The College Search

1. The College Search Post-Secondary Planning: The Time is NOW

2. What are my options for after high school??

3. Explore Your Choices Military Service – Americorps Apprenticeship/Work Travel College/University 2 year or 4 year? Public or Private?

4. Start Talking. . . Parents Teachers Family Members Counselor College Representatives Military Representatives Friends

5. Introduction and the Basics of the College Search

6. How do I begin this process? • Determine your priorities—use check list • Remember parents may have different priorities from students • Cost • Size • Majors • Location • Selectivity • Public/Private • Visit, visit, visit college campuses!!

7. Other things to look for Religious Affiliation Social Life Residential vs. Commuter Campus Fraternities and Sororities % that graduate in 5 years Diversity of student body Scholarship opportunities Academic Need based

8. The Perfect School • Doesn’t exist • Many students transfer after their 1st year • You are the consumer • Shop for the best fit! • Find a school that fits your ideals, standards, beliefs, budget, and abilities. “A match to be made not a prize to be won”

9. What are colleges looking for?

10. What are colleges looking for? • Academic Record – GPA, class rank, improvement, difficulty of classes • Testing – ACT or SAT with writing • Extracurricular Activities • Work • Community service • Letters of Recommendation • Honors and Awards • Essays • Interviews • Commitment/Passion • Leadership

11. Determining “My Profile” • Factors in your “Profile” • G.P.A. • Class Rank • ACT or SAT Test Scores • Rigor of Courses • Activities/ Unusual Talent • Essays • Recommendations

12. No Child Left Untested

13. ACT vs. SAT • Both measure general academic knowledge and college preparedness • All Juniors in CO take the ACT in the Spring of 11th grade • Many students retake in the fall of their senior year • Must retake if Writing section is required • Retesting is the best later in the spring or beginning of senior year

14. ACT • College Admission Test • 3 ½ hours w/optional writing test • Strongly recommend taking writing test • Test in four subject areas • English, Math, Reading and Science reasoning plus writing • Possible scores of 1-36 in each area • Composite score 1-36 • Sending scores is test-date specific

15. SAT • College Admission Test 3 hours 45 min. • Critical Reading, Math and Writing 200-800 each section 2400 total possible score • Register at www.collegeboard.com

16. SAT Subject Tests • May be required for college admission by most selective schools • Subject area tests offered in English, History, Math, Science, and Foreign Languages • Tests should be taken as soon as subject area class is completed (June) • Tests are conducted at the same sites on the same days as SAT Reasoning. • Cost varies • Register at www.collegeboard.com

17. TESTING ACT– Next test December 11, 2010 Register by November 5, 2010 $48 with writing Register at www.actstudent.org SAT– Next test November 6, 2010 Register by October 8, 2010 $47 Register at www.collegeboard.com Community CollegePlacement Tests Don’t wait to retake!!

18. No Testing www.fairtest.org A list of schools who do not require tests to be considered for admission or who are test optional Over 750 schools Community Colleges Do not require ACT/SAT Will use Accuplacer or similar

19. Community Colleges • Many Advantages: • Smaller class sizes • Less expensive • Can live at home • If you’re not quite ready to go to a 4 year college • Flexible schedules, night, weekend classes • Beware Proprietary Schools!!! • (Everest, Heritage, Westwood, DeVry) • If you’re unsure, ask!

20. CCHE Admissions Eligibility Index

21. Comparing Your Profile • Safety– (realistic) Your profile is SIGNIFICANTLY stronger than the typical freshman (60-90% chance of admission) • Target– (reasonable) Your profile is similar to the typical freshman (30-60% chance of admission) • Reach – (reach) Your profile is not as strong as the typical freshman (less than 30% chance of admission)

22. Letters of Recommendation • Check applications carefully to see if you need one • Choose a teacher, coach, administrator, counselor, who knows you really well • Request 2 -3 weeks prior to when you need them • Complete student profile and give to each person writing a letter • Always provide a complete list of schools to which you are applying; provide stamped addressed envelopes • Send a thank you note

23. Essays/Personal Statement • Don’t make up hardships • Demonstrate Character • Convey what they wouldn’t glean from your application alone • Have others read it for feedback (not just your parent)

24. Where do I find applications? • College websites • Apply online • Download paper • Get on mailing list • Counseling Office • Limited number of paper • Colleges prefer that you apply on line

25. You, the student, are responsible for meeting deadlines and submitting complete applications!

26. The Perfect School • Doesn’t exist. • Many students transfer after their first semester or year! • You are the consumer • Shop for a good fit • Find a school that fits your ideals, standards, beliefs, budget, and abilities.

27. I’m not a senior, what can I do? • It’s never too early to start! • Consider your options • Backwards plan • Build your “resume” • Visit campuses • Start saving money

28. College Searches on the Web • Collegeincolorado.org • Colleges That Change Lives Ctcl.com • Local College Fairs collegefairsdenver.org • College View collegeview.com • Peterson Education Petersons.com • (Quick test-prep searches are available on this site including ACT, ASVAB, SAT, • MCAT, TOEFL, firefighter and many, many more!) • College Search Collegesurfing.com • College Search Collegeincolorado.org • College/Major Search/Test Prep Princetonreview.com • College/Major Search Connection.naviance.com • College Answer Collegeanswer.com • College Board On-line Collegeboard.com • College Campus Tours Campustours.com • College Planning C3apply.org • College Search Embark.com • Go College Search Gocollege.com • How to Choose a College Usnews.com (click on “education”) • Links to all Universities Universities.com • NACAC Nacac.com • Study Skills & Careers Kaplan.com

29. Announcements • Check our website! • http://www.adams50.org/westminsterhs/site/default.asp • Personal Project • Extended Essay • Watch for college visits at WHS and field trips • Metro State College Representative Every Wednesday in WHS Library From 8am-3pm Help with college applications, scholarships, essays, financial aid, anything related to college! • Habitat for Humanity Spring Break

30. Questions?