1. College Information 2012-13

2.  It begins now!  Take courses that prepare you for college.  Honors courses  Advanced Placement Courses  Dual Enrollment Courses  Post-Secondary Education Option Programs  Other opportunities as they arise…  Investigate careers and skills.  Research colleges and universities that offer degrees in the career field(s) you are interested.  Be sure you have taken one of the college entrance exams no later than the end of the junior year. If you are a senior, sign up ASAP! ACT or SAT - Most schools will accept either Send your scores up to 4 colleges. Many are requiring the official scores sent from ACT/SAT & are also requiring the writing section. SAT II Subject Tests – Many of the elite colleges will require these. So Where Do I Begin the College Process?

3. Visit colleges and universities Consider the possibilities: 2-year or 4-year, public or private, traditional or liberal arts  Consider costs of higher education by investigating your financial aid options and scholarships.  Guidance Website – Financial Aid Guidance Website  Guidance Website – Scholarships Guidance Website Discuss plans and goals Parents, relatives, neighbors, teachers Cont….

4. Ways to Learn More about Higher Education Programs Take virtual tours of the college websites. Meet with the recruiters that visit Hayes. Visit the colleges. Make sure to schedule an appointment with an admissions counselor, academic advisor, and a financial aid counselor. For visits, complete the Pre-Arranged Absence form. You may take 2 visits/year.

5. Attending a Technical School Technical schools are schools that provide mostly employment-preparation skills for trained labor, such as welding, culinary arts, or office management. Technical school programs can last anywhere from a few months to two years.

6. Attending a Two-Year College Two-year colleges provide programs that lead to associates degrees. They are typically less expensive than 4-year colleges and universities. The average cost is $3,000 per year. Many students will transfer to a 4-year university to seek their bachelors degree after completing their coursework at the 2-year college. Ohio Two-Year Colleges Resources: http://www.oatyc.org/ http://regents.ohio.gov/campuses/2yr.php http://www.ohiocommunitycolleges.org/ http://www.oatyc.org/ http://regents.ohio.gov/campuses/2yr.php http://www.ohiocommunitycolleges.org/

7. Attending a Four-Year College Four-year colleges and universities award students with bachelors degrees. The average cost for a public college is $21,447 per year. (Price includes tuiton, room & board.) Average Ohio Public institution is $16,908 The average cost for a private institution is $42,224 per year. (Price includes tuiton, room & board.) Average cost after financial aid is $26,700. Source: cnnmoney.com Ohio Four-Year Private Colleges: http://www.aicuo.edu/ResourcesAndResearch.html Ohio Four-Year Public Colleges/Universities: http://www.opuac.org/ http://www.aicuo.edu/ResourcesAndResearch.html http://www.opuac.org/

8. What are Colleges Looking for in a College Application? (As reported by OSU) Completion of the College Prep Curriculum 4 English, 3+ Math, 3+ Science, 3+ Social Studies, 2+ Foreign Language, 1 Fine Art Additional courses in math, natural science, and foreign language Research shows these are predictors of success in college Rigor of courses Honors and AP courses Grades and grade trends (including class rank) Strength of senior schedule ACT/SAT Scores

9. Other Areas of Importance Extracurricular Activities, Leadership, & Work Experience Obstacles the student may have overcome Diversity—Is the student a 1 st generation college student? Does the student racially, ethnically, or economically diversify the campus? Special talents Essay Response (No grammatical errors, original, and well- thought out) PSEO courses are preferred only when the high school curriculum has been maxed out. AP or Honors courses are preferred.

10.  Compare 3 to 5 colleges  Get applications or visit the website  On-line applications are preferred by most schools  Some schools use commonapp.orgcommonapp.org  Review application requirements and meet the deadlines  Deadlines vary but most priority deadlines are in December or January. Some are earlier!  Visit the schools before you apply. (See handout on “61 Questions to ask at a College Visit”) The Application Process

11. See your school counselor Bring your completed application to your counselor or let them know you have completed an application online. Don’t tell them in passing in the hall—They need it in writing! Let them know if there is a deadline for submission. Be sure you bring any necessary forms that need to be completed by the counselor. Let them know if any recommendations need to be included and whom to expect them from. Bring your application fee if required. Give your counselor a two-week window. Counselors can’t accommodate day of requests! Application Process Cont….

12. Ask teachers & other individuals to complete recommendations if needed. A letter/resume asking for this request is recommended. Include: What the recommendation is for (admission or scholarship) Include any honors/awards, extracurricular, work experience, and community service When is it due - give at least two weeks notice Tell them to return it to your school counselor Letters of Recommendation

13. Your school counselor will: Complete any necessary forms Send a transcript Include any recommendations you have requested Mail all documents to the college Stamped envelopes are not necessary Application Process Cont…

14. Check the status of your application This can often be done online in most cases. Wait for notification from the college The time you have to wait will depend on if they have rolling admissions or not. So now what happens….

15. Notification from college Need of additional information Follow-up on request Application is being processed Wait Acceptance or Denial Cont…

16. Acceptance notification Review materials and note deadlines Additional scholarship deadlines FAFSA deadline – this can be as early at Feb. 1 Housing contracts Once accepted the college must hold a spot for you until May 1 with no other requirement, payments, etc. Colleges can, however, rescind an offer if grades on the student’s final transcript is not in line with the one submitted for acceptance. If Accepted…

17. Complete a FAFSA Seniors visit www.fafsa.ed.gov today and request a PIN numberwww.fafsa.ed.gov PIN numbers are needed for both the student and one parent – this serves as a verified signature. Go to pin.ed.gov now! FAFSA must be completed every year after January 1 of the year the student plans to attend college. Tax returns need to be completed but not necessarily mailed, or you must estimate and then update the FAFSA once taxes are completed. All students should complete a FAFSA even if you don’t feel you will qualify. Many scholarships are based on the filing of the FAFSA. Financial Aid meeting will be held December 13th at 6:30 p.m. Be sure to file your FAFSA with all colleges by their deadline to be eligible for grants and scholarships. Free Application for Federal Student Aid

18.  April  Notification of Financial aid package  Compare colleges & costs  Contact the college financial aid office if you have questions  Decide what college to attend  Send acceptance materials by May 1  Let other colleges know that you do not plan to attend After the FAFSA is Completed….

19. Here are Some Interesting Statistics…

20. About 34.3% of College Freshman Don’t Return. Why? Homesickness and feeling that you don’t fit in. Educational burnout. Academic unpreparedness. Personal or family issues. Financial constraints. Too much fun — but not enough education. The school isn’t a good academic fit for the student. Setting sights on the wrong major. No guidance or mentors. External demands, particularly within part time or full time employment. Time to move out. Source: http://blog.gocollege.com/2007/11/23/reasons-why-college-dropouts-exist/

21. Questions????