setting do I learn better in? zParticipation factors (academic/nonacademic ) zCurriculum diversity vs. specialization

9. School gender considerations zHow important are social interaction opportunities? zIn what environment would I best learn? zIn what setting would I be most successful? zActivities and Experiences

10. Where will I live? zGuaranteed On- Campus Housing zOff-Campus Housing zCommuters

11. Available Guidance Resources zCareer Center zInternet based Information zCollege Videos zTest preparation zWritten materials zCollege Representatives zBrown Bag Lunch Series

12. Financial Concerns zDon’t allow costs to keep you from applying zMore expensive colleges usually have more unrestricted aid zAid qualification varies widely zFinancial Aid workshops

13. JUNIORS Where are you now? zSAT/ACT Status zCollege exploration and inquiry zPlanned visits zCourse selections for next year zGrades and activities (resume) zApplications available in the fall from the college zBe responsible, proactive and prompt

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

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