Planning for College

1. Planning for College Ways to organize the college planning process……. In six simple steps

2. Options after High School • Work • Military • Apprentice Program • Proprietary Schools • College – 2 yr and 4 yr

3. Let’s Focus on College • Know yourself and your reasons for attending college • Consider college characteristics • List, compare, and visit colleges • Apply for admission and observe deadlines • Develop a plan to finance your education • Review and finalize your plans

4. Step 1: Know Yourself and Your Reasons for Attending College • Increasing earning power • Career preparation • Learning opportunities • Studying new and different subjects • Involvement in extracurricular activities • Meeting new and interesting people • Achieving a personal goal • Influence of family and friends • Recognize your strengths and weaknesses • Analyze your interests and values

5. High school courses recommended for college • English 4 years • Mathematics 3-4 years Should include Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II • Science 3 years • Social Studies 3 years • Foreign Language 2 years Required courses for admission will vary from college to college

6. ACT Sept 13, 2008 Oct 25, 2008 Dec 13, 2008 Feb 7, 2009* April 4, 2009 June 13, 2009 www.act.org SAT Oct 4, 2008 Nov 1, 2008 Dec 6, 2008* Jan 24, 2009 March 14, 2009* May 2, 2009 June 6, 2009 www.collegeboard.com ACT/SAT National Test Dates2008-2009

7. Step 2: Consider College Characteristics • Academic program/major available • Type of school • Admission policy • Location and size • Costs and financial aid • Affiliation and accreditation • Campus activities • Support services

8. Admission Criteria • G.P.A. • Class rank • Course selection • Grade trend • Senior schedule • SAT/ACT scores • Essay* • Interview* * if required

9. Step 3: List, compare, and VISIT colleges • Collect information about colleges - catalogs, bulletins, internet, fairs, college reps, alumni, etc. • Prepare a college comparison checklist • Weigh advantages and disadvantages • Contact office of admissions • Schedule appointments for visits

10. Checklist For A Campus Visit • Meet with an admission Counselor • Verify admission requirements • Discuss your chances for success • Determine college costs • Ask about financial aid opportunities and deadlines • Meet with faculty in major of choice • Attend a class • Take a campus tour

11. Step 4: Apply for Admission and Observe Deadlines • Narrow your choices • Review college admission and test requirements • Know application fees and deadlines • Apply early in senior year • Use online apps and e-transcript • Submit application materials through high school guidance office – application, transcript, SAT scores, essay (if needed) • Know scholarship requirements

12. Step 5: Develop a plan to finance your education • Determine college costs • Investigate ALL possible resources: parents, savings, summer earnings, financial aid • Secure necessary forms and note deadlines (FAFSA March 10th of senior year is “received by” date) *Don’t eliminate any college because of costs!

13. Types of financial assistance • Scholarships – merit based or need based • Grants • Loans – parent vs student subsidized vs unsubsidized • Work-study

14. Comparison of college costs

15. Financial Aid Resources www.act.org/fane www.collegeboard.com www.ed.gov/studentaid www.state.in.us/ssaci www.finaid.org www.fastweb.com NEVER pay for a scholarship search.

16. Step 6: Review and Finalize Your Plans • Show initiative and be assertive • Talk with your parents/counselors • Select a college that meets your needs and preferences • Have applications in by Thanksgiving • Follow up with colleges to which you have applied • National decision date is May 1st