Applying to College

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

• Students should make a list of their must-haves, then research college locations online

• Students should create a list of colleges to visit

• Students can take virtual tours before they even set foot on campus

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.

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.

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

  • Diversity and Cultural Groups

  • Health and Counseling Programs

  • Proactive Orientations

FINANCIAL FIT

• • FINANCIAL FIT =

    • Total Cost + Financial Aid + Payment Strategies + Outcomes

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

    • Split aid into categories like:

      • Need-based

      • 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

  • Use the NET PRICE CALCULATOR to determine your EFC (Expected Family Contribution)

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

        • Maybe

          • You have a reasonable chance

          • Closely meet the academic expectations

        • Not predictable/ Reach

          • You might get in but don’t count on it

          • “Dream” schools where admission chances are thought to be unlikely based on transcript and test scores

          • Colleges that are a reach for anyone (usually have admit rates between 7%-20%)

  • At least 1 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 four year university.

HERE IS WHAT'S NEEDED FOR A COMPLETE APPLICATION

• Application – Online

• Essays (usually)

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

• Arts Supplement (if applicable)

• Application fee (credit card, check or fee waiver request)

• Official Transcript

• Official Test Score Report (if including)

• Teacher and Counselor Letter of Recommendations

• Interview (Optional)

Where You Go Is Not Who You'll Be: An Antidote to the College Admissions Mania by

Frank Bruni -- Read the review