The University of Akron Planning for College Chris Stimler Sr. Assistant Director of Admissions The University of Akron

Options after High School: Community colleges Public colleges and universities Private colleges and universities

Choosing a Major: What are you interested in? Do you want to work with people? Undecided? Go to uakron.edu and search for Focus2

Consider college characteristics: Majors Location Cost & financial assistance Size Admission policy College affiliation and accreditation Campus activities Support services

Community Colleges: Advantages: Technical degrees Transfer degrees and coursework Partnership programs Cost Proximity to home Almost half of all U.S. college students attend community colleges

Public Colleges/Universities: Advantages: Wide range of academic programs Affordable tuition Broad range of student life experiences and opportunities Major sports programs Diverse types of institutions from which to choose Metropolitan, urban, rural, selective, moderately selective, open, large, medium, small

Private Colleges/Universities: Advantages: Small student body Low faculty/student ratio Opportunities for student leadership Strong financial aid and scholarship opportunities Wide range of locations, affiliations, and costs

Is Getting into College Hard? Open Admissions: Almost all students are accepted Example: Stark State, Tri- C Selective Admissions: Certain GPAs, ACT/SAT scores are required. Also, an essay and/or interview may be required. Examples: The University of Akron, College of Wooster Competitive Admissions: Space is very limited. High school course selection, test scores, and extracurricular involvement are evaluated very carefully. Examples: The Ohio State University Competitive Majors: Examples: Nursing, Education

Registration Deadline Late Registration Deadline ACT www.ACT.org Reading, Math, English, and Science Test Date April 14, 2018 June 9, 2018 July 14, 2018 Registration Deadline March 9, 2018 May 4, 2018 June 15, 2018 Late Registration Deadline March 23, 2018 May 18, 2018 June 22, 2018

College and University Visits: Contact the Admissions Office to schedule a campus visit Make arrangements to attend an information session, take a campus tour, schedule an interview, visit classes, and meet with faculty If possible, visit when school is in session Types of visit opportunities: Large open house visit programs Bus tours Individual visits Overnight visits

Applying for Admission: Narrow your choices: Review college admission test requirements Know application fees and deadlines Know scholarship requirements Application for admission: Most schools have an online application/common application High school transcript Admission test results (ACT or SAT) Essays/Recommendations

Develop a plan to finance your education: Sources of financial aid: FAFSA Grants Student Loans Subsidized Unsubsidized College and University Scholarships: Academic, leadership, athletic, fine arts scholarships Each school distributes scholarships in a unique way Please research deadlines and requirements to apply for scholarships

Aid Distribution Academic Year $11,000 Fall Semester $5,500 Spring Semester Merit Scholarship: $1,000 $500 Pell Grant: $1,500 $750 SEOG: $1,500 Sub Stafford: $2,500 $1,250 Unsub Stafford: $1,500 Total Aid: $8,000 $4,000 Total Due: $3,000 $1,500

Review and Finalize Your Plans: Show initiative and be assertive Open communication between parents and students Follow up with colleges to which you have applied: Orientation On-campus Housing Financial Aid

Questions? Chris Stimler Sr. Assistant Director of Admissions The University of Akron 330. 972.8433 cms107@uakron.edu