GOING TO COLLEGEGOING TO COLLEGE

Christine Seger, Ph.D.Bridges to College Volunteer

October 4, 2010Ansonia High School

Christine Seger, Ph.D.Bridges to College Volunteer

October 4, 2010Ansonia High School

TopicsTopics How to . . . Selection Process College Search Timeline Assessment/Placement Testing Admissions and Financial Aid Affordability Top 10 Application Mistakes Brief Loan/Debt/Payment Delays

Overview Tips for Student Success

How to . . . Selection Process College Search Timeline Assessment/Placement Testing Admissions and Financial Aid Affordability Top 10 Application Mistakes Brief Loan/Debt/Payment Delays

Overview Tips for Student Success

Selection ProcessSelection Process Public, Private, or Proprietary 2-year, 4-year, or Specialized Program Large, Medium, or Small Rural or Urban, Residential, or Commuter Full-time or Part-time Employment Opportunities Student Life Campus Feel/Attractiveness Proximity

Public, Private, or Proprietary 2-year, 4-year, or Specialized Program Large, Medium, or Small Rural or Urban, Residential, or Commuter Full-time or Part-time Employment Opportunities Student Life Campus Feel/Attractiveness Proximity

Selection Process (cont’d)Selection Process (cont’d) Proximity

Within area v. distance

Campus Feel How does the campus make you feel?

Institution Type 2-year v. 4-year Public v. Private

Proximity Within area v. distance

Campus Feel How does the campus make you feel?

Institution Type 2-year v. 4-year Public v. Private

College Visits College Visits IMPORTANT! Visit Colleges of Interest

Increase interest Understand history and tradition Get “feel” for campus

Make Admissions Appointment Take Tour Visit Financial Aid - get all info! Walk around on own

IMPORTANT! Visit Colleges of Interest

Increase interest Understand history and tradition Get “feel” for campus

Make Admissions Appointment Take Tour Visit Financial Aid - get all info! Walk around on own

For-Profit InstitutionsFor-Profit Institutions

Also called ‘proprietary colleges’

They are: Purposeful Specific Expensive Non- or nationally accredited “Sales driven” / heavily marketable

Also called ‘proprietary colleges’

They are: Purposeful Specific Expensive Non- or nationally accredited “Sales driven” / heavily marketable

For-Profit Institutions (cont’d)For-Profit Institutions (cont’d)

Some for-profit institutions have: Questionable recruiting practices High loan default rates

‘Gainful Employment’ regulations: Institutions must prove that previous students are

capable of or paying off student loan debt Estimate 5% of programs would lose funding Debt-to-income ratios must be within 30% discretionary

income and 12% total income

Some for-profit institutions have: Questionable recruiting practices High loan default rates

‘Gainful Employment’ regulations: Institutions must prove that previous students are

capable of or paying off student loan debt Estimate 5% of programs would lose funding Debt-to-income ratios must be within 30% discretionary

income and 12% total income

Admissions & Career DecisionsAdmissions & Career Decisions Social Networking Sites (Facebook & MySpace)

Consider the following ideas: Networking Form study groups Find old friends Illicit photos Illegal activities Future career aspirations Accessibility of information

(UniversityParent.com, 2009)

Social Networking Sites (Facebook & MySpace)

Consider the following ideas: Networking Form study groups Find old friends Illicit photos Illegal activities Future career aspirations Accessibility of information

(UniversityParent.com, 2009)

College Search TimelineCollege Search Timeline

College Search (Freshmen - Senior) Research, research, research

College Applications (Junior-Senior) Apply v. Early Application

Apply for Financial Aid Scholarships (Freshmen - Senior) FAFSA (Senior)

Review Financial Aid Package (Senior) Form decision

College Search (Freshmen - Senior) Research, research, research

College Applications (Junior-Senior) Apply v. Early Application

Apply for Financial Aid Scholarships (Freshmen - Senior) FAFSA (Senior)

Review Financial Aid Package (Senior) Form decision

College Timeline (cont’d)College Timeline (cont’d) Decide School Choice (Senior)

Make decision & pay deposit (if required) Attend Orientation (Senior)

1- or 2-day event Register for Classes (Senior)

Full-time (12+ hours) It’s official – You’re in College!

Start classes & seize your dreams

Decide School Choice (Senior) Make decision & pay deposit (if required)

Attend Orientation (Senior) 1- or 2-day event

Register for Classes (Senior) Full-time (12+ hours)

It’s official – You’re in College! Start classes & seize your dreams

ACT/SAT TestACT/SAT Test

American Collegiate Test (ACT) Primarily used on East Coast & Midwest

Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT) Primarily used on West Coast & Midwest

Must complete for 4-year application Not required at community colleges

Take in the junior or senior years The earlier the better!

American Collegiate Test (ACT) Primarily used on East Coast & Midwest

Scholastic Achievement Test (SAT) Primarily used on West Coast & Midwest

Must complete for 4-year application Not required at community colleges

Take in the junior or senior years The earlier the better!

