The Next Step College Admissions Paul G. Weaver District Director Counseling and Guidance
College admission is not a game It is a process. There are 2,675 four-year non-profit colleges and universities in the United States. (US Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics)
Teenage Angst Parents: It is real Be supportive Be clear about your expectations Students should enjoy high school The college admission process has changed The process is a partnership between you, your student, and the school counselor Students: Set goals Stay focused on learning Enjoy your high school experience Realize that your parents have been through the college admission process The process is a partnership between you, your parents, and your school counselor
Students The key is to take ownership of and responsibility for the entire process. This is not your mother s, father s, siblings, grandparents college search and application process. - Nan Davis Vice President Institutional Enrollment Austin College Sherman, Texas
Getting Started in the 9 th Grade Student Information Folder Activities Resume Research Colleges At least ten Importance of grades The person most invested in academics should be the STUDENT Rigorous curriculum Take the most competitive courses you can and still perform well the strength of curriculum is typically the top factor for selective colleges and universities.
Exploring Options The first step a student needs to take is to determine who they are and what they want from a college. Where will they be the most happy and successful in their college life? https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org
What to Consider Public or private Size and diversity of student body Location and setting Academic programs Campus life- athletics, activities, housing Graduation and retention rates Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
10 th Grade PSAT the practice test PLAN Individual Academic Conferences Research colleges at least ten Academics
On to the 11 th grade PSAT/National Merit Individual Academic Conferences College Nights Colleges visit senior high campuses throughout the school year College visits tour the campus Narrow college search to eight Spring of junior year SAT/ACT
The new buzzword INTEREST College showcases Visits tour the campus
The Three Important D s for this Journey Depth It is important to convey personal depth and purpose. Details It is important to pay attention to details. Deadlines There is an absolute requirement that you adhere to deadlines.
The Process College Admission Factors from the National Association of College Admission Counseling
Top Factors Grades in college preparatory courses Strength of curriculum Admissions tests Overall grades
Tip Academic Factors Supplemental to the top factors and used to add content to the academic record. College Application College essay or writing sample An essay alone will not get you admitted to college, but little effort or questionable taste with the essays may keep you out. Don t worry about finding the perfect topic there isn t one. Just tell a story straight from your heart. A good essay isn t rocket science, just hard work. You may need to write ten drafts to get there. Every thought, sentiment, piece of content, or expression in the essay must be the student s original work. (College Admission, Hamlet and Vandevelde) An excerpt from a Yale application In the past candidates have used this space in great variety of ways There is no correct way to respond to this essay request No answer is wrong, but sloppy, general, insincere, or tasteless responses can hurt your cause. Class rank Counselor recommendation Teacher recommendation
Tip Non-Academic Factors Factors shed light on the student s personal interest and activities and how they might contribute to the campus environment. Do you demonstrate: Initiative Motivation Curiosity Creativity Self-discipline Resilience Leadership College Admission, Mamlet and Vandevelde
Extracurricular Activities There is no list of activities that will guarantee admission to college. Students should figure out what activities they enjoy, then pursue them with gusto and commitment. What qualities do admission officers consider? Commitment, motivation, accomplishment, passion, and leadership. There is life outside the classroom find it! You are building a resume that will enhance your overall record for any college admissions office. These activities will help you link your learning and work after high school and college.
Student Interview College Admission, Mamlet and Vandevelde
Other Factors Work Application Meet deadlines Follow directions
From College Executives: Write don t text. No matter your major of choice, having the skill to communicate effectively is critical. Take advantage of opportunities in high school to sharpen your communication skills. -Wheaton College Wheaton, Illinois
Review essay questions the summer before your senior year so you spend ample time thinking about them. Writing a thoughtful essay is a process. You cannot start the week before. -University of Maryland College Park, Maryland (outside Washington DC)
More on extra-curricular activities Remember the word is contributions not just a laundry list for essays or interviews ultimately the admissions officer will want to know what you will contribute to the college or university community and what you might contribute that another student might not. - Austin College Sherman, Texas
Become a curious person and don't settle for the "truth" unless you understand it. Ask why when you don't understand. Read, read, read. Expand your appetite for works in many fields and many authors. This will make you a more interesting person, serve you well in test prep, and expand your sense of what is good writing. Push yourself to do more than is required in class. Become excited about learning and think about how learning in one class connects with learning in another. Adopt an interdisciplinary thinking style and learn to be creative and innovative which will stand you in good stead in the college admissions process. Know that at highly selective schools we care about what your teachers will say about you. Make sure you go above and beyond to get to know your teachers so they, in turn, will get to know you. It is a privilege to have an educator speak on your behalf; don't treat it as a right. - Pomona College Claremont, California
NCAA National Collegiate Athletic Association Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse is the organization that determines whether prospective college athletes are eligible to play sports at NCAA Division I or Division II institutions. It does this by reviewing the student athlete's academic record, SAT or ACT scores, and amateur status to ensure conformity with NCAA rules. www.ncaaclearinghouse.net
Scholarships Campus College Centers Local, State, and National College Financial Opportunities
Additional Websites http://ur.pisd.edu the district s University Ready site www.fafsa.ed.gov financial aid information www.collegeboard.org testing (PSAT, SAT, AP), college and career exploration www.actstudent.org testing ACT, college and career exploration www.texascollegeandcareer.org a planning and organizing site
Top 20 Research Colleges 2012 (Final Transcripts from Plano ISD Students) Harvard - 4 Princeton - 1 Yale - 2 Columbia - 3 Caltech - 1 MIT - 3 Stanford - 4 Univ of Chicago - 6 Univ of Pennsylvania - 7 Duke University - 1 Dartmouth- 3 Northwestern University - 4 Johns Hopkins University - 1 Washington University in St. Louis - 5 Brown- 4 Cornell- 6 Rice- 7 Vanderbilt University- 5 Notre Dame- 3 Emory University- 2 U.S. News National University Rankings - 2012
Top Ten Four Year Schools Final Transcripts Class of 2012 University of Texas University of Texas Dallas Texas Tech University University of North Texas University of Arkansas Texas A&M University University of Oklahoma Oklahoma State University Baylor University Stephen F. Austin University