PLANNING FOR COLLEGE. Ryan J. Routh. Assistant Director of Admissions The University of Akron

PLANNING FOR COLLEGE Ryan J. Routh Assistant Director of Admissions The University of Akron

PLANNING FOR COLLEGE Discussion Topics Consider college characteristics Academic preparation and ACT and SAT tests Collect information/college information sources Schedule campus visits Apply for Admission Develop a plan to finance your education Review and finalize your plans

TERMS TO KNOW Super score: Term used by admissions or financial aid that describes the consideration of student s highest sub scores, regardless of test date, to create a new composite Application fee: The payment required to apply Common Application: One application that can be submitted to multiple institutions if they are member schools Many require college-specific supplements

TERMS TO KNOW Enrollment deposit: Deposit that typically confirms your intent to enroll at a school FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): Financial aid application to be completed after Jan. 1 of student s senior year

OPTIONS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL Community colleges Public colleges and universities Private colleges and universities

COMMUNITY COLLEGES Advantages Technical degrees Transfer degrees and coursework Partnership programs Cost Proximity to home Almost half of all U.S. college students attend community colleges

PUBLIC COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES Advantages Wide variety of academic programs and student life experiences Metropolitan, urban, rural Selective, moderately selective Affordable tuition options and financial assistance (merit and need-based) Regional campus options Major athletic programs

PRIVATE COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES Advantages Small size of classes Low student to faculty ratio Opportunities for student leadership Strong financial aid and scholarship offerings Wide range of locations, affiliations and costs

IS GETTING INTO COLLEGE HARD? Open Admissions Almost all students are accepted E.g.: Cuyahoga Community College, Stark State College of Technology Selective Admissions Certain GPAs, ACT/SAT scores are required. Also, an essay and/or interview are often required E.g.: Bowling Green State University, College of Wooster

IS GETTING INTO COLLEGE HARD? Competitive Admissions Space is very limited. High school course selection, test scores, and extracurricular involvement are evaluated very carefully. Examples: The Ohio State University, Oberlin College, Harvard University Competitive majors Examples: Nursing, Architecture, Education, Business

ACT AND SAT TESTING ACT Multiple choice tests in English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science reasoning Optional Writing test; strongly recommended SAT Tests in Critical Reading, Writing, and Math Most questions are multiple choice. Some math questions do not provide choices, but require the student to supply the answer

COLLEGE INFORMATION SOURCES Internet/Web sites College/university Web sites Counselors and teachers Parents Students Alumni College fairs

COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY VISITS Contact the Admissions Office to schedule a campus visit either online or by phone If possible, visit when school is in session More authentic perspective Types of visit opportunities: Large open house visit programs Group information sessions and tours Individual visits Overnight visits

APPLYING FOR ADMISSION Review college admission test requirements Know application fees and deadlines Make note of scholarship requirements Submit application materials: Application for admission High school transcript (official from a counselor) Admission test results Recommendations

RECOMMENDATIONS Recommendations can come from teachers, counselors, coaches, advisers, employers, etc. These can make a difference in admission decisions Provide 3 to 4 weeks notice for a recommendation to be written Provide a brag sheet to the person writing the recommendation

DEVELOP A PLAN TO FINANCE YOUR EDUCATION Sources of financial aid: Federal and State Government FAFSA Grants, Student Loans, Work-Study www.fafsa.ed.gov College and University Scholarships Academic, leadership, athletic, & fine arts scholarships Each school distributes scholarships in a unique way Research deadlines and requirements to apply for scholarships

REVIEW AND FINALIZE YOUR PLANS Show initiative and be assertive Open communication between parents and students Follow up with colleges to which you have applied: Orientation On-campus Housing Financial Aid

QUESTIONS? Ryan J. Routh Office of Admissions The University of Akron 330-972-6424 rjr47@uakron.edu