Class of 2005 College Planning

A Guide Through the MazeNavigating the College Search and Admission Process

Nordonia High School Guidance Department1Miss Gina Tytko (330)908-6024gina.tytko@nordoniaschools.orgSchool Code: 363835Athletic Code: 9999

Your Transcript This is the print version of who you areas a student! People make judgments about you based on this information. Make sure this represents the best possible picture (quality of classes, your GPA, class rank) as colleges will evaluate these items.

Packet The guidance department has carefully chosen resources for you. Your packet is divided into four sections: General Information (pink) which includes important dates, success in school, and your academic record. Preparing for College (yellow) which includes many resources for how to begin and what to do in the college search process. Standardized Tests (green) which includes resources for understanding ACT and SAT tests and preparing for them. Resources (blue) which includes some resources that may be valuable during your junior year and college search process.

Booklet Handouts Get Set For College An excellent all-in-one resource! Everything you need to know about ACT from the test maker p.3, Ohio Colleges/Universities phone/websites p.5, College comparison WS and campus visit checklist p.6-7, Financing p.8-9, Glossary of terms p.11. A must use resource! Preparing for College - A Guide for Parents; Basic information on the topics presented this evening.ObjectivesI can identify the steps in the college search process and begin my own exploration.I understand the difference between the ACT & SAT, how to sign up for both, and when to take them.I can identify the differences between scholarships, grants, and loans and understand what I can start doing now in regards to Financial Aid. I am aware of the next steps I need to take as a Junior and am able to create a task list.2

AgendaCareer explorationCollege search processAdmissions testing ACT and SATFinancial aid/scholarshipsPost Secondary Enrollment Options/Advanced PlacementNext steps for juniors

33

Career ExplorationThis is a process. These suggestions can help:VolunteerJob ShadowWorkTake elective classes at NHS to introduce you to a possible careerTake time to complete an interest inventory (Kuder, ACT, websites).Talk to family, community members, etc.Utilize opportunities the first year of college to continue this process.

4College Search Process5

Lets Get It Started!

Know yourself and your reasons for attending collegeAcademic strengthsRecognize your strengths and weaknessesAnalyze your interests and valuesAchievements/talents?Why do you want/need to go to college?Prepare for a careerWhat are your ambitions?Set realistic goals6What is the agenda for the junior year to achieve college and career goals?Continue to work hard academicallyContinue career explorationCollege exploration/searchMeet with college representatives who come to guidanceVisit colleges-spring college/career shadow days Start college admissions testing- ACT, SATActivities Continue to be involvedLeadership/VolunteerismSchedule challenging classes for the senior year

77Types of Colleges

Four year state colleges and universitiesDegrees offered Bachelors and beyondTypically under $15,000/yearRequirements SAT/ACT, GPA, Class rank, Essay, Extra-curricular activities, letters of rec., transcripts , foreign languageProvides well-rounded college experience that includes an academic area of study.

Private/Liberal arts collegesDegrees offered Bachelors and beyondTypically more than $20,000/yearRequirements SAT/ACT, GPA, Class rank, Essay, Extra-curricular activities, letters of rec., transcripts , foreign languageProvides well-rounded college experience that includes an academic area of study.

Net Price Calculator, OCIS, Naviance8

Popular state schools in OhioBowling Green State Univ. selective admissionKent State University selective admissionMiami of Ohio Univ. selective admissionOhio University selective admissionThe Ohio State University selective admissionUniversity of Akron open admissionUniversity of Toledo open admissionYoungstown State University open admission9Popular private collegesBaldwin Wallace College selective admissionCase Western University very selective admissionDenison University selective admissionJohn Carroll University selective admissionMount Union College selective admissionOhio Wesleyan selective admissionWittenberg University selective admissionWalsh University selective admission10Factors which differentiate between state and private schoolsSizeAdmission requirementsMajorsTuition/Room and boardScholarship opportunitiesCo-curricular opportunitiesFaculty/student ratio11Types of Colleges (contd)Community/Two year collegesDegrees offered AssociatesTypically around $4,000/yearRequirements Open door admission policyA way to ease into college/take general ed. college classes for credit. Typically have agreements with four year colleges to transfer credits.Kent State Regional Campuses-Stark, Twinsburg/Geauga, Lakeland Community College, Stark State College of Tech., Tri-C (four locations), University of Akron Summit College

Technical collegesGenerally a two-year college which provides specific skills for employment or trained labor, such as computer technology, medical careers, or office management. DeVry University, ITT Technical Institute, Stark State College of Technology

12

What is a Proprietary School?Proprietary schools are for-profit businesses which provide education and training. They may be privately or corporately owned.Examples are Brown Mackie College, National College, North Coast Medical Training Academy, Fortis Collegeapps.scr.ohio.gov/schools/query.asp13Credit Transfer More students are choosing to begin their post-secondary education at a community college to complete general education courses, for financial reasons or for ease of transition, and then transfer to the four year college of choice.

