The Next Step College Admissions

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1 The Next Step College Admissions Paul G. Weaver Assistant Executive Director Counseling/Guidance and Family Education Services

2 Top Ten Four Year Schools Final Transcripts Class of 2013 University of Texas Dallas University of Texas - Austin Texas A&M University University of North Texas Texas Tech University University of Arkansas Oklahoma State University University of Oklahoma Texas State University Southern Methodist University

North Texas Texas Tech University University of Arkansas Oklahoma State

3 Top 20 Research Colleges 2013 (Final Transcripts from Plano ISD Students) Harvard - 3 Princeton - 2 Yale - 3 Columbia - 3 Caltech - 2 MIT - 0 Stanford - 3 Univ of Chicago - 0 Univ of Pennsylvania - 3 Duke University - 4 Dartmouth- 1 Northwestern University - 6 Johns Hopkins University - 6 Washington University in St. Louis - 4 Brown- 1 Cornell- 0 Rice- 10 Vanderbilt University- 2 Notre Dame- 1 Emory University- 0 U.S. News National University Rankings

Dartmouth- 1 Northwestern University - 6 Johns Hopkins University - 6 Washington University in St.

4 Choices 4 year schools 2 year schools Certificate programs Trade schools Military World of work

5 College admission is not a game It is a process. There are 2,675 four-year non-profit colleges and universities in the United States. (US Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics)

6 Colleges and Social Media According to a survey by the testing resource Kaplan, 27% of college admission staff Google their applicants while 26% check Facebook. 35% of students were kept from getting into a school they applied to based on what admissions staff found online.

7 College and Social Media Social media can also hurt or help your chances of being recruited. According to a Pew Research Center report when doing new students recruiting: 87% of colleges use Facebook 76% of colleges use Twitter 63% of colleges use YouTube So what technology posts hurt your chances of getting into college? Illegal activity Photos of students drinking alcohol Plagiarism Vulgarity

Facebook 76% of colleges use Twitter 63% of colleges use YouTube So what technology posts hurt your

8 Getting Started in the 9 th Grade Student Information Folder/Naviance Activities Resume Research Colleges At least ten Importance of grades The person most invested in academics should be the STUDENT Rigorous curriculum Take the most competitive courses you can and still perform well the strength of curriculum is typically the top factor for selective colleges and universities.

should be the STUDENT Rigorous curriculum Take the most competitive courses you can and still

9 Extracurricular Activities There is no list of activities that will guarantee admission to college. Students should figure out what activities they enjoy, then pursue them with gusto and commitment. What qualities do admission officers consider? Commitment, motivation, accomplishment, passion, and leadership. There is life outside the classroom find it! You are building a resume that will enhance your overall record for any college admissions office. These activities will help you link your learning and work after high school and college.

What qualities do admission officers consider? Commitment, motivation, accomplishment, passion, and leadership.

10 10 th Grade PSAT the practice test Individual Academic Conferences Research colleges at least ten Academics

11 11 th Grade PSAT/National Merit Individual Academic Conferences College Nights Colleges visit the Academy throughout the school year College visits tour the campus Narrow college search to eight Spring of junior year SAT/ACT

throughout the school year College visits tour the

12 12 th Grade Apply to colleges College Nights Senior meetings Colleges visit the Academy throughout the school year FAFSA - January College visits tour the campus

13 What is Demonstrated Interest? Indicator used by colleges to determine how interested applicants are in enrolling in their college. Education.com/reference

14 Types of Demonstrated Interest Supplemental Essays Common Application college-specific supplement Campus Visits College Interviews College Fairs Contacting your Admission Representative Sending a Thank You Note Applying early (ED/EA)

College Interviews College Fairs Contacting your Admission

15 What to Consider Public or private Size and diversity of student body Location and setting Academic programs Campus life- athletics, activities, housing Graduation and retention rates Financial aid and scholarship opportunities

Campus life- athletics, activities, housing Graduation

16 Top Factors Grades in college preparatory courses Strength of curriculum Admissions tests Overall grades College Admission Factors from the National Association of College Admission Counseling

17 Tip Academic Factors Supplemental to the top factors and used to add content to the academic record. College Application College essay or writing sample An essay alone will not get you admitted to college, but little effort or questionable taste with the essays may keep you out. Don t worry about finding the perfect topic there isn t one. Just tell a story straight from your heart. A good essay isn t rocket science, just hard work. You may need to write ten drafts to get there. Every thought, sentiment, piece of content, or expression in the essay must be the student s original work. (College Admission, Hamlet and Vandevelde) An excerpt from a Yale application In the past candidates have used this space in great variety of ways There is no correct way to respond to this essay request No answer is wrong, but sloppy, general, insincere, or tasteless responses can hurt your cause. Class rank college s decision Counselor recommendation Teacher recommendation

Don t worry about finding the perfect topic there isn t one. Just tell a story straight from your heart. A good essay isn t rocket science, just hard work.

18 Other Factors Student Interview Work Application Meet deadlines Follow directions

19 NAVIANCE

20 From College Executives: Write don t text. No matter your major of choice, having the skill to communicate effectively is critical. Take advantage of opportunities in high school to sharpen your communication skills. -Wheaton College Wheaton, Illinois

21 More on extra-curricular activities Remember the word is contributions not just a laundry list for essays or interviews ultimately the admissions officer will want to know what you will contribute to the college or university community and what you might contribute that another student might not. - Austin College Sherman, Texas

22 NCAA National Collegiate Athletic Association Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse is the organization that determines whether prospective college athletes are eligible to play sports at NCAA Division I or Division II institutions. It does this by reviewing the student athlete's academic record, SAT or ACT scores, and amateur status to ensure conformity with NCAA rules.

23 Additional Websites the district s University Ready site financial aid information testing (PSAT, SAT, AP), college and career exploration testing ACT, college and career exploration a planning and organizing site

College Planning Timeline

College Planning Timeline 9 th Grade - 12 th Grade Planning for Students and Parents Report by Stan Ezekiel, Founder and President: Join us on Facebook Visit our Website 1 Contents (click on the links