Jumpstart your understanding

Post-graduation education plans are important!

• • • University

    • Community college

    • Technical school

    • Military

    • Job

Things to consider in choosing a university

1.  LOCATION

• • • • • Current vs. college environment

        • Urban vs. suburban vs. rural

        • Recreational and cultural activities in the area

        • Opportunities for off-campus job or local internship

2.  LEARNING

• • • Learning style:  classroom learner or learn from experience? 

    • Want to conduct original research? 

    • Semester or quarter system?

    • Learn well in big classes? Small classes?

    • Will you be able to add a minor or double major if that will help you reach your goals?

    • Does the university invest in professional academic advisors to help you review your options and stay on track? 

    • Will you have opportunities to apply what you have learned before you even graduate?

    • Try to contact the department or program they’re interested in at each of their potential universities. 

3.  COMMUNITY

• • • Check out what kind of communities already exist on campus.

    • Students should challenge themselves and branch out,  in addition to learning about their major.

4.  SUPPORT

• • • Students will take responsibility for themselves and their studies.  

    • What happens when they need a hand?   

    • Is there a safety net?

    • Consider:  

      • • Tutoring

        • Advising

        • Career Counseling

        • Enrichment Programs

        • Early Warning and Intervention Programs

        • Diversity and Cultural Groups

        • Health and Counseling Programs

        • Proactive Orientations

    • IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT GETTING INTO COLLEGE, BUT THROUGH IT!

5.  FINANCIAL FIT

• • • • • • FINANCIAL FIT =  Total Cost  +  Financial Aid  +  Payment Strategies  +  Outcomes

            • • 1. Total cost includes:  tuition, fees, housing, travel costs, books and materials, and spending money. 

                2. Split aid into categories: need-based aid, merit scholarships, any other opportunities offered by the university

• • • Include other strategies such as:

      • • • college savings

          • parents loans

          • scholarships from outside organizations

          • college credits earned through advanced placement exams

• • • Understand your college costs.  Your "Expected Family Contribution" is the amount of money your family is expected to pay out of pocket for your college.  There are online tools called "EFC Calculators" or "Net Price Calculators" that can be found on every college website, or use the College Cost Calculator.

6.  FACTORS INFLUENCING ADMISSION

• • • Grades:   Sophomore/Junior grades are critical

    • Rigor

    • Test Scores

    • Finances

The college list -- where to apply

• • • On-going process – constantly changing

    • Create a diverse list

    • Include a combination of colleges categorized as:     

      • • SAFETY:  You will most likely get in.  Chances for admissions are very strong.  “Safety” is harder to call today.

        • MATCH:  You have a reasonable chance of getting in.   You closely meet the academic expectations.

        • REACH:   You might get in but don’t count on it.  This includes “Dream” schools where admission chances are thought to be unlikely based on transcript and test scores.  This also includes colleges that are a reach for anyone (usually have admit rates between 7%-20%)

• • • • • At least 2 college should be a “safety” both academically and financially -- your family should be able afford the college costs.  Community college is a great option -- save money and get general education requirements completed and then transfer to a four year university.

Where you go is not who you'll be:  a book by Frank Bruni  --  read the review

Successful people and where they went to school:

• • • Forbes 400 – 63 high school diploma only -Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Steve Jobs

    • Butte College -Aaron Rodgers

    • Chabot College – Tom Hanks

    • Modesto Community College -George Lucas

    • CSU Long Beach State: Steven Spielberg; Chris Carter (Creator of  Xfiles)

    • Eureka College – Ronald Reagan

    • Providence College – Rich Gotham President of Boston Celtics

    • Reed College - Steve Jobs , Larry Sanger Co founder of Wikipedia

    • U of Illinois – Founder of Yelp

    • U of Denver – Condoleezza Rice – Former Secretary of State

A application usually includes:

• • • 1. Application – Online

      2. Essays (usually)  (not for CSU's)

      3. Activities and honors information (be involved, show leadership and be involved in community service)

      4. Arts Supplement (if applicable)

      5. Application fee (credit card, check or fee waiver request)

      6. Official Transcript (you self-report for UCs, CSUs and some other schools)

      7. Official Test Score Report (is becoming increasingly optional)

      8. Teacher and Counselor Letter of Recommendations

      9. Interview (Optional)

      10. Check the Admissions section of your college websites to determine exactly what is needed.

Test Preparation:

• • • • See more information on testing here.

      • Best method depends on your student

      • College Admission Counselors advising to take ACT over SAT 

      • Test by Spring of Junior Year

      • SAT Subject tests for Engineering or Highly selective colleges

      • “Independent” learners, self motivated students can prepare very effectively on their own

      • Some students may need structure of a specific program and schedule

      • Many private options

College & Career Center 

Students and parents are encouraged to make an appointment with your College & Career Advisor.  We are here to help guide you through the entire process.