Preparing for College

1. Preparing for College Kelley Wu Admissions Adviser Eastern Michigan University

2. Application Process: Things to Remember • Take your time • Ask for help when you need it • Do it correctly the first time • Get things in on time

3. Application Strategy Apply Broadly • Reach: Your dream college (1-2) • Match: You meet the minimum requirements (1-2) • Safety: You exceed the minimum requirements (1-2)

4. Application Strategy What Colleges May Look At • Academic Record • Breadth – How many, how challenging, which ones • Grades • Consistency or improvement • Class Rank • Standardized Test Scores • In terms of ranges • Out-of-Class Activities • Depth of involvement – variety and how long • Initiative – leadership • Creativity, service or work • Recommendation

5. Types of Admission Four year institutions generally offer the following admission options: • Early Admission – A student of superior ability is admitted into college courses and programs before completing high school. • Early Decision – A student declares a first-choice college, requests that the college decided on acceptance early and agree to enroll if accepted. • Early Action – Similar to Early Decision, but if a student is accepted, he or she has until the regular admission deadline to decide whether or not to attend.

6. More Types of Admission • Regular Admission – This is the most common option offered to students. A deadline is set when all applications must be received, and all notifications are sent out at the same time. • Rolling Admission – The college accepts students who meet the academic requirements on a firs-come, first-served basis until it fills it freshman class. No strict application deadline is specified. • Open Admission – Virtually all high school graduates are admitted, regardless of academic qualifications. • Deferred Admission – An accepted student is allowed to postpone enrollment for a year.

7. The Application The Application – online or on paper The Fee – do you qualify for a waiver? Official high school transcripts Official test scores Letters of recommendation Essay

8. The Application Personal Information – Name, Date of Birth, etc Mailing Address – often used to determine residency status Can you make use of the Common Application? Be complete and honest. Intentionally inaccurate information can lead to suspension, expulsion or other disciplinary action!

9. Fee or No Fee? Application fees range from $0 to more than $75 with the average being $30 Many colleges offer a free or discounted fee for applying online Online applications usually require a credit or debit card payment Application fees are sometimes waived at open house programs or other special events Colleges will waive the application fee for familieswith financial need. Fee Waiver applications are available through The College Board, NACAC, and high school counselors

10. Official High School Transcripts High school GPA is the best predictor of academic success in college Many colleges recalculate GPA based on AP or Honors courses, core versus elective courses, and other factors

11. Official High School Transcripts Official transcripts must arrive at the college in a sealed envelope from your high school – request transcripts at least a month before your application is due Some colleges may accept official hand-delivered transcripts from you for faster processing Prospective student athletes must submit transcripts to the NCAA Clearinghouse

12. High School Profile Your High School Profile is often the Admissions Office only view of critical data about your high school It lists test score averages, course offerings and information about your teachers, counselors and administrators

13. Official Test Scores Scores are sent for free to four schools you identify when you register for the ACT or SAT Most high schools receive official score reports which can be attached to your transcript Never send your student score report to colleges - student reports are not official! Which test does your college prefer? ACT, SAT or both?

14. Recommendations Guidance Counselor Recommendations • Many colleges require a letter of recommendation from your high school guidance counselor Teacher Recommendations • How to decide whom to ask? • How well does the teacher know you? • Has the teacher taught you for more than one course? • Has the teacher sponsored an extracurricular activity in which you made a contribution? • Do you get along with the teacher? • Is the recommendation is required/recommended from a specific subject-area instructor? • If you declare an intended major, can you obtain a recommendation from a teacher in that subject area?

15. Recommendations What to provide your Recommender • Request a recommendation at least 2 weeks in advance • Provide the recommendation form and information on the college • Provided a copy of your application • Provided a copy of your Academic Resume • Include a stamped, addressed envelope

16. Academic Résumé What to include in your Academic Résumé • GPA • Honors/AP courses (completed and in progress) • Standardized test scores • Out-of-School Activities (offices, length, contribution) • Awards, Honors and Recognition • Special Talents (sports, arts, music) • Part Time Jobs • Educational and Career Goals • Family background

17. Essay • Some colleges require short essays • Make sure your essay: • is authentic • answers the application question • describes your true self without narrating your transcript or résumé • avoids spelling or grammatical errors

18. Other requirements For Music, Theatre or Art majors a portfolio or audition may be part of the application requirements

19. Final Application Tips • Give yourself Plenty of time! • Follow a time line to give your counselor and any recommenders plenty of time as well • Work on the applications in steps, not all at once at the last possible minute • Be patient with your colleges, this process can take 3-12 weeks!

20. It Costs How Much??? • Federal financial aid is available for: • Community college • Most four-year colleges and universities • Many vocational and technical colleges • To receive federal aid you must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid [ F A F S A ] • Requires financial/tax info from you and your parents • Get a PIN: pin.ed.gov(Fall of Senior Year) • Complete it online at fafsa.ed.gov in January or February of senior year (Michigan Priority Deadline – March 1)

21. It Costs How Much??? Types of Financial Aid • Grants • Money that does not need to be paid back • Usually based on need • Federal grants are awarded based on FAFSA info • State, college and private grants are also available

22. It Costs How Much??? Types of Financial Aid • Scholarships • Money that does not need to be paid back • Can be merit-based or need-based • Available from states, colleges, and private sources • Research local scholarships online, at school and in the community • Free scholarship searches are valuable (fastweb.org, collegeboard.com, uncf.org)

23. It Costs How Much??? Types of Financial Aid • Student Loans • Must be paid back after you graduate or after discontinuation of education • Subsidized vs. unsubsidized – no interest charged on subsidized loans while you are in school • Available from federal, state and some private sources • Most Michigan colleges and universities are Direct Lenders

24. It Costs How Much??? Types of Financial Aid • College Work-Study • Paid Employment on campus with flexible hours • Mostly need based • Lots of campus jobs, college career services office will help place you • You get a paycheck, the college gets a good worker; it’s a win-win situation!

25. Questions??? Feel free to contact me! Kelley Wu 734-487-5978 kwu@emich.edu