2. 500,000 Minutes Princeton High School Guidance Department Brian Church (A-L) Debra Dullard (M-Z) Elena Hilmes - Registrar

3.  Work  Military  Trades  Apprentice programs  Proprietary schools  College

5.  Recognize strengths and weaknesses  Analyze interests and values  Achieve a personal goal  Increase earning power  Prepare for a career and expand learning  Participate in extracurricular activities and social life  Consider influence of family and friends

6. Fitting The Pieces Together  Person…. Where do I fit?  Program…. What will I study?  People…. Who will I meet?  Place…. Where am I going?  Price…. How much will it cost?

7. #1 The Person….Where Do I Fit?  My grade point average is…  My class rank is…  My ACT score is…  My high school course of study is…  My profile vs. the profile at choice schools…

8. #2 The Program-What Will I Study? Factors to Consider  Favorite classes  Work experiences  Leisure activities  School activities  Dream careers  People admired

9. #3 People - Who Will I Meet?  Visit the campus…  Plan the trip…  Parents should accompany…  Take the campus tour…  Meet a department professor…  Ask questions…  Trust your instincts…

10. #4 The Place-Where Am I Going?  Distance from home  Residential life  Campus setting  Campus size  Campus safety/security  Health services  Sororities/fraternities  Study abroad programs

11. #5 The Price - How Much Will It Cost?  Discuss the cost of attendance as a family  Community college & state university vs. private school costs  COA ( Cost of Attendance ) - EFC (Expected Family Contribution) - EFC (Expected Family Contribution) Financial Need Financial Need

12. Analyze Your Results  I Fit… I clearly meet admission criteria I clearly meet admission criteria Offers selected major of study Offers selected major of study Affordable Affordable  I Fit If… Questionable criteria for admission Questionable criteria for admission Offers selected major of study Offers selected major of study Financial need package is important Financial need package is important  I Want To Give A Try… Admission criteria clearly questionable or very competitive Admission criteria clearly questionable or very competitive Financial aid is a must Financial aid is a must

13. English4 Years Mathematics (Algebra 1 and above)3 Years Social Studies3 Years Science3 Years Foreign Language (same language)2 Years Colleges may also require additional courses in: Mathematics Science Fine and Performing Arts Computer Science

14.  2007 ACT NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATING CLASS REPORT

15. The Application Process  Online applications are typically preferred and can be found under “Prospective Students” on the college website.  Use www.phs-il.org – click on the Guidance link and log on to PrepHQ for a comprehensive list colleges and universities. www.phs-il.org  A very limited number of paper applications are in the Guidance Office.  Application fee waivers are available.

16. When Do I Apply For College?  The month of October is considered “Application Month”.  Apply to your top 3-5 choices.  P.H.S. Application Mania Night  Many schools have priority filing deadlines.

17. Application Deadlines  University of Illinois  @Chicago - No Priority Deadline - January 15 – Application Period Deadline  @Springfield - September 1 - March 15 - Application Period Deadline - After March 15, applications will be considered as space permits  @Urbana/Champaign - September 1 - Nov.1 - Priority Filing Period (postmark deadline) January 2 – Application Period Deadline  Illinois State University  September 1 - November 15 - Priority Filing Deadline  March 1 – Application Period Deadline  Western Illinois University  To guarantee consideration apply by May 15

18. What is a Transcript?  A complete record of your grades, rank in class and credits. (through the 6 th semester)  Your highest ACT composite score will be included on the transcript.  Upon student's request, the Guidance Office will mail the transcript and a school profile sheet or email a PDF transcript.

19. The Personal Resume  Your list of academic, athletic, and community activities.  Study examples  Make several copies  Begin immediately

20. The Personal Statement  Offers information not found on the application.  Explain what you can offer the school.  Write it yourself.  Have it proofread.

21. The Teacher Recommendation  Best to write out a request.  Share where you are going.  Include addressed envelope and stamp.  Share what you want in the recommendation.  Share with the author the common link between the school and yourself.  Give the teacher a deadline.

22. IVCC Applicants  Complete the admission application in the fall.  Visit www.ivcc.edu for more information. www.ivcc.edu  IVCC Tuition Guarantee Notice of Intent Form - Check your eligibility

23. IVCC Placement Testing  All first-time, full-time students must take placement tests at IVCC in English and Math (Accuplacer)  The following ACT sub-scores will exempt you from the IVCC placement testing: Math - 24 Math - 24 English - 22 English - 22 Reading - 23 Reading - 23

24. An Overview of Financial Aid  Apply for your PIN number at : www.pin.ed.gov www.pin.ed.gov  File the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1, 2010 at www.fafsa.ed.gov www.fafsa.ed.gov  Use a FAFSA worksheet to help complete the filing process.

25. Financial Need Calculation  The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is determined by completing the FAFSA.  Outside scholarships and awards are then added to expected family contribution which then decreases the financial aid package offered by the university.  Finally, the student’s financial aid package is determined.

26. The Student Aid Report (SAR) The Student Aid Report (SAR) Will receive in mail 2-3 weeks after filing Will receive in mail 2-3 weeks after filing Make any necessary corrections Pay attention to EFC (Expected Family Contribution)

27.  NO!  “Financial Need” is determined using the cost of attendance at individual institutions. Is “Financial Need” the same at all institutions? College “A” COA $18,000 EFC - 5,000 College “B” COA $8,500 EFC - 5,000  FINANCIAL NEED  $13,000  FINANCIAL NEED  $3,500

28. Scholarships  Register at www.fastweb.com www.fastweb.com  Check PrepHQ for a complete listing of local scholarships – Wal-Mart, Princeton Memorial Scholarship, Princeton Rotary.  Check PrepHQ daily for announcements

29. Prairie State Achievement Examination (PSAE)  Day 1 – Wed., April 22 - ACT Plus Writing  Day 2 - Thursday, April 23 ISBE Science Test ISBE Science Test Reading for Information (WorkKeys) Reading for Information (WorkKeys) Applied Math (WorkKeys) Applied Math (WorkKeys) PSAE pre-registration will be completed PSAE pre-registration will be completed at PHS during Block 4 on Friday, April 17.

30. Should I Retake The ACT?  Next test: April 4 and June 13, 2009  PHS School Code: 143-560  PHS Test Center Code: 163030  ACT No Writing - $31 (2009 fee)  ACT Plus Writing - $46 (2009 fee)  The ACT is given at PHS in October and February (National Test Date). and February (National Test Date).

31.  Become familiar with the ACT test content and format.  Review your PLAN ® results to identify academic weaknesses.  Learn appropriate test-taking strategies  Use ACT Online Prep TM – ACT’s test preparation program.  Review The Real ACT Prep Guide – the official test prep book – available for purchase at www.act.org.  Visit the ACT at www.actstudent.org - take the ACT free practice tests. www.actstudent.org

32. What’s Next for You? What’s Next for You?  Encourage the completion of college applications in October and November  Take college visits – Spring Break 2009  Complete FAFSA after January 1, 2010  After the final school selection is made, contact schools not chosen.  Be organized and meet all deadlines!!!!!

33.  Determine college costs  Investigate ALL possible resources − Parents − Savings − Summer earnings − Financial aid: scholarships, grants, loans and work-study − Other sources  Secure necessary forms and note the deadlines  Apply for financial aid as early as possible

34. Take Responsibility!!! Stay Positive!!! Utilize PREPHQ!!!.