College 101 for Freshmen and Sophomores. Mr. Carl Krause College Career Counselor Lake Zurich High School

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1 College 101 for Freshmen and Sophomores Mr. Carl Krause College Career Counselor Lake Zurich High School

2 The better the education, the better the outlook for the future

3 We know that! What can we possibly do now in order to get ready for college or a career? We don t even apply for three more years!

4 There is a bunch you can do, but you probably have some questions first. What do I want to study in college? What classes in high school will help me? Do I have to join 10 activities? How are colleges different? What do I want in a college? Do I want a four year degree or a two year and what is the difference? Do my grades really count now?

5 What colleges are really looking for. Are you taking appropriately challenging courses? Are you doing well in your core classes? What are your standardized test scores? How do you spend your time when you are not in school or doing homework? Have you ever been a leader?

6 High School Courses Take Four Core English Math Science Social Science The same World Language (How much language do I really need?)

7 Are you taking the most challenging courses you can do well in? Weighted grades help with your GPA. Some colleges will look at all grades and some will just look at core classes. LZHS only sends weighted GPA on your transcripts. Colleges would prefer you get a B in an Honors course due to the rigor.

8 Grade Point Average- GPA Yes! Freshman year counts, maybe even more than some others! Your cumulative GPA is an average of all 8 semesters. May be the most important factor. However, you will be applying after 6 semesters. Upward trend helps but starting off great is easier.

9 GPA Examples 2.78 GPA Freshman year in all college prep classes. (3 A s, 5 B s, 6 C s) 2.64 GPA Sophomore year (7 B s, 7 C s) 3.0 GPA Junior Year (14 A s) 3.4 GPA Freshman year (6 A s, 8 B s) 3.35 GPA sophomore year (4 A s, 10 B s) 3.3 GPA junior year (4 A s, 10 B s)

10 Test Scores PSAT, SAT, ACT (EXPLORE, PLAN) SAT subject tests Advanced Placement (AP) exams

11 PSAT/NMSQT Pre- SAT three tests- Critical reading, Math and Writing Skills- graded (x100 to predict SAT score.) National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Testusually given in October Sophs and Juniors can take this extra test but only juniors can qualify for the NMSQT

12 ACT English, Math, Reading, Scientific reasoning Optional writing test but should take at least once Graded 1-36; 6 national test dates per year + PSAE for Juniors in April (counts for admission) Can take the ACT 12 times. (???????????????) Each student may want to take their first one at a different time- is based on 6 semesters To prep or not to prep?

13 College Benchmarks according to ACT Research

14 2013 COLLEGE BOUND SENIORS AVERAGE ACT SCORES Approximately 1.8 million test takers COMPOSITE SCORE ALL TEST-TAKERS 20.4 LZHS 24.0 source: ACT, The Condition of College & Career Readiness 2013

15 Test Score Optional Schools There are about 800 test optional colleges that do not need a test score to look at admission. You will want them for scholarships, though DePaul University Augustana College American University Wake Forest

16 Advanced Placement Tests- AP After taking these classes, you can sit for the exam and if you get a high enough score, a college may give you credit. Scores range from 1-5 (credit maybe for 3) If you can handle the work and you like the subject, go for it! Adds rigor to transcript which is good

17 Free Time Activities How do you spend your free time? - sports - clubs - volunteer More is not always better. Quality counts. Leadership is best. Jobs count! Use Naviance to keep your list current.

18 Job Vacations Pre-college programs Sports camps Leadership programs Summer Experiences May not be used for admission considerations due to cost Volunteer Do something!

19 College Admissions Are you doing everything you can to get into the type of college you want to attend? Pizza! The more competitive the college(7-25% admission rate), the more competitive the student needs to be. Many great students get turned down from great schools; don t take it personally. Princeton Study. 27,000 + high schools with top 20 students; 540,000 students applying to top schools.

20 Public Universities Did you take the required subjects (language) What is the strength (CP, Honors, AP) of those courses? Test scores (ACT, SAT) Need to compare apples-to-apples Essays or personal statements A large public may have to process over 30,000 applications in a single year

21 Private School Admission More of a holistic process Transcript- recommended courses; usually more flexible Achievement- type of class and GPA strength of schedule and school (Profile) Extra-curriculars- Smaller privates need involved students to make them tick Essay or personal statement- quite important Test scores or not If you can- Interview! 21

22 Community Colleges Test scores or placement tests used for class placement. Great, money saving option Work with an advisor to choose classes to be sure they transfer: There are junior colleges with dorms that feed into 4- year colleges Some very good jobs only need a 2- year degree

23 So what should you be doing now? Freshman Year Grades are key! Are you challenging yourself? Are you involved in something? Naviance Learning Styles- are you doing your best in all areas?

24 Sophomore Year GRADES! Are you looking to step up to lead? Start your research into careers and possibly colleges. Choose classes for junior year that will challenge you. Did I mention GRADES?

25 Study Skills Checklist for Students Set a regular time and place to study each day and throughout the week. Keep a daily to do list. Set goals for themselves. Do their reading assignments before the material is discussed in class. Pay close attention and take good notes in class. Prepare for tests during their regular study times instead of cramming at the last minute.

26 Skills for School and Work Soft Skills: skills that employers/teachers find to be most important in their employees/students. It is about forming good habits. Preparedness Positive Attitude Pride Respect Teamwork

27 College Lingo Core class- science, math, English, Social Studies, languages Gen Ed- General Education requirement at a college Re-calculated GPA- College will only look at core classes and un-weight the grades- Super Score! FAFSA- Free application for Federal Student Aid EFC- Estimated Family Contribution Pre- Professional- Not a major, just an emphasis NPC- Net Price Calculator; required on college websites to help estimate cost of admission.

28 Future Planning Research- BLS, Naviance, college fairs, older siblings, family friends, teachers. Visits- Summer of rising junior, junior year spring break, rising senior year summer, high school visits, college fairs Learning style- can you learn in a lecture hall? Athletics- are you one of the few that can play in college? Costs- FAFSA forecaster Net PriceCalculators

29 More Planning Family discussion on distance from home, finances, and environment of schools. Junior year- meet with your counselor or Mr. Krause to discuss college options. Follow LZHS College Tour Guide on FACEBOOK or Twitter Check the College Counseling Web page and Naviance often for updates Attend evening events regarding college- College fairs, Junior Selection night, Senior Kick Off, Financial Aid VISIT, VISIT, VISIT!!!

30 Questions? Contact Information Carl Krause