College Resources
Prepare - Explore Careers
Postsecondary planning should start with your future career goals in mind. Think about what level of education you need for your future career and what you should study before you start looking at potential colleges/universities. Check out our Career Tab for more resources for Career Exploration.
Create an activities resume - Whether you had a high school job or you were just involved in a lot of activities at school, create a resume to share with others about your experiences.
Prepare
Students create a 4-year plan using Xello starting in 8th grade. The course planner is meant to help students plan out their 4-years of high school, but is a flexible document that changes as your student matures and explores careers. Students should consider college admissions requirements (and NCAA Requirements if they are considering college athletics) as they plan their 4-years.
Check out our Academics Tab for course options available to Linn-Mar High School Students and see the links below for additional information.
Linn-Mar Career Pathways - These pathway documents can give students an idea of Linn-Mar and Kirkwood classes they can take to prepare for careers in a particular career cluster. Thank you to MEDCO's Community Promise for their support in creating these plans.
AP Transfer Policies - Students taking AP courses may want to check what test score they need to earn credit at potential colleges/Universities
College Admissions Testing - Students should consider taking the ACT or SAT during their junior year of high school.
ACT Testing - While many colleges have gone test optional, we recommend students still considering taking a college admissions exam. The ACT is popular for many Linn-Mar students, but students may between the ACT and SAT based on their preferred testing forma. Click the link to get test prep resources and to register for the test. Fee waivers are available from the counseling office for qualifying students. ACT has begun offering online testing at test sites Fall 2022.
SAT Testing - While many colleges have gone test optional, we recommend students still considering taking a college admissions exam. The SAT is less common for Linn-Mar students, but students may between the ACT and SAT based on their preferred testing format. Click the link to get test prep resources and to register for the test. Fee waivers are available from the counseling office for qualifying students. SAT will be offering online testing at test sites in March 2023.
RAI Calculator - The Iowa Regents (Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa, University of Iowa) have created transparent requirements for admission to their institutions. Students can use their formula to make sure they are track for admission to these institutions. Students should also consider RAI approved coursework to prepare academically.
Apprenticeships - www.earnandlearniowa.gov
Military - www.military.com
Vocational/Technical Schools
Community Colleges - Iowa has 15 Community Colleges across the state - see the list here.
Public Universities - https://www.iowaregents.edu/institutions
Private, Nonprofit Schools - https://iaicu.org/
Private, For-Profit Schools
Iowa College Aid - Iowa Colleges and Universities Directory
Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Consider your Fit - When thinking about which college/university is best for you, think about the following factors:
Career Interest
College Major
Cost of College - check the net price at https://collegecost.ed.gov/net-price
Location
Size
Admissions Requirements (ACT/SAT Score, GPA, etc)
Academic Resources
Counseling Resources
Clubs, organizations, and sports
Graduation Rate
Placement Rate
Use this worksheet to help shape your list.
Meet with College Admissions Reps at Linn-Mar - get a pass from the Counselors' office if you have to miss class.
Visit Campus - You can sign up for campus visits on college websites.
What to ask a College Admissions Counselor
College Search Tools
College Raptor - College Research and Cost Comparison Site
College Board - College Research
Xello - College Research, Transcript Requests
Common App - College Research & Application portal
Coalition Application - College Research & Application portal
Apply
Most applications open July 1 before senior year
College Admission Requirements
Safety School - Any school you are confident you will be accepted (Iowa's community colleges are open-admission)
Match/Target Schools - Schools you have a good possibility you will be accepted to based on your GPA and test scores.
Reach School - Schools with competitive admissions rates or where your GPA and test scores fall outside the typical range. You can usually find GPA and test score ranges by searching "First-Year Student Profile" on the school's website. Example from the University of Iowa
Things you need for your application
Full legal name, address, phone number, and personal email address
Parent Names and Contact information
Social Security Number
List of classes and grades
Copy of your Transcript - Download from the document vault on PowerSchool
Letters of Recommendation - Ask teachers at least 2 weeks in advance of the due date and provide a copy of your resume/activities list
Credit/Debit Card to pay the application fee (if applicable)
Request your official transcript from Xello
Common App - Start your college application during your junior year to get a headstart. Then connect your Common App account in Xello to get letters of recommendation and counselor reports.
Top 5 Colleges for Linn-Mar Students
Kirkwood Community College - Apply
University of Iowa - Apply
Iowa State University - Apply
University of Northern Iowa - Apply
Apply by December 1 to get the most out of your application.
College Admissions Essay Tips
College Wise - Tips for Essays, Visits, and More
College Essay Guy - College Essay Tips
Finance
FSA ID - Your "signature" for the FAFSA. Create your FSA ID any time before you file the FAFSA at https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - Apply starting October 1 of Senior Year
Iowa College FAFSA Priority Deadlines
Grants - typically based on financial need; you don't have to pay back grants
Loans - type of loan depends on financial need; MUST pay back
Work Study - work while in college and earn money to help pay expenses with on-campus employment
Iowa Financial Aid Application - Required for some Iowa programs require this additional application.
Scholarships
Linn-Mar Foundation - Specifically for Linn-Mar students. Applications open for seniors January to early February. Watch your school email!
Bold.org
Iowa Colleges with Full-Tuition Scholarships for students with Financial Need - based on FAFSA information
Mount Mercy University - Catherine McAuley Scholarship
Luther College - Iowa Impact Award
Simpson College - Simpson Promise
Decide
Go
Below is a list of resources for you to use in your college planning process.