College Success Workshop

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Transcript College Success Workshop

Francis Howell North High School

Susan Deppe – Millikin University Jennifer Wynkoop - Maryville University

 Factors to Consider when Choosing a College  Applying for Admission  Applying for Scholarships  Financial Aid  Timelines  College Visits and Fairs  Q & A

Individual Decision

What is a good “fit” for me, might not be a good “fit” for you

Visit a Variety of Schools

        Location Size Academic Programs/ Reputation Campus Culture Extracurricular Activities/ Athletics Safety Admission Criteria Cost

     Proximity from Home In-State vs. Out-of State Urban/Suburban/Rural Availability of Internships, Practicums and Clinicals Travel Expenses

* Not guaranteed 1. In-State Tuition 2. Bright Flight* 3. Access Missouri Grant* 4. A + Program/Community Colleges 5. Quality, Accredited Programs of Study 6. Excellent Facilities

      Does size really matter?

Average Freshman Class Size Student-to-Faculty Ratio Lecture Halls—most larger campuses will have freshmen and sophomore lecture halls (200+ students) Who is Teaching my Classes?

Small campuses may not offer the variety of courses as the larger Universities

     How many Majors? (Do you have what I’m interested in studying?) Undeclared Students?

Pre-Professional Programs Assessing Academic Reputation  Program Accreditations  Faculty Credentials  Facilities and Classroom Technology  First to Second Year Retention Rate  Six-Year Graduation Rate  Academic and Career Advising Programs  Job Placement Rates within six to 12 months of graduation  Average Starting Salaries Academic Support Services—tutoring, career placement offices, Accommodations

What type of campus culture are you looking for?

     Public vs. Private 2 year vs. 4 year Religious vs. Independent Commuter Campus vs. Residential Campus Diversity of Student Body

  If you intend to be a Student-Athlete at a NCAA I, II or III School, check out: www.NCAA.org

NCAA Div. I and II need to register with the NCAA Eligibility Center  If you intend to be a Student-Athlete at a NAIA school, check out: www.NAIA.org

to register

       What does the Institution Offer Outside of the Classroom?

Student Organizations and Clubs Greek Life Athletics/Athletic Events Intramural Sports Spiritual/Religious Organizations Internship & Study Abroad Opportunities

   Clery Act -The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) is a federal mandate requiring all institutions of higher education (IHEs) that participate in the federal student financial aid program to disclose information about crime on their campuses and in the surrounding communities. (ed.gov) Campus Security Emergency/Disaster Plans

    Take the ACT and/or SAT Submit the Application for Admission and Processing Fee.

Ask your High School Counselor to Submit Your Official Transcripts Showing Class rank, Cumulative Grade Point Average and ACT/SAT score(s) Submit Supporting Documents: Essay, Resume, Letters of Recommendation

University of Missouri – Columbia: Required Core Curriculum:

      English: Four units, one of which may be in speech or debate; two units emphasizing composition or writing skills Mathematics: Four units, Algebra 1 or higher Science: Three units (not including general science), one of which must be a lab Social Studies: Three units Foreign Language: Two units of the same language Fine Arts: One unit www.admissions.missouri.edu/apply/freshmen/requirements/high-school-coursework.php

*Core Curriculum Requirements vary by College/University*

     Is there an Application Fee?

What are your Application Requirements?

Do you require the Writing Portion of the ACT or SAT?

When is your Application Deadline?

Are you a Common Application Member? www.commonapp.org

Common Application Essay Questions (choose one):      Some students have a background or story that is so central to their identity that they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn?

Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?

Describe a place or environment where you are perfectly content. What do you do or experience there, and why is it meaningful to you?

Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

SHOULD INCLUDE…

     One Page Significance Order/Chronological Order Intended Major Activities, Community Service, and Work Experience Unique Facts

    Advanced Placement (AP) Course taken at H.S. with Examination College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Examination Only Early College Credit (ECC) Course taken on a College Campus Dual Enrollment Course taken at H.S.

     Submit Scholarship Application Send Letters of Recommendation Write Essay Summarizing Your Personal Accomplishments Interview Process Know the Deadlines

         Merit  ACT/SAT Scores  High School Cumulative GPA and/or Class Rank Involvement  High School Extracurricular Activities Performance/Talent-Based  College Extracurricular Activities Athletic Need-Based Career-Based Competitive/Automatic Outside Scholarships ROTC

       Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid: www.fafsa.gov

(Beginning January 1 – Senior Year) Can Send it to up to 10 Schools Pay Attention to Deadlines (aim for Feb. 15) Taxes Verification/Tax transcript Student Loans, Federal and State Aid/Grants, Work Study Net Price Calculator

•Tuition •Room and Board •Fees •Text Books •Additional Course Fees Most students should complete 30 credit hours a year

          ACT/SAT!!!

