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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