*The Road to College in 2017*

Transcription

1 *The Road to College in 2017*

2 } How does he get into college? } How do we find the right college for him? } How does he apply? } How do I/we afford this? } Is he actually ready to go to a 4-year college?

3 } Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) -The minimum GPA to qualify for the majority of 4-year colleges or universities is a 2.0. The average GPA of students that get accepted is significantly higher. } Class Rigor } Class Rank -Traditionally speaking, most colleges or universities are looking for class ranks that are at least in the top half of their graduation class. } ACT and/or SAT scores -All juniors have been continually advised to take the ACT at least twice before senior year (any combination of the December, February, April 9th, & June11th exams). Deadline for the April exam is March 4 th. } Personal Essay } Recommendations } Extra-curricular activities *Every college establishes their own criteria for admissions*

4 Be aware of what you re putting out there for the world and college admission office to see!!!

5 } Illinois & 26 } Indiana 3.76 & 25 } Purdue 3.83 & 26 } Northern Illinois 3.2 & 22 } Ball State 3.17 & 22 } Illinois State 3.2 & 24 } Iowa 3.66 & 24 } Western Michigan 3.21 & 22 } Harvard 4.69 & 33 } Southern Illinois & 20 } UIC 3.37 & 22 } Western Illinois 2.68 & 20 } Wisconsin 4.15 & 27 } Marquette 3.76 & 25 } Notre Dame 4.47 & 32 } SIUE 2.57 & 20 } Arizona State 3.21 & 22 } DePaul 3.39 & 23 These are averages from the past 9 years, not cut-off scores. These are scores from MC students, not the college s overall freshman class. But knowing the typical academic credentials of accepted students, should help focus your college list. Also realize that specific intended majors may require higher scores (i.e, Engineering)

6 } Develop your own criteria *Remember, this is a big decision. So what do you want out of it? *Admissions Standards* *Size & Cost of School/ *Location *Reputation of Selected Majors *Clubs/ Student Organizations *Social Atmosphere

7 } Large schools offer more majors and specializations, allow for more undergraduate research, have more club/student organizations, and a wider alumni base. } Smaller schools typically offer more personalized attention, smaller student/faculty ratios, professors who actually teach. } We ask the students to consider, What type of student am I and what kind of education am I looking for?.and be honest.

8 } Public vs. Private -We encourage students to consider both. -Don t feel PRICED OUT! * While private colleges often have a higher sticker price, they can end up being more affordable after scholarships and awards are applied. -If you are interested in both type of schools, then apply and have multiple options available when acceptances and award letters come in.

9 } Most schools offer merit scholarships when a student is accepted based on the student s GPA, test score, and/or class rank. } When looking at college websites, you can simply search for University of XYZ Merit Scholarships to find out what their criteria for awards are.

10 } Every college lists their sticker price on their websites, but that often is not the realistic amount that a student & family will have to pay. } The problem is that families typically don t know the actual true cost until late-march or April, and then often have to decide by May 1 st. } But each college is now required to provide a Net Cost Calculator somewhere on their website that will allow families to get an estimated financial aid package. They can all be accessed through Big Future by CollegeBoard as well. } Please keep in mind that these are estimates, not guarantees of tuition costs.

11 } Everyone thinks they are going here. } But typically 85-90% of our graduating seniors go to school with 4 hours from home. } Experiencing a different part of the country can be a tremendous and worthwhile experience, but we recommend taking multiple visits including weekend stays at long-distance options before committing to going there. } Also, try to identify resources nearby or at the school to assist with the transition.

12 *Reputation of Selected Majors -If he has a specific major already in mind, have him do his research on the quality of the program and the course offerings. And make sure the colleges you are looking at has that major! If he is unsure about what he wants to do, that s okay. Freshman & sophomore years have built-in opportunities to explore possible areas of interest before declaring a major. *Clubs/ Student Organizations -Most colleges offer a wide variety of activities for students to join, ranging from Student Government to Fraternities to the peoplewatching Club (Minnesota) & Happiness Club (Northwestern). Just like at MC, we strongly encourage our graduates to look at different organizations/clubs they can join to fully get the most out of their college experience. *Social Atmosphere -On average, students only spend hours per week in the classroom. Making sure that they are comfortable with the social environment of the school is an important aspect in whether or not a student will remain at that school beyond one year.

