Finding the Best Fit : Admissions Plans that Support Success Joaquim Hamilton Kimberley Lewis Ann-Therese Ortíz NCAN National Conference September 17, 2014
Today s Session Develop a better understanding of college advising strategies centered on the notion of fit. Build approaches for (1) assessing fit with students, (2) using available college success data to inform this work and (3) forming individual guidance and admissions plans. Create a framework for action in college guidance that can be applied directly to your own work with students.
About MISSION Provide low-income, first-generation-to-college students with the tools, resources and opportunities necessary for admission to and success in college. VISION Transform lives by breaking down barriers that have historically excluded low-income, first-generation-tocollege students from college success.
Defining the Problem OVERMATCHING Takes place when students are encouraged to apply to colleges for which they may not be academically prepared. UNDERMATCHING Occurs when students are discouraged from applying to colleges that provide a level of academic rigor for which the student is prepared.
The Importance of Fit Academic Fit Financial Fit Social Fit
The Importance of Fit ACADEMIC FIT - Standardized test scores and GPA fall within an admissible range - College has appropriate resources and supports to meet student s needs - Student has succeeded in reliably equivalent academic coursework in high school - Student is prepared for the level of rigor and volume of work to be assigned at the college
The Importance of Fit FINANCIAL FIT - Completing college with no, low or manageable debt - College offers appropriate and renewable grant assistance and manageable loans - No or low (affordable) cash gap after grant and loan assistance
The Importance of Fit SOCIAL FIT - Climate that is welcoming to low-income, firstgeneration-to-college students - Campus life offers meaningful opportunities for socializing and connection - Supports in place to nurture student s personal development
Key Elements of Philadelphia Futures College Guidance Campus Visits Standardized Test Preparation College Admissions Marathon Personalized College Consultations Senior Seminar
Other Critical Resources Work with a Pre-College Coordinator Step Up to College Guide Step Up to College Guide Videos
Step Up to College Guide 2013 Edition available as a downloadable PDF at www.philadelphiafutures.org 2014 Edition coming in October! Visit our new Step Up to College website: www.stepuptocollege.org
Our 25 th Anniversary Edition Features: - Information tailored to the unique needs of students in Philadelphia - Hands-on activities and interactive workbook - Accompanying digital media: new videos and PowerPoint presentations that can be used in student sessions (available at www.stepuptocollege.org) - Follow Step Up to College on social media
Conducting Fit Research Experiential, dialogical quest to discover colleges with best academic, financial and social fit Campus visits Internet research, interviews
Tools to Gather Information FAFSA Forecaster Used early on, FAFSA Forecaster can help students and families better understand what they might expect in grant and loan assistance. College Navigator Shares the latest data from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), the core postsecondary education data collection program of the National Center for Education Statistics.
Using the FAFSA Forecaster fafsa.ed.gov/fafsa/app/f4cform
Using College Navigator http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator
General Information
College Snapshot
ACADEMIC FIT Admissions Profile
FINANCIAL FIT Tuition and Fees
FINANCIAL FIT Financial Aid Overview
SOCIAL FIT Demographic Statistics
OVERALL FIT & SUCCESS Retention & Graduation Rates
TOOLS FOR STUDENTS The College Research Fit Form
The Benefits & Impact of Fit Research The Power to Select the Best Fit Completing fit research will provide students with the information needed to make an appropriate college selection. The Power to Impress Completing fit research will provide students with a real depth of knowledge about a school and can help them to express why it is a strong match in application essays and admissions interviews.
Using Fit to Develop an Admissions Plan STEP 1: Expose students to the concept of fit early and help them experience it firsthand STEP 2: Teach students about the variety of college options available to them STEP 3: Support students in the careful work of fit research STEP 4: Using information gathered in fit research, help students understand where they stand in the admissions process STEP 5: Help students assemble a realistic application list one that avoids under- and overmatching
Building the List After students have identified schools that are the right fit, help them to make a realistic list of schools to which they will apply: 1-2 Reach Schools Schools at which student will be comfortable, but which may have an admissions profile that is stronger than his or hers 2-3 Strong Matches Schools that are almost perfect matches for the student s profile student s academic credentials fall well within the school s average. 1-2 Likely Admits Schools at which student s profile clearly meets or exceeds the school s criterial for admission.
TOOLS FOR STUDENTS Case Studies & Student Scenarios
Scenario Discussion What strengths/assets does this student demonstrate? What issues/concerns are presented in this student narrative? What three words of advice do you have for this student? What are three ways the student can utilize the resources of your program(s)?
Integrating What We ve Learned What will you take away from today s discussion that can support student success?
Contact Us Joaquim Hamilton, Director College Connection Program joaquimhamilton@philadelphiafutures.org Kimberley Lewis, Director Outreach Futures kimberleylewis@philadelphiafutures.org Ann-Therese Ortíz, Director Pre-College Programs atortiz@philadelphiafutures.org www.philadelphiafutures.org