Junior College Unit Class of 2014

1. Junior College UnitClass of 2014 Mr. Tim Morgan A -E Ms. Susan Brindle F - K Mr. Matt Lintal L - Z

2. Options after High School • Employment • Military • College/Post Secondary Schools Trade and Technical Schools College/University Junior Colleges Community Colleges Career Schools

3. Class of 2011 82% 4-Year College/University 8% 2-Year College 10% Other

4. 2012 College Acceptance Data

5. Topics for today… • How do I decide where I want to go? -options rather than PSU? • How do I decide on a major? • Big School or Small School? • What do admissions committees really look at? • How do I find out more about the schools I’m interested in? • What should I be doing right now?

6. If $$$ is the Biggest Factor… Should Penn State Be My Only Consideration?

7. Choosing a college is a big decision. The key is to remember that there are a bunch of "perfect" schools out there. It’s what you make of it.

8. Selecting an InstitutionIs it a good match for you? • Size • Location • Environment • Facilities • Admission Requirements • Cost • Academics • Class Size • Activities • Sports

9. Ranking College Characteristics * Location: Urban, suburban, or rural campus? How far from home? Familiar or branch out? * Size: How big is the student population? What about class size? * Academics: Does the college offer programs of study that interest you? Is there an “undecided” option? * Extracurricular: Does the college have the types of extracurricular or student activities you are interested in? (This is a great way to meet new people and make friends!!) * Facilities: Will you have access to labs, computing centers, music, theater, or athletic facilities?

10. Selecting a Major Questions to ask yourself: • What do you like? • What do you do well? • What majors/careers compliment your skills and abilities? • What is the projected job market?

11. Majors • If you know what you want to study, research reputations of academic departments by talking to people in the field(s) that interest you. • If you're undecided, relax and pick an academically • balanced institution that offers a range of majors and • programs. (Students are typically not required to select a major until the spring semester of their 2nd year.) • Most colleges have divisions for the ‘undecided’ • student - such as the Division of Undergraduate • Studies (DUS) at Penn State • Go to: https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/explore-careers, www.careercruising.com

12. The Big School: Pros & Cons Pros * Wide variety of majors and courses * Well-stocked libraries * Variety of housing opportunities * Well-funded sports programs * Wide range of academic and social opportunities * Distinguished or famous faculty Cons * Large class sizes * Many courses taught by teaching assistants, not professors * Professors focused on their own research and projects—little student-teacher interaction * Pressure on students to take initiative; to be go-getters * More rules and procedures related to enrolling in and designing course study—red tape * Potential of getting lost in the crowd

13. The Small College: Pros & Cons Pros * Small class sizes * Hands-on learning opportunities * Individually-designed majors * Strong advising system; advisors know students very well * Strong sense of community * Professors, not graduate students, teach most courses * Opportunity to get to know professors well Cons * Limited housing options * Fewer majors to choose from * Fewer physical resources * Smaller libraries * Fewer entertainment and social opportunities * Less emphasis on sports programs

14. College Requirements • Each College Has Different Requirements In Order To Apply To Their Particular College • World Language • Math -- Majors Within Colleges Have Different Admission Requirements • Requirements For National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) • Military Academies Call Congressman Thompson’s Office At 353-0215 • Requirements For Reserve Officer Training Corp (ROTC)

15. Admissions Factors Selective colleges consider these factors for admission: * Courses taken * Grades / Grade point average * Admission test results * Counselor/teacher recommendations * Admissions questions and essays * Personal interview * Alumni relationship * Rank in class * Activities outside the classroom * Major/college applied to * Geographic location * Special talents and skills * Ethnicity There's no general agreement about which of these factors are ranked more important. However, most admissions officers place the most weight on your high school record.

16. Entrance Statistics PSU Freshman Class University Park Campus • GPA 3.52-3.97 • SAT 1750-1990 Commonwealth Campuses • GPA 2.98-3.5 • SAT 1470-1720 Spend a Summer Day Program

17. How Important Are Extracurricular Activities? The significance of a large number of activities has been exaggerated. While schools do consider them, they're looking to see if you've shown a long-term commitment in one or two areas. Consistency and leadership are key!

18. Matching Admissions Standards As part of the college search, you should compare your academic and personal qualifications to those of students typically admitted to schools where you want to apply. Check out sites like collegeboard.com and Cappex.com

19. Matching Admissions Standards… 2012 College Handbook (College Board) Bucknell University Freshman Class Profile. 7,178 applied, 2,253 admitted, 929 enrolled. Mid 50% test scores: SAT critical reading: 590-670 Rank in top quarter: 89% SAT math: 630-710 Rank in top tenth: 65% SAT writing: 600-690 Return as sophomores: 94% ACT composite: 27-31 Out-of-state: 76% GPA 3.75+ 32% Live on campus: 100% GPA 3.5 - 3.74 21% International: 5% GPA 3.0 - 3.49 41% Basis for selection: Emphasis on ………….

20. Visiting Colleges • Plan To Visit At Least One (1) College • Contact The Admissions Office Of The Schools You Plan To Visit • Take Your Unofficial Transcript With You • Talk With Students Other Than Your Tour Guide • Evaluate The Colleges After Each Visit

21. Don’t Forget to Visit ….. • A Freshman Dormitory • Classrooms (If Possible Attend A Class) • The Student Center • Dining Facilities • The Libraries • The Athletic Facilities • The Music/Art Studios

22. Visits • Some schools strongly encourage a visit • (Bucknell) while others do not (Harvard, etc). • A visit gives you the chance to talk with students, faculty, financial aid and admissions officers. You can get answers to questions, such as: • What is the average class size, and the student to • faculty ratio? Are most classes taught by professors or • by teaching assistants? • What is the campus meal plan like? How is the food? • What's the social scene like? • Do I feel at home here? Is this what I pictured college to be?

23. Types of Admission • Regular • Rolling • Early Decision • Early Action

24. Entrance Exams • SAT • SAT Subject • ACT • AP Exams • ASVB • Placement Tests for College www.Collegeboard.com www.actstudent.org Remember you must send your scores directly to colleges, NCAA etc. If you are a Learning Support Student please make sure you apply for accommodations

25. NCAA Clearinghouse • Code for SAT/ACT is 9999 • Register in May www.eligibilitycenter.org Request a transcript after you have registered from Mrs. Wolanski, Counseling Secretary after you have registered • Minimum Core Courses 16 core courses • Minimum SAT Scores, depends on GPA in core courses

26. What Should I Be Doing Right Now? • Research your college major on sites like: bridges.com (we have the password), careercruising.com. collegeboard.com • Take the SAT and (and/or ACT) be sure to send your scores to • PSU if you plan to apply there. (2660) • Visit colleges that interest you. Call ahead for the campus tour schedule • Go to www.collegeboard.com and www.educationplanner.org to search • for college and universities that match your interests • Be sure your list identifies "safety" schools, as well • as good "match" and "reach" schools. • Take AP tests • Register with the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse (if applicable). • Finish the academic year on a strong note! • Get Good Grades! • Begin your student resume

27. Mrs. Wolanski & Mrs. Dodson Counseling Support Staff

28. Questions????? • Any questions now? • Make an appointment with your counselor. • Talk to your parents/guardians. • Talk with brothers, sisters, and/or friends in college. • Talk with your teachers, coaches, etc.