Transcript Slide 1
College Admissions 101
Princeton High School
Guidance Department
Brian Church (A-L)
Debra Dullard (M-Z)
Elena Hilmes - Registrar
Work
Military
Trades
Apprentice
programs
Proprietary schools
College
Recognize strengths and weaknesses
Analyze interests and values
Achieve a personal goal
Increase earning power
Prepare for a career and expand
learning
Participate in extracurricular activities
and social life
Consider influence of family and
friends
English
Mathematics (Algebra 1 and above)
Social Studies
Science
Foreign Language (same language)
4 Years
3 Years
3 Years
3 Years
2 Years
Colleges may also require additional courses in:
Mathematics
Fine and Performing Arts
Science
Computer Science
Fitting The Pieces Together
Person….
Where do I fit?
Program…. What will I study?
People…. Who will I meet?
Place…. Where am I going?
Price…. How much will it cost?
#1 The Person….Where Do I Fit?
My
grade point
average is…
My class rank is…
My ACT score is…
My high school course
of study is…
My profile vs. the
profile at choice
schools…
#2 The Program-What Will I Study?
Factors to Consider
Favorite classes
Work experiences
Leisure activities
School activities
Dream careers
People admired
#3 People - Who Will I Meet?
Visit the campus…
Plan the trip…
Parents should
accompany…
Take the campus
tour…
Meet a department
professor…
Ask questions…
Trust your instincts…
#4 The Place-Where Am I Going?
Distance
from home
Residential life
Campus setting
Campus size
Campus safety/security
Health services
Sororities/fraternities
Study abroad programs
#5 The Price - How Much Will It
Cost?
Discuss
the cost of
attendance as a family
Community college &
state university vs.
private school costs
COA (Cost of Attendance)
- EFC (Expected Family Contribution)
Financial Need
I
Results of School Research
Fit…
•
I clearly meet admission criteria
• Offers selected major of study
• Affordable
I
Fit If…
•
Questionable criteria for admission
• Offers selected major of study
• Financial need package is important
I
•
Want To Give A Try…
Admission criteria clearly questionable or very
competitive
• Financial aid is a must
Should I Retake The ACT?
The
ACT is given at PHS on 10/25/08
and 2/9/08.
The registration deadline is 9/19/08
for the October 25 test.
PHS School Code: 143-560
PHS Test Center Code: 163030
ACT No Writing - $31
ACT Plus Writing - $46
When Do I Apply For College?
October
is considered Application
Month.
Apply only to your top 3-5 choices.
Many schools have Priority Filing
deadlines.
The Application Process
Online
applications are typically preferred
and can be found under “Prospective
Students” on the college website.
Use www.phs-il.org – click on the
Guidance link and log on to PrepHQ for a
comprehensive list colleges and
universities.
A limited number of paper applications are
in the Guidance Office.
What is a Transcript?
A
complete record of your grades, rank in
class and credits. (through the 6th
semester)
Your highest ACT composite score will be
included on the transcript.
The Guidance Office will mail or email
your transcript and a school profile sheet.
What Is An Application
Deadline?
University of Illinois
@Chicago - No Priority Deadline - January 15 – Application Period
Deadline
@Springfield - September 1 - March 15 - Application Period
Deadline - After March 15, applications will be considered as space
permits
@Urbana/Champaign - September 1 - Nov.10 - Priority Filing
Period (postmark deadline) January 2 – Application Period
Deadline
Illinois State University
September 1 - November 15 - Priority Filing Deadline
March 1 – Application Period Deadline
Western Illinois University
To guarantee consideration apply by May 15
The Personal Resume
Your
list of academic, athletic,
and community activities.
Study examples
Make several copies
Begin immediately
The Personal Statement
Offers
information not found on the
application.
Explain what you can offer the
school.
Write it yourself.
Have it proofread.
The Teacher Recommendation
Best
to write out a request.
Share where you are going.
Include addressed envelope and stamp.
