Liberty High School February 2016

Relax…

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There is a college for everyone!

Over 4100 total in US

 Some colleges do not require the SAT or ACT test  Some colleges will accept students with lower GPA’s  Some will accept lower test scores.

 There are great colleges for students with special needs.

College Admission Tests

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2.

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SAT: collegeboard.org

Critical Reading Math Essay – optional   

Reasoning test

Competitive universities may require one or more SAT 2 Subject Tests New SAT redesigned to reinforce skills/evidence based thinking learned in school ACT: actstudent.org

5 Sections: 1.

English 2.

3.

Math Reading 4.

5.

Science Essay 

Curriculum-based test

College Admission Distribution

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(CADR’s) = 15 Minimum college core prep classes required

       English - 4 years Math - 3 years thru Alg. 2 minimum (recommend 4) Social Studies - 3 years Science – 3 years (recommend 4) World Language - 2 years of same language (recommend 3 or 4) Fine/Visual/Performing Art - 1 year Quantitative class in senior year – math, Chemistry ,Physics, Honors Physics or AP Computer Science

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Holistic Admission Criteria

 Curriculum quality grades 9-12  Rigor, courses related to long-range plans GPA & positive grade trends SAT/ACT scores Essays/personal statement  writing quality, content Extra-curricular activities  community service, employment, interests, leadership Cultural awareness & contributions Talents  artistic (music, drama, art), athletic Overcoming adversity  economic, personal, educational, demonstrating resiliency/creativity

College Options to Consider

 Factors to consider:  Academics  programs, class size, faculty      Admissions Requirements  GPA, SAT/ACT range, acceptance into degree program College Characteristics  Location, size, public or private, unique programs, academic calendar, safety Cost/Financial Aid  Tuition, room & board, deposits, WUE, increase over last year, aid packages Social Life  Co-ed or single gender, commuter or on campus, roommate selection, rules Student Body  Student activities, Greek life, intramurals, community service, leadership

Highly Selective College Requirements

        Rigorous courses: CHS, AP, Honors Exceptional grades & test scores: AP, ACT/SAT, SAT 11 tests & very high class rank Extra-curricular Activities: leadership, challenging, unusual, sustained involvement, depth rather than many activities Unique requirements: interview, reference letters, teacher evaluations, nominations; Demonstrated interest: attend college-hosted functions, tour, display knowledge of college The Common Application - meet with your counselor for a recommendation and school report Outstanding Essay

Public

VS Public

Independent

 Private/Independent      Lower sticker price Grad students may teach lower level courses Some classes will be in large lecture halls (300+) Most professors teach upper division courses Class sizes generally lower in upper division classes     Higher sticker price* Professors teach all courses Student/Prof. ratio is under 1/25 Student discussion & participation is high * Endowments allow for large scholarships and grants which greatly lowers costs for many students

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College Search Sites

 Collegeboard.org : lots of criteria + SAT site Collegeresults.org: provides 4, 5 and 6 year graduation rates of colleges + gives the average cost of net price after grants.

Collegedata.com: predicts your chances of getting admitted nces.ed.gov /college navigator: statistics + financial aid offered by the colleges Petersons.com: user friendly; will give you lots of infor. + names of similar schools you might like College-insight.org: find statistics on any school Unigo.com: unvarnished scoop from the students at the colleges themselves Collegemajors101.com

There are many other college search sites…

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Admission Terms

 Automatic (WSU, CWU/EWU)  Meet GPA & CADR requirements – admitted.

Rolling (WSU)  Applications reviewed as received – apply early-notified early.

Pooled (UW)  All applications evaluated after set deadline, all admissions results are released after a specific date. Early Decision  Apply early, get accepted early. Binding decision!

Early Action  Apply early, get accepted early – NOT binding.

WA State Application Requirements

       Completed application form  Official transcript (except UW) Essay – prompt changes from year to year usually SAT or ACT scores sent to the colleges – send only highest score between 2 different tests Application fee – cost varies with each school; students on free or reduced lunch can get a fee waiver; see your counselor Some public colleges will accept letters of recommendations; most independent and some out-of-state colleges require recommendations Automatic Admission: offered by WSU, CWU & EWU if certain GPA is reached.

Junior Timeline: Winter/Spring

 1 . Analyze interests, passions, values 2. Determine the field(s) of study you are interested in pursuing 3. Research Colleges on the websites: compare academic programs; see counselor for information on the highest rated programs/colleges 4. Narrow down your choices of colleges (3-8) 5. Take the SAT/ACT test in the spring 6. Organize college material in folders; develop a resume including activities, leadership roles, community service and awards earned 7. WA Colleges Day at UW Bothell: March 22 nd (field trip) 8. Attend Spring College Fair: Seattle Univ. April 23rd 8. Intercollegiate athletics: register with NCAA the summer after your junior year (www.ncaa.org) 9. Military academy appointments: start in April of junior year; lengthy process

Junior Timeline: Summer

 10. Visit the top 2-3 colleges you are considering; most have tours and special weekends.

11. Complete Career Cruising requirement: Questions for senior interview  Up-to-date resume w/ activities, leadership, service & awards 12. Ensure appropriate online presence and email address 13. Create college list:    1-2 “Reach” schools 1-3 “Match” schools 1-2 “Back-up” schools

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Senior Timeline

 Complete each application and send it electronically in most cases (Oct-Dec) Write essays (use prompt) as requested Order transcripts from Parchment.com (Oct-Jan) Get recommendations as needed from teachers and/or counselor; allow 3 weeks for writer to complete your letter.

Have your SAT or ACT test scores sent to the colleges you are applying to. (Oct-Dec) Attend the National College Fair at the Trade Center in Seattle if needed

7.

Complete the FAFSA application on line (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and submit it electronically in order to apply for financial aid. Also, check to see if the college requires any additional financial aid paperwork (Oct-Feb) www.fafsa.ed.gov

8. Visit the campuses of your top 2-3 schools 9.

(if you have not already done so) Many families will want to compare financial aid packages offered by various schools before making the final choice (Feb Apr) 10.

Apply for housing immediately after making your decision, if appropriate (Feb-Apr) 11.

Put in writing your acceptance to the college of your choice ASAP. May 1 st is often the due date but check with the college 12. Apply for scholarships (Oct-May of senior year)

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Common Mistakes in Applying

 Failure to read application directions; disorganized; sending an essay to the wrong school – have an appropriate adult check your application and essay!

Incomplete applications and sloppy responses on apps and essays Lack of adequate research on colleges and admission requirements Failure to pay attention to deadlines for apps. and scholarships Not visiting colleges; lack of understanding the culture of the chosen college Applying to only one 4-year school Lack of rigor in courses chosen senior year Dropping classes after 1 st semester senior year and/or low grades can result in your admission being revoked

Registering for Senior Classes

      Register for classes based on future plans Take rigorous courses; 2-4 AP or CHS classes (depending on the student/selectivity of college) Take waiver period if you have enough credits as you need the extra study time and time to apply. Have you added your MMS HS credits?

Continue to take math and science; must have quantitative class senior year Do not drop rigorous courses mid-year or drop your grades significantly as your admission may be revoked in July

Counseling/Career Center Resources

 Counselors/C. Specialists: C.C. Website :        Advising Recommendations (counselors only) Course selection Career Cruising Community Opportunities SAT/ACT information Up-to-date information on best programs in country       College Resource Handbook & reference materials Scholarships College Rep visits in Career Center & brown bag lunches; Field trips ASVAB Testing PSAT-College Board: My College Quick Start: “My AP Potential”