Planning for College

1. Planning for College Presented by: Carolyn E. Karno Manager Early Awareness and College Planning

2. AGENDA • Admissions Facts • College Entrance Exams • The College Search • Financial Considerations • The College Application • College Decisions • Special Circumstances • Advice From Experts Connecticut Student Loan Foundation

3. Admissions Facts • Top Factors in Admissions Process • Grades in college preparatory courses • Strength of curriculum • Standardized admission test scores • Overall high school grade point average • Application essay • Class rank Source: “State of College Admission: NACAC, Aug. 2007 Connecticut Student Loan Foundation

4. Admissions Facts • Is it harder to get into a 4-year college? • The most selective schools have gotten even more selective • Juilliard School accepted only 8% of its applicants • Harvard accepted only 9% of its applicants • More than 80% of 4-year colleges accepted more than 50% of its applicants • Granite State College accepted 100% of its applicants Connecticut Student Loan Foundation

5. Admissions Facts • College Enrollment • 17.3 million students were enrolled in postsecondary institutions – 2004 • 25% increase from 1990 • Projected increase of 15% through 2015 • 13 million were enrolled in public institutions • Community colleges have seen unprecedented growth • 10% growth between 2000-2006 Sources: “State of College Admissions: NACAC, Aug. 2007 “Community College Enrollment Boom:” Inside Higher Education, Aug. 22, 2008 Connecticut Student Loan Foundation

6. College Entrance Exams • Reasoning Test: Mathematics, Critical Reading, Writing • Scoring: 200-800 per section/2400 cumulative • Basic cost = $45.00 • Some colleges may also require subject area tests SAT Connecticut Student Loan Foundation

7. College Entrance Exams ACT • English, Reading, Mathematics, Science and Writing (optional) • Scoring: 1-36 • Reported by the ACT • Cost: $31.00 for basic • Cost $46 w/ writing Connecticut Student Loan Foundation

8. Upcoming Test Dates Connecticut Student Loan Foundation

9. College Options • Technical Schools • Specialized training for a particular occupation • Community Colleges • Open-enrollment • Certificate or Associate Degrees • Most affordable option • 2-Year Colleges • Many offer career oriented programs • Colleges and Universities • Broad range of degrees and programs • Wide price range Connecticut Student Loan Foundation

10. The College Search • How far from home is too far? • What type of environment is important to you? • How important is diversity to you? • What degree of challenge is best for you? Questions to ask yourself: Connecticut Student Loan Foundation

11. The College Search • What major or career direction will you take? • Are you interested in internships or study abroad programs? • Is cost a concern for your family? Questions to ask yourself: Connecticut Student Loan Foundation

12. Keep In Mind The best indicator of future success is not where you attend college but what you do at the college you attend Connecticut Student Loan Foundation

13. The College Search • Coordinate Your Search • Talk with your counselor • Go online • Look at some college guides • Attend college fairs • Visit Schools Connecticut Student Loan Foundation

14. The College Search • Reach Schools • Good Match/Target Schools • Likely Admit Narrow Your Search Connecticut Student Loan Foundation

15. Financial Considerations • Tuition and fees in Connecticut range from $3,000 to more than $39,000 per year • Community Colleges - $2,984 • UConn - $9,318 • CCSU - $7,042 • Wesleyan - $38,894 • Don’t forget other costs College Costs Connecticut Student Loan Foundation

16. Financial Considerations Types of Financial Aid Gift Aid = Grants and Scholarships Self Help= Loans and Work programs Connecticut Student Loan Foundation

17. Money Saving Ideas • Community college and transfer • State colleges and universities • New England Regional Program • www.nebhe.org • Merit scholarships • Canadian and overseas colleges and universities Connecticut Student Loan Foundation

18. The College Application • Paper or electronic • In 2006 colleges received an average of 58% of their applications electronically • Answer all questions • Keep copies Source: “State of College Admission: NACAC-Aug. 2007 Connecticut Student Loan Foundation

19. The College Application • Select a topic • Start early • Stay between 250 -500 words • Ask a teacher or counselor to review it The Essay Connecticut Student Loan Foundation

20. The College Application • Teachers • Counselors • Coaches • Employer • Club Advisor • Other Recommendations Tips Teachers must teach an academic subject Don’t send too many Only from people who know you Connecticut Student Loan Foundation

21. The College Application • Art Students • portfolio • Music Students • CD of performance • Athletes • Video of Game Supplementary Materials Connecticut Student Loan Foundation

22. The College Application • Your high school sends: • Transcript • School profile • Mid-year grades • Final grades • Test scores sent by: • The College Board for the SAT • The ACT for ACT Submitting Your Application Find out what procedure your school follows Connecticut Student Loan Foundation

23. Types of Admission Plans • Early Decision • Student applies early to a school with the understanding that the decision to accept is binding • Deposits are due early • Early Action • Student applies early to a school – decision is non-binding • Deposits are due in May • Rolling Decision • Admissions office acts on applications as they come in • Regular Application • Students apply by stated deadline and will receive a response in the spring Connecticut Student Loan Foundation

24. The College Application • Deadlines • Early Plans • Nov. 1, Nov. 15, or Dec. 1 • Second Round • Dec. 15 to Jan. 31 Connecticut Student Loan Foundation

25. College Decisions Admit Deny Wait List Connecticut Student Loan Foundation

26. Special Circumstances • Athletes • Division I and II required to complete NCAA eligibility form • Artists/Musicians • Prepare portfolios and auditions • Section 504/IDEA • Students may still qualify for some services while in college Connecticut Student Loan Foundation

27. Advice from Experts • Work closely with your counselor • Stay focused • Thank people who have helped you Connecticut Student Loan Foundation

28. CSLF Can Help • Hotline – 1-866-752-6443 • Free Services • College Planning Assistance • Help with Financial Aid Applications • Advice on Financing Options Connecticut Student Loan Foundation

29. Good Luck! Connecticut Student Loan Foundation