College Night for Junior Students & Parents
Checklist for College Planning • Continue to visit potential colleges • Access Career Cruising and make use of its tools • May-Aug: Develop a resume to give to recommenders*; identify colleges, their requirements, and timelines; adhere to NCAA regulations as needed • July-Nov: Apply for admission; observe deadlines, submit transcripts, forms, and test scores
Checklist for College Planning • ASAP after October 1st Complete FAFSA using prior years tax information • May 1st: National College Commitment Day - deadline for deposits • All School Year: Apply for scholarships http://pndcounselors.blogspot.com
Applying for Admissions • Narrow your school choices • Choose schools that best fit your needs Admission criteria (ACT, GPA) major(s), size, location, cost, Newman Center, etc. bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search • Apply to 3 or more colleges/universities • Begin the application process
Student (Individual School Applications, Requirements, Deadlines)
Common Application • 600+ colleges participate • Complete/submit online • Common Application emails counselor/teachers for transcript/evals • No paper is ever used - online only • Used for multiple colleges (check each school to which you are applying) • School-supplement portions
Common Application
Individual School Application • Complete application (online/paper) Complete carefully, legibly, timely • Keep a copy for your records • Request Official Transcript *Process will vary by school - communicate with your counselor! • Self-reported grades • Pay application fee (or fee waiver?)
Additional Enclosures Essays / Personal Statements • Chance to personalize your application • Demonstration of writing ability • Ask someone for feedback and to “proof” it • Be sure application is complete before sending Recommendations & Evaluation Forms • Allow recommenders 2 weeks - not same day! • Provide a stamped, addressed envelope • Write a thank-you note as a courtesy
Portfolios & Auditions Colleges may request samples of your work or require you to audition for specific programs or scholarships Ex: Art, Music, Dance, Theater In general: Don’t send things that aren’t requested.
Sending Test Scores While test scores are listed on student transcripts, many colleges require that they be sent directly from ACT/SAT (not PND). • Enter the college school code when registering or testing - OR - • Send your scores at actstudent.org (additional charge)
Admission Terms Regular Admission • Send in application by deadline date • No obligation to attend if accepted • On a set date, college admits or denies • Student reply date (usually 5/1 to accept)
Admission Terms Early Decision • For your first choice school - if you know you will go there if accepted • You apply early (during fall) • Receive admission decision early • If accepted, you must agree to attend and withdraw applications to other schools (binding) • Read the school’s definition!
Admission Terms Early Action • Early application deadline • Early notification of acceptance • NO commitment to attend, if accepted (not binding) *May include restrictions on applications to other schools
Admission Terms Rolling Admission • College makes admission decisions on a continual basis as applications are received • Colleges respond relatively quickly Admission Deferred • College postpones admission decision, and may request additional information
Admission Terms Wait-Listed • Student may eventually be admitted IF currently accepted students decline to enroll, opening up spots. • Wait-listed students may be able to submit additional information to support their admission.
Determine College Costs • Sticker price does not equal actual cost • Ways to offset costs of college - Dual-credit and Advanced Placement (AP) Additional costs to consider • Tuition, fees, housing, meals, books, supplies, transportation, personal spending
Dual Credit Courses • Help defray the cost of college by earning college credit during high school • Acceptance of credit varies by college • Check with potential colleges before paying for dual credit for SR year • You will need to contact ICC at end of senior year to send ICC transcript
Advanced Placement • AP testing is administered in May at PND • See counselor in mid-March to sign up for tests • Test scores required to earn college credit vary by college - contact your schools for info or their websites
Types of Financial Aid • Scholarships (non repayable based on merit or merit plus need) • Grants (non repayable based on need) • Loans: parent/student (low interest/deferred) through private lending institutions, colleges, and federal government • Work-Study (jobs on campus)
Financial Aid websites • www.finaid.org • www.fastweb.com • www.act.org/fane • www.collegeboard.com • www.petersons.com • www.studentaid.ed.gov • www.fafsa.ed.gov
Steps for applying for aid 1. Apply for admission and financial aid by priority college deadlines 2. Submit required financial aid forms 3. Complete one Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) www.fafsa.ed.gov (after October 1) 4. Apply for scholarships/grants Check PND counselors’ blog 5. See your counselor for any help
Future Decisions With senior year, important decisions are approaching. Encourage your student to reflect and pray about the future and this “crossroads in life.” These are fundamental choices about school, vocation in life, and career path… and they can be stressful. Now is the time to be preparing for the future! “Pray, hope and don’t worry.” - St. Padre Pio
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