finding the right fit tuesday, august 31, 2010 sequoyah high school
TRANSCRIPT
Finding The Right Fit
Tuesday, August 31, 2010Sequoyah High School
What Colleges Are Looking For
Factors for Admission
►GPA/Course Selection/Class Rank ►Test Scores►Activities & Leadership ►Essays/ Short Answer►Letters of Recommendation►Interest/ Contact Level►Interviews►Other
GPA/Course Selection/Class Rank
►School Profile►Curriculum offerings►Grade trends►Meet requirements of individual college►Use electives to demonstrate interests►Institutional GPA calculation
Test Scores
►SAT www.collegeboard.comSubject Tests– some require, others use for
placement or course exemption/credit
►ACTwww.act.orgOptional Writing Section
Activities and Leadership
►Clubs and Organizations►Work & Volunteer Experiences►Summer Opportunities►Sports – School and Community► If applicable, utilize Special Circumstances
Section
Depth of experience outweighs variety
Letters of Recommendation
►How many letters needed? (only send req. amount)!
►Junior or Senior year teacher usually better
►Give writers plenty of time!►Provide writers with details (resume,
deadlines, envelopes)
►Send follow-up thank-you note to writers
Interest/Contact Level
►Visit campus►Fill out contact cards at college fairs►Establish relationships with admission
counselors, professors and current students
►Create profile on admission websites and/or get yourself on the mailing list
Interviews►Arrive early►Be prepared/ Research the Institution►Formulate 5 unique questions►Dress appropriately/shake hands/eye
contact►Note interviewer’s name & contact info►Send a thank you note/letter
Essays/ Short Answer►Choose unique topics that matter to
you►Answer the question/stay on topic►Write articulately in space allotted►Revisit essay at least 2 times on
different days►Don’t count on spell check – have a 2nd
editor►Remember, it’s not only what you say,
but also how you say it!
Other
►Colleges may have specific goals that they are trying to accomplish
►Alumni connections►Athletic recruits►Institute mission
What You Should be Looking For in a College
Consider Your Major
Explore the school’s websiteTalk to faculty, staff, studentsSit in on classesUtilize college guidesVisit online search engines such as
collegeboard.com or collegeview.com
Research job placement rates for that major
Evaluating the Size Research
freshman year class sizestudent to faculty ratioclass size for your intended major
Question instructor accessibilitymandatory office hourscontact information for instructors
Explore specialized academic programs
Picking a Location Determine the distance from home Explore the surrounding towns and cities on-
line Make a list of pros and cons of a rural and
urban setting Visit the campus Ask campus police for a list of incidents
Exploring Student Life Research how easy it is to get involved Examine Greek life opportunities Inquire about specialty programs such as
honors programs, student government, and community service
Explore cultural opportunities
The Freshman Experience Ask to visit a typical freshman dorm Research academic support programs Explore the career center Check out jobs on and off campus Examine transportation options
