“where do we begin?” the college search and visit process
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“Where do we begin?” The College Search and Visit Process. Gathering Information. Get an overview of your choices Develop a ‘short list’ Find out more about your student’s short list Internet, guide books, college fairs, teachers, family/friends Call the College/University - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
“Where do we begin?”
The College Search and Visit Process
Fairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
Gathering Information
Get an overview of your choices
Develop a ‘short list’
Find out more about your student’s short list Internet, guide books, college fairs, teachers, family/friends Call the College/University
Schedule an appointment with your student’s counselor. Talk with relatives / friends / mentors who have gone through the
process.
Fairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
What’s Important to You?
Surprise! Students and parents have different priorities sometimes.
Honest discourse about higher education.LocationCostSizeAcademic programs
Fairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
Characteristics to Consider…
Public vs PrivateSchool & Class SizeFacultyGeographic LocationDistance from Home AthleticsDiversitySocial Activities/Clubs
Fairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
Admission Criteria Areas of Study Cost Financial Aid Housing Academic Rigor Graduation & Retention Rates
Why visit?Fairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
Confirm your research
Demonstrate an interest
See physical surroundings
Make important connections
Get a true ‘feel’ for the school
Before applying vs. after admission
Planning a College Tour
Ideal: “Visit as many schools as possible!”
Identify potential “hurdles”.TransportationFinancesVacationSchool Absences
Reality: “Visit the school(s) you want to most likely consider.”
Fairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
Types of Visits
Campus Tour – most common Information Sessions Open Houses (Large vs Small) Interviews Day Visits Overnights Athletic Visits “Drive throughs” Internet “visits” Meet professors / coaches Key: Understand what type of visit is most effective for you!
Fairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
Prep Time: “Preparing for Your Visit”
Fairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
Encourage your student to take control of this process. How?
Research of the basic information
Confirm reservations and get directions
Start to think about important questions
Know what they’re looking for during a visit. What are the goals?
A prepared student will bring a resume and/or transcript. Unofficial transcripts can be obtained in the high school guidance office.
Relax…
Brainstorm: What to look for?
General University/College InformationStudent body, admissions criteria, financial aid
On-Campus Living/Food ServiceResidential life, cafeteria, parking, etc.
Student Life/AthleticsClubs & organizations, social life, recreation, etc.
Academic LifeClassrooms, professors, course offerings, etc.
Fairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
Arriving on CampusFairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
Check-in first!
Gather printed information: Course catalogues, viewbooks, fee waivers, post graduation reports, etc…
Follow the outlined program
Self-guided tours
The Campus TourFairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
Stick to the front of the group and ask your important questions- even if you are embarrassing!
Tour Guide = Student
Picture your student on campus. Picture yourself on parents’ weekend.
How comfortable do you feel on campus?
Afterwards…
Were your questions/concerns addressed?
Do you have new questions?
Who were the people you met with?
Did you make any other significant contacts?
How do you “feel” about the school?
Fairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
Other Tips & Suggestions
Follow up with counselors / professors / students
Keep a journal
Take pictures/video
2 visit limit/day
Eat on campus
Enjoy the neighborhood
Fairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
Fairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
P.E.A.C.E.• Participate
• Educate
• Agree
• Communicate
• Enjoy
Source : ApplyWiseLLC(applywise.com)
Fairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
Working with your child’s counselor
• Partnership
• Schedule an Appointment
• Start Early
• Monitor homework
Fairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
The Application
• Institutional vs. Common Application
• Application Processes– Early Decision– Early Action– Single Choice Early Action– Regular Decision
• Rolling Admission vs. Deadline
Fairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
The Transcript
• Typically the most important document
• Official record of all course attempted and grades received
• Rigor of courses
• Number of core subjects
• Senior year courses
• Attendance
Fairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
The Essay
• Important component
• Opportunity for school to learn more about the applicant
• Brainstorm about possible topics with your child
• Offer to proofread his or her essay
• Don’t be overly critical – the essay is an expression of your child, not you
Fairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
Standardized Tests
• Types– SAT– ACT– Subject Tests– TOEFL
• When to take them?
• How many times?
• Test optional institutions
Fairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
Letters of Recommendation• Secondary School Counselor
• Teachers
• Other Educators
• Employer
• Community Figures, Church Leaders
Fairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
The Resume
• In what activities has your child been involved?
• How long has he/she participated in a particular activity?
• Significant leadership roles
• Special recognitions
• Unique talents and abilities
Fairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
How Do Colleges Make Their Decisions?• Different schools may take different
approaches
• Multiple reviews
• Admission committee
• Holistic approach
• Demonstrated interest
• Strength of application vs. enrollment objectives
Fairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
Decisions – When will I know?
• Early Action/Early Decision – December– Admit– Defer– Deny
• Rolling Decision – Notified as Decisions are made
• Regular Decision – April– Admit– Conditional Admit– Waitlist– Deny
Fairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
What Now?
•Visit and Re-Visit–Campus Tours and Information Sessions–Class Visits–Open House Programs–Overnight Visits
Fairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
What should I ask?• Academic Program & Support
• Residence Life
• Life outside the classroom
• Athletics
• Outcomes
Fairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
Financial Aid Process
• Most financial aid deadlines fall long before you will hear about a college’s decision, so don’t wait to complete the necessary financial aid forms!
• Colleges assume that the first responsibility for paying for college falls to the student and his/her parents. However, colleges have millions of dollars in aid available to help families with this daunting task.
Fairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
Applying for Financial Aid
• FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid– www.fafsa.edu.gov– Student and Parents must register for PIN
number– File after January 1 – many colleges require
family to submit by some time in February
Fairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
Applying for Financial Aid
• CSS Profile Form – www.collegeboard.com– Additional form required by some private
schools– More comprehensive – includes more assets
but also allows for more allowances– Can be filed after October 1
Fairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
Determining Financial Need
• Cost of Attendance – Total cost to attend school – Tuition, Room and Board, Expenses
• Expected Family Contribution – Based on an analysis of all data, measure of how much a family can contribute to a student’s education
Fairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
Financial NeedCost of Attendance (COA)
Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
=
Eligibility for Need-Based Aid
How that need is met will vary from college to college – hence the importance of comparing financial aid packages
Fairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
Types of Financial Aid
• Gift Aid– Grants– Scholarships– Aid that a student does not have to work for or
pay back, but there might be some conditions on a scholarship (participation in an activity or academic program)
Fairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
Types of Financial Aid
• Self Help Aid– Student Loans– Parent Loans– Work Study Grants– Students will work for this aid or be obligated
to pay back any money borrowed.
Fairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
Additional Documentation
• Tax Returns – Students’ and Parents’– Used to verify information provided in the
FAFSA and CSS Profile Forms
• Business Supplements
• Divorced/Separated Parent Information
Fairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
Non Need Based Aid
• Merit Scholarships– Offered by college or outside agencies– Policies will vary by school and organization
• Athletic Scholarships– Generally offered at NCAA Division 1 schools
at discretion of coach– Certain academic criteria must be met
Fairfield University
Education For An Inspired Life
Contacts
Fairfield University
Office of Undergraduate Admission
1073 North Benson Rd
Fairfield, CT 06870
203-254-4100
Lindsay Slattum
Associate Director of Admission
Nakia Noble
Associate Director of Admission