Post on 30-Mar-2015
Applying to University in North America
Tiffany SingletonNovember 14, 2011
Agenda for Today:
Standardized Tests Look @ “Trends in Higher Education” Logistics of Applying Essay Tips Financial Aid Info Advice from RA Class of 2011 Q&A
Standardized Tests:
SAT General Knowledge
SAT Subject (SAT II) 2-3 typically needed for highly selective schools
ACT Growing # of schools now accepting the
ACT+Writing in place of SAT Subject Tests
TOEFL International students
for whom English is not 1st language
Test Registration: SAT/SAT 2
Register with Frise Forms Cash or Check
(USD/KSH)
ACT Register online
www.actstudent.org Credit Card
TOEFL Register with Frise Paper based vs.
Computer based
Test Date Reg. Deadlin
e
SAT Dec 3 Oct 25
SAT Jan 28* Dec 20
ACT April 14 March 9
SAT May 5 March 27
SAT June 2 April 24
Final Year Testing Timeline:
ACT: October
SAT: October/November
SAT II Subject: November/December
ACT (retake): April
AP: May
Requesting ADDITIONAL SAT Score Reports
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Trends in the (NA) College World…
New Financial Aid Tools www.simpletuition.com
Aim is to bring transparency
Net Price Calculator Beginning Oct 2011
all US schools are required to post a net calculator on their website
Gives estimated cost of school and aid eligibility based on each student’s individual circumstances
Test-Optional Continues 850 schools no longer
require standardized test scores
Taking more holistic approach
Admissions Officers more willing to accept students who have some life experience
Trends…
Changes in Application Process More online applications
80% in 2010 58% in 2006
More gap year students More students applying
early decision/early action
Increase in applications (easier access - CommonAp)
23% of 2010 applicants applied to 7 or more schools
3% in 1975
Application Audits Several universities are
beginning “application audits”
Turnitin Service used to detect plagiarism in essays and applications
Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA) 2010• $36 billion over 10
years to increase the max. Pell Grant
• $2 billion invested into community colleges to develop and improve educational or career training.
Click icon to add picture
GLOBALIZATION OF HIGHER
EDUCATION AROUND THE
WORLD
Federal funding to increase “Study Abroad” programs. Obama hopes to send 100,000 US students to China over
the next 4 years. Increase in recruitment of international students
60% increase in number of students studying outside their native country since 2000 (150% for US Students)
Trends…
Community College Numbers Continue to Rise 44% all undergrads Open
access/admission Seamless transfer
to university Few residency
requirements FinAid offered International
student programs
At Yale, Amherst, Princeton, Harvard, Dartmouth, MIT – need blind for international students
(*Have to be accepted 1st!)
Men Finish Last First time in history
women are earning more degrees than men!
By age 25, there are 141 female college grads for every 100 men
***Technology Take Over!
“Point, Click, Study” – over 3.5 million students taking online courses
High tech classrooms (tweeting professors, podcast lessons, Blackboard)
Use of technology in admissions Blogs, discussion
boards, virtual tours, Facebook, YouTube, Skype, Aps
Watch what you post!
The new background check:
Risqué Facebook/MySpace images
Claims of drug and alcohol use
Email names
Application Timeline
Meet with Counselor
Plan Application Strategy
2:3:2
Start Asking for Letters of
Recommendation
Start Application
Gather Financial
Aid/Scholarship Information
Factors to Consider:
Location Type of Institution (Public vs. Private,
Christian vs. Secular) Size Majors Offered Student Life/Activities/Athletics Housing Campus Environment
Helpful Tool: College Board Match Maker
College Selection Process:
How many? Where? Type? Location? Cost? Can I get in?
2:3:2 ratio
2 DREAM SCHOOLS 3 JUST RIGHT SCHOOLS 2 NO PROBLEM SCHOOLS
What Goes into Admission Decision in the USA?
Admission
Extracurricular
Academics**-GPA
-Rank -Rigor of courses taken in HS
-SAT/ACT Scores
Character/Leadership
**Other than engineering, typically apply to the university (not specific program/subject area)
Application Process: Gather materials (almost all applications now online) Read through ALL instructions
Check for recommendation forms, financial aid forms Request recommendations/transcripts* Photocopy/print application materials (rough draft)
Be attentive to detail Reflect – don’t rush
Essay Seek Advice Make/save copies before submission Submit your application Apply for financial aid/scholarships Request Mid Year Reports Request Final Transcript
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References: Someone who knows you well
Core subjects should be primary Coach/Electives teacher can be used
Give at least 2 weeks notice Give required forms (if applicable) Give resume with list of activities and interests etc./Brag
Sheet Give stamped envelope with address
Remind your recommender to keep a copy
Follow up with a thank you note…or chocolate :)
Common ApplicationWWW.COMMONAP.ORG Accepted by many colleges (over 400 and growing) Same application/forms can be used for other
participating schools Submit online (or print forms and mail) Records Set!