ACT Test InformationACT Test Information

It is absolutely imperative that Seniors and Juniors register for and complete the ACT

Seniors should register by November 5 for the December 11 test

Also important for Juniors to complete test if they have not yet done do Greater re-test advantage Have a better understanding of test

It is absolutely imperative that Seniors and Juniors register for and complete the ACT

Seniors should register by November 5 for the December 11 test

Also important for Juniors to complete test if they have not yet done do Greater re-test advantage Have a better understanding of test

Assessment/Placement TestingAssessment/Placement Testing

Required for course placement Writing Reading Math

Waivers/Substitutions are available ACT/SAT scores HS Transcript Advanced Standing

Required for course placement Writing Reading Math

Waivers/Substitutions are available ACT/SAT scores HS Transcript Advanced Standing

Admissions and Financial AidAdmissions and Financial Aid Apply Concurrently

Can list several schools on FAFSA Financial Aid Deadlines - Important!

Federal, State & Institutional Award Comparisons

Institution type Scholarship opportunities Total financial aid offer Total cost Negotiate award packages???

Apply Concurrently Can list several schools on FAFSA

Financial Aid Deadlines - Important! Federal, State & Institutional

Award Comparisons Institution type Scholarship opportunities Total financial aid offer Total cost Negotiate award packages???

AffordabilityAffordability Reduce the financial burden (in HS)

Postsecondary Education Option Program (PSEOP)

Take ACT/SAT as early as possible “Take A Course On Us” (i.e. Ivy Tech) Keep Grades Up - Work Hard! Do Volunteer Work Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities Get a Part-time job

Reduce the financial burden (in HS) Postsecondary Education Option

Program (PSEOP) Take ACT/SAT as early as possible “Take A Course On Us” (i.e. Ivy Tech) Keep Grades Up - Work Hard! Do Volunteer Work Get Involved in Extracurricular Activities Get a Part-time job

Affordability (cont’d)Affordability (cont’d) Reduce the financial burden (in College)

Apply for ALL Financial Aid Programs (federal, state institutional and private)

Consider the following: 2-year v. 4-year; In-State v. Out-of-State;

Public v. Private Commuting v. On-Campus (meal plan options) “Thrifting” v. buying new Become an RA Rent or buy textbooks, e-books, check online for

cheaper options, share books; resell at term end Minimizing “Your Time to Go!” (summer school)

Reduce the financial burden (in College) Apply for ALL Financial Aid Programs (federal, state

institutional and private) Consider the following:

2-year v. 4-year; In-State v. Out-of-State; Public v. Private

Commuting v. On-Campus (meal plan options) “Thrifting” v. buying new Become an RA Rent or buy textbooks, e-books, check online for

cheaper options, share books; resell at term end Minimizing “Your Time to Go!” (summer school)

Affordability (cont’d)Affordability (cont’d) Consider other cost saving measures:

AmeriCorps, Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA), ROTC, Peace Corps

Money in exchange for service upon graduation Maintain written budget of expenses Compare cell phone plans Consider basic PC over expensive laptop Verify ALL charges on account (i.e. health

insurance Consider NOT having a car Wants v. needs

Consider other cost saving measures: AmeriCorps, Volunteers in Service to

America (VISTA), ROTC, Peace Corps Money in exchange for service upon graduation

Maintain written budget of expenses Compare cell phone plans Consider basic PC over expensive laptop Verify ALL charges on account (i.e. health

insurance Consider NOT having a car Wants v. needs

Additional Affordability OptionsAdditional Affordability Options

Work Colleges (i.e. College of the Ozarks) Labor in exchange for money toward tuition Work Colleges Consortium (www.workcolleges.org)

Graduation Guaranteed (i.e. Utah State, Western Illinois, & U of Colorado-Boulder) Develop academic plan to finish in 4 years Take normal courseload & pass classes each

term Graduate in 4 years or extra expense on

college (Couch,

2009)

Work Colleges (i.e. College of the Ozarks) Labor in exchange for money toward tuition Work Colleges Consortium (www.workcolleges.org)

Graduation Guaranteed (i.e. Utah State, Western Illinois, & U of Colorado-Boulder) Develop academic plan to finish in 4 years Take normal courseload & pass classes each

term Graduate in 4 years or extra expense on

college (Couch,

2009)

Addl Affordability Options (cont’d)Addl Affordability Options (cont’d) Fifth Year Free (i.e. Clark Univ, MA)

“Buy 4, get 1 free” - finish four years & get year of graduate school free

Contact Admissions or check website Tuition Locks (i.e. Huntingdon College,

Hiram College, Central Michigan U) Plan that locks tuition at freshmen year Read the fine print - for details!

(Couch, 2009)

Fifth Year Free (i.e. Clark Univ, MA) “Buy 4, get 1 free” - finish four years &

get year of graduate school free Contact Admissions or check website

Tuition Locks (i.e. Huntingdon College, Hiram College, Central Michigan U) Plan that locks tuition at freshmen year Read the fine print - for details!

