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College Application Night. Plainfield School District 202 2014-2015. Why are we here?. Timeline Application process Retaking the ACT Financial Aid / Scholarships Practical advice. Timeline. DAILY Keep up your grades! August/September Register to retake the ACT Research
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College Application Night Plainfield School District 202 2014-2015
Why are we here? • Timeline • Application process • Retaking the ACT • Financial Aid / Scholarships • Practical advice
Timeline • DAILY • Keep up your grades! • August/September • Register to retake the ACT • Research • Finish college visits • Net price calculators • Begin filling out college applications • October • Finish college applications by October 31 (Priority) • Scholarship applications (October – May) • December 10: District Financial Aid Night at PEHS • As soon as possible after January 1, 2015 • Complete the FAFSA • May • Send final year-end transcript to one school
George Washington University Columbia University Macalester College University of Michigan
College Application Process Prior to starting: • Review your transcript • Complete your activity/work resume • Set up a professional email account • Know your ACT School code: • Central: 143-495 • East: 143-499 • North: 143-497 • South: 143-496
College Application Process • 3-5 schools (thoughtful applications) • Research the application requirements • Beware of the deadlines • Priority filing by October 31 • Priority Filing vs. Early Decision • Letters of Recommendation • Personal Statement / Essays* • Transcripts • Waiting on ACT scores? • Do not wait to apply!
Application Essays Personal Statement Essay Prompt • Typically utilized for further review beyond GPA, course rigor, and test scores • Fit for academic goals • Academic strengths/weaknesses • Explanation of circumstances • i.e. Illinois State Univ. • Typically utilized to assess writing skills, as well as identify unique applicants • i.e. University of Illinois • i.e. University of Chicago
GET IT “WRITE”! DISTRICT 202 COLLEGE ESSAY WRITING WORKSHOP FOR SENIORS Saturday, September 6th 11:00a.m.-12:00p.m. at PNHS Contact Kato Gupta at khinden@psd202.org to reserve your spot!
College Application Process • Establish an organization system • Accounts, login information, required materials, etc. • Apply online • Follow directions carefully • Fees
Application Example #1Joliet Junior College • Application Requirements • High School Diploma or GED • 18 years old • Basic personal information (including SSN) • Anticipated degree / certificate of study • Official Transcript • Fee: None • Estimated time: 15-30 minutes • What’s Important? • Open admission
Application Example #2Northern Illinois University • Application Requirements • Basic personal information • High school information (school name, dates of attendance, courses taken, etc.) • Supporting documents: • Official Transcript • Official ACT Score Report • Fee: $40, non-refundable • Estimated time:30 minutes – 1 hour • What’s Important? • Class rank • Rigor of high school courses • Standardized test scores • Extra-curricular activities • Talent / Ability • Personal Statement ** • Interview ** • Recommendations **
Application Example #3University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign • Application Requirements • Basic personal information • High school information • SRAR -Self-Reported Academic Record • Official ACT Score Report from testing agency • Letters of Recommendation: -Discouraged • Final (year-end) transcript • Two essays • Fee: $50, non-refundable • Estimated time:2 hours + • What’s Important? • Academic achievement in the highest level of rigor available • Grade patterns • Academic interest • Standardized test scores • Other achievements that show significant impact / accomplishment • Personal characteristics
Other Application Options • www.commonapp.org • Online application 10+ years • 550 member institutions (Augustana, DePaul, Northwestern, Columbia) • www.universalcollegeapp.com • Partner with NACAC • Monmouth, MSOE, Marquette, Bradley, Duke
College Application Process • Just because you hit SEND does not mean everything is there on time. All parts must be there on time. • After submitting: • Transcript request: See secretary in student services with a completed transcript request form for each school to which you apply. Schools may charge $1 per copy sent. • Mail supplemental materials (resume, letters of recommendation, etc.) directly to the college/university
What are colleges looking for? • Strength of curriculum • GPA • ACT score • Personal statement/Standout factor • Everything else • Extracurricular activities, resume, volunteer or work experience, class rank, demonstrated interest, interview, recommendations, etc. • Authentic individuals
ACT • ACT scores will be included on the transcript that is sent • Some schools will require that you send the official score report directly from ACT. You can do this from their website: www.actstudent.org or when you register to take the ACT
ACT • Upcoming dates to retake the ACT. Register at www.actstudent.org • Is SAT an option as well? (20 SAT Subject tests) • Remember: Do not wait to fill out your college applications, even if you plan on retaking the ACT!
After Submitting • Check email frequently. You will be notified if something is missing from your file. • Wait patiently. • Continue other applications. • Apply for scholarships. • Keep your grades up…they still count!
Financial Aid • Types of Aid • Grants • Loans FAFSA (January 1, 2015) • Work Study • Scholarships (starting now, deadlines vary) • Net Price Calculators • Mark your calendar! District Financial Aid Night: December 10 at PEHS
Further Resources • College Career Center Scholarship Sites • www.collegeboard.orgwww.sholarshipexperts.com • www.collegedata.comwww.scholarships.com • www.fairtest.orgwww.fastweb.com • www.whatsnextillinois.org • www.bls.gov • www.fafsa.ed.gov • Financial Aid 101: http://bit.ly/18yKtx0 • District 202 Financial Aid Information Night: December 10 at PEHS
Advice • Students: Take personal responsibility • Complete applications and requirements ahead of schedule • Read and follow directions before you sign or send anything • Use your resources • Be authentic