Preparing for College Admission Lica Hertz, Assistant Director of Admissions at UNC Charlotte http://tinyurl.com/znq57go

Types of Colleges Community Colleges Technical courses and job training offered for students who want to learn a trade or specialization Associate’s degrees available for students who want to earn a Bachelor’s degree after taking courses at a community college Colleges and Universities Most degree programs take 4 years to complete Students earn Bachelor’s degrees, which prepare them for the work force or graduate school

The UNC System 16 schools in the public university system Enrollment ranges from <1,000-35,000 Hundreds of degree programs

The UNC System http://chapelboro.com/news/unc/unc-get-2nd-generation-spangler-oversight

The College Application Process

Admission Decisions College admissions offices are asking two questions: Do we think you will be successful? Do we have the space?

Admission Decisions Objective Criteria

Objective Criteria Academic Course Selection Core subjects: English, Math, Science, History/Social Science, Foreign Language Successfully complete a rigorous schedule every year, including senior year Challenge yourself in a way that will help prepare you for your major

Objective Criteria 2. Academic Performance What is your weighted and unweighted grade point average (GPA)? What is your class rank, if computed? What are your grades in your most challenging courses?

Objective Criteria Do you fall within the academic profile of applicants who are admitted? UNC Charlotte Profile of Middle 50% HS GPA: 3.8 – 4.5 SAT: 1130-1280 ACT: 22 – 27

Objective Criteria 3. Test Scores Take the test more than once; take both SAT and ACT, if applicable Does your selected college super-score? Does your selected college require the SAT II subject tests?

Objective Criteria 4. Volume of Applications Received Deferred/Waiting List Early Action vs. Early Decision

Admission Decisions Subjective Criteria

Subjective Criteria 1. Extracurricular activities What do you do outside of class? Leadership, community service, volunteer activities, travel, involvement Depth vs. Breadth

Subjective Criteria 2. Essay(s) Most subjective part of an application Allows you to differentiate yourself among the masses How well can you communicate and follow directions?

Subjective Criteria 3. Letters of Recommendation Letters of recommendation vs. letters of information Choose someone who knows you, not someone intended to impress the reader Give recommenders plenty of time to provide letters for you

Start Early! Admission Decisions Pay close attention to deadlines! Be sure to complete your application – it’s more than just submitting an online form Rolling decisions vs. Notification deadlines

Paying for College Financial Aid & Scholarships Need-based aid: FAFSA (www.fafsa.gov) CSS Profile (css.collegeboard.org/) Need & Merit-based aid: University scholarships External scholarships (www.zinch.com www.fastweb.com)

Tips from an Insider Visit as many colleges as you can You don’t have to have your major narrowed down yet Find the “right fit”

admissions.uncc.edu Photos courtesy of uncc.edu