3.5 submissions per second during 2010-2011 admissions season!
2.3 million applicants 2010-2011 (up 23.4% from previous year)
Online School Forms System Teacher/counselor can fill out forms online Go to “School Forms” section to add teacher/counselor
Important to give accurate email!
Avoiding Application Mistakes:
Follow all directions! A lot of simple mistakes can be
easily avoided
Sins of omission Double and triple check to
make sure you haven’t forgotten anything
Give them what they’re asking for! Ex: Birthdate/Today’s Date
Have friends, family, or teachers look over
Give yourself enough time to
complete it!
Early ACTION vs. Early DECISION
Definition Binding?
Early ACTION
Apply early and receive decision
well in advance of institution’s regular
response date.
No
Early DECISION
Make commitment to first-choice. If admitted, must enroll. (Financial
aid only exception.)
YES
Community College:
The Economic Option Associate’s Degree Option Transfer Option Flexible Option
An option for YOU?
Canadian Universities:
Greater emphasis on academic record
Scholarships also usually on basis of academic success but not as common
MUCH less expensive than most US schools
Application forms/fees similar to US
Typically apply to the academic PROGRAM
International Student Info:
United States: www.eduPASS.com www.internationalstudent.com
Canada: www.Canada123.org
Writing the Essay:
Start EARLY Be honest Be yourself
Humor can be risky – be careful Go beyond the “who” and “what” and dig into the
“why” and “how” Keep in focus and follow directions Write and re-write Get a 2nd opinion Proofread Follow the word limit Don’t confuse applying online with sending an
Different Types of Essays:
The “YOU” Question Plus: Offers chance to talk about something other than
grades and test scores Danger: Can lead to an essay that is all over the place!
The “WHY US” Question Plus: Offers chance to show commitment to the school Danger: Any factual errors show student hasn’t
thought deeply about his/her choice
The “CREATIVE” Question Plus: Offers chance to show personality and values Danger: Possible to take undisciplined style of writing
Financial Aid:
What is financial aid? Money given or loaned to you to help pay for college FAFSA (federal government form) – US Citizens only
Who gets it? Those who need it Those who won’t (based on merit)
Where does the money come from? The government The college** Outside grants/scholarships www.finaid.com www.fastweb.com
Financial Aid:
Start Early
Financial Aid Fact Sheet
FASFA January 1 Can get PIN earlier (Nov) US Citizens ONLY
Each College Unique
Internationals – access to financial records
It is okay to negotiate!
What is the CSS Profile?
Service of Collegeboard
2012-2013 Profile available as of Oct 1st
Determines eligibility for nonfederal financial aid, such as institutional aid and scholarships
Registration fee and fee for each school to which information is sent
Gives student opportunity to include explanations about special financial circumstances
Many schools allow international students to complete
Financial Aid for INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS:
Each college has unique requirements for financial aid and their own financial aid application
Schools generally require complete bank records (evidence) Need to be notarized
Many schools require a down payment of 1st semester costs before they issue the 1-20 acceptance letter.
Financial Aid for INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS:
International Scholarshipswww.InternationalScholarships.com Financial aid, college scholarship and grant information for
international students wishing to study abroad. Basic and premium search to find scholarships all around the world!
International Studentwww.Internationalstudent.com (click resources tab)
Loans Financial Aid Scholarship Search Tool Financial Aid Advice Articles Financial Aid Forum
Ready to Apply??
Finish practice application (keep copies)
Start asking for teacher recommendations
Transcript/Secondary School Report Request
Write those essays Gather scholarship and financial aid
info Prepare to be patient!
College Advice from Rosslyn Academy Class of 2011
“Apply early…like right now!”*** “Have a backup plan” “Get your essay proofread” “Don’t miss financial aid deadlines” “Once you know where you are going,
apply for your VISA early” “Reach out to admissions counselors” “Take Subject Tests – you never know if
you will need them”
QUESTIONS???