COLLEGE PLANNING FOR 9 T H & 10 T H GRADERS October 25, 2018

COLLEGE PLANNING FOR 9 T H & 10 T H GRADERS October 25, 2018

OPTIONS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL College Technical Training Military Employment

Simplify the College Planning Process College opportunities exist for everyone. These 4 steps can help simplify the planning process: 1. Learn the “language” of college 2. Understand admission factors 3. Explore college options 4. Develop a financial plan

THE “LANGUAGE” OF COLLEGE 4-year vs 2-year Public vs Private vs Proprietary Selectivity

THE “LANGUAGE” OF COLLEGE In-state vs Out-of-state Tuition Early Decision vs Early Action vs Regular Decision vs Rolling Admission Scholarships/Grants/Loans

Admission Factors – What Colleges Consider Understand Admission Factors The first part of planning for college is understanding what factors colleges consider when looking at a student profile. Primary Factors - Quality/Rigor of Academic Courses Additional Factors - Cocurricular Activities - Essay(s) - Academic Performance/ Grades - Letters of Recommendation - Test Scores (ACT, SAT, AP , etc.) - Demonstrated Interest

Grades & Course Work Understand Admission Factors Your high school academic record is one of the most important factors in college admission. Colleges will look at a few aspects: Course selection: Challenge yourself with a rigorous course load and high-level classes, including AP or Honors courses. Grades: Every year counts, starting with freshman year. GPA trends: Keep improving through every grade. Class rank

Other Considerations Understand Admission Factors Positive recommendations from educators and mentors Personal statement and essay(s) demonstrating writing ability and self-expression A “demonstrated interest” that shows your enthusiasm for the colleges to which you’re applying Extracurricular activities, including participation in sports, performing/visual arts, volunteering, etc. Community involvement, part-time work or internship Interview (if applicable)

Explore College Options – What to Consider Explore College Options Size and diversity of student body Location Academic programs Campus life — athletics, activities, housing Graduation and retention rates Financial aid and scholarship opportunities Above all, think about where you will be the most happy and successful in your college life.

Visit Campuses Get to know a school from the inside: Take a campus tour. Speak with an admission counselor. Ask about financial aid opportunities. Sit in on a class of interest. Read the student newspaper. Talk to students and faculty. Explore College Options

SO . . . WHAT SHOULD WE BE DOING? Choose challenging classes. Focus on grades!!!! Shoot for 3.0 QPA. Volunteer – and document! Get involved in school activities. Begin college research using collegefortn, college websites, campus visits, etc.

HELPFUL WEBSITES actstudent.org collegeboard.org ecampustours.com fastweb.com