UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL: APPLY FOR COLLEGE

1. UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL: APPLY FOR COLLEGE Presented by: Carole A. Jacobs College & Career Coach Chicago Vocational Career Academy

2. Why Attend College? • Increase Knowledge Base • Think Clearly • Express self in speech and writing • Learn to process information abstractly and critically • Make More Money • Earn more money than people with no college • For every college degree you earn, your income has the potential to increase in larger increments • Greater Potential • College gives you a chance to explore your personal interests, discover new areas of knowledge, and helps you understand your community and nation more fully • More Job Opportunities • World of Work is changing rapidly. A college education will allow you to keep up with technological and intellectual changes

3. WHAT TYPES OF COLLEGES* EXIST?* College is used to refer to allpost secondary institutions—technical colleges, junior colleges, community colleges and four-year colleges and universities. • Community, Technical and Junior Colleges • Most of these schools offer education and training programs that are two years in length or shorter. The programs often lead to a license, a certificate, an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree, an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree, or an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree. • Four-Year Colleges and Universities • These schools usually offer a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. When a student earns a Bachelor’s degree it means that he or she has a general education in a broad range of courses and has studied one or two subjects in greater depth. These are called the student’s major and minor areas of study. Some of these schools also offer graduate and professional degree programs.

4. COMMUNITY & JUNIOR, TECHNICAL COLLEGES • Community & Junior Colleges • Can be Public or Private two-year colleges and serve people from nearby communities or far away. These colleges offer academic, technical, and continuing education/enrichment courses. Many offer occupational training and often have programs in cooperation with local businesses, industry, social service agencies, or other organizations. Most community colleges operate under an “open admissions” policy. Open Admissions means that anyone with a high school diploma or GED certificate can enroll. Anyone can take continuing education courses. They do not count toward college credit. [City Colleges of Chicago, Moraine Valley College, Joliet Jr. College, Carl Sandburg College, Parkland College, South Suburban College] • Technical Colleges • Colleges that have a special emphasis on education and training in technical fields. May be public or private and some may not offer programs that lead to an A.A. or A.S. degree. [Capri School of Beauty Culture, Harrington Institute of Interior Design, Westwood College of Technology, Northwestern Business College, Cooking & Hospitality Institute of Chicago]

5. FOUR-YEAR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES • Four-Year Colleges • These institutions may be public or private. These colleges offer a four year program in the Arts and Sciences. These liberal arts colleges confer Bachelor’s degrees in areas such as English, Mathematics, American Studies, Classical Language, Art and Art History, International Relations, Computer Science, Romance Languages, Physical Education, Women’s and Gender Studies, and Music. • Universities • These institutions include a college of Arts and Sciences, one or more programs of graduate studies, and one or more professional schools. Universities confer undergraduate or Bachelor's degrees and graduate or Master’s and Ph.D. degrees. Many universities also confer professional degrees, for example, in law, medicine, business, and divinity.

6. JOBS YOU CAN GET WITH AN ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE • Two Years of College or less • Beautician • Cardiovascular Technician • Chef • Computer Programmer • Computer Technician • Dental Hygienist • Engineering Technician • Executive Secretary • Funeral Director • Graphic Designer • Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Technician • Interior Designer • Licensed Practical Nurse • Medical Assistant • Medical Record Technician • Paralegal • Surgical Technologist

7. JOBS YOU CAN GET WITH A BACHELOR’S DEGREE • Four Years of College • Accountant • Computer Systems Analyst • Dietitian • Editor • Engineer • FBI Agent • Investment Banker • Journalist • Medical Illustrator • Medical Technologist • Nurse (Bachelor’s of Science) • Policeman • Public Relations Specialist • Recreational Therapist • Research Assistant • Social Worker • Teacher • Writer

8. JOBS YOU CAN GET WITH A GRADUATE OR PROFESSIONAL DEGREE • Graduate Degree or Professional Program • Architect • Biologist • Dentist • Doctor • Economist • Geologist • Lawyer • Management Consultant • Pharmacist • Physical Therapist • Psychologist • Public Policy Analyst • Scientist • Sociologist • University Professor • Veterinarian • Zoologist

9. CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCHOOL FOR YOU There are more than 3000 colleges and universities to choose from. You should only apply to those schools that you really want to attendand that you qualify to attend. College applications require application fees, so narrow down your list to approximately five (5) schools to keep these costs at a minimum. When applying, you should have three (3) first choice schools and at least two (2) other schools that have less stringent requirements, that you will be happy to attend. Always apply to more than one school!