(Couch, 2009)

Top 5 College Application MishapsTop 5 College Application Mishaps

1) Apply to MORE than one college2) Apply EARLY for admission to college3) Make sure student’s name, ssn, and date of

birth match the STUDENT4) Complete ALL application information in

its entirety5) Apply to the correct program

1) Apply to MORE than one college2) Apply EARLY for admission to college3) Make sure student’s name, ssn, and date of

birth match the STUDENT4) Complete ALL application information in

its entirety5) Apply to the correct program

Top 5 Financial Aid MishapsTop 5 Financial Aid Mishaps

1) Complete the FAFSA by the COLLEGE’S deadline

2) Make sure student’s name, ssn, and date of birth match the STUDENT

3) Apply for scholarships ON-TIME4) Do NOT borrow more than is needed to

attend college5) MONITOR progress of aid application

1) Complete the FAFSA by the COLLEGE’S deadline

2) Make sure student’s name, ssn, and date of birth match the STUDENT

3) Apply for scholarships ON-TIME4) Do NOT borrow more than is needed to

attend college5) MONITOR progress of aid application

Student LoansStudent Loans Types of Student Loans

Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized Federally Insured Guaranteed Sub: 4.5% Interest Rate; Unsub: 6.8% Interest Rate

Federal Direct PLUS Federally Insured Not Guaranteed (must be credit worth) 7.9% Fixed Interest Rate

Private (Limited programs) Based on creditworthiness; higher interest

Types of Student Loans Federal Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized

Federally Insured Guaranteed Sub: 4.5% Interest Rate; Unsub: 6.8% Interest Rate

Federal Direct PLUS Federally Insured Not Guaranteed (must be credit worth) 7.9% Fixed Interest Rate

Private (Limited programs) Based on creditworthiness; higher interest

Student Loans (cont’d)Student Loans (cont’d) Federal Direct Loans

Annual Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans Dependent: $5500 Frosh; $6500 Soph;

$7500 Jr/Sr Independent: $9500 Frosh; $10,500 Soph;

$12,500 Jr/Sr Unsub: students pay interest in school

Aggregate loan limit increases Dependent: $31,000 (up from $23,000) Independent: $57,500 (up from $46,000)

Federal Direct Loans Annual Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loans

Dependent: $5500 Frosh; $6500 Soph; $7500 Jr/Sr

Independent: $9500 Frosh; $10,500 Soph; $12,500 Jr/Sr

Unsub: students pay interest in school Aggregate loan limit increases

Dependent: $31,000 (up from $23,000) Independent: $57,500 (up from $46,000)

Loan Repayment Loan Repayment Repayment Types

Standard; Extended; Income-Based Incentives

Subsidized Stafford Interest Rate Cuts Reduce from 2008 through 2012

Loan Forgiveness Programs Public Service; Nursing; Education

Employer Tuition or Loan Repayment Health Professions (most prevalent) AmeriCorps

Repayment Types Standard; Extended; Income-Based

Incentives Subsidized Stafford Interest Rate Cuts

Reduce from 2008 through 2012 Loan Forgiveness Programs

Public Service; Nursing; Education Employer Tuition or Loan Repayment

Health Professions (most prevalent) AmeriCorps

Tips for Student SuccessTips for Student Success

Develop an Academic Plan Map out entire program of study and stick to it Follow your plan and set goals along the way If you want/need to change majors, develop new

academic plan Complete a co-op or internship or Study Abroad Get involved! Meet people Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Develop an Academic Plan Map out entire program of study and stick to it Follow your plan and set goals along the way If you want/need to change majors, develop new

academic plan Complete a co-op or internship or Study Abroad Get involved! Meet people Don’t be afraid to ask for help

Helpful WebsitesHelpful Websites

www.ohiocan.org/darke www.studentaid.ed.gov www.finaid.org www.projectonstudentdebt.com www.collegeboard.com www.collegeanswer.com www.fafsa.ed.gov www.fastweb.com

www.ohiocan.org/darke www.studentaid.ed.gov www.finaid.org www.projectonstudentdebt.com www.collegeboard.com www.collegeanswer.com www.fafsa.ed.gov www.fastweb.com

ResourcesResources

Couch, C. (2009). Four secret tuition savers. Found online at http://www.fastweb.com/financial-aid/articles/375-four-secret-tuition-savers.

Universityparent.com (2009). Social media do’s and don’ts for college students. Found online at http://www.fastweb.com/student-life/articles/1281-social-media-dos-and-donts-for-college-s.

Couch, C. (2009). Four secret tuition savers. Found online at http://www.fastweb.com/financial-aid/articles/375-four-secret-tuition-savers.

Universityparent.com (2009). Social media do’s and don’ts for college students. Found online at http://www.fastweb.com/student-life/articles/1281-social-media-dos-and-donts-for-college-s.

Contact InformationContact Information

Christine (Chris) SegerDirector of AdmissionsIvy Tech Community College Richmond2357 Chester BlvdRichmond, IN 47374(765) 966-2656 x1218 or (800) 659-4562 x1218crethlake@ivytech.edu

Christine (Chris) SegerDirector of AdmissionsIvy Tech Community College Richmond2357 Chester BlvdRichmond, IN 47374(765) 966-2656 x1218 or (800) 659-4562 x1218crethlake@ivytech.edu

Special Thanks To:Special Thanks To:

Bridges to College Program Beth Sears All of You!

Bridges to College Program Beth Sears All of You!