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?
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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
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Western Illinois University

To guarantee consideration apply by May 15
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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.
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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