Joy Loper Assistant Director of Admission Kent State University Meredith Cannon Associate Director of Admission Baldwin Wallace University Admission Processes at Public and Private Colleges and Universities

We’ll answer your questions What am I looking for? College characteristics How do I find my perfect match? College research tips What do I ask? Checklist for a campus visit How do I apply? Application process How much will it cost? Cost and Financial Aid What’s true and what’s not? Myths vs. Realities Questions?

College Characteristics Majors/Academic programs Public vs. Private Distance from home Opportunities for involvement Campus environment Class sizes Academic Support Networking opportunities Cost

College Research Tips College web sites College brochures College Fairs and High School visits High School Guidance Counselor Virtual Tours Online search tools College Navigator ( Cappex ( Zinch (

Checklist for a campus visit  Meet with an Admission Counselor (interview?)  Verify admission requirements  Determine estimated cost  Ask about Financial Aid opportunities  Take a campus tour  Schedule an appointment with a faculty member and/or sit in on a class  Meet with coaches/athletes  Spend the night  Try to get a “gut feeling” for the campus

Admission