Planning for College Workshop

Get started EARLY!! What will your student do when he/she graduates?

Begin gathering information on schools that offer programs of interest

Remember, there are over 50 college choices in Kansas!

Identify ABILITIES and INTERESTS

What are your skills and talents? What classes have you enjoyed the most during your high school career?

Know what factors to consider... Characteristics

◦ Location◦ Public and Private colleges◦ 2 year and 4 year colleges◦ Size

Campus Life◦ Commuter or Residential ◦ Activities, clubs, organizations, sports, etc.

Cost◦ Tuition, Room and Board, Fees, Books, Spending Cash

Know your choices... in Kansas! Technical School 2 year Public College 2 year Private College 4 year State University 4 year Public College and University 4 year Private College and University

Utilize your resources! High School Guidance Counselor Reliable Internet Sources

◦ Individual School Website◦ KACRAO Website : www.kacrao.org◦ College Board: www.collegeboard.org

College Admissions Counselors

Attend a College Planning Conference

Put the date on your calendar!◦ Hays HS College Planning Conference-October 21st

Decide which schools you want to visit with at the CPC and stop by their tables

Write down your questions in advance so you can ask them of each representative you visit with

Complete the contact cards!◦ Easiest way to get your information to the schools of your choice

If time allows, visit with other schools◦ You never know what’s out there if you don’t explore!

When you get home, read the brochures!

Visit Campus Set up an appointment with the Admissions Office in advance

Visit when school is IN SESSION!◦ Avoid Holidays, Breaks and Summer

Be on time Wear comfortable clothing and shoes Check your schedule for the day

◦ Are you meeting with faculty, financial aid, going on a campus tour?

Notify the school if you wont be able to attend your scheduled visit

Do your research! What are the requirements for admission?

◦ View the school website for details◦ Contact the Admissions Office

What is the application deadline?◦ Some schools will have deadlines, others will not

How selective is the school? Apply to your top 3-5 choices

◦ It is better to be prepared for each school in the event you decide to attend rather than playing “catch up” at a single school once your decision is made.

Start the Admission Process Complete an application for admission

◦ Paper Application◦ Online Application (some schools only offer this)

Pay the application fee◦ Fees will range from $0 - $50

Submit your information!!◦ ACT Scores◦ High School Transcript and Senior Class Schedule◦ College Transcripts

Be aware of any other documents you need to send◦ Letters of Recommendation, Interviews or Essays

Create a professional e-mail and CHECK IT!◦ Use for applying online, contacting schools, and scholarships

Start the Admission Process

Keep in mind:◦ Use Social Media…WISELY!

◦ Review your privacy settings and make changes if needed

◦ Review your photos and remove any albums or tagged photos that are not appropriate

◦ Do not post blogs, notes, or make derogatory wall comments about colleges especially if you choose not to limit your privacy.◦ www.youropenbook.org

I’ve been accepted...now what?

CELEBRATE! Make housing arrangements

◦ Learn your school’s requirements◦ On campus vs. Off campus

Complete the FAFSA form◦ www.fafsa.gov

Apply for Scholarships Enroll in classes

◦ Many schools have orientation programs

Take care of all deposits Notify other schools of your decision

◦ Don’t feel bad for deciding that another school is a better fit for you personally.

Know the cost of your education

Tuition and Fees Room and Board Books Travel Expenses Personal Expenses

Can I afford it? Visiting financial aid and scholarship websites can help you pay for your education!

Consider checking out the following sites:◦ Free Application for Federal Student Aid www.fafsa.gov

◦ Eligible to apply in January of your Senior Year

◦ Gather all the necessary information to complete the form

◦ Remember… it’s first come, first served sodon’t delay!

Scholarship Websites

Time for a review! Get started EARLY! RESEARCH your options Attend COLLEGE PLANNING CONFERENCES VISIT the colleges you’re considering APPLY for admission Check into FINANCIAL AID Make HOUSING arrangements ENROLL in classes