Transcript Planning for College - Greater Jasper Consolidated Schools

Planning for
College
Ways to organize the college
planning process…….
In six simple steps
Options after High School
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Work
Military
Apprentice Program
Proprietary Schools
College – 2 yr and 4 yr
Let’s Focus on College
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Know yourself and your reasons
for attending college
Consider college characteristics
List, compare, and visit colleges
Apply for admission and observe
deadlines
Develop a plan to finance your
education
Review and finalize your plans
Step 1: Know Yourself and Your
Reasons for Attending College
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Increasing earning power
Career preparation
Learning opportunities
Studying new and different subjects
Involvement in extracurricular activities
Meeting new and interesting people
Achieving a personal goal
Influence of family and friends
Recognize your strengths and
weaknesses
Analyze your interests and values
High school courses
recommended for college
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English
Mathematics
4 years
3-4 years
Should include Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II
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Science
Social Studies
Foreign Language
3 years
3 years
2 years
Required courses for admission will
vary from college to college
ACT/SAT National Test Dates
2008-2009
ACT
SAT
Sept 13, 2008
Oct 25, 2008
Dec 13, 2008
Feb 7, 2009*
April 4, 2009
June 13, 2009
Oct 4, 2008
Nov 1, 2008
Dec 6, 2008*
Jan 24, 2009
March 14, 2009*
May 2, 2009
June 6, 2009
www.act.org
www.collegeboard.com
Step 2:
Consider College
Characteristics
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Academic program/major available
Type of school
Admission policy
Location and size
Costs and financial aid
Affiliation and accreditation
Campus activities
Support services
Admission Criteria
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G.P.A.
Class rank
Course selection
Grade trend
Senior schedule
SAT/ACT scores
Essay*
Interview*
* if required
Step 3: List, compare, and
VISIT colleges
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Collect information about colleges
- catalogs, bulletins, internet, fairs,
college reps, alumni, etc.
Prepare a college comparison
checklist
Weigh advantages and
disadvantages
Contact office of admissions
Schedule appointments for visits
Checklist For A Campus Visit
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Meet with an admission Counselor
Verify admission requirements
Discuss your chances for success
Determine college costs
Ask about financial aid
opportunities and deadlines
Meet with faculty in major of choice
Attend a class
Take a campus tour
Step 4: Apply for Admission and
Observe Deadlines
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Narrow your choices
Review college admission and test
requirements
Know application fees and deadlines
Apply early in senior year
Use online apps and e-transcript
Submit application materials through high
school guidance office – application,
transcript, SAT scores, essay (if needed)
Know scholarship requirements
Step 5: Develop a plan to
finance your education
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Determine college costs
Investigate ALL possible
resources: parents, savings,
summer earnings, financial aid
Secure necessary forms and note
deadlines (FAFSA March 10th of
senior year is “received by” date)
*Don’t eliminate any college because of costs!
Types of financial
assistance
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Scholarships –
merit based or
need based
Grants
Loans –
parent vs student
subsidized vs
unsubsidized
Work-study
Comparison of college costs
Budget Items
Tuition and fees
8,232
26,756
15,884
Room and board
6,999
8,670
6,600
1,000
600-800
Books and supplies 600-800
Transportation
800
800
1000
Miscellaneous
1,500
1,500
1,500
Total Budget
$18,231 $38,726 $25,684
Financial Aid Resources
www.act.org/fane
www.collegeboard.com
www.ed.gov/studentaid
www.state.in.us/ssaci
www.finaid.org
www.fastweb.com
NEVER pay for a scholarship search.
Step 6: Review and Finalize
Your Plans
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Show initiative and be assertive
Talk with your parents/counselors
Select a college that meets your
needs and preferences
Have applications in by
Thanksgiving
Follow up with colleges to which
you have applied
National decision date is May 1st