Transcript ACT Planning for College

Planning for College
Source: ACT’s College Planning Guide
Copyright 2004 by ACT, Inc.
Planning for College
You can organize the college
planning process in
six simple steps
Source: ACT College Planning Guide
Options After High School
Military
Apprentice
Program
Let’s
Focus on College
Remember...decision making
is a PROCESS, not an
event!
Source: ACT College Planning Guide
1
Know Yourself and Your
Reasons for Attending College
Recognize your strengths and
weaknesses
 Analyze your interests and values
 Achieve a personal goal
 Increase your earning power

1
Know Yourself and Your
Reasons for Attending College
Prepare for a career and expand
learning
 Extracurricular activities & social life
 Influence of family and friends

Source: ACT College Planning Guide
Take responsibility
for your future!
Source: ACT College Planning Guide
Recommended High School
Curriculum for College
English
 Mathematics
 Social Studies
 Science

Source: ACT College Planning Guide
4 units
3 units
3 units
3 units
Recommended High School
Curriculum for College

Many colleges also require additional
courses in:
– Foreign Language
– Mathematics
– Fine & Performing Arts
Source: ACT College Planning Guide
Core Curriculum/ACT Score Study
23.0
22.3
22.0
21.7
21.7
21.5
21.0
21.9
National
Core or More
National Ave.
(Total)
21.3
20.9
20.9
20.7
20.0
20.4
19.8
19.0
19.6
19.1
18.7
19.4
National
Less than
Core
Core Curriculum: 4 Units – English
3 Units – Math
3 Units – Social Studies
3 Units – Nat. Sciences
18.0
17.0
English
Math
Source: 2004 ACT High School Profile
Reading
Science
Composite
ACT Test Preparation
The best preparation is a solid high
school curriculum
 ACT includes four curriculum-based
tests -- English, Math, Reading, and
Science
 Become familiar with the ACT test
content and format
 Review your PLAN results to identify
academic weaknesses

ACT Test Preparation
Learn appropriate test-taking
strategies
 Use ACTive Prep® – ACT’s test
preparation software program
 Take ACT’s free practice test
 Visit the ACT website at www.act.org
 See your counselor for other test
preparation materials

Source: ACT College Planning Guide
Remember, test scores are
only ONE factor used for
college admission and
scholarship decisions
Source: ACT College Planning Guide
2
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Consider College
Characteristics
Majors &
educational
programs
Type of school &
degrees offered
Admission policy
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Source: ACT College Planning Guide
Location & size
Costs & financial
aid
College affiliation
& accreditation
Campus activities
Support services
3

List, Compare, and Visit
Colleges
Compile information from several
resources:
– Internet/Websites
– College catalogs, bulletins, videos, and
computer-based services (DISCOVER)
– College representatives & college fairs
– Counselors and teachers
– Parents, students, and alumni
– Directories and ACT score report
3
List, Compare, and Visit
Colleges
Prepare a college comparison
checklist
 Weigh advantages & disadvantages
 Contact the office of admission
 Schedule appointments for your
campus visits

Source: ACT College Planning Guide
Every campus has a
“personality”
Source: ACT College Planning Guide
Checklist for a Campus Visit
Meet with an Admission Counselor
 Verify admission requirements
 Determine actual college costs
 Ask about financial aid opportunities
 Take a campus tour

Checklist for a Campus Visit
Investigate your academic program(s)
 Attend a class
 Talk with students and faculty
 Discuss your chances for success:
– admission
– graduation
– placement

Source: ACT College Planning Guide
4
Apply for Admission and
Observe Deadlines
Narrow your choices
 Review college admission test
requirements
 Know application fees and deadlines
 Know scholarship requirements
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4

Apply for Admission and
Observe Deadlines
Submit application materials (paper/
electronic)
– Application for admission
– High school transcript
– Recommendations
– Admission test results
Source: ACT College Planning Guide
Keep accurate records!
5
Develop a Plan to Finance
Your Education
Determine college costs
 Investigate ALL possible resources
– Parents
– Savings
– Summer earnings
– Financial aid: scholarships,
grants, loans & work-study

– Other sources
5
Develop a Plan to
Finance Your Education
Secure necessary forms and
note deadlines
 Apply for financial aid as early
as possible

Source: ACT College Planning Guide
Don’t eliminate any college
because of costs before
receiving financial
assistance information!
Source: ACT College Planning Guide
What Does Postsecondary
Education Cost?
Budget Items
Colleges – Estimated Costs
2-Year
Tuition & Fees
Room & Board
Books &
Supplies
Transportation
Miscellaneous
Total Budget
Public
Private
6
Review and Finalize Your
Plans
Show initiative and be assertive
 Talk with your parents and counselor
 Select a college that meets your
needs and preferences
 Follow up with colleges to which you
have applied
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Source: ACT College Planning Guide
College Success Factors
Test scores and high
school grades are
important . . .
. . . However, they
measure only part of
your “potential”
Source: ACT College Planning Guide
Keep in mind…
making sound decisions
will lead to
satisfying and successful
experiences!
Source: ACT College Planning Guide
Planning for College