Start Your Plan
College admissions representatives review seven criteria students should consider and rank when trying to find their “right fit” colleges.
Please develop a "SMART PLAN" by having a variety of schools on your list and know your abilities, values, interests when searching for schools:
Probable Schools
You probably will get in based on your academic profile.
Realistic Schools
Your academic profile matches the school's academic profile for admitted students.
Dream Schools
You want to attend but your academic profile might be just shy of what they are looking for.
ADMISSIONS CRITERIA
Above are the three main categories that admissions offices use in reviewing an applicant.
ADMISSIONS DECISIONS
TEST OPTIONAL - (most popular) It is your choice to send or not to send. CLICK HERE for a list of colleges that are test optional.
TEST BLIND - not considering scores at all
TEST FLEXIBLE- schools prefer scores but will make an exception for this admission cycle
NO CHANGE IN POLICY
CLICK HERE for test taking tips from UIUC
COLLEGE SEARCH
Use the following resources to do a college search:
CAMPUS VISITS
An important part of your college search is the campus visit! Visiting a prospective college is one of the most helpful resources in selecting the right college. It provides you with an actual “feel” for the campus. In fact, it might be your best resource in learning about the campus and yourself and seeing if it is a right fit.
During your campus visit you can learn about the facilities, academic and social environment, and the overall school climate. These are things that you might not get from the college handbook. If the only time you have is during the summer months, you can still meet students and tour the campus, but keep in mind, there is not as much happening during the summer. Colleges are very happy to have you visit, but be aware that there might be certain guidelines that will apply (depending on each individual college).
Click here for suggestions on planning a college campus visit.
Click here for 25 great tips for planning a college campus visit.
Click here for a list of questions to ask a college representative.
Click here for a college comparison worksheet
Virtual Visit Opportunities:
Need to Know!
While there are no minimums or maximums on the number of schools you can apply to
a list of 5- 8 schools will give you some great choices and options.
Apply to Schools Early because...
Hear back sooner Increase chance of admissions Scholarships Less stress
Special programs Meet most deadlines Priority registration Focus on FAFSA/scholarships
Do not exclude a school just because of cost of attendance at this point.
Take the SAT/ACT Exams at least twice
Colleges use your your 6th semester cumulative GPA for admissions!
Senior course selection & grades counts!
(conditional admit until final 8th semester transcript is sent in June)
Click here for a variety of resources to help in planning for life after high school. The list below is just some of the topics and information available on this page.
BGHS YouTube videos Guide to College Planning
Parent College Knowledge Junior & Senior Newsletters and Calendar
Student Athlete First Generation Students
Special Needs Students Minority Students
Financial Aid College Rep/College Visit Planning
SENIORS next.mp4