Be sure to inquire about credit transfer agreements to various programs at the universities and colleges. Discuss this not only with the community college, but with the school to which the student will transfer.

14State of Ohio Core Curriculum Requirements / Minimum Recommendations

High School College Prep curriculum:4 units English4 units Mathematics (Alg, Geo, Alg II)3 units Science (Life, Physical, Advanced)3 units Social Studies1 unit Fine Arts (art, drama, music, photo)2-3 units Foreign Language(1 unit = 1 credit)15What information do college admission officers review?Strength and depth of high school curriculumGrades/Overall GPA/Class RankAdmission test scores - ACT/SAT

More selective schools/programs may also require/consider: Co-curricular activitiesLeadershipServiceLetters of recommendation (teachers and counselor)Essays Demonstrated interestCourses in progress senior yearPersonal accomplishments

16Admission/SelectionNot all colleges are created equal.Some treat your SAT scores as a combined score, others treat sub-tests separately. Some make testing optional. Some offer personal interviews while others only offer group information sessions. Roll with the differences!

Same student, different eyesSize of freshman classes varies as does the number offered admission from college to college. Control is in the hands of the college in terms of what they are looking for.

Applications are up and spaces are fixed.17Evaluating ApplicationsThe ultimate goals for every college are the same:Admit a freshman class with many different dimensions.Admit students who can successfully pursue both academic and extracurricular programs at the college/university.

Because colleges want to build a variety of strengths and interests into the freshman class and in so doing to add geographic, cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity applicants feel that they have been treated unfairly. The feeling on most selective college admissions committees is that the campus community is made vital and interesting by enrolling freshman classes that bring with them as broad a range of interests, talents, and diversity as possible18Reality Check250,000 high schools in the U.S. each with a top ten list of students. Therefore, 250,000 seniors are applying to the same group of highly selective schools. Top NHS students become typical looking in this group. Perfect scores on ACT/SAT not unusual in this group.No one is entitled to admission to an Ivy League or highly selective school.This process is an art, not a science. There is no perfect equation that will equal guaranteed admission.Many top students across the country are denied admission to the most selective colleges each year.So what do you do?19Choosing your college prioritiesWhat is important to you?LocationAcademics (major, academic support)Admission standardsSizeSocial Life (athletics, extra-curriculars)Campus appeal (Do I feel at home?)Total cost (including aid)Religious affiliationFacilities/HousingSecurity

20College ExplorationCompile information from several resourcesInternet/Websites (NHS Guidance list!)College representatives and college fairsTeachers, counselors, parents, students, and alumniCollege visits College Visit Days (on Guidance page) College & Career FairsNacacnet.org National Association for College Admission Counseling. Offers national college fair information and articles about the college search process.Cappex.com and BigFuture.collegeboard.comGet Set for College (handout)21Best college to go to for(major)Ruggs Recommendations on the CollegesBook of Majors 2013 (College Board)Both books are available in the guidance office.

www.myplan.com/majors/what-to-do-with-a-major.php

22Early Decision vs. Early ActionED and EA plans can be beneficial to students but only for those students who have thought through their college options carefully and have clear preference for one institution.Early Decision Plans are binding student must attend collegeApply to one college only ED & all others regular admission.Receive decision well in advance, usually by December.If accepted, withdraw all other applications.Early ActionPlans are non-bindingReceive admission decision early, usually Jan. or Feb.Consider acceptance offer & give decision no later than May 123College admissions testing24ACT/SAT

College Admissions TestingACT

ACT - American College Test consists of tests in English, math, reading, science, and an optional writing subtest (check with college admissions).The test consists of multiple-choice questions.3 to 3 hours (includes administration instructions, a break after the first two tests, and the optional writing test)Breakdown:English-45 minutesMath-60 minutesReading-35 minutesScience-35 minutesWriting-30 minutes25 How is an ACT scored?Students are given a score (1-36) for each section of the test. The four scores are averaged to arrive at a Composite Score.Writing score will be combined separately with English for a separate composite. Writing Test Subscore 2-12.Since there is no penalty for wrong answers, students should answer every question on the ACT.26College Admissions TestingSAT3 hours, 45 minutes including Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing (not optional) portions.

