College Planning 101

Let’s get started… Junior Year (or earlier) Start thinking about the types of schools you might be interested in attending Big/Small Public/Private Close to home/Far away Liberal arts/Research Etc. etc. etc.

TESTING ACT and SAT Most schools accept both test types of tests and do not have a preference William Jewell College accepts both ACT and SAT (Scholarships start at a 24 or an 1150) Jewell’s institutional code is 2394 for ACT and 6941 for SAT When to take the ACT or SAT Test early and often (to a point). Register for tests at least one month before the test date Test dates ACT (www.actstudent.org) – September, October, December, February, April, June SAT (sat.collegeboard.org) – October, November, December, January, March, May, June How to prepare Books, online courses, personal tutors, and classes are available to help you prepare for the exam (www.kaptest.com, www.princetonreview.com; https://getsmarterprep.com) Test Optional William Jewell College offers a Test Optional application that allows students to submit alternative admission criteria in place of a test score. Visit www.jewell.edu/testoptional or speak with your admission counselor for more information.

The Campus Visit Participate in a group visit, visit event, or schedule an individual visit See the campus! Meet with faculty members See the faculty/student interaction Talk with current students Meet your future classmates

Meet With An Admission Counselor Questions to expect from your college admission counselor: How does this college fit your interests? What are your goals? What activities are important to you? What are you interested in studying? What are you passionate about? Questions to ask your admission counselor: Tell me more about my intended area of study. What do students do for fun, on or off campus? What is the college’s placement rate? What is the average class size? What are the residential policies on campus?

Senior Year… Narrow your list of schools (but keep your list balanced) 1-3 “Reach Schools” 1-3 “Target Schools” 1-3 “Safety Schools” Ready, set, APPLY!

Submit an official high school transcript The Application Apply using the college’s application (www.jewell.edu/apply) or with the common Application (www.commonapp.org) Submit an official high school transcript Submit official ACT or SAT scores Submit essay if necessary Submit letter/s of recommendation if necessary Some schools charge an application fee ($50 - $100) Jewell’s application is free Fee waivers are available

Personal statement or answer a specific prompt (250 – 650 words) ESSAY Help your admission counselor get to know you! Make the application process personal. Show off your writing ability. Personal statement or answer a specific prompt (250 – 650 words) Consult a teacher, counselor, peer, etc. when working on your essay. Be sure to edit and revise before submitting! William Jewell College requires an essay with application “The world needs _______. Why?” (250 words)

Allow adequate time for the letter to be written and sent Letters of Recommendation Ask someone who can speak to your work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and character Ask teacher, coaches, counselors, community leaders, or church leaders Allow adequate time for the letter to be written and sent William Jewell College requires letters of recommendation for the following: Test optional applicants Oxbridge Honors Program (www.jewell.edu/Oxbridge)

RESUME Keep a record of your high school accomplishments and activities (this will come in handy for college applications as well as scholarship applications. Include Honors and awards Activities: sports, arts, clubs, organizations Leadership positions Camps and conferences Community service Work experience

Senior Year (continued)… Narrow your list again Where were you accepted? Any special offers? Revisit schools: talk to admissions, faculty, alums, current students

Financial Aid Apply to college early to receive information on additional scholarships William Jewell College’s priority deadline was October 15th Ask about talent and departmental awards Jewell offers awards in music, theatre, debate, journalism, and athletics File the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) after October 1st Talk with your guidance counselor, teachers, and community leaders to learn about community awards and scholarships Check out scholarship databases (www.scholarshipexperts.com, www.fastweb.com, www.scholarships.com, www.collegeboard.com)

Questions? Becky Poskin Assistant Director of Admission and Recruitment poskinr@william.jewell.edu