13 } Highly Selective Schools - These schools typically enroll less than 15% (sometimes less than 5%) of their applicants. They include Ivy League Schools, Stanford, MIT, & the University of Chicago. Even our valedictorian at MC is not guaranteed a spot! Essentially, applying to these schools is like playing the lottery. } Reach Schools -These schools will still be a stretch for most students, where student s will often be at the low end of these college s GPA & ACT ranges. They typically accept around 25-35% of applicants. } Probable Schools -One where you are likely to be accepted but not completely guaranteed, you ll be within the college s middle 50% ranges. } Safety Schools -These schools are one s that students would be surprised if they didn t get into. Students will be near the top of the GPA/ACT ranges and chances of getting in are 90% or better. It s important that your safety school(s) is one that you would be comfortable attending (if other options don t work out) and is affordable for the family. } Last-minute safety schools -Just in case finances don t work out with your other options, or if a family member gets sick and you need to stay near home, then these types of schools are necessary. Often times they would include community colleges or local junior colleges, in which a study can take general requirements for a year or two, and then transfer into a preferred university.

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16 *Most students typically apply to 5-7 colleges* We usually encourage the students to develop their final list as such: ~1-2 Reach or Dream schools Student s academic profile lower than average admitted student ~3-4 Likely to get in schools Student meets or exceeds academic standards for admission ~2-3 Relatively sure to get in, or Safety schools Student greatly exceeds academic standards for admission *All colleges applied to should meet or mostly meet the student s established criteria.

17 } Student #1 } GPA=3.85, ACT=28 } Very interested in business from Northwest Indiana. } Dream/Reach schools Notre Dame, University of Chicago } Likely schools Indiana University Bloomington, DePauw University, Valparaiso University, Michigan State University, Butler University } Safety schools IUPUI (Indiana University-Purdue University- Indianapolis) & Indiana State University } Student #2 } GPA=2.5, ACT=22 } Not sure what he wants to major in from an southwest suburb in Illinois. } Dream/Reach School University of Indiana } Likely schools SIU at Carbondale, Marian University (WI), Saint Xavier University, Northern Michigan University, Governors State University, Arizona State University } Safety schools SIU at Edwardsville, Holy Cross College, & Moraine Valley Community College

18 } Naviance } All students have personalized accounts. } The Super Match function allows students to itemize their personal criteria, and they will be matched with colleges that fit what they are looking for. } Accessed through MC Counseling page. } Provides information on all colleges in the United States & several schools in other countries. } Allows student to view how Mount Carmel students have faired with admissions to universities over the past 9 years. } Big Future from College Board } bigfuture.collegeboard.org/ } Similar information to Naviance but can be accessed if/when student forgets their password. } One unique function is the Net Cost Calculator, which allows families to get a estimated Financial Aid package from a specific school by entering basic financial & academic information. } Be sure to look at the College/ Career section of the MC Guidance Department page

19 } Regular Decision } Rolling Admissions } Early Action/Priority } Early Decision *All applications can be accessed through the college s Undergraduate Admissions website, and often, right on the their home page.*

20 -Rolling Admissions There is no deadline for these schools. These colleges evaluate applications as the come in and usually provide a decision within 2-6 weeks. They will continue to admit students until their freshman class is full or their semester starts. Often they will line up with safety schools and will often be the among the first application submitted. -Early Action/ Priority These types of applications are usually due in October or November and the college will usually give a decision by January. There are no legal commitments to attend if accepted. If you are very interested in a college but not 100% sure it s your #1, but want to keep doing research, then Early Action or Priority is a better option than Early Decision. Early Action is associated with the Common Application.

21 -Early Decision Used by Common App schools, this type of application is usually due in October or November with the school making it s decision by January. You can only apply to one college under Early Decision and if you get accepted to that school you are legally bound to attend! Prior to submitting the application, a Early Decision supplement has to be signed by the student, his parents, and the counselor. Only apply under this program if the college is your clear #1 with no other close contenders, and are comfortable committing to attend that school, without any knowledge of the financial aid package that will be provided. Early Decision schools tend to be highly-selective universities and often line up with dream or reach

22 } Common App ~This application is used by nearly 500 colleges & universities. Each college charges whatever amount they want & many require a school-specific supplement. ~The Common App requires a School Form (filled out by the counselor) & 2 Teacher Recommendations. ~While the Common App can be a very convenient way to apply to multiple schools, it does take a while to complete & includes an essay. } Self-Reported Academic Report (SRAR) ~More colleges, (like the University of Illinois & University of Iowa) are asking the student to complete the SRAR instead of having a transcript sent. The student will have to list every class they have taken in high school and the grade they received for every marking period. If you are accepted and plan to attend that institution, they will request your final transcript(after graduation) to verify that the information you submitted was accurate. If there is a noticeable discrepancy between the SRAR & the transcript, the school will reject the admission offer.

