In-State & Out-Of- State A Guide to Applying to Public Colleges and Universities

Get an Early Start! Be focused and organized! There is a commonality of those who are accepted There are some aspects of this process that you can control and others that you can’t. FOCUS on the ones that you can!

Credit Requirements Academic Area Credits Language Arts3 Social Studies (Civics and American History required)3 Mathematics2 Science2 Physical Education1.5 Health0.5 Electives (may include additional core courses)13 Total25 Academic Area Years English*4 Mathematics (must include Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II or equivalents)** 4 Sciences (two years must be lab-based)3 Social Sciences (at least one year of American or world history)*** 3 Foreign Language****1 Academic Electives*****2 Graduation H igher E ducation A dmission R equirements

INDEX SCORES

FALL 2014 AVERAGES InstitutionFreshman Index Score Adams State University80 Colorado Mesa University85 Colorado School of Mines110 Colorado State University101 Colorado State University - Pueblo86 Fort Lewis College92 Metropolitan State University of Denver 76 University of Colorado at Boulder103 University of Colorado at Colorado Springs 92 University of Colorado at Denver & Health Sciences 93 University of Northern Colorado94 Western State Colorado University80

Pyramid of Selectivity

In-State Options 4-Year Schools Private Public 2-Year Schools Public (60-60 transfer guarantee) Colorado Collegiate Handbook

Out of State Options Over 4,000 4-year colleges and universities in the country About 2,000 2-year colleges 5 Federal Military Service Academies

ADMISSION SELECTION PROCESS Competitive, Capable and Compelling GPA and ACT/SAT scores What makes you stand out

Specific To Selective Colleges Four Key Requirements: Excellence/Expertise: Focus on something enough to excel Leadership: Demonstrate examples Community Service/Volunteerism: Reach Beyond Yourself Passion/Vision: Demonstrate passion about something: true joyfulness

WHAT FITS Do your research College Visits at your High School Campus Visits

NAVIANCE What is it ICAP College and Career software tool Why use it Assessments Resume builder College information Postsecondary planning tool Scholarships

College Opportunity Fund What is it Incentive based program to help encourage students to stay in Colorado Provides a stipend to eligible undergraduate students. The stipend pays a portion of your total in-state tuition when you attend a participating college Eligibility No income qualifications Only have to apply once Apply through collegeincolorado.org

Out-Of-State Consideration: WUE Western Undergraduate Exchange Residents of WICHE states are eligible to request reduced tuition rates at participating programs outside of their home state. Not automatically rewarded to all eligible candidates WICHE members include: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

College Applications in Colorado On-line application process School Admissions website Transcripts How to order them? Letters of Recommendation Essay Common App

Early Action VS Early Decision

The Next Steps… 1. Plan out a tentative 4 year high school schedule and update each year; Consider college admission requirements. 2. Balance rigor of coursework, academic success, and passion. 3. Take standardized tests seriously ACT – SAT – Attend test prep sessions

The Next Steps…. 4. Know Yourself 5. Take an honest look at Affordability Apply for FAFSA, even if you think you will not qualify 6. Take a campus visit

The Next Steps… 7. Speak with an Admissions Representative and ask questions! Within my major, will I realistically be able to graduate in 4 years? What is the average class size? Do professors teach freshman level classes, or are they taught by graduate assistants? Will I be given credit for my AP courses that I’ve taken in HS? Are freshman required to live on campus?

The Next Steps… 8. Finish your senior year STRONG!!! 9. Make sure that you own the process and the final decision.

RESOURCES Naviance: Your personal account created for college and career investigations and to sign up to visit with college reps who come to our schools. PRHS/LPHS Counseling Websites Gifted Ed Website – Deb Breazzano Cappex.com Best College Fit