COLLEGE PREP NIGHT HOW TO SIMPLIFY THE COLLEGE PROCESS

COLLEGE PREP NIGHT HOW TO SIMPLIFY THE COLLEGE PROCESS

Simplify the College Planning Process College opportunities exist for everyone. Tonight we will be covering these seven steps that can help simplify the planning process: 1. Understand where you stand academically 2. Understand admission s factors 3. Learn about college entrance exams 4. Explore college options 5. Get organized and apply 6. Develop a financial plan 7. Make a final decision!

1. Understand Where You Stand What Do I Need To Know About Myself? Student Transcript! G.P.A.! Rank! Course Rigor SAT/ACT Scores Extra-curricular activities Athletic or special talent Financial resources Chances of acceptance

2. Understand Admissions Factors What Are Colleges Looking For? Primary Factors Academic Transcript! Quality/Rigor of Academic Courses! Academic Performance/ Grades! Grade Point Average Test Scores (ACT, SAT, AP, etc.) Additional Factors Extracurricular Activities Essays Letters of Recommendation Demonstrated Interest

3. Learn About College Entrance Exams What Tests/Scores Do I Need To Get In? Tests and College Entrance Exams! ACT MANDATORY ACT FOR ALL JUNIOR STUDENTS; FEB 28 th (FREE) Select up to 4 schools to send score reports, free of charge! Visit act.org to schedule additional testing times! SAT! ASVAB! Every college has different requirements, so start researching early! How Do Colleges Use Test Scores?! Admissions Decisions! Course Placement! Academic Advising! School Scholarships and Loans

4. Explore College Options Which Colleges Are Right For You? Now that you understand:! Your academic standing! What colleges are looking for It s time to start searching for colleges! Stop #1 Career Cruising https://sso.careercruising.com/page/openidconnect Education Tab Stop #2 College Websites Stop # 3 Library and/or College & Career Center @ ITHSA

4. Explore College Options What To Consider COST! Location Academic programs Size and diversity of student body Campus life athletics, activities, housing Graduation and retention rates Financial aid and scholarship opportunities *Think about where you will be the most happy and successful in your college life*

4. Explore College Options Community College 18% of ITHSA students that graduated in 2016 attended a 2-Year college after high school Reasons why Community College is a good fit for some students:! Cost! Grades! Readiness for College! Uncertain study path A Gateway Technical College representative is at ITHSA every Wednesday!

4. Explore College Options College Visits Attending a college presentation is an excellent way to not only get to know the college or university but it is also a great time for you to decide if that institution is a good fit for you. Prepare for the meeting by doing research on the college before the presentation and bringing a couple of thoughtful questions to the presentation! Fall 2016 College Visits University of Notre Dame Marian University University of Wisconsin-Madison St. Louis University University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Marquette University Northwestern University Upper Iowa University Cardinal Stritch University Iowa Sate Carthage College Purdue University University of Wisconsin-Lacrosse Concordia University Loyola University-Chicago Clemson University University of Wisconsin-Whitewater University of Wisconsin-Stout Carroll University Brown University Yale University (Google Hangout) Alverno College Indiana University University of Wisconsin- Platteville University of Wisconsin- Parkside St. Norbert College University of Alabama The University of Chicago MIAD Ripon College University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Lawrence University Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) Mount Mary College Trinity Christian College Robert Morris University Western Michigan University Ball State University Columbia College, MO Illinois Wesleyan College Colorado State University Beloit College Gateway Technical College (Every Wednesday)

Look out for Fall 2017 College Fair! Open to all senior students Great way to save money on traveling to college campuses! 4. Explore College Options College Fairs

4. Explore College Options Campus Visits Get to know a school from the inside: Take a campus tour! Visit the college s website to review tour opportunities Speak with an admissions counselor Ask about financial aid opportunities Sit in on a class of interest Read the student newspaper Talk to students and faculty Ask questions!

5. Get Organized and Apply Narrow and Categorize Your Choices Safety schools On Target schools Reach schools

5. Get Organized and Apply Getting In Your Applications Complete an application for each school! Most applications are online Write your admissions essay (if required) Submit any supplemental materials! Transcripts! ACT/SAT Scores! Letter of recommendation Pay Application Fee (if required)

6. Develop A Financial Plan How Do You Pay For College? COMPLETE YOUR FAFSA OCT 1 st OF YOUR SENIOR YEAR Financial aid is money to help pay for college. Aid can come from:! The U.S. federal government! The state where you live! The college you attend! A nonprofit or private organization Understand the difference between loans, grants, scholarships, work-study, etc. Apply for scholarships! http://www.kusd.edu/scholarships Stay in contact with your college s financial aid department Upcoming Event: Fall 2017 Financial Aid Night @ ITHSA

7. Make A Decision Compare Your Options Compare the colleges you have been accepted to Review the financial aid package for each school Have a family conversation about your college options Make your final decision! Complete Enrollment Paperwork (pay any mandatory fees) Notify your school counselor of your final decision

Timeline To Get Through The Admission Process Senior Year Checklist Fall Winter Spring Finalize your college lists Determine deadlines and application requirements for each school Revise essays and share drafts with a trusted teacher, advisor or family member Submit your FAFSA (OCT 1 st ) Follow up on your applications keep in touch with the admissions department Continue your scholarship search Send mid-year grade reports Watch out for college notifications Compare financial aid packages Make your final college decision Complete enrollment paperwork Retake any standardized tests (if necessary) Tell your counselor where you have decided to go! Ask for letters of recommendation Request transcripts Complete applications Stay on track with your grades and extracurricular activities!

NOW WHAT? Your Next Steps Should Be To Register for SAT or ACT If you are a junior, prepare for the Feb. 28 th State ACT Test Decide what you are looking for in a college Review your current grades and adjust your work level if needed Assess your academic record prior to making course selections for next year Identify what sets you apart from other college applicants Get involved in an extracurricular activity and continue making a list of activities (school and community) Begin considering personal essay topics Decide what teachers to ask for recommendations Visit, Visit, Visit!

College Planning Recap College opportunities exist for everyone! These seven steps can help simplify the planning process: 1. Understand where you stand academically 2. Understand admission s factors 3. Learn about college entrance exams 4. Explore college options 5. Get organized and apply 6. Develop a financial plan 7. Make a final decision!

GOOD LUCK Remember there is no perfect school, nor is there just one right school for a student. Look for good matches and go with the best fit. Please see your counselor with any questions! Art Preuss CL) (A- Sonya Sutton (CO- GRA) Shelley Mitchell (GRE- LA) Elizabeth Ekstrom (LE- PAP) Michelle Schroeder (PAQ-SK) Joel Sinden Z) (SL-