College Planning for Seniors Class of 2013 Michelle

College Planning for Seniors Class of 2013 Michelle Cundiff, MA, PSC mcundiff@riverdale. k 12. oh. us 419 -694 -2211 x 1104

Agenda Tests College Research Athletics Paying How to apply at RHS

Perspective Why go to college? Indecision, confusion, moving slowly “College is a match to be made, not a prize to be won. ” Career choice might come later

Tests www. actstudent. org www. collegeboard. org ACT dates and registration deadlines left for this school year (6 dates a year): February 9 with a deadling of January 11 April 13 with a deadline of March 8 June 8 with a deadline of May 3 SAT dates and registration deadlines left for this school year (7 dates a year): January 26 -deadline of December 28 March 9 -deadline of 2/8 (no subject tests) May 4 – deadline of April 5 June 1 – deadline of May 2 RHS code 363 -525 –-- needed to register

ACT vs. SAT ACT has 5 sections if students chose to take the writing test (and they should). ACT – English, math, reading, science, & writing No penalty for guessing. SAT has 10 sections including a writing test. There is a ¼ point deduction for wrong answers. Students’ PLAN and PSAT scores should give them information regarding which one they will score better on. Most MHS students take the ACT, and then many students retake it several times. Scores are available online approximately 3 weeks after they take the test. SAT Subject Tests – optional. These are for highly selective schools so check with the individual school. All colleges take both or either tests.

Test Prep Yes, yes!!! Do something – free online tests, paper test book in Guidance office, workshops Learning. Express. Library. com – free practice tests. Classes and tutors for hire – time consuming Many students say ACT can be difficult to finish. There are test optional schools – www. fairtest. org

College Research Students should research colleges that they are interested in as well as those that would be an appropriate fit academically. Students can use their PSAT and PLAN test scores as estimates of their SAT and ACT scores in choosing realistic colleges. College search tools – college websites, OCIS – www. ocis. org (username – riverdale & password – ohiocis 03), Sr. year college fair at FHS in September. College visits – can miss 2 school days as a Sr – pick up forms first. Typically sign up for visits via the college website.

More sources Collegeresults. org Collegeboard. org Collegeprowler. org Cappex. com Collegedata. com

College Search Factors Academic Programs Location – how far away from home Size Student activities Residence facilities Cost Job placement Study abroad, co-op, and other special programs Selectivity and fit for student Reputation

Statistics according to the NACAC 2010 data On average, four-year institutions nationwide accepted about 2/3 of all students who applied for admission. Common Application has been a factor in the increase in applications submitted. The essay for the common application has not changed for next year.

Middle 50% Scores for 2011 ACT SAT Reading SAT Math RHS 20 -25 UF 20 -26 460 -590 480 -610 OSU 26 - 30 540 - 650 590 - 700 ONU 24 - 29 510 - 620 560 -670 BGSU 19 - 25 910 -1130**

Deciding where to apply Talk to college admission reps Use web tools Visit campuses Attend evening programs-many open house dates re major specific

How To Apply Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines How many applications? According to the NACAC report, 25% of fall 2010 freshmen applied to 7 or more schools. Types of admission plans – early decision, early action, rolling, regular Application parts – demographics, essay, resume information, recommendations

College Admissions Criteria Grades in college prep courses Strength of curriculum Admission test scores Class rank Essay Counselor & Teacher recommendations School involvement, etc.

Essays The Common Application Essay choices Evaluate a significant life experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you Discuss some issue of personal, local, national, or international concern and its importance to you Indicate a person who has had a significant influence on you, and describe that influence. A range of academic interests, personal perspectives, and life experiences adds much to the emotional mix. Given your personal background, describe an experience that illustrates what you bring to the diversity in a college community or an encounter that demonstrated the importance of diversity to you. Topic of your choice. Some interesting essays: U. of Chicago – “What does Play-Doh have to do with Plato? ” “What is X? ” Wake Forest U. - “Give us your top ten list. ”

Athletics NCAA Eligibility Center – register at http: //eligibiltycenter. org Costs about $70 to register Request that your transcript be sent from the RHS counseling office AFTER completion of junior year ** can still register as a Sr. Athletics – adds a WHOLE OTHER ASPECT to the college search See your coaches and Mr. Taylor (athletic director)

Paying For College – note that some programs & housing/meal plans can have different costs. Tuition Room & Board Total ONU $34, 140 $19, 476 $43, 616 UF $27, 290 $9, 074 $36, 364 UT $8, 788 $9, 746 $18, 534 BGSU $10, 044 $8, 268 $18, 312 UNOH $8, 775 $6, 750 $15, 855 Owens $1, 976

Paying For College Applying for aid – FAFSA Types of aid – grants, scholarships, loans, work study Alternative methods of funding: ROTC/military, payment plans, co-op, community college, be employed, attend part-time, PSEO

Applying to college at RHSStep #1 Submit application online Form Application fee Free/Reduced Lunch waiver Essay Resume or list of activities

Applying for college at RHSStep #2 Print forms (or invite electronically) Counselor Report Teacher Recommendations Supplementals

Applying to college at RHSStep #3 Request a transcript by seeing Mrs. Cundiff and filling out a ½ sheet pink request form Allow 1 -2 weeks for mailing from RHS If the deadline is near, come into the Guidance office

After applying Complete FAFSA in January www. fasfa 4 caster. ed. gov www. fafsa. gov www. pin. ed. gov Attend Financial Aid Meeting with Bluffton Univ. at Arlington High School on Jan 14 @ 6: 30 Other Hancock County Dates: Mc. Comb 12 -18 -12 @ 6: 30 Liberty Benton 1 -14 -13 @ 7: 00 Findlay 1 -7 -13 @ 7: 00

After Applying Continue scholarship search www. fastweb. com www. schlarships. com www. brokescholar. com www. collegeboard. org Check with local organizations Churches Clubs Banks

After Applying Wait for admission decision Keep up study habits and grades Visit campuses again before making final decision Decide by May 1 – do not have more then one deposit after 5/1

How can parents help? DON’T TOUCH THE KEYBOARD!! Help your Sr. stay organized Help schedule and attend college visits Help your student clarify importance Choice should be theirs Search for independent scholarships Complete FASFA as soon as possible after Jan 1 Complete FASFA PIN as soon as possible

Text Updates Receive Guidance Updates by texting the words: Follow RHS_Guidance 1 to #40404 ACT dates, scholarships, deadline reminders

Questions?