Critical Reading Subtest70 minutes (67 questions)Sentence completion & passage-based readingScore: 200 800

Mathematics70 minutes (54 questions)Multiple choice items & student-produced responsesScore: 200-800

Writing60 minutes (35 min. multiple choice, 25 minutes essay)Score: 200-80027How is an SAT scored?The SAT will have 3 scores of 200-800 for each of the 3 sections (Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing).Score of 2-12 for the essay.Total possible score of 600-2400.One point for each correct answer.Zero points for questions omitted.Lose of a point for each wrong answer, except for student-produced math questions.

28When should students take an ACT (or SAT)?We recommend that students begin taking these tests during the spring of their junior year.This way students still have time to take the test again, several times, before applying to colleges.Students are currently completing courses/content that they will be tested on.

29Which test should students take?Students should practice both tests.Feedback from PLAN or PSAT will help determine which test student scores best on.Both tests are suggested to see which one is the best fit:ACT tests all subject areas; achievement SAT tests English and math skills; aptitudeNOTE: Most colleges in the United States will accept either test score. Check with the college to see what score is preferred. 30Test Dates/Registration/FeesVisit testing websites for more information.ACT www.act.orgSAT www.collegeboard.orgSee handout for a copy of testing dates and deadlines.Register online - you will be able to see a list of testing locations and fees.Be sure to enter our high school code (363835) along with the codes of the colleges you are applying to (see list online during registration)so that test scores can be sent directly to these schools.If you do not do this at registration and need to have scores sent after the test, you will pay an additional fee.Special Testing DeadlinesCheck online and communicate with your special education teacher.

31How to Prepare for the ACT or SATHigh School CurriculumSample tests on ACT/SAT websitesOnline prep servicesPrep manualsavailable through ACT/SAT or bookstoresPrep courses (substantial fees required)Club Z (330) 656-4360Sylvan Learning Center (330) 929-6554Huntington Learning Center (330) 673-7200) Private tutoringCheck out:www.actstudent.orgwww.kaplan.comwww.collegeboard.orgwww.zinch.comZAPS - ACT SeminarMarch 19th and 20th (2:30 5:00) at Nordonia High School

32Why should students retake an admissions test?Admission standardsScholarshipsFreshman honors/departmentalOther scholarshipsThe above information should be researched when exploring colleges.Practice will improve skills and reduce test anxiety.

33How many times may students take these tests?ACT limits you to 12 tests.Recommend taking the test twice the junior year. Retest early senior year (Sept or Oct) if needed.Colleges will consider best score no matter when test was taken.34How do colleges receive admissions scores?Students will indicate college codes when registering for admissions tests. Maximum of four colleges included with registration fee; can add additional schools for a fee.Most colleges now require scores to be sent directly from ACT/SAT. If not sent directly a fee will be charged for this request. Students should be sure to include all colleges they are considering applying to when registering for tests.ACT & SAT scores are now on transcripts. It is up to you to know if the colleges you are applying to accept this format.35Financial aid36

Types of Financial AidLoans Money that is borrowed and must be paid back.FAFSA application will determine types of loans you are eligible for through the governmentCan also research private loans.

Grants Money that is received that does not need to be paid back.FAFSA application will determine types of grants you are eligible for through the government.

Scholarships - Money for college that does not need to be paid back.Merit based and non-merit basedPrivate organizations, educational institutions

Work Study

37Financial AidDiscuss scholarships and financial aid with college admissions officers part of the college search process.Complete the FAFSA in January of senior year.College Goal SundayIt is recommended that every student complete a FAFSA. Colleges cannot grant financial aid if they have no record of FAFSA information.December, senior year Evening meeting for seniors/parents giving a general overview of the financial aid process.For now, begin looking for scholarships.

38Scholarships - Where are they?Explore colleges for freshman honors and departmental scholarships.Search the web NavianceCheck at work places.Explore organizations of affiliation community organizations, church, scouts, ethnicity.Local scholarships available in guidance March of senior year39What are scholarships based on?Some possible requirements include:GPATest scoresRankLeadershipServiceTalent - (sports, art, music, etc)Ethnicity

Deadlines for scholarships given by colleges may be earlier than deadlines for admission.Scholarship application may require a transcript, letter of recommendation, essay, or resume.NCAA Division I or II and NAIA athletic scholarships register at website and request transcripts for junior and senior years.40

Watch for Scholarship Scams!Beware when you are asked to pay a fee.Be cautious of high pressure sales pitches.

