Senior “Kick-Off” NotesPost-High School Planning

Mr. Corey OstlingPost-High School Counselor- ostlingcm@unit5.org

College & Career Center: Located in the guidance office

Seniors: Whether it’s a college, a career, a trade school, the military, I’m here to help!

Availability & Appointments

First Quarter

Choosing A College: Student, Know Thyself:1. Why am I going/not going to college in the first place? 2. How does the college fit my expectations? Can I get in? Can I get out? Can I

pay for it?3. Where do I see myself being successful? Big/Small School, Big town/Rural,

Religious affiliation, Close/Far from home, 4. How will the college help me achieve my goals? Major, Job placement,

Graduation Rate, Financial Aid Packages, Career Services, Social Networking

5. Evaluate your wants/needs

Mission Drives Admission What are you passionate about? Find your PASSION and CULTIVATE it!

Applying: Student ResponsibilityWhere do I apply? A combination list:

1. “Reach” School (reaching or stretching to get admitted)2. “Possible” or “Match” School (have the credentials but selectivity in admits)3. “Likely” or “Probable” School (reasonably certain and meet the formula)4. “Financial fit” School (school you can get admitted to and afford)5. “Crapshoot” School (newest category...roll of the dice if you’re admitted)

Applying to 3-4 school is average, but there is not a number and school culture plays a factor.

Second Quarter

Applying to College: (Electronically) Types of Applications

Institutional Application (ISU, HCC, U of I): These are individualized per college. Send transcripts through Parchment.com

The Common Application (more essays!): You do NOT need to request a transcript. Common App will contact your counselor and your counselor will upload and send electronically.

The Coalition Application: Your counselor will be notified, like Common Application.

Other Items Needed:Application Fee: credit/debit card or fee waiver

Transcript Release: Counseling website or in person ($1/unofficial, $3/Official)

Transcript & School Profile-*Parchment

Official Test Scores- Will take time, so pay attention to deadlines!

Self-Reporting Grades/Transcripts/Test Scores (ISU, IOWA, UIUC, IOWA STATE)

Teacher: Letter of Recommendation

Counselor: Letter of Recommendation

ONLY SEND LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION IF REQUIRED.

Forgot password? ● Don’t forget to save all of your different logins and passwords! ● More and more colleges have their own “portal” system● Check email!

Admission Options:

Financial AidFAFSA Opens up October 1

Financial Aid Types

Financial Aid NightOctober 9th 6:30 PM in the Auditorium

● Financial Aid basics● At least 10 ways to reduce costs ● Information for families of all income levels!

HALFTIME

What are colleges looking for? What are colleges looking for?

● Depends on the school and their admissions philosophy (Holistic vs Traditional)!

● SAT/ACT and GPA still matter a lot at most schools (test optional schools are growing)

● Other factors-Demonstrated interest, Clubs/Organization Involvement, Leadership, Essay, Major/College, Letters of Recommendation

● Bottom line-There is more than one way to be admitted!

Wait and see...Acceptance Letters- Response time depends upon what types of admission/school

Financial Aid Package- Essentially, how much will it cost to go to school?

Class of 2019’s TOP TEN1. Heartland Community College2. Illinois State University3. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale4. Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville5. Eastern Illinois University6. Illinois Wesleyan University7. Northern Illinois University8. University of Iowa9. Illinois Central College (ICC)

10. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

4th Quarter

Select a SchoolUse Spring Break for any last minute visits

May 1st- Universal Reply Date-Accept Admission Offer

*Pay attention to housing deadlines

ResourcesSenior Calendar- 2019-2020

Net Price Calculator: $$

College Scorecard- https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/

College Search- www.Careercruising.com; https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search

Financial Aid: www.isac.org; www.fafsa.gov

Naviance: Students will learn more at late starts

Thank you! Remember you have help!

Corey OstlingPost-High School Counselor

Ostlingcm@unit5.orgTwitter: @Futuretbd