DeVry University Advantage Academy Understanding the College Planning Process November 13, 2014
Agenda College Search College Application Process ACT exam Financial Aid and Scholarships DUAA Supports
Mission The mission of DUAA is to create a community of empowered and independent learners in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust. Every student will be inspired and challenged to learn, grow and accomplish academic, social and post secondary goals. The mission of DUAA s Counseling department is to provide support for each student s academic, social and post secondary needs through individual and group counseling. In partnership with all stakeholders, the department s ultimate objective is to help students uphold the DUAA Core Values amongst a community of empowered and independent learners.
DeVry Advantage: Graduate high school with 67 college credits!
After DUAA What s your Postsecondary Plan? Popular applications among Class of 2014: DeVry University DePaul University University of Illinois at Chicago University of Chicago Illinois Institute of Technology Northwestern University Northern Illinois University University of Illinois at Urbana
Factors to Consider PROGRAMS: Does school offer your major? SIZE: Personal attention? Or 1 in 200 in lecture hall? STUDENT LIFE: Academic and extracurricular activities DISTANCE FROM HOME: By train, plane, and automobile COST: Application fees, tuition, transportation, room and board
The College Search The most important part of the college search is to START EARLY and Find best FIT!
The College Search Finding colleges that FIT: Talk to people you know Online college finders: Naviance, College Board, College Prowler College fairs College campus visits College websites College mailings/publications
The College Search Finding colleges that FIT: Visiting campus is the most crucial part of selecting the right college Individual Campus Visit Don t be afraid to ask! Campus Visit Days Check college website DUAA College Visits June 2015 Ask Will my student be comfortable AND challenged?
Grades Grades are the single most important thing you can take control for college/university plans. The higher your GPA, the better. College grades will potentially save you time, money and demonstrate rigor of your HS curriculum.
ACT Tuesday, March 3, 2015 English, 75 questions, 45 mins Math, 60 questions, 60 mins Reading, 40 questions, 35 mins Science, 40 questions, 35 mins
College Readiness Scores Composite Score Readiness 1-12 No readiness 13-15 Some readiness 16-19 Near readiness 20-23 Full readiness 24-27 Good readiness 28-32 Excellent readiness 33-36 Outstanding readiness
College Application Process
Types of Schools 1. Safety: exceed requirements, willing to attend 2. Match: meet most requirements, likely to be admitted 3. Reach: fall below requirements, possibly be admitted Junior Contract requires students to identify 3 colleges: safety, match, and reach school by Feb 13, 2015.
Identifying Safety, Match and Reach Options Grade Point Average ACT Scores Rigor of Academic Courses Student: Herman DeVry GPA: 3.1 ACT Composite: 22 Northeastern Illinois DePaul Northwestern GPA 2.9 3.4 4.0 ACT 19 24 32 Safety Match Reach
Colleges Also Consider Activities Recommendations Special talents/skills/ experiences that make you a wellrounded person Well written essay that provides insight into who you are Enthusiasm for university by sending emails, visits, interviews with recruiters Work and service learning Demonstrate intellectual curiosity
Application Process Develop a timeline Deadlines Firm vs. Rolling How to apply? Paper vs. Online Apply Early Common Application - www.commonapp.org standardized first-year application form for use at over 500 member institutions Regular, Early Action, Early Decision
Scholarships & Financial Aid Class of 2014 = Over $7.5 million in scholarships!
Scholarships & Financial Aid Two ways to finance your college education: Scholarships merit-based gifts of money, do not have to be repaid Grades Test Scores Extracurricular Activities Financial Aid need-based awards determined by the FAFSA Grants Loans need to be repaid Work Study
Institutional Scholarships Scholarships Come from the individual colleges You must apply and be admitted before you can receive institutional scholarships Other Scholarships Local and national companies Community organizations Check Naviance and CPS email for scholarship opportunities!
Scholarships Naviance: www.naviance.com College Board: www.bigfuture.collegeboard.com Fastweb: www.fastweb.com College Greenlight: www.collegegreenlight.com College Data: www.collegedata.com CPS: www.chooseyourfuture.org Dean Jannsen for DeVry University Scholarships Start now scholarship for HS Juniors! http://www.act.org/nordstrom
Resources for Undocumented Students at DUAA Aspira Partnership Dream Act Confidentiality
Financial Aid FAFSA Free Application for Federal Student Aid Personal Identification Number (PIN) for parent and student Apply for PIN at https://pin.ed.gov/ Tax information for parent and student Submit application beginning JANUARY 1, 2016
Contact Us 314.977.8190 (Direct Line) wagnerls@slu.edu BEABILLIKEN.COM
Financial Aid FAFSA www.fafsa.ed.gov Application is FREE! JANUARY 1, 2016
Timeline August-December 2015 August -December 2015 January March 2016 March 2016 May 1, 2016 May August 2016 Admission Application Apply for your PINs www.pin.ed.gov Complete FAFSA www.fafsa.ed.gov Receive your Award Letter Submit Admission Deposit & Accept Financial Aid Complete File, Make Financial Arrangements
DUAA Supports ACT preparation (rigorous coursework, PrepMe, Practice tests, etc.) College Planning focus to weekly advisory College Fairs College Tours College Representative Visits to DUAA Lunchtime & Afterschool Workshops (for applications & scholarships) Parent/Student/Counselor College Conferences Continue to check cps email account for scholarship and other college related opportunities
WHAT STUCK WITH YOU TODAY?
Questions? Ms. Drake 773.697.2020 tdrake3@cps.edu Mr. Bird lbird@umojacorporation.org