Share what you want in the
recommendation.
Share with the author the common link
between the school and yourself.
Give the teacher a deadline.
Finalize Your Plans
Remain
in contact with the colleges to
which you have applied.
Consider
a second campus visit.
Submit
your housing application with a
deposit prior to the deadline.
Register
for placement testing.
Communicate your final plans to all
colleges.
IVCC Applicants
Complete
the admission application now.
Sign-up for “Winsday” Program
IVCC Tuition Guarantee Notice of Intent
Form is due on Friday, September 26,
2008 - Check your eligibility
IVCC Placement Testing
All
first-time, full-time students must take
placement tests at IVCC in English and
Math (Accuplacer)
The following ACT subscores will exempt
you from the IVCC placement testing:
Math - 24
English - 22
Reading - 23
An Overview of Financial Aid
Seniors
should apply for your PIN number
now at www.pin.ed.gov
File
the FAFSA as soon as possible after
January 1, 2009 at www.fafsa.ed.gov
Use
a FAFSA worksheet to help complete
the filing process.
Financial Need Calculation
The
Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
is determined by completing the FAFSA.
Outside scholarships and awards are then
added to expected family contribution
which then decreases the financial aid
package offered by the university.
Finally, the student’s financial aid package
is determined.
The Student Aid Report (SAR)
Will receive in mail 2-3 weeks after filing
Make any necessary corrections
Pay attention to EFC (Expected Family
Contribution)
Is my “Financial Need” the
same at all institutions?
NO!
“Financial
Need” is determined using the cost of
attendance at individual institutions.
College “A”
COA
EFC
FINANCIAL
$18,000
- 5,000
NEED $13,000
College “B”
COA
EFC
FINANCIAL
NEED
$8,500
- 5,000
$3,500
Scholarships
Register
at www.fastweb.com
Check PrepHQ for a complete listing of
local scholarships – Wal-Mart, Princeton
Memorial Scholarship, Princeton Rotary.
Check PrepHQ
daily for
announcements
The Class of 2009 Families
What’s Next for You?
Encourage
the completion of college
applications in October and November
Take more college visits, if necessary
Submit tax information in a timely manner
Complete FAFSA after January 1, 2009
After the final school selection is made,
contact schools not chosen
Be organized and meet all deadlines!!!!!
Determine
college costs
Investigate ALL possible resources
− Parents
− Savings
− Summer earnings
− Financial aid: scholarships, grants,
loans and work-study
− Other sources
Secure necessary forms and note
deadlines
Apply for financial aid as early as possible
Class of 2010 Families
What’s Next For You?
Consider
taking the PSAT/MNSQT test.
Attend College Night at IVCC on Tuesday,
October 20 from 6:30-8:00.
Meet with college reps at PHS this fall.
Visit different types of schools (small/large,
public/private, vocational/liberal arts) over
spring break or next summer.
Review senior year course selections.
Utilize PrepHQ!!!!!!!
Prairie State Achievement
Examination
Day 1- Wednesday,
April 22 (No fee)
ACT Plus Writing.
Day 2- Thursday,
April 23 , 2009
ISBE developed
tests and ACT Work
Keys Test.
Pre-registration is
completed at PHS.
Become familiar with the ACT test content and format
Review your PLAN® results to identify academic
weaknesses
Learn appropriate test-taking strategies
Use ACT Online PrepTM – ACT’s test preparation
program
Review The Real ACT Prep Guide – the official test
prep book – available for purchase at www.act.org.
Visit the ACT at www.actstudent.org - take the ACT
free practice tests.
See your counselor for other test preparation
materials - ZAPS – March, 2009 The cost is
approximately $75.
Stay Positive!!!
The search for the right fit
can be exhausting and
stressful.
And Finally………..
Plan to attend the PHS
Financial Aid Night on
Wednesday, January 7,
2009 (6:30 p.m.)
Questions please contact Mr.
Church or Mrs. Dullard