41Important miscellaneous items42 NCAA/NAIA ClearinghouseAthletes vying for a Division I or Division II or NAIA scholarship must register and be cleared for eligibility through the NCAA Eligibility Center or NAIA Eligibility Center.

www.eligibilitycenter.orgwww.playnaia.org

Code 999943Post Secondary Educational Options This program allows students to take college courses for both high school and college credit during high school.If interested, plan to attend the PSEO meeting on February 6th at 7:00 p.m. in the high school auditorium. The state of Ohio requires that potential participants and parents attend this informational meeting.Most colleges in Ohio will accept PSEO credit. Check with college.Sometimes courses may not transfer to special, competitive programs. Always communicate with college.Dual Enrollment44Advanced Placement CoursesScores on the AP courses will determine what credit the colleges will issue to the student.Check out AP credit policy of colleges atwww.collegeboard.org/apcreditpolicyThe state universities in Ohio will grant college credit to students who earn a 3 or higher on an AP exam.Private schools have not made this commitment. Communicate with admissions officers regarding the specific colleges policy.45Honors DiplomaStudents need to fulfill all but one criterion for either of the Honors Diploma criterion listed below.

Academic Career- Technical

4 units English 4 units English4 units math (including Alg I, Geom, Alg II) 4 units math including Alg I, Geom, Alg II4 units science (including physics & chemistry) 4 units including physics and chemistry4 units social studies 4 units social studies3 units world language or 2 units in 2 lang. 4 units elective of career-tech program1 unit fine art (art, music, drama) 3.5 Cumulative GPA 3.5 Cumulative GPA27 ACT / 1210 SAT 27 ACT / 1210 SAT Achieve proficiency benchmark for appropriate Ohio career-technical competency assessment

*Writing sections of ACT or SAT not included in Composite score listed above.46Next stepsIn SchoolStay focused on academics.Do not lighten your academic load for senior year.Stay involved in school activities.

Standardized TestingPrepare for and register (in the spring) for ACT/SAT tests.

College Search/ExplorationChoose college prioritiesExplore colleges via websiteMeet with college representatives at NordoniaAttend college fairsVisit colleges use college visitation daysCompare colleges and finalize list to 3-5 schoolsBe ready to apply to colleges in the fall of senior year.

Scholarships/Financial AidBegin searching websites.47Recommendation for JuniorsChoose senior classes carefully!If you have not passed the OGT, make that a priority! You will have another opportunity March 10-14th. Use Study Island!!! If there are graduation requirements to make up, do so in summer school so during your senior year there will be fewer opportunities to fail.48Recommendations for ParentsHelp your students understand the college search process.Be realistic and non-judgmental.Be in the back seat and not the driver of the college search process.Be open to dialogue and responsive to questions.Be aware of deadlines and fees.Know that things have changed since your college days.Dont overemphasize your own alma maters or college choice.Dont compare your student to others.Dont dwell on disappointments, like a rejection letter.Celebrate successes!

49Pearls of WisdomRelaxyou will get in.70% of colleges accept an average of 70% of their applicants.If you dont have a major, its OK.More than half of new college students say a very important reason for going to college is to find my purpose in life.Keep an open mind dont stereotype people/colleges.Seek advice, but make up your own mind.Take the time to visit, research and really find the best match.Complete your applications thoroughly and on time.

50What is the Senior year agenda for college and career planning?Apply to 3 5 colleges by November 1.Apply early for best admissions opportunitiesScholarship possibilitiesMore specific information on the application process will be given to juniors in the spring and also the fall of next year.Apply for other scholarships.Submit FAFSA in January/February of senior yearCompare financial aid packages offered.Apply for local scholarships in March.Make college choice by May 1 of senior year.51ObjectivesI can identify the steps in the college search process and begin my own exploration.I understand the difference between the ACT & SAT, how to sign up for both, and when to take them.I can identify the differences between Scholarships, Grants, and Loans and understand what I can start doing now in regards to Financial Aid. I am aware of the next steps I need to take as a Junior and am able to create a task list.52

RESOURCES!!!Use the resources and tools you were given tonight. They will be valuable to you during this process!53

Thanks for being here!You will make it through the process; it is a stressful yet exciting time.Enjoy your young adults!I am looking forward to senior year with this amazing group of students that I have had the pleasure of getting to know these last few years.Contact me with any questions:gina.tytko@nordoniaschools.org(330)908-6024

College is not a prize to be won, but a match to be found.54

Let's get it started! (Chorus)BlackEyed PeasElephunkPop/Rock24947.041