Admissions 101 OCAN Advisors Training

The College Search Process Choosing the right college is a process that students can start as early as middle school First generation, low-income and minority students often start the process late and poorly prepared

College Success Many students focus on the financial concerns and not on academic preparation The ultimate goal is College Graduation! –This requires academic, social and financial preparation

Academic Preparation The College Prep Curriculum English: 4 years Math: through Algebra 2, best: every year of HS Science: 2 – 3 years Social Science: 2 – 3 years Foreign Language: 2 – 3 years Visual/Performing Arts: 1 year

Academic Preparation Develop Good Study Habits –Reading and Math Skills –Note-taking and Organization –Test-taking Challenging Coursework –Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, Dual Enrollment

Social Preparation Time Management Leadership Extra-curricular Activities Support Services

Financial Preparation Understand the Financial Aid Process Savings Strategies Sticker prices vs. actual costs

Helping Students at every level

College Planning for 9 th & 10 th Graders Students can start to: –Identify goals, academic interests, and possible career interests –Identify strengths and interests, join related activities –Seek help to strengthen areas of weakness

How can you help 9 th & 10 th graders? Assist with Self-Assessments –Understanding themselves, their talents, their interests is first step in the process Tools: -links.cfm

College Planning for Juniors Students can start through: –Research College Characteristics – what type of college will fit them best? Application/Scholarship procedures & deadlines –Visit college campuses –Narrow list of possible colleges based on visits

How you can help Juniors Make sure students take the ACT or SAT before the end of Junior Year Registration, practice questions, college searches available on their websites: – –

High School Senior time-line Fall – Finalize list of college choices –Re-take the ACT or SAT if desired –Submit applications for admissions and scholarships –Campus Visits

High School Senior time-line Winter –File the FAFSA –Admissions Decisions from colleges arrive –Campus visits

High School Senior time-line Spring –Financial Aid Awards arrive –May 1 is National Candidates Reply Date –Housing, Orientation, scheduling materials sent

High School Senior time-line Summer –Students attend Orientation/Scheduling programs –Summer Bridge Programs –Housing assignments, class schedules set

How to Help Seniors Stress importance of deadlines Review applications and essays Write letters of recommendation Stress importance of deadlines some more

Special Focus: Visiting College Campuses It’s not too early to start visiting college campuses The visit is a college “test drive” Students should –Take the campus tour –Meet with faculty –Ask lots of questions

The College Admission Process What is it really all about?

Types of Admissions Open Enrollment Liberal Enrollment Selective & Highly Selective 70% of all colleges have open or liberal enrollment

Selective Admission Factors Grade Point Average Class Rank Standardized Test Scores Essays Extra-curricular Activities Letters of Recommendation Legacy Status Race, Ethnicity

Questions? Michele Brown The Ohio State University