Planning for college and what you can expect The Big Picture Planning for college and what you can expect

Agenda College Search – Finding the right fit for you Campus Visits Admissions Deadline The College Application – What are we looking for? Other Factors NCAA Eligibility The Great Sorting Game Questions & Answers

The College Search Finding the right fit for you Size - Large vs. Small Location – Distance, Urban, Rural Cost Academic Program Gathering Information The Web Counseling Office College Fairs High School Visit

Campus Visits Summer vs. School Year Group Information Sessions The Tour Open House The Interview

During The Visit What you should be looking for? How do students interact with each other and with faculty? Are the students engaged during their classes? What is the dining hall experience like? Do the students seem happy? Is there a sense of community in the residence halls? Does the overall environment seem like one in which you will thrive?

The Interview Required, Not Required, Highly Recommended Appearance Research and Ask good questions Thank You Note!

Admissions Deadlines Early Decision (binding) Single-Choice Early Action (restrictive) Early Action (non-binding) Regular Admissions (non-binding) Rolling Admissions (non-binding)

College Application Application Application Fee or Fee Waiver Official High School Transcript Senior Grades (depends) Letter of Recommendation College Essay Test Scores Resume or Brag Sheet Other required information Stay on top of the process and be aware of deadlines!!

The Admissions Process - What are we looking for? Academics Test Scores College Essay Resume & Recommendations

TIP: Obtain Copy of Your Transcript Academics Grades/GPA Courses (manage your courses and electives) Level of Difficulty (CP vs. H vs. AP) Class Ranking TIP: Obtain Copy of Your Transcript

Test Scores Understanding the Options SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing Reading Test Writing and Language Test Math Essay (optional) ACT- Tests subject knowledge Strong academic record SAT Subject Test (SAT II) For admission purposes and mainly for placement AP exams – credit/advance placement SAT/ACT Optional schools

College Essay Strong Introduction Proof-read, proof-read, re-write, re-write In Your Own Voice Topic of your choice “I have nothing to write about!”

Essay Prompt Examples

Resume & Recommendations Extracurricular Activities Long-term commitment Depth vs. Breadth Doesn’t have to be tied to HS Recommendations Ask a challenging teacher School Counselor Provide a “Brag-Sheet”

Social Media

9 Tips to Get Recruited Take the right classes. Meet with your college counselor to ensure your course schedule is in line. Be a multi-sport ATHLETE. College coaches want athletes first who can play at the collegiate level. Register with the NCAA by your junior year. Make your lists of colleges. Focus not only on athletics, but academic programs of interest. Create a video. Keep your videos short, simple and as professional looking as possible! Research the schools. Find out contact information for coaches, talk to current players, and look at the team’s roster to see what positions are returning next year. First contact. Keep e-mails or letters short. Include a resume if possible. Increase your game and exposure at a sport/university camp. The Final Choice. Narrow it down to your top 3 choices. Decide where you would be happiest if something happened to your athletic career. Choose a school that offers the best overall environment.

The Great Sorting Game “A Participatory Demonstration of How Selective College Admissions Works” Created by Mary Lee Hoganson, College Consultant

Now What? Continue to work hard in school Register for challenging classes for your senior year Start working on your college lists Visit colleges Letters of Recommendation Speak with teachers before summer starts Work on your essay over the summer SAT/ACT exams

Questions & Answers

Assistant Director of Admission Thank You Ryan O’Keefe Assistant Director of Admission ROKeefe2@Bryant.edu