College Planning Resources

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Dwayne Johnston
5 years ago
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1 College Planning Resources

2 5 Simple Steps College opportunities exist for everyone. These 5 steps can help simplify the planning process: 1. Understand the types of post secondary education 2. Become familiar with admissions factors 3. Learn about college entrance exams 4. Explore college options 5. Develop a financial plan

3 1. Types of Post Secondary Education: Technical/Training Institutes Community/Junior Colleges Traditional Four Year College/University 1) State Owned 2) State Related 3) Private

4 Pennsylvania s State Owned Colleges and Universities

5 PA s State Related Universities Penn State University University of Pittsburgh Temple University Lincoln University Private Colleges

6 2. Become familiar with admissions factors: Primary Factors 1. TRANSCRIPT: Quality\Rigor of Academic Courses all 4 years Academic Performance GPA\Class Rank Growth 2. Test Scores: SAT, SAT Subject Tests, ACT, AP, etc. Additional Factors Extracurricular Activities Essay(s) Letters of Recommendation Demonstrated Interest

7 3. College Entrance Exams SAT 3 Sections: Reading, Math and Writing & Language Length: 3hrs. (+50 min. w/ essay) Score Range: Composite ACT 4 Sections: English, Math, Reading & Science (optional writing) Length: 4 hours Score Range: Subscores 1 36 per section, Composite score range from 1 36 (average of scores on the 4 subject tests)

8 SAT/ACT Questions & Answers: How many times should students take the SAT/ACT and when is the best time to take them? Students should plan to take a minimum of 3 college entrance exams: 2 winter/spring of 11 th grade and 1 fall of 12 th grade Why should I send my scores to colleges when I register for the SAT/ACT? When you apply, you will need to send your scores anyway but you will have to pay if you haven t taken advantage of the free score reports. Also, it shows schools you are interested. They will add you to their mailing list and may even send you a fee waiver code. Taking the test multiple times and sending them to schools demonstrates you are trying to improve your scores

9 SAT Subject Tests Some schools require or recommend one or more SAT Subject Tests for admission or placement Check the individual college s website for admissions requirements

10 SAT/ACT PREP Khan Academy SAT? Of the Day KAPLAN Prep class Penn State Berks summer class See Guidance Website for more resources

11 4. Explore College Options Develop a College Search Strategy 1) Dream School 2) Good Match Schools 3) Safety / Value Schools BE SURE TO HAVE A VARIETY OF SCHOOLS IN TERMS OF COMPETITIVENESS AND PRICE STUDENTS TYPICALLY APPLY TO 4 8 SCHOOLS ON AVERAGE

12 Be organized Start by creating a spreadsheet with a list of potential schools. Include fields such as: Admissions Requirements Common App. School? Average SAT/ACT Average GPA Size of Student Body Cost of Attendance Setting Accreditations (i.e. AACSB) SAT / ACT Scores Sent Visit Date Login Info. Free Application/Fee Waiver Code Potential Merit $ Application Deadline (Early Action Reg. Dec.) Activities Additional Notes

13 College Visits Campus tour Talk to admissions counselor Ask about financial aid opportunities Sit in on a class of interest Check out the student newspaper Talk to students and faculty Have lunch on campus Visit student center for student life info.

14 5. Develop a Financial Plan Determine all college costs (not just tuition) NET PRICE CALCULATOR Calculate your college savings Estimate your family s expected contribution (EFC calculator is available at Search for scholarships via Naviance

15 Financial Aid Changes After October 1, 2017 File FAFSA based on 2016 tax return. Apply for FAFSA ID (Student and 1 parent) this is required to sign the FAFSA Check out school calendar for financial aid workshop and FAFSA Completion Lab in early fall

16 Where should students be at the start of their senior year? Visited several schools Developed list of schools to apply to Have taken 2 entrance exams (SAT/ACT) and are registered for 1 more Just a few reminders Spring Berks College Fair Register for SAT/ACT Choose challenging courses for senior year Complete Community Service Hours Prospective DI and DII athletes should register with NCAA

17 Resources: (SHS Guidance Webpage)

Asheboro High School. Class of Senior Bulletin Fall Semester

Asheboro High School. Class of Senior Bulletin Fall Semester Asheboro High School Class of 2017 Senior Bulletin Fall Semester Asheboro High School 1221 South Park Street Asheboro, North Carolina 27203 TELEPHONE (336) 625-6185 FAX (336) 625-9320 Dear Senior/Parent: