Self Reflective Questions Are you ready to go to college? Are you serious about your school work? Have you thought about a major? What are your grades like now? Are you keeping up with homework? Are you motivated?

Post-Secondary Options Specialized School Military Service Work 4-year College or University 2-year College Technical School Prep School Gap Year

What is a Gap Year? By definition, a gap year is a break typically taken between high school and college that might include travel, work, study, volunteering, or research. In practice, a gap year is much more. It’s a time for students to explore the world and gain valuable life skills and experience while transitioning into independence. With the demands of AP courses, extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, sports, and more, it’s not uncommon for students to experience a sense of burnout after graduating high school. A gap year—whether spent studying Spanish in Chile, or volunteering for a worthy nonprofit in China—can provide a break in routine and the perspective a student may need to refocus and succeed in college and beyond.

The Right College The right college for one student may not be the right one for another. YOU must decide what criteria is important in a college that makes it a good match for you. Size of campus public/private Class size admissions criteria Faculty/student ratio campus clubs/organizations/athletics Tuition cost Majors of study Distance from home On-campus housing Types of degrees offered Selectivity

How Big or Small? Big School in Small Town – Penn State, Va Tech Big School in Big Town – Temple in Philly Small School in Big Town – Drexel in Philly Small School in Small Town – Elizabethtown, PA Colleges

What are you looking for in a college? Academic Programs / Major Location – rural, suburban, urban Size – small: ; Medium: ; Large: ,000; Extra Large: over 20,000 Facilities Religion Student Body Athletic / Talent Programs FIT !!! Does it “feel” like a good fit?

Importance of Visiting Colleges Spring Break is a great time to visit colleges- students will be on campus Get a feel for the campus If possible, sign up for a tour– let the school know that you are there! “Demonstrated Interest” – schools keep track of any visits, tours, communication, etc. that you have with the school

What to do on a visit Schedule a tour See Dorms Classrooms Library Department of major Eat in Cafeteria Go to bookstore Talk to students Check out the town Financial Aid Office

What matters to colleges?

Something to think about A name brand college does not guarantee your success Think about the people who are happy and successful in your life and ask where they went to college You will most likely find that success in life has a lot less to do with the choice of the college than with the experiences and opportunities you encountered while you were there. It truly is what you make of it! Employers and graduate schools look more at your outstanding skills and experience, and less at the college you attended.

More to think about The most important factor in choosing a college is fit Choosing a college because your friends are going there or because of where it ranks on a list does not take into account who you are and who you want to become. Check the school’s website to find out the admissions officer that is assigned to your region. Send them an to ask about getting in touch with students from your area or identifying a few with interests similar to yours

2-Year vs. 4-year College -Lower tuition -Smaller class sizes -Closer to home -Live at home ( few have dorms ) -Open Admission -Some have 1-year certificate programs -Can start here then transfer -Bachelors Degree -Living on campus -Enriched experience -More selective -Options for large campus or small campus -Typically more clubs/activities

To How Many Colleges Should I apply? Selection Process Reach Target Safe

Selectivity Students typically pick between 5-6 colleges (less is better) “Reach,” “Target,” and “Safety” Schools Be Realistic

Number of Applications Applying to too many colleges can complicate the final decision in April and May College applications can also get very expensive ($75-$100 per application) Doing research, being realistic and VISITING colleges can help narrow down your college list

“Reach” School Colleges or Universities you would like to attend, but admissions standards make your chances of acceptance very uncertain Often a “Dream School” Apply to at least one or two schools in this category

“Target” School Colleges or Universities where you have a realistic chance of being admitted A college that may admit you; you meet all their admissions standards Apply to about two to four schools in this category

“Safety” School Colleges or Universities where your admission is almost certain; you easily meet their admissions standards Think about a “financial” safety school as well Should be schools you will be happy attending Apply to about two to four schools in this category

College Application Options Early Decision Early Action Regular Decision Rolling Admission Other Options