COLLEGE

PLANNING NIGHT

FOR JUNIORSJesuit Counseling Center

January 2017

COLLEGE PLANNING: A GROUP EFFORT

• Students

• Parents/Guardians

• Family and Friends

• High School Counselors

• College Admissions Professionals

• Teachers, Administrators, and Coaches

JULIE MCCULLOHDEAN OF ADMISSIONS

GONZAGA UNIVERSITY

Julie McCulloh

• Gonzaga Prep and Saint Al’s Parent

• Dean of Admission at Gonzaga University

• Fellow traveler in the parenting journey

• I hope to give some guidance, answer your

questions, lower the stress

JULIE MCCULLOH

The Application Process

• Help your son or daughter create a smart list

of colleges

• A list with options – academically and

financially

• A range of schools – Reach, Likely, Safety

• Not too long – do some of the hard work

early (paring down the list)

ADVICE

The Application ProcessADVICE

• Seriously consider factors of importance:

• Major opportunities

• Location

• Extra-curricular requirements

• Financial constraints

• Personal preferences

• Campus visit experience

The Application Process

• More Joy, Less Angst

• Encourage Ignatian Discernment throughout the

process

• Head & Heart

• Make the Pro/Con list

• Reflect - What brings joy? What brings angst?

• “Ignatian Tricks” – What advice would you

give your best friend in the same situation?

• Try on the school for a day

ADVICE

FACTORS IN ADMISSION

DECISIONS

The Holistic Application Review

• Strength of Curriculum

• GPA and Grade Trends

• Standardized Tests (SAT and/or ACT)

• Activities & Honors

• Quality of Writing (essay, short answer,

overall presentation)

• Character (letters of recommendation &

school report)

SIX KEY FACTORS

STANDARDIZED

TESTS

SAT & ACT

• Take SAT + Essay or ACT + Writing

• Required by most 4-year colleges

• Test Prep is a must!

• Visit fairtest.org for Test Optional schools

SAT SUBJECT TESTS

• Required or recommended by many highly

selective colleges

• Subjects include World Languages, Math,

Science, English, History

• Shows college an interest in a specific

program of study and highlights skills and

knowledge

CAMPUS VISITS

GETTING STARTED

• Visit local campuses to experience different types

of campuses & define preferences

• Avoid visiting during college breaks & holidays

• Plan ahead!

• Do your research

VISIT & INTERVIEW

• Talk to as many people as possible

• Take some free time to explore the

surrounding neighborhood/community

• Dress appropriately

• Keep priority questions in mind for interview

• Relax and be yourself!

TIPS & ADVICE

• Maximize your visit

• Do your research

• Prepare a list of questions

• Bring your transcript & test scores

• Take notes after the visit

• Follow up with questions and a thank you note

COLLEGE COSTS

COLLEGE COSTS

• Direct Costs

• Tuition & Fees

• Room & Board

• Indirect Costs

• Books & Supplies

• Personal Expenses

• Travel Expenses

• Study Abroad Expenses

RESOURCES

• Net Price Calculator

• College Affordability & Transparency Center

(U.S. Department of Education)

• College Navigator

(National Center for Educational Statistics)

• Family Connection / Scholarship Database

• OSAC Application & Oregon Promise

WHAT’S NEXT?

SPRING SEMESTER

• Complete “College Planning Questionnaire for

Juniors” and “Career Cluster Finder” survey in

Family Connection

• Visit colleges

• Testing

• Research summer opportunities (work, research,

internships, campus visits)

• Meet with College Advisor at Jesuit

• Follow JHighCounseling on Twitter!

SUMMER

• Complete “Counselor Statement Questionnaire”

in Family Connection

• Continue to research & visit colleges

• Update resume

• Test prep, if necessary

• Create a Common Application account

• Write college application essays

• Research scholarship opportunities

• Work, volunteer, and stay involved!

FALL SEMESTER

• Work with college advisor at Jesuit to refine

college list and application timeline

• Testing, if necessary

• Request teacher recommendations

• Finalize college application essays

• Apply to scholarships

• Complete financial aid forms

SENIOR YEAR EVENTS

• At Jesuit

o College Application Workshops

o College Night for Senior Parents

o College Visits

o College Financial Aid Night

o College Planning Brown Bags

o College 101

• In Your Community

o Receptions, Presentations, Interviews

o College Fairs

QUESTIONS?