College Preparation for Juniors
Words of Wisdom Relax… You will get in. 70% of colleges accept an average of 70% of their applicants.
Words of Wisdom If you don’t have a major, it’s OK. More than half of new college students say a very important reason for going to college is “to find my purpose in life.”
Preparing for a College Search
Know Yourself • Values • Ambitions • Achievements • Academic Strengths • Interests • Your Standout Talents
Types of Colleges Type Description Tuition Admission Requirements • SAT or ACT Degrees offered: In-State: Four year: • GPA Bachelors and beyond $8,000/year In-state • Class rank in state, Out-of-state • Essay $25,000+/year public • Extracurricular Provides: A well-rounded out-of-state Private college experience that activities • Letters of includes an academic area Private: of study. Typically more recommendation • Transcripts than $34,000/year
Choosing Your College Priorities What is important to you? • Location • Academics • Size • Campus Appeal • Social Life • Total Cost – Including aid
Collecting College Information – Where to go • Cappex.com - College search made simple. Your first stop to kick-start your college and scholarship search • EducationQuest.org – College profiles, timelines • nacacnet.org - National Association for College Admission Counseling. Offers national college fair information and articles about the college process • collegeboard.com - Information about the SAT, college match and college profiles • act.org - Information about the ACT test • Commonapp.org - one application sent to several colleges – essays will not change for next year
A Good List of College • 1 Safety School – little to no chance of rejection • 2 – 4 Good Matches – schools that match your interests and that you could happily attend - your transcript mirrors that of the average freshman; GPA, SAT/ACT scores and coursework (college prep, honors, etc.) are all on par with those undergrads typically admitted; does not guarantee an acceptance (extracurricular activities, essays, etc. also are considered), but you can apply with confidence and know that you have a great shot • 1 – 2 Reach Schools – your top choices but schools at which you are less likely to be accepted – either your academic qualifications are below the average accepted student or the acceptance rate is extremely low *Keep a financially safe school on your list!
What information do admission officers review? • Grades/Overall GPA • Strength of high school course selections • Admission Test Scores • Essay • Teacher and counselor recommendations • Class rank • Student’s demonstrated interest • Personal accomplishments – leadership, depth of involvement • Personality characteristics • Courses in progress Junior and Senior year
What Matters Most to Colleges • Factors of Most Importance: Grades in college prep classes Strength of curriculum Admission test scores Overall GPA • Factors of Moderate Importance Extracurricular commitment Letters of recommendation Essay or writing sample Demonstrated interest Class rank
Most Significant Factor in Admission: • Rigor of Curriculum and Grades Earned in ACADEMIC Courses! • Transcript is the BIGGEST DRIVER in the whole process!! *Admissions counselors report that colleges recalculate GPA, using only academic courses
About College Admission Tests • ACT – Consists of five tests: English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing – Writing component is optional – Top composite score is 36 • SAT – Consists of eight sections covering: Reading, Writing and Language, and Math – Essay component is optional – Each test is scored on a scale of 200-800
SAT Subject Tests • Most colleges do not require – check requirements of colleges you are interested in attending • Offered on the same dates as the regular SAT • One-hour content specific tests; a student can take up to three tests on a single test date • Most schools that require subject tests want a Math test, an English test, and a test of the student’s choice • If given a choice, take tests in subjects in which you excel! • Often taken on the May or June SAT test date of junior year.
How Do I Apply? • College specific application – available on college’s web site • Common Application - enables students to create an account and complete one basic form accepted by member institutions (820), eliminating the need to enter the same information over and over when applying to multiple institutions* • Universal Application – similar to Common App (very few colleges)* *Don’t forget to complete school specific supplements
Types of College Applications Early Decision Early Action Early Action Single Choice Rolling Admission Regular Decision
Early Decision • Binding - if student is accepted to the institution, they are expected to enroll • Early application deadline • Typically receive admissions decision by January • For students who absolutely know their #1 choice school • Shows seriousness of applicant • A student can only apply Early Decision to ONE school; if accepted, all other applications must be rescinded
Early Action • NOT BINDING - student does not have to attend if accepted • Early application deadline • Typically receive admissions decision by January • Early Action Single Choice – allowed to only apply to one school early, but is not binding – allows student to demonstrate interest
Rolling Admissions • Applications evaluated as they are received versus waiting to evaluate all applications after a hard deadline. • The earlier student applies, the sooner student gets answer • Application process can be less competitive if student applies on the early side of the admission window • Non-binding – students have until the school's deadline to decide whether they will attend
Regular Admission • Traditional admission process • Colleges notify student of acceptance in spring • Non-binding • Student informs college of decision by May 1 st
College Application Process 1. Narrow college choices to 5 – 8 schools. 2. Create calendar with all application deadlines 3. Can you use the Common Application? Supplements required? 4. Request official scores from College Board and ACT 5. Submit applications – don’t wait until the last minute 6. Request letters of recommendation from teachers and counselors – ask at least 2 – 3 weeks prior to deadline 7. Fill out transcript release form in Counseling Office and request transcripts to be sent to colleges Complete FAFSA after Oct. 1 st ; complete CSS profile if needed 8. 9. Wait for notifications from colleges – if colleges send an email saying items are missing, call the admissions office to double check 10. Receive admission or denial letters from college 11. Send “Intent to Register” notification by May 1 st along with housing deposit
Next Steps for Juniors In School Summer Stay focused on academics Pre-write Common Do not lighten your academic App/Scholarship Essays Make a comprehensive resume load for senior year Meet with your school counselor Stay involved in school activities College Exploration Explore colleges on the Web Standardized Testing Visit colleges if you can Prepare for and register for ACT / Meet with college SAT tests – request score reports representatives Register for AP tests as Attend college fairs appropriate
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