ST. JOSEPH HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2019
Strategies for Success in the College Search The College Search is: A process of self-assessment, reflection, and discovery This is YOUR search (parents included) About 3 decisions, two of which are controlled by students/parents- You decide where to apply for admission Colleges decide which students to admit You decide where to enroll The College Search is not: Something that should take place only in the senior year The sole responsibility of parents or college counselors; students must take an active role
The College Search Start early Take advantage of summer break (visit & search) 3,800+ universities & colleges in the U.S. = Options There are many questions to ask and choices for consideration
Finding your “fit” Location In what geographic area do you want to attend school? Type of Institution Liberal arts college, business school, technical college, large university, community college? Finances How much money can you afford? School Size Do you want a small college with 2,000 students or a large university with 15,000? Campus Setting Do you prefer an urban, suburban or rural setting? Special Areas of Interest Particular sport, study abroad, ROTC program or co-op program Major Do you have a tentative major? Does the school offer the major?
The College Search Online Search Tools Ex. BigFuture by The College Board College Fairs College Representative Visits during lunch Want a college to visit us? Let your counselor know! Talk to alumni/current students Seek information from Family Friends Counselor/teachers Visit! Visit! Visit!
BigFuture by The College Board Search for colleges here
BigFuture by The College Board You can search colleges using a variety of filters
Visiting Colleges Make an appointment with the admissions office Start early! (Junior year) Schedule your visit on a normal school day Request a campus map Talk to students on campus See the freshman dormitories Check out the dining hall/food plans Sit in on a class if possible Ask yourself; “Do I see myself fitting in here?”
The College Search Keeping an Open Mind Don’t fall into the “name brand” or “prestige” trap Be thinking about… Field of study (unsure=undecided) Requirements GPA, ACT score, letters of recommendation, essays, etc. Do YOU meet the admission requirements? Tuition & costs Location Size & Setting Deadlines!! (This is YOUR responsibility!!)
The College Search College Costs Don’t let “sticker price” eliminate colleges from your consideration Need-based financial aid and/or merit or talent- based scholarships often make a private education affordable Net price calculators Financial aid/scholarships e.g., www.fastweb.com (see department webpage)
How A College Chooses You…
Factors In College Admissions Academic performance (grades, course selection, Rigor of HS program) Standardized Tests (SAT’s, ACT’s , Regent’s Exams) Extracurricular activities Personal Qualities Essays Letters of Recommendations (counselor & teacher) Interview Demographic, ethnographic factors Special talents; athletics, music
Factors in Admission Grades in college prep courses 84.3 Strength of Curriculum 67.7 Admission Test scores (ACT, SAT) 59.2 Grades in all courses 51.9 Essay or Writing Sample 24.9 Student's demonstrated interest 20.5 Counselor Recommendation 19.2 Class Rank 18.8 Teacher Recommendation 16.5 Subject Test Scroes (AP, IB) 6.9 Portfolio 6.6 Interview 6.2 SAT II Scores 5.4 Extracurricular Activities 5 Work 2.3 SOURCE: NACAC Admission Trends Survey, 2011
Personal Info GPA Credits Class Rank Classes by Year Grades by Semester
Apply to several colleges Safe school — you easily meet or surpass the requirements Target/Appropriate--meet requirements, you want to attend Reach — you have something special to offer so they will take a risk with you (sports, skill, interest)
Scholarships Check SJHS Website From main page: Academics/Counseling Department Use scholarship search tools provided Investigate the specific college websites for scholarships/applications Check if your parent’s company has scholarships Look for emails from your counselor regarding scholarships & important reminders
FAFSA & Financial Aid FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Complete beginning October 1, 2018 Student & Parent both need to complete parts of the FAFSA Once your FAFSA is complete: Know what grants or aid you qualify for What you qualify for in student loans Colleges that you’ve applied to will send you a financial aid package informing you of what exactly school will cost you!
Counseling Department Webpage It’s full of useful resources!!! http://www.stjoeshs.org/pages/StJosephHS/Academics/Guidance_and_ Counseling_Depart
QUESTIONS???
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