FINDING THE RIGHT COLLEGE FIT:

Promoting Good Decision Making Skills for the College Selection

Process

October 2nd 2012 – 6:30pmYorkville High School

1

Counselors

Sarah Macko – A-Go

Sarah Pottinger – Gr-On

Jeannine Pacetti – Or-Z

Anne Kuntz – Freshman Academy

2

Know Yourself &What is Important to You

• The more you know about yourself (skills, abilities, likes, dislikes) the better decisions you can make

• Goals and values

• Abilities and interests

• High school courses & performance

• Activities and interests – Show passion and leadership!

• Personality and relationships

• Educational preferences – Be aware of specific programs!

3

Importance of Junior Year

• Check graduation credits

• Continue to do your best in classes

• Get to know your teachers

• Get involved and take on leadership roles

4

Financial Aid• Do not let cost be the most important factor in selecting

colleges

• Attend the Financial Aid night - January 28, 2013

• Scholarship bulletin board in hallway by Guidance (Mrs. Wallin)

• Application Fee & waiver

• File Free Application for Federal Student Aid in January (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ - NOT .com!) & CSS Profile

( collegboard.com - usually selective schools)

• Research both Need Based and Merit Based Scholarships

• Use Financial Aid Estimator on finaid.org and/ or on individual college sites – Financial Aid Office. 5

Types of Colleges

• Universities

• Liberal Arts Colleges

• Women’s Colleges

• Historically Black Colleges / Universities

• Technical Institutes

• Fine Arts Schools

• Community or Junior Colleges 6

College Entrance Tests

ACT

SAT Reasoning Test

SAT Subject Tests

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ACT Test Dates

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Test Date Registration Deadline

Late Registration (late fee required)

Dec 8, 2012 Nov 2, 2012 Nov 16, 2012

Feb 9, 2013 Jan 11, 2013 Jan 18, 2013

Apr 13, 2013 Mar 8, 2013 Mar 22, 2013

Jun 8, 2013 May 3, 2013 May 17, 2013

REMINDERS:• Please make sure to register for another Saturday ACT test WITH writing!• Highest score/Superscore• Register at: www.act.org• Free reports sent to colleges(up to 4) as you test or you pay a fee later

($10/per school). • ACT SCHOOL CODE: 144-505• It is the student’s responsibility to release “official” test scores from

testing agency to colleges - check college websites if required!

ACT Test Dates

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REMINDERS:

• YHS is a testing center for the October 27th ACT test (Saturday at 8am)

• YHS is hosting the PSAT on October 17th during the school day

• Juniors – Curriculum prepares you for the April test

SAT Subject Test Dates

Test Date

• Nov 3, 2012• Dec 1, 2012• Jan 26, 2012• May 4, 2013• Jun 1, 2013

The SAT Reasoning and SAT Subject Tests may not be taken on the same day. Check website for tests being

offered!

CEEB CODE 144-505 www.collegeboard.com 10

Important Dates

University of Illinois- November 1st

Illinois State University – November 15th

Northern Illinois University – November 15th

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Colleges Evaluate:

• Curriculum/Course Path, Grades

• Test Scores, Essays, Activities & Leadership, Personal Qualities, Awards, Recommendations, Interviews.

• Colleges want to see you do well in school every day!

12

College Criteria• Geographic Location

• Size

• Environment

• Surrounding Community

• Sports & Extra-curricular Activities

• Social Atmosphere

• Student Body

• Diversity

• Study Abroad

• Religious Orientation13

College Criteria (cont.)• Research Opportunities

• Reputation

• Academic Atmosphere

• Academic Programs & Majors

• Honors / Accelerated Programs

• Graduation Rate

• Cost

• Tuition / Financial Aid / Scholarships 14

Career Cruising

• Career Information

• College Information

• User Name: Yorkville

• Password: highschool

• Go to Schools and then School Selector

http://public.careercruising.com/us/en

15

Think Outside the Box

Colleges You Have Heard Of

New Locations

Different Opportunities

Unique Programs

Interesting People

16

The Competition Factor• Admission Requirements

• Be realistic but challenge yourself

• Acceptance Rate

• Academic Profile of Entering Freshmen

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The Process• Meet with your counselor!

• Research – School’s Website

• Applications – 3-5 (Reach vs Clear admit)o Common Application/School Specifico Online/papero Student Formo Counselor/School Profile Formo Teacher Form/Rec Letter – Brag Sheet

• Transcript Request – Mrs. Wallin

• Personal Statement & Resume

• Schools no longer rank 18

Junior Year College Activities

• Spend lots of time thinking about what YOU want in a college

• Compile list of colleges to research

• Use your legal name on all college and testing forms!!!

• Visit different kinds of colleges over spring break or extended weekends – Make arrangements with the Dean’s Office!

• Keep grades strong or improve grades

• Take ACT/SAT

• Attend Financial Aid Night on 1/28/13

• Attend College Night at Waubonsee Community College (Last Night)

• Ask teachers if they will write a letter of rec19

Summer Plans• Visit colleges!! (Counselor trips 1 per

quarter)

• Determine final list of colleges

• Begin developing essay/personal statement

• Do something productive that you are passionate about!

• Summer Programs• Volunteer work• Part time job• Internship

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Senior Year Activities• Retake ACT/SAT, if necessary

• Complete applications EARLY

• Write essay/personal statement

• Decide if applying Early Action or Early Decision is right for you

• KEEP GRADES STRONG

• Don’t change your schedule – You will have to notify the schools you applied to!

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Senior Year cont.

• Send applications two weeks prior to deadlines

• Research/apply for financial aid

• Final decisions are due to schools May 1st! Notify all schools of your decision.

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Questions??

GOOD LUCK!

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