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FIRST IN THE FAMILY TO COLLEGE: ADMISSIONS BASICS

FIRST IN THE FAMILY TO COLLEGE: ADMISSIONS BASICS. Dina Levi May 10, 2014. PROCESS. EXPLORATION—Junior year and earlier Self Awareness—what are you looking for? What are the options out there? APPLICATIONS—Senior Fall ACCEPTANCES, FINANCIAL AID & DECISION—Senior Spring.

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FIRST IN THE FAMILY TO COLLEGE: ADMISSIONS BASICS

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  1. FIRST IN THE FAMILY TO COLLEGE:ADMISSIONS BASICS Dina Levi May 10, 2014

  2. PROCESS • EXPLORATION—Junior year and earlier • Self Awareness—what are you looking for? • What are the options out there? • APPLICATIONS—Senior Fall • ACCEPTANCES, FINANCIAL AID & DECISION—Senior Spring

  3. Roles of Parents & Students PARENTS: • Structure the process • Act as Navigators—teach students how to be self-sufficient • Trust your student’s instincts STUDENTS: • Engage in the process—Act as Drivers • Reflect on your preferences and needs • Actively explore options • Take responsibility for preparing for college in the classroom and in the application process

  4. The College Admissions Equation Qualities Student is Looking for in Learning & Living Environment + Qualities College is Looking for in Students = FIT & ACCEPTANCE (A Good Match)

  5. What’s in a NAME? • The NAME of a college= success • What the student does while at college does = success • A student does well when the college is a good fit & she/he thrives because of it

  6. Factors to Consider in Choosing a College • Size of College • Learning environment—size of classes & connection with professors • Opportunities to be involved in extra curricular activities • Social atmosphere/Sense of community • Number of majors offered & research opportunities • Support structure and services

  7. Factors to Consider, cont. • Location of College • Surrounding environment—urban/suburban/rural • Distance from home • Recreational possibilities • Out of state opportunities • Academic Programs • Majors offered • Academic Rigor & atmosphere • Special programs—honors/learning disability support/study abroad, etc.

  8. Factors to Consider, cont. • Other factors • Diversity-ethnic/geographic/socio-economic, etc. • Religious affiliation? • Single sex or co-ed? • Campus housing—residential vs. commuter environments • Specific extracurricular activities • Social atmosphere • Cost & financial aid options

  9. How Do I find out what I want??? • THINK!! About yourself, your preferences, your experiences and interests in the classroom and outside of it. (Check out Sizing-Yourself-Up survey in Fiske Guide to Colleges.) • RESEARCH—online, in reference books, with counselors and college reps. at College/Career Centers at school, at college fairs. • VISIT! VISIT! VISIT!

  10. VISITING COLLEGES • Visit when school is in session • Take official tours • Walk around on your own • Sit in on a class • Go to the cafeteria/student union • Ask questions • Visit Bay Area colleges if you can’t go further this spring • Visit colleges any time when travelling

  11. WHAT DO COLLEGES WANT??? • Solid academic core coursework—all 4 years of high school—meet the minimums and more • Grades in academic core + overall GPA • SAT or ACT tests • SAT Subject tests?? • Involvement in your school and/or outside community • Special talents???

  12. FRESHMEN & SOPHOMORES—WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE? • Do as well as you can academically (grades) • Challenge yourself appropriately with academic coursework • Get involved in extracurricular activities that interest you—at school, in the community or individually • When you travel, visit college campuses • Sophomores—take PLAN (pre-ACT) test if possible

  13. JUNIORS—WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE? • Stay focused academically • Research and visit colleges • Take PSAT in October • Register and take ACT and SAT by June test dates • Plan a productive summer • Gradually develop a list of 5-9 colleges you’re interested in

  14. SENIORS—WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE IN THE FALL? • Stay focused academically • Retake SAT or ACT • Continue to research & visit colleges • Include reach, possible & probable colleges in your list • Complete applications, taking time to complete application essays • Request and send required letters of recommendation, transcripts, etc.

  15. SENIORS—WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE IN THE SPRING? • Stay focused academically • Apply for financial aid in January • Send 7th semester transcripts as required • Receive acceptances and denials • Revisit final options • Evaluate financial aid packages • Make decision by May 1st • Make housing, orientation and placement test arrangements

  16. QUESTIONS???

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