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College Planning Session for Parents
February
26, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
Copley High School Auditorium
Planning Session will include College
Comparisons, College Entrance Testing, Financial Aid Overview, Resources -
Internet & CHS Guidance Dept. and Question and Answer Session. Please join
us.
COLLEGE CHOICES:
State Supported Universities - These are schools which are funded
by tax dollars and give first consideration for admission to students within
that particular state. These universities accept the full range of students
and may be considered highly selective to open admission. State supported
universities are usually very large and have both undergraduate and graduate
programs.
Private Colleges and Universities - There are many private colleges
and universities throughout the United States. These schools have varying
admission policies and look at the total profile of the student when making
admission decisions. Private schools look for a diverse student population
and range from most selective to those willing to take a "growing student".
Junior or Community Colleges - These are two-year programs in
which a student may take core courses and then transfer to a four year college/university.
Students may also take a two year "terminal" program and then
seek employment. Junior colleges may be residential and students will live
on campus. Community colleges are usually commuter schools.
EXPLORATORY COLLEGE LIST -- This is a preliminary list generated
in the spring of junior year and is based upon current information. It is
meant to be somewhat long and will include colleges which may be "reaches"
as well as "sure bets". Review this list while re-examining your
personal goals and aspirations. Many students enter college as "undecided"
and this is perfectly acceptable. However, if you have specific areas of
interest like engineering, education, or architecture, the colleges chosen
need to offer these programs. Review your transcript and your GPA. This
is the academic record that colleges will use for admission. If your record
is strong, you need to continue this pattern. If your record is not what
you hoped for, you still have time to strengthen it if necessary.
SENIOR CLASSES AND GRADES -- Choose the most rigorous curriculum
for your senior year but do choose classes in which you can do well. Many
colleges will request either first quarter and/or first semester grades.
These grades are very important in the admission process. The message is
clear: WORK HARD DURING YOUR SENIOR YEAR!
STUDENT RESUME -- Prepare an activity list and organize it in
a way which best presents your interests and activities. Colleges are not
as interested in the number of activities as the depth of your commitment
to an activity or job.
TESTING -- Most colleges will accept either the SAT I or ACT for
college admission. You may wish to take both SAT and ACT and submit the
better score. You should take these tests in the spring of the junior year
and, if necessary, repeat them in the fall of senior year. Test scores must
be sent directly from the testing service to the college so if you do not
have them sent when you register for testing, you must have them sent later
with your applications. Remember SAT is a cumulative report and will show
all testing while ACT sends specific testing only.
You may register for testing in the following ways:
SAT I -- registration form available in the guidance office or Online
(with credit card)
www.collegeboard.org.
ACT -- registration form available in the guidance office or Online -
www.act.org
COLLEGE INFORMATION -- Begin your college search by requesting
information from colleges. Junior year is not too early to do so. You may
access information by sending postcards, calling admission offices (many
schools have 800 numbers), or using the internet. Several internet resources
include:
Read the literature sent to you by colleges. You should have a large
box stored out of the way where you can place your college information.
Periodically, you need to review this mail and save it in an organized manner.
Read college catalogs. While this may not be the most exciting reading,
you will learn a great deal about requirements, the school calendar, core
curriculum, and specific procedures. Some colleges will mail catalogs to
students upon request. Others may be accessed through the guidance office
or college websites.
Attend college fairs. A college fair is an opportunity to receive basic
information about many colleges in a short time period. Visiting a college
representative at a fair often places your name on a data base and you should
start receiving mail from the college. College fairs are widely publicized
and are held for juniors in the spring and in the fall for juniors and seniors.
THE COLLEGE VISIT -- Each college or university has a unique "feel"
and the visit helps you match yourself to the college. It is best to visit
a college when students are on campus but this is often difficult because
of high school schedules. Summer provides a relaxed time for many families
to visit college campuses. You don't see students but you do see facilities
and have the opportunity to speak with admission officers. To ensure a successful
visit, call ahead and do some preliminary research on the college.
APPLYING TO COLLEGE -- College applications are submitted during
the fall of the senior year. Colleges have different deadlines and the student
is responsible to submit the application well in advance of the deadline.
There are several ways to apply to college and all are perfectly acceptable
to the college:
Paper application -- This is the traditional application sent by the
college. Students should photocopy this application, work on the copy, and
when complete, transfer onto the original application. The application may
be typed or carefully printed using black ink.
Common Application -- This is an application "common" to a
group of schools. The common application is available in hard copy or on
disk. Once the common application is received, any college requiring additional
information will send the student a supplemental form.
Download from the college's website-- Many colleges offer this option.
The application may be sent electronically over the internet or printed
and mailed.
FINANCIAL AID -- Financial aid forms (FAFSA) are available December of the student's senior year. Some colleges may require
a Profile or additional financial aid form. Please carefully read the financial
aid information sent by each college. Should questions arise, families are
encouraged to speak directly with a financial aid officer at the individual
college or university.
SPECIAL TALENT -- Any student interested in art, music or drama,
or athletics is advised to do the following:
ART -- Research portfolio requirements and check portfolio submission
deadlines
MUSIC or DRAMA -- Check audition times and requirements
ATHLETICS -- Contact the college coach and register with the NCAA Clearinghouse
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