10. THINGS TO CONSIDER IN CHOOSING A SCHOOL • Admissions requirements of each school • Recommended ACT or SAT Score • Minimum High School G.P.A. • Supporting Documentation • Admissions Essays • Admissions Interview • Letters of Recommendation • Costs • Tuition • In State / Out of State • Room & Board (Housing and Meals) • Student Fees • Transportation

11. CHOOSING A SCHOOL (Continued) • School Reputation • School rank on Academic and Social polls • Major Field of Study • Reputation of the Faculty • Buildings, laboratories, libraries, athletic facilities, and other resources available to students • Location • Urban, Rural or Suburban • Climate ( Warm or Cold) • Part of Country school (Northeast, West, South, Midwest, East) • School Size (Large or Small) • Big schools have broad range of courses, more diverse students and faculty, and lots of extra-curricular activities. These schools can also be very large and overwhelming. • Small schools have smaller class sizes with classes taught by professors and not graduate students, and the opportunity to know more people in your class and the administration on a personal level.

12. CHOOSING A SCHOOL (Continued) • Retention • Look at the number of Freshmen that come back the next year • Look at the number of people that the school graduates in comparison to the number they admit • Look at the number of people of color that graduate (www.diverseeducation.com) • Look at the number of people that graduate on time (within 2 years or 4 years or however long the program is) • Student / Faculty Diversity and Average Class Size • Look at the diversity of the student body (ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, types of student clubs) • Look at the diversity of the faculty (people of color, female professors) • Look at the average class size (are there 300 students in large lecture halls or classes of 20 students or less)

13. MAKING THE DECISION • Go to as many college fairs as possible • Go to the library and research the different colleges • Send away for information on colleges that interest you • Collect as much information as possible from the various colleges • Review the materials carefully • Talk to your parents, counselors and other trusted advisors • Narrow down your college list to five (5) schools • Go on as many campus visits as you can • Apply • Ask if the school gives application fee waivers to minority and/or low-income students • Find out if the school has any special programs for First Generation college bound students and/or talented minority applicants

14. APPLYINGTO COLLEGE • Take the ACT or SAT • Tailor your essay questions to each college • Request letters of recommendation from people who know you well and who will write you a strong letter of recommendation • Submit applications in advance of the deadline • Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and all school based financial aid applications • Research and apply for as many scholarships as you are eligible for • Follow through with all applications (college admissions, housing, financial aid, scholarships) • Keep a copy of all applications (use manila folders)

15. Junior Year • Continue your extracurricular involvement.  Take leadership roles whenever possible.  Remember college admissions counselors are looking for consistency and demonstrated examples of leadership skills. • Select and research 10 possible postsecondary institutions (colleges, universities, vocational and technical programs, etc.). • Participate in college fairs and tours (in-state and out-of-state schools).  Review college admissions requirements against your current course load.  Make adjustments as necessary. • Participate in an ACT/SAT/PSAE test preparation course.  Remember that the more you read and write, the better your scores will be on these exams.  • Register for the ACT and/or SAT exam.  Check your colleges of interest and make sure you register for the appropriate test.   • Special populations of students (athletes, students interested in military academies, students with disabilities) should begin to gather information about special admissions processes, any special certification requirements, whether additional testing/diagnosis’s are needed. • Meet with your counselor to confirm you are on track for promotion.  Plan your senior year.  Take the most challenging options available to you ( AP, Honors, virtual high school).

16. Month by Month Calendar for College Bound Seniors • July – September • Research Various Colleges • Make a list of colleges and programs you are most interested in • Review all admissions materials • Begin working on the first drafts of your essays • Attend as many college fairs as possible • Narrow down your list of colleges to five (5) • Keep your grades up (admissions committees will review your grades through first semester senior year and will want a final transcript of the year) • Ask teachers, counselors, ministers, employers, and other people who know you and your work habits to write you a letter of recommendation

17. Month by Month Calendar for College Bound Seniors (continued) • October • Put the finishing touches on your applications • Be sure to remind the people who are writing letters of recommendation for you of the deadlines • Make sure your essays have been revised and reviewed a number of times • If you are applying for early admissions, make sure you get all required materials in on time or you will be placed in the regular admissions pool • November • Register for and take the ACT and/or SAT test - selective schools require an early testing date • December • Make a folder for each school and keep copies of all correspondence and applications in it • Keep a calendar with the deadlines of all applications and scholarships you are applying for and refer to it often. • Many colleges have an early deadline for academic and leadership scholarships - check the deadlines carefully and submit all materials before the deadline • Begin looking for decisions from schools to which you applied for early admissions • January • Complete the online Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) – www.fafsa.ed.gov

