College 101:
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Transcript of College 101:
WHAT YOU AND YOUR STUDENT SHOULD KNOW
ABOUT THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS
SCHOOL COUNSELING DEPARTMENTPROVISO WEST HIGH SCHOOL
College 101:
Simplify the College Planning Process
College opportunities exist for everyone. These four steps can help simplify the planning process:
1. Understand admissions factors2. Learn about the SAT and ACT3. Explore college options4. Develop a financial plan
Understand Admissions Factors
The first part of planning for college is understanding what factors colleges consider when looking at a student profile.
•Primary Factors•Quality/Rigor of Academic Courses•Academic Performance/Grades•Test Scores (SAT & ACT)
•Additional Factors•Extracurricular Activities•Essay(s)•Letters of Recommendation•Demonstrated Interest
Understanding Admissions Factors
What Colleges are Looking At:
Grades & Course Work
Your high school academic record is one of the most important factors in college admissions. Colleges will look at a few aspects:
Course selection: Challenge yourself with a rigorous course load and high-level classes, including AP or honors courses.Grades: Every year counts, starting with freshman yearGPA trends: Keep improving through every grade.Class rank (if offered by your school).
Understanding Admissions Factors
Other ConsiderationsPositive recommendations from educators and mentors
Personal statement and essay(s) demonstrating writing ability and self-expression
A “demonstrated interest” that shows your enthusiasm for the colleges to which you’re applying
Extracurricular activities, including participation in sports, performing/visual arts, volunteering, etc.
Community involvement, part-time work or internship
Interview (if applicable)
Understanding Admissions Factors
Learn about SAT & ACT
Test Preparation
Getting Ready for the SAT & ACT
Select challenging high school coursesRead widely and write extensively, both in and
out of schoolTake the PLAN your sophomore yearTake the PSAT/NMSQT soph./junior yearBecome familiar with SAT & ACT question types,
format and directionsTake advantage of free College Board and ACT
resources/High School Test PrepFree/Reduced Lunch-option to retest 2xs for free.
Learn about SAT and ACT Preparation
Explore College Options
Now that you know what colleges are looking for, it’s time to put them to the test.
Which college is a good fit??
Explore College Options
What to consider:
Size and diversity of student bodyLocation (distance, urban/rural)Academic programsCampus Life—athletics, activities, housingGraduation and retention ratesFinancial aid/scholarship opportunities
Above all, think about where your child will be happy and successful in their college life.
Explore College Options
Factors to consider:Kinds of Colleges Public Private Historically Black
Colleges/Universities
Size Small Medium Large
Selectivity-Open -Traditional-Selective -Highly Selective
Application Options-Early Action-Early Decision-Regular Decision-Rolling Admissions
Explore College Options
Visit CampusesGet to know a school from the inside:Take a campus tour.Speak with an admissions counselor.Ask about academic and career services.Ask about financial aid opportunities.Inquire about support services (counseling,
health clinic, etc.).Sit in on a class of interest.Learn about security measures/crime rate.Talk to students and faculty. Ask questions!!
Explore College Options
Get Organized and ApplyNarrow and categorize your choices:
“More than likely” schools (1 or 2) “Good match” schools (2 to 4) “Reach” schools (1 to 2)
Review scholarship and financial aid requirementsRevise application essays and share drafts with a
trusted teacher/counselor, adviser or family member.Ask for recommendations and set firm dates for
their completionRequest transcripts and schedule interviews, if
needed.Apply for fee waivers, if applicable.
Explore College Options
Develop a Financial Plan
Add It UpDetermine all college costs – not just tuition.Research the percentage of need-based aid met
at prospective schools.In-state compared to out-of-state tuition.Estimate your family’s expected contribution
– an EFC calculator is available at fafsa.ed.gov.Search free scholarships at
collegeboard.com, fastweb.com, scholarships.com, and whatsnextillinois.org.
The early bird catches the worm!!
***Remember to explore every opportunity (NJROTC, community organizations, employer, minority scholarships, etc.).
Develop a Financial Plan
Apply and CompareKnow your options: grants, loans, work-
study, etc.Fill out the free FAFSA application as early
as possible (Jan. 1st), and meet all individual school deadlines.
Compare financial aid awards and determine how they fit with other contributions: Family Savings Scholarships
Develop a Financial Plan
Making a DecisionTry to visit colleges where you’ve been accepted.Compare financial aid packages; inform fin. aid
offices of any changes that may occur.Send your deposit; read contracts & academic
catalogs carefully.Maintain good grades/clean discipline record;
colleges can rescind admissions due to poor grades and/or suspensions/arrests.
Congratulations, you’re off to college!Now the REAL work begins!!
College Planning Recap
Remember: College opportunities exist for everyone!
Simplify the planning process:Understand admissions factorsLearn about the SATExplore college optionsDevelop a financial plan
Alternative Options
Community CollegeTrade/Vocational SchoolMilitaryGap YearEmployment
Don’t Ask…Don’t Tell…
Face book/Professional Student EmailsAlternative Admissions Programs
(Pros/Cons)Academic Probation (below 2.0 gpa at
most schools)Credit Card DebtFor Profit SchoolsAverage annual tuition increase
College Planning Web Siteswhatsnextillinois.orgcollegeboard.comfastweb.comfafsa.ed.govscholarships.comactstudent.org and march2success.com (test prep)ncaa.org (potential athletes)careercrusing.com (username
triton2000/password rivergrove) (career/college exploration)