1. THE ROAD TO COLLEGE Presented by The Counseling Department

2. Post Secondary Options College College 4 year college 4 year college 2 year college 2 year college Employment Career / Technical School Military

3. Finding a College 4 year vs. 2 year college Size Location Campus Culture Majors Academic Credentials Cost Extracurricular Activities Special Programs

4. HIT THE ROAD Visit school’s websites: General Information Requirements Deadlines Attend open houses and tours Attend open houses and tours Speak to current students Schedule interview (if offered)

5. DEVELOPING A LIST Be OPEN MINDED to schools Start with a larger list then narrow it when it is time to apply Ideally apply to 5-7 schools 1-2 Reach Schools 2-3 50/50 schools 1-2 Safe schools Consider academics and finances when developing your list.

6. TYPES OF ADMISSION Early Decision- - Early deadline, early response, BINDING Early Action – Early deadline, early response, NON-BINDING Rolling Admission – Students are accepted/denied as applications are received. Regular Admission – Apply by regular deadline (usu. Jan 15) and hear a response by April 1

7. WHAT COLLEGES ARE LOOKING FOR IN STUDENTS

8. FACTORS COLLEGES CONSIDER FOR ADMISSION DECISIONS Transcript GPA, Courses, & Grades SAT I, SAT II or ACT Scores Essay(s) Resume Extracurricular Activities Letters of Recommendation

9. STANDARDIZED TESTS Students must register to take the SAT I and/or ACT. We recommend taking both SAT and ACT. Test prep is absolutely essential to success on these tests. Chesapeake High School CEEB Code: 210-808

10. FINANCIAL AID FAFSA Submit ASAP after January 1 st but before March 1 st. www.fafsa.ed.gov Scholarships Local Regional / National

11. SCHOLARSHIPS Please access the Counseling Center’s website for Scholarship information as well as helpful websites

12. CLOSING THOUGHTS Visit the Counseling Center’s website often Be sure you are receiving emails from Ms. Wilson, our secretary Keep the process in perspective Work together as a family Students must take ownership Discuss finances openly Start early and meet all deadlines