The College Search: Tips and Strategies for Finding the Best Fit. Westerville South High School Guidance Department October 6, 2015

Transcription

1 The College Search: Tips and Strategies for Finding the Best Fit Westerville South High School Guidance Department October 6, 2015

2 School Counselors Tammy Hanby A-Di Jennifer Stovall Do-La Laura Elliot t Le-Re Charles (Charlie)Runyan

3 Presentation Outline The college search process The admissions game and components of the application Financial aid Typical deadlines Questions and answers

4 Myths of Admissions 10. My life will be ruined if I don t get into my first-choice college. 9. I should go to the most prestigious school to which I am admitted. 8. Small colleges are likely to review the entire application, while larger, public institutions look only at the numbers (GPA & test scores). 7. I need to apply early action/decision somewhere even if I do not have a first-choice school. 6. Ivy League colleges are the only ones worth applying to. 5. It is better to go to a big university that is well-known than to a small college that few people have heard of. 4. It is important to have as many varied extra-curricular activities as possible to impress college admissions people. 3. Colleges do not look at senior year grades. 2. Colleges receive so many personal essays that they probably only glance at them. 1. SAT/ACT scores are the most important piece of the application.

5 The College Search Process Self-assessment is key. Gaining acceptance to a specific school is NOT. Reflect on your values, expectations and interests THEN search schools that meet your criteria. You should not change for a college! The goal is to find a college where you will thrive and be the best student you can be.

6 The College Search Process Know yourself! First Things First Values Ambitions Achievements Academic Strengths Interests Standout Talents

7 The College Search Process What is important to YOU and your family? Location Academics Size Campus Appeal Social Life Cost and Aid

8 Types of Colleges Type Description Tuition Admission Requirements Two year Degrees offered: Associates Provides: A way to ease into college / take general college classes for credit. Typically have agreements with four year colleges to transfer credits. Typically around $4,000/year Open-door admission policy

9 Types of Colleges Type Description Tuition Admission Requirements Four year Degrees offered: Bachelors and beyond Provides: A well-rounded college experience that includes an academic area of study. State: Typically under $15,000/year Private: Typically more than $20,000/year SAT or ACT GPA Class rank Essay Extracurricular activities Letters of recommendation Transcripts

10 Types of Colleges by Admit Rate Open Liberal Selective Highly Selective

11 What Colleges Look For The Academic Star Special Talents Legacies Special Backgrounds Regional Diversity Academic Interests Good students who bring an interest in life and an engagement in activities to campus

12 How Colleges Make Decisions Components of the Application Common Application/University Application Transcripts and Other School Documents Standardized Testing Essays Teacher Recommendations Interview

13 Applications Print application and fill it out on paper before completing it online. Read and follow directions. Include only the activities that are important to you. Answer the questions! Follow instructions! Only attach extra materials if necessary. Copy and save.

14 Transcripts & Other School Documents Most important part of an application GPA and/or Class Rank Course Selection Math, Science and Foreign Language Attendance Secondary School Reports and Mid-Year Reports

15 Standardized Testing ACT versus SAT Is Writing Really Optional? SAT Subject Tests Preparation Khan Academy Test Optional Colleges:

16 The Essay What is a college application essay? The college application essay is the student s personal introduction to the school to which she is applying.

17 Teacher Recommendations Most colleges require one to two. Preference given to 11 th and 12 th grade teachers who teach core classes. Select people who can speak to your academic abilities, character and work ethic. Help them help you!

18 Athletic Recruitment Start early and communicate with your coach often. Division 1 recruitment is much different than Division 2 and 3. Must register with NCAA and have ACT/SAT scores sent. Go to eligibilitycenter.org to be sure you meet the requirements and see Mrs. Elliot in Guidance

19 General College Search Apply to 4-5 colleges Have realistic options Always have a Ohio, public school backup Don t get caught up in your friends search Communication is key, especially between parents and students Keep an open mind Do your research

20 Financial Aid Overview Financial Aid: Funds provided to students and parents to help pay for postsecondary, or college, educational expenses (tuition, housing, meals, books, etc.) Need-based: based on student s and parents finances and living situation Student s income Parents income Parents and student s assets and savings Number of people in household Number from household enrolled in college Merit-based: based on student s accomplishments G.P.A. Standardized test scores Extracurricular activities FINANCIAL AID MEETING (Put on your calendar): Wednesday, December 16 at Westerville North

21 Typical Deadlines Aug. 01- Common Application Available Oct. 01 to Nov. 15 Early decision/early action deadline Nov. 01 Ohio State Deadline Dec. 01 Priority scholarship deadline in Ohio Jan. 01 Deadline for Ivy League and highly selective Feb. 01 Deadline for selective Ohio publics Feb. 01 FAFSA and CSS Profile deadline for highly selective institutions Feb. 15 FAFSA deadline for many institutions March 01 FAFSA deadline for remaining institutions April 01 Financial aid packages mailed May 01 National candidates reply date

22 Westerville South College Application Workshops Wednesday, September 16, 2015 Monday, September 21, 2015 Tuesday, September 29, 2015 Thursday, October 8, 2015 Friday, October 23, 2015 All workshops will be held after school from 2:15-3:00 p.m. in the Media Center. Please sign up to attend in the Guidance Office. If you have questions, please contact your counselor.

23 Questions/Contact Information School Counselors (614) Guidance Office Tammy Hanby Jennifer Stovall Laura Elliott Charles Runyan