COLLEGE VISITS?  WHEN CAN I GO?

Students are encouraged to personally visit all the schools they will apply to and consider attending.  Most students report “the campus visit is what really helps determine which college is the best fit for them!”   Students are responsible for making all the arrangements with the college they plan to visit.  This can be done easily on the website of the colleges or by calling their Admissions Office.  Watch for special visit dates or open house events that colleges may offer to give students a comprehensive overview of their campus and program options.  It is best to plan visits when high school is not in session, but if this cannot be arranged you may be excused from school, parents please let our high school office know that you will be gone for a college visit.  

WHO ARE COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVES?  WHY ARE THEY HERE?

College representatives are knowledgeable admissions personnel from various colleges who come to the high school to talk with students.  They have detailed information about their school and can answer specific questions about admission requirements and what you might experience as a student on their campus.  This is a great opportunity for students to gather information and find answers to their questions regardless of the school they end up choosing.  The dates for the college representative visits will be posted on the St. Clair’s Activities Calendar and will also be in the daily announcements for students.  Mr. Stauffer will also send out emails to Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors notifying when a college representative is visiting.  Students are encouraged to attend.  Please see Mr. Stauffer and get a pass in the Counseling Office prior to the visit if it is not scheduled during lunch time.  If you are leaving a class, please notify your teacher in advance.  

Questions to Ask College Reps

MEETING COLLEGE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS?

Students should review the specific admissions requirements posted on each college website!  

GPA & CLASS RANK

Most 4-year schools consider your: Grade Point Average (GPA), Class Rank, college preparatory coursework taken during high school, and test scores (ACT) to determine if you are “ready” for the rigor at their school (i.e admission) as well as to determine your eligibility for their school-based scholarships.  At this time, St. Clair does not determine Class Rank due to many disadvantages that this creates for students.  If a college application has this, either leave it blank or select NA.  Almost all 2-year colleges have “open” admissions and don’t require any specific GPA or test scores for admission.  However, many colleges also require that you meet benchmark scores (on a standardized exam) to demonstrate your readiness for enrollment into certain coursework.  Refer to the details on the college website (i.e. course descriptions) for the specific program(s) you are interested in.  Consider your interests, goals, and readiness to determine which school is a good fit for you.

Test Optional  

• Test Optional means that you do not have to submit an ACT/SAT score for admission.

• Schools are taking more of a holistic approach to admission, a review of the whole applicant, such as GPA, Class Rank, Coursework, Essays, Letters of Recommendation, Community Service, etc. 

• Some schools are even “Test Blind” - meaning even if you did submit an ACT score, they will not look at them.

All schools are doing things differently, therefore research Admission Criteria for each school on the school’s website.  If the website is not clear, a simple call to the Admissions office is suggested while asking the questions, “Do I need to submit ACT scores for admission?” and “Since you are test optional, if I send ACT scores, will you even look at them for admission?”

ACT SCORES

At this time, many colleges will use the following ACT subject scores as a benchmark that a student is “ready” for related coursework at the college: English 18, Reading 22, and Mathematics 22, Science 23, or a composite score of 21.  If you don’t meet these benchmark scores, you should possibly consider retaking the ACT.  If you need to send schools your ACT Exam scores, colleges usually require an Official ACT Score Report in order to process your application for admission.  ACT Score Reports can be sent to colleges automatically if you enter their school codes at the time of your ACT test registration.  If you need ACT scores sent after you have tested, you must go to the ACT website (www.my.act.org) to request and pay the fee to have scores sent. 

WHEN SHOULD COLLEGE APPLICATIONS BE MADE?

Begin applying to college early in the Senior Year (PREFERABLY BY NOVEMBER)!  

There are many advantages to an early application: 

1) It places the student in a position to secure admission and scholarship money (if qualified).  

2) It will enable you to make plans to secure housing (housing can fill up early).  

3) It prevents you from being placed on a waiting list (popular programs can fill up early).  

4) It allows you to apply for financial aid and then compare packages (if accepted to multiple schools).  

5) You can always change your mind and decline your admission.  

6) Typically, you do not need to make a final decision about where you will enroll until May 1 of your senior year.

HOW TO APPLY TO COLLEGE?

Step by Step Process For Applying to College

Many schools expect and prefer that you apply online.  Simply go to the school’s website and complete their application for admission. If you prefer a paper application, request one be sent to you directly from the school. There may be a required application fee around $20 (or more) which you can pay online with a credit card or send a check directly to the college.  Minnesota sponsors an annual event in October called College Knowledge Month, with activities to promote college attendance.  In fact, some schools may offer a waiver of their application fee during certain days in October.  Link:  Free Application Options .  *IMPORTANT: Applications are not complete until you’ve sent your transcripts and paid your application fee (if applicable).  If you meet with a college representative at school, they are typically known to waive an application fee for a student, because the student took time and expressed interest in that college.

TRANSCRIPTS 

What is a transcript?  A high school transcript is an academic record of all of the coursework you completed in grades 9-12.  Colleges typically will require your official high school transcript in order to process your application for admission. Please email Mr. Stauffer where you need your high school transcripts sent.

If you took college-level coursework in high school, you must send your college transcripts separately.  You will have to look at the college’s website on how to send college transcripts, see below.  Do not send college transcripts until ALL coursework is complete and there is a grade.

FINAL HS & COLLEGE TRANSCRIPTS  (at end of Senior Year)

At the end of your Senior Year, you will need to request a final transcript to the college that you decided to attend to show your final grades that you graduated with.  Remember your admission to college is provisional, so keep your grades up, because colleges have the right to decline admission if your grades dropped significantly at the end of the year.  Please email Mr. Stauffer where to send your final high school transcript.

At the end of your Senior Year, if you took college-level coursework in high school, you must send your final college transcripts separately.  You will have to look at the college’s website on how to send college transcripts, see below.  Do not send college transcripts until ALL coursework is complete and there is a grade.  Some colleges have a “hold for grades” option.  This means that your transcript will not be sent until a grade is posted.  If this option is not available, then wait until a grade is posted on your transcripts.  You can see an unofficial view of your transcripts in your college portals.

WILL MY COLLEGE CREDITS FROM HIGH SCHOOL TRANSFER?

It depends upon the school receiving the transferring credits. Generally all MnSCU colleges accept each others credit - this includes all state of MN colleges and Universities - it does NOT include University of MN colleges or private colleges.

Check this site that may help you in determining if it might be possible: Transferology or MN Transfer.