ACT prep course Pick college prep courses/core requirements for senior year College visits at Francis Howell North College Fairs Career Assessment/Research Research 12-15 Colleges (programs, scholarships, admission criteria) Join a Club/Community Service Visit Colleges FINISH JUNIOR YEAR STRONG!

      April 13, 2013 (registration deadline: 3/8/13) June 8, 2013 September 21, 2013 October 26, 2013 December 14, 2013

55% increased their Composite score on the retest

22% had no change in their Composite score on the retest

23% decreased their Composite score on the retest

http://www.actstudent.org/faq/answers/more.html

     Continue On-Campus Visits Application Essays/Resumes ACT prep course/study Apply – many applications become available on August 1 st .

Job shadow/Career Explorations

     Submit applications (monitor admission and scholarship deadlines) Retake ACT/SAT Letters of recommendation (plenty of warning!) College visits at Francis Howell North/on campus Narrow Choices to a few schools – but always have more than one choice

         Complete the FAFSA (beginning Jan 1) – pay attention to deadlines and submit any other necessary paperwork to schools “Seal the Deal Visit” Competitive Scholarship Competitions Review Financial Aid packages (apples to apples) Make Final Decision and Submit Deposit  National Decision Date is May 1 st .

Apply for Housing Notify Colleges/Universities that you are not Attending Continue to do well in classes!

Request Final FHN Transcript and any Advanced College Credit Transcripts to be Sent to College you Selected

• • • • • Cumulative GPA ACT or SAT Composite score Class rank and size Core curriculum completed and planned to complete Create an email to use specifically for this process Bring this information with you to college visits If possible, visit campuses during the week – this offers the best view of student life, and an opportunity to meet with faculty or observe a class.

 

I-70 Series College Fair – *Automated Fair

Maryville University Sunday, April 28, 1-3 pm

St. Louis Preforming and Visual Arts Fair - *Automated Fair

Webster University Monday, October, 7, 2013, 7-9 pm 

NACAC College Fair – *Automated Fair

Saint Louis University Sunday, October 20, 2013, 12-4 pm

Bring Labels with Student Information: Name, Address, Phone Number, Email Address, DOB, High School, Graduation Year, Major

If possible, ask for the card of the admission’s counselor that you will be working with so you have a direct phone number/email address.

                        What type of student organizations and clubs are there for students? When are the enrollment deadlines and do you require a certain ACT score? Can I get a list of majors to take with me? Will you be reviewing admission applications, if so what do you look for? Can the enrollment fees be waived? What does your school consider for admissions? (i.e. activities, grades, ACT scores, experience, interests, etc.) Can you tell me about the safety history of the college and the community it is in? What percentage of your students go on to graduate school? What is the placement rate for those seeking employment? What accommodations do you offer for students with physical disabilities or learning differences? What are the retention rates of incoming students at your school? Is tutoring available for all students, if so, is it free? What is the biggest student complaint you hear currently? What is your typical class size look like? Can I have a business card with your direct phone number? (in case you have further questions) What is the parking situation like? Do you offer student housing, if so, for how long? What kind of financial aid does your school offer? What is the cost of going to school there annually? (i.e. tuition, room and board, etc.) Does your school allow double majors or a change of major? Is the campus wireless? Can I work on campus? Does your school offer scholarships or grants for incoming students? How can I be considered? What percentage of students return for their second year? http://www.collegetocareers.com/questions-to-ask-college-fair/

   Individual Visits Group Visits Overnight Visits To Schedule a Visit or to see what is Offered: Visit Websites, Contact your Admission Counselor or Call

              What activities and services are available to help students get settled (academically and socially) during their first year? How big are the classes? (Ask students) How easy is it to meet with faculty? (Ask students) Are you able to register for the classes you want? What is the total cost of attending the college? What types of financial aid does the college offer and how do I apply? Are all freshmen assigned to an academic advisor? Where do most freshmen live? Can I take a tour? What activities are available for students? Who teaches the courses for first-year students? How successful are the college's graduates in finding jobs? What services (such as transportation and shopping) are available locally? What is there to do on weekends? Do most students stay or leave campus on weekends? http://www.actstudent.org/college/visit.html

  Mo Dept of Higher Ed: Financial Aid:     Scholarships: ACT: College Board (SAT and AP): NACAC (fair automation): www.dhe.mo.gov

www.finaid.org

www.fafsa.gov

www.fastweb.com

www.act.org

www.collegeboard.com

www.nacacnet.org

Susan Deppe Associate Director of Admission, St. Louis Region Millikin University 636-395-7245 (office) 217-521-7903(cell) [email protected]

www.millikin.edu

Jennifer Wynkoop Associate Director, Office of Admissions Maryville University 314-529-9604 (office) 314-686-1311(cell) [email protected]

www.maryville.edu