18. Month by Month Calendar for College Bound Seniors (continued) • February • Check application deadlines carefully - February is often the close of application deadlines for some colleges • March • Be aware of any financial aid or scholarship deadlines • You should begin to get acceptance and rejection letters • As you are admitted to colleges, schedule visits so that you can see the campus for yourself • April • Decide which school you will attend • Mail a written acceptance to your first choice school • Respond to financial aid and scholarship offers • Notify all colleges that accept you of your final decision • May - June • Request your final high school transcript to be mailed to the college or university you plan to attend • Sign up for new student orientations • Congratulate yourself on a job well done!

19. Questions to ask College Recruiters at the College Fair • What is the campus community like? • Is the college in an urban, suburban or rural setting? • Will I need a car to get around? Does public transportation (bus, train) provide easy access to the campus and community? • How many students are enrolled? In my major? From my community? • Is the school on the semester or the quarter system? • What are the school’s most popular majors? Strongest majors? • How would you describe the intellectual atmosphere of the school? The academic pressure of the school? • What are the advantages of this school’s size? Disadvantages?

20. Questions to ask College Recruiters at the College Fair (continued) • Tell me about your programs? • Do you offer the major I am looking for? What are the admissions requirements for my program of study? • What if I my GPA is average or low? Will I still be considered for admissions? • Is my degree program accredited? • What kind of academic advising is available? • What is the retention rate for freshmen? • What is the graduation rate for all students? • Does the school offer remedial and/or developmental courses for credit toward graduation? • Does the school offer study skills and/or learning strategies courses? Are they offered for credit? • What do I do if I need extra help with classes? Is there a writing center? Tutoring Center? • Can I enroll part-time, take courses in the late afternoons, evenings, weekends or during the summer? • Are there internship opportunities available on campus? In the community? • Can you put me in touch with current students and recent graduates of the program?

21. Questions to ask College Recruiters at the College Fair (continued) • What is the social life like on campus? • What are the residence halls like? • Can I pick my roommate? • Are the dorms coeducational by floor, by building, or not at all? • Is housing available for single parents? For married students? • Will I be able to bring my child(ren) to campus with me? Is there a daycare center on campus? • What meal plans are offered? • What types of health services are offered on campus? Physical and mental? • What types of social activities are located on campus? In the surrounding community? • What cultural institutions are located on campus? In the community? • What percentage of students are in fraternities or sororities? What role does “Greek” life play on campus? • What intercollegiate /intramural sports are available? • How secure is the campus? What can you tell me about drug and alcohol use on the campus? Incidence of date rape?

22. Questions to ask College Recruiters at the College Fair (continued) • How much does the college cost? • What are the costs of tuition and registration, student fees, books, supplies, housing, parking, etc.? • Do I have to send in a deposit to confirm my intentions to enroll? How much? When? • Is Financial Aid Available? • What kind of financial assistance is available? • When and how do I apply for financial aid? Do I apply for campus scholarships separately? • Will financial aid cover my entire need? • Are there special kinds of assistance for students from certain ethnic minority or low income groups? If so, how do I apply for such a program? • How do I apply for Admissions? • Where, when and how can I get an application? Does the college have online applications? • What is the application deadline? • When will I be notified if I have been admitted? • Who can I contact if I have further questions about the college? • How do I make arrangements to take a tour of the campus? • Is there an open house program for prospective students?

23. Questions to ask College Recruiters at the College Fair (continued) • If transferring from another college, will I be eligible for admission? • What are the admission requirements for transfer students? • Will I need to take any placement or admissions tests? • What is the admissions priority of transfer students from community colleges? From four year colleges? • Since I attended another college, will all of my credits transfer? How and when will I know?

24. Questions to ask College Recruiters at the College Fair (continued) • If I have a learning disability, are there separate admissions procedures? • What documentation is required to verify my learning disability? • How many learning disabled students does the school serve? • What is the school’s retention rate for learning disabled students? Graduation rate? • Does the school have an ADA/504 Compliance Officer? • How are testing accommodations handled? If I qualify to take my exams with extended time how much time can I have? Where do I take the tests? If I need a distraction free space will I always get it? • What services do you offer? • Tape recorders • Alternative forms of testing • Note taker • Option to tape lectures • Extended time on exams • Reading machines • Typing services • Taped textbooks • Computer availability • Distraction free space • Support groups • Calculator use during exams • Priority registration • Study groups

25. UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL: APPLY FOR COLLEGE Q & A