the next step - college planning
TRANSCRIPT
The Next Step
Applying to and Choosing the Right School
Who are we?
Our presentation…
Part I: A “checklist” of things you should be doing / must eventually do
Part II: How to find the right school
Part III: What I should consider when choosing a school
Part IA “checklist” of things you should be doing / must eventually do
Juniors Get to know your counselor AND
teachers! For recommendation letters
Volunteer and/or Work Hospitals, House of Amos, etc
Leadership positions in extracurriculars
Think about college essays and resumes Save in-class essays
Juniors In the summer:
Consider summer programs/ internships
Request college informationWebsites, counselors, or
college friends
Seek out scholarshipsConsider QuestBridge
Visit colleges Source: McConnell Foundation
TESTS! SAT
SAT IIs 2-3 required by most top-tier schools
ACT
AP Tests College credit Shows you challenged yourself in high
school
Seniors Letters of Recommendation
1 or 2 teachers from different backgrounds
Counselor’s Recommendation
Additional Recommendation LetterSwim coach, eagle scouts leader, etc
Give recommender 2-4 weeks noticeProvide transcript, resume, envelopes,
and stamps
Seniors Personal Essays
Allows the school to see another aspect of you besides grades, test scores, etc
VERY IMPORTANT Why do you want to apply to this school?
Schools can tell when you know nothing about them
Financial Aid Search for scholarships and apply CSS Profile and FAFSA for FINANCIAL AID
Seniors
If you are waitlisted, contact admissions to reiterate your interest
Request a final transcript to be sent to the college you will attend
Enjoy your last semester! Have fun, but don’t forget about
grades
Part IIHow to find the right school
Source
: Rice
Univ
ersity
The Process
List criteria Research List possible colleges Seek advice Narrow list Visit Apply Finalize
The Process
List criteria Research List possible colleges Seek advice Narrow list Visit Apply Finalize
•College Board
•College fairs
•Bookstores
•University websites
The Process
List criteria Research List possible
colleges Seek advice Narrow list Visit Apply Finalize
The Process
List criteria Research List possible colleges Seek advice Narrow list Visit Apply Finalize
•Counselors
•College info sessions
•College students
•Websites (College Confidential)
COLLEGECONFIDENTIAL.COM
The Process
List criteria Research List possible colleges Seek advice Narrow list Visit Apply Finalize
•Evaluate with criteria
•Reaches
•Matches
•Safeties
The Process
List criteria Research List possible colleges Seek advice Narrow list Visit Apply Finalize
•College tours
•Attend classes
•Dine with students
•Explore college town
The Process
List criteria Research List possible colleges Seek advice Narrow list Visit Apply Finalize
•Supplements
The Process
List criteria Research List possible colleges Seek advice Narrow list Visit Apply Finalize
•Best fit
•Best financial package
•Visit, stay overnight
Part IIIWhat I should consider when choosing a school
Location Visit the campus Rural vs. suburban vs. urban Metropolitan life | Access to outdoors Climate Near vs. far
Source: David Sun
Size Large university of 30,000 students vs.
Small university of 3,000 vs. liberal arts college
Amount of personal attention Faculty-student ratio
Demographic of student body
Source: UGA
Reputation of academic departments
Institution that offers range of majors and programs
Research opportunities
Study abroad opportunities
Combined degree programs (e.g. BS/MD, Business/MBA)
Academic Programs
Extracurricular possibilities
Community involvement
Diversity of student organizations
Ethnic/religious groups
Fraternities and sororities
Housing and dormitories
Source: The Greek Store
Cost Costs between a private and public
university
Financial aid and assistance
Merit-based scholarships
Obligation of continual loans and academic scholarships
Remember… Name brand colleges will not guarantee
success or happiness Investigate beyond a narrow band of
highly selective colleges for more options
Don’t need to pick a major to pick a college - likely to change
VISIT COLLEGES!!! KEEP TRACK OF DEADLINES Don’t turn in your app on the last day
