AaBbCc College Admissions 101

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The Many Paths to College The College Application Process The College Enrollment Process How to Choose the Right Path for YOU Resources to Assist You Agenda Title

What… The College Overview Presentation Title

Doctorate/Professional Degree Types of Degrees Certificate* Associates Degree Bachelors Degree Masters Degree Doctorate/Professional Degree *Certificates are NOT degrees, although they may be applied toward a degree.

Community College (or Junior College) Types of Colleges Community College (or Junior College) Grants Associate Degrees and Certificates Usually 2 years or less Colleges and Universities Grants Bachelor’s degrees and higher Usually 4-6 years for a Bachelor’s program

Academic Benefits Financial Benefits Community College Open Admissions Chance to Start New Stackable credits/programs Financial Benefits Affordable Mass Transfer (MA residents)

Admissions Requirements Admissions Application Community College Admissions Requirements HS Diploma or HiSet Admissions Application “Phone book” information Intended program of study Accuplacer / Computer Placement Test Required of ALL students “Phone book” information: Basically name, address, phone number…No essays, recommendations, or test scores needed!!!

Applying to a 4-Year College HS Record SAT Scores Application Essay Letters of Rec What do 4-Year colleges look for in an applicant? Grade Point Average (GPA) SAT or ACT scores Rigorous academic course load AP and Honors Personal Character Interview

Applying to a 4-Year College Early Action – Non-Binding Early Decision – Commitment to attend Regular Decision Rolling Admission “Phone book” information: Basically name, address, phone number…No essays, recommendations, or test scores needed!!!

Bachelor’s Degree The Alternative Path Community College Formal Gap Year Work

When… A Timeline for HS Students Presentation Title

Grades Matter! 12th Grade When to do What Grades 9-10 February/March Financial Aid Applications Due Grades 9-10 Visit Colleges/Fairs, Get Good Grades, Join Activities, Take the PSAT, Prepare for AP classes September Secure Letters of Recommendations April Financial Aid Awards sent out Grades Matter! October 1 Financial Aid Applications become Available May 1 Deposits Due November/ December Early Applications due Grade 11 Start Building Your College List, Draft an Essay, Take SAT’s/SAT Subjects August 1 College Applications become available January Regular Applications due Title

Student Debt Remains a Growing, National Problem

Admissions and Affordability Why you must consider affordability in your college selection process Safety, Target and Reach Schools “Financial Safety Schools” Back Up Plans

Admissions and Affordability Net Price Calculator Every College Has One!

What is GPA?

Definition of grade point average The average obtained by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of credits attempted — also called quality point average Total # of grade points = GPA Total # of credits attempted Merriam-Webster Dictionary, 2016

GPA Letter Grade Points A 4.00 A- 3.70 B+ 3.33 B 3.00 B- 2.70 C+ 2.30 C 2.00 C- 1.70 D+ 1.30 D 1.00 D- 0.70 F 0.00

Why is GPA Important?

Long-term patterns Work Ethic Work Habits Balance Predicts College What does GPA tell us Predicts College Success Work Ethic Work Habits Long-term patterns Balance Presentation Title

Wanna go to a good school? Total number of Colleges GPA Preferred 63 3.75+ 227 3.5-3.75 639 3.0-3.5 468 2.0-3.0 1742 Open Admissions 3757 colleges in the US 2015 of them prefer a GPA above a 2.0

How do I calculate my GPA?

Total # of grade points = GPA Calculating the GPA Total # of grade points = GPA Total # of credits attempted

61.6 22 Calculating the GPA # of points depends on you! = 2.8 Total # of grade points = GPA Total # of credits attempted # of points depends on you! 61.6 = 2.8 22 # of credits required to graduate

How do I improve my GPA?

Keep your GPA high from the beginning! Go To Class Be organized and study Participate and ask questions Ask for help when you need it

How does GPA fit into my college applications?

GPA and College Applications First thing a college sees Helps admissions focus on qualified candidates More important than Standardized Tests Can help you get scholarships Can help you get into your major

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