pbl high school presents college information night september 30, 2014 kristin oyer (a-l) pat burns...
TRANSCRIPT
PBL High SchoolPBL High Schoolpresentspresents
College Information NightCollege Information Night
September 30, 2014September 30, 2014
Kristin Oyer (A-L) Pat Burns (M-Z)
Goals for the Night1. Researching colleges – Factors to
consider when exploring colleges
2. Explore planning resources
3. Walk through the application process
Researching CollegesConsider what you want in a college:
Size Student lifeLocationCostMajors
Larger Schools vs. Smaller Schools
Relationships with professors
Student bodyOpportunities
Environment & Student Life
AcademicsAthleticsSocial lifeGreek lifeExtra-
curriculars
Location
In state or out of state
Driving distanceFlying distanceDrop-ins?
‘Price Tag’ – like buying a car…Private UniversityTotal Cost: $42,000Federal Aid: - $5,500EFC: - $1,500University Aid: - $35,000---------------------------------------Unmet Need: $0Total Cost to you: $1,500
Public UniversityTotal Cost: $18,500Federal Aid: - $5,000EFC: - $1,500University Aid: - $5,000---------------------------------------Unmet Need: $7,000Total Cost to you: $8,500
Source : QuestBridge
Community CollegesCommunity colleges offer a great
startThey’re usually a lot less
expensive.
Financial Aid and ScholarshipsBegin search early senior yearWatch out for scholarships
scams!Local, national, & college-specific
scholarshipsRequest financial aid/scholarship
info from colleges
Sources of college fundingLoans (private and
govt)GrantsScholarships Out of Pocket
Other factors to considerOn/off-campus housing optionsHow are your credentials compared to
others attending the school?If you know what you want to do, do they
offer that major?If undecided, do they offer a wide range of
majors?
Selecting a MajorIt’s okay to be undecided
Average student changes major 2+ times, career 3+
Know yourself!Personality/Interest inventories (We have
various tools available, come see us!)Link careers to college major - explore careers
as they fit your strengths/interests/valuesJob shadows, interviews, etc. . .
Goals for the Night1. Researching colleges - Factors to consider
when exploring colleges
2. Explore planning resources
3. Walk through the application process
Sources of InformationSources of Information
PBL Counseling Website Counselors College Reps Campus visits
Campus Visit!!!It just takes a phone call to set
one up
Colleges love to have students
visit
Read College Information
Talk with students
Come armed with questions
Narrow It DownTwo “safe” schoolsTwo “dream”
schoolsTwo “good fit”
schools
Goals for the Night1. Researching colleges - Factors to consider
when exploring colleges
2. Explore planning resources
3. Walk through the application process
Factors considered for Admissions
Grades and class rankCourses takenACT or SAT scoreRecommendations (ask early!)Extra-curricular activitiesCommunity service/volunteer workEssaySpecial circumstances
How Do I Apply?Apply online – let us know when you have
appliedDeadlines – apply earlyLetters of recommendationEssaysTranscriptsTest scores
Letters of RecommendationPositive
2 weeks notice
Résumé (accomplishments)
Thank you note
Personal Essay
Answer the question
Engaging
Obstacle/accomplishment
Proofread
Transcripts & Scores
High school
ACT or SAT
AP
TimelineNow – apply for admissionsNow – apply for college
scholarshipsAfter Jan. 1 – apply for
financial aidSpring – decide
What Illinois schools are saying- “Especially looking at rigor of high school courses”
- “Apply early, apply online”
- “Holistic review”
- “Campus visits are critical”
- “Personal statements for extenuating circumstances”
- “Fill out your FAFSA as soon after January 1st as possible”
- “If borderline student, it’s even more important to apply early”
Frequently Asked Questions & Misconceptions1. When should I get started?2. Should I apply now or wait for my ACT
scores?3. There is no way that I can afford to go
to college.4. I shouldn't take an ACT if I am going to a
junior college.5. My grades do not matter during senior
year.
Additional Information
NCAA eligibility center – register onlineGet organizedUse appropriate email addresses:
[email protected] careful with Facebook accounts and
appropriate picturesVisit with counselor to learn class rank,
GPA, etc. . .
Military Service
Military academiesROTC programsTuition assistance
Closing commentsApply early, apply onlineContact us when you have appliedGo on campus visitsConsider taking the ACT multiple times
Free ACT online prepFill out FAFSA as soon as possible after
January 1