23 -The essay is among the most important parts of your application, and can often be the deciding factor in admissions and scholarships. -Among the worst mistakes a student can make is to write their essay at the last minute and not have them reviewed. Start essay writing early and have others review them along the way. -When writing the essay, please make sure you answer the question. -Stay within the parameters. If they ask for 500 words, don t give them 1,000 -Focus on your strengths, passions, and what makes you unique. -Explain why the college is a good fit for you. Look beyond their home page. -Make it about you. If they re asking who your biggest influence is and you use all 500 words to describe how great your mom is (and she is!); at the end they will probably rather admit your mom than you.

24 } Be creative. Admissions reps read thousands of essays per year. Try to stand out from the rest. } Focus on how you changed and grown throughout high school } Don t just repeat what is in the application. } Be wary of humor & tone. Sometimes jokes or sarcasm don t translate on paper. } Recycling essays is okay, but be sure the college in the essay is the one that you re actually applying to!! } Have at least 3 readers review the essay, one of which should be an English teacher, who will be a invaluable resource.

25 } While not as important as academic information, essays can be a determining factor in close admissions or scholarship decisions. } When asking a teacher or counselor for a letter of recommendation, you should provide them with a Senior Questionnaire, and should give them at least two weeks. } Give thought in who you ask. Think about what teacher knows your abilities and attitude well. } Teachers can and will say no depending on the circumstance. } It is to the teachers discretion as to if they will give the letter directly to you or to the counselor.

26 } Make sure you know what supplemental materials they need. } Send test scores directly from the testing agency (ACT or SAT) to the college. } Let Mr. Eisenbraun know you ve applied so he can send out transcripts and required supplemental materials. The colleges don t me to tell me you ve applied. } Follow-up with that school s admission rep a week or two after applying. Staying in contact periodically is a good thing, stalking them is not. } Check to see if the school offers scholarships for incoming freshman beyond what are awarded with admission. } Realize you will get an or letter saying what the college doesn t have a week after applying. These are automatically generated, don t freak out. In some cases, colleges are receiving hundreds of applications and related materials a day, it takes some time to get everything process and evaluated. You will get a letter or from the college saying they are missing your transcript or test scores, those are automatically sent a couple days after you apply.

27 Spring/Summer } Take the ACT/SAT } Do a great job in the last weeks of school. } Do your research. } Visit the schools you are considering!!! } Narrow your list based on your criteria. Fall } Identify deadlines of the schools you ll apply to. } Consider if you will apply to any under Priority/Early Action/Early Decision. } Talk to teachers/counselors about recommendations. } If necessary, re-take the ACT/SAT. } Don t forget about Senior Year!!!!!!!!!!!!! } Re-visit the schools. } Be flexible.

28 } While we primarily focus on 4-year colleges & universities, we realize that not all students will be able to attend a 4-year school after Mount Carmel for a number of reasons (grades, finances, maturity issues). } For these students, attending a local community or junior college is an outstanding way of staying on track to complete academic coursework. } Students who did not academically qualify for a 4-year college out of high school get a chance to essentially re-start their GPA. 4-year universities place a higher emphasis on grades from CC/JUCO s. } Junior/Community Colleges are also an affordable route, with per credit prices often 50-75% less than 4-year schools. } If this is the route a student & family intend to take, the can make an appointment with their counselor during April of their senior year, and can complete the online registration in the counseling office. } After applying, the next step would be taking the placement test at the school and selecting courses that would transfer over to the 4-school of your choosing. } Many large universities often have junior or community colleges located very close to their campuses, providing an option to students who are looking to live away from home freshman year but could not afford or qualify for the university immediately.

29 For those considering participating in NCAA Division 1, 2, 3, or NAIA athletics in college, consider: -The NCAA requires students to have completed 16 core courses during high school. These include English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language, and select electives. Students must also meet the sliding scale requirements for Division 1 schools, with a minimum core GPA of 2.3 to participate as a freshman. -NAIA requires students to meet 2 of the 3 standards: 18 on the ACT (860 SAT), 2.0 GPA, or rank in the top half of their graduating class. -The student must submit their official test scores to the NCAA Eligibility Center or the NAIA Eligibility Center directly from the testing agency. -Students must complete the registration process at or This should be done at the end of junior year.

30 } The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) has changed the date for when students and families can begin applying from January 1 st of the student s Senior year to October 1 st of their Senior year. } The FAFSA is required if a student is seeking any federal or state grants, work-study, or federal student loans. } We will be hosting a Financial Aid presentation in September to go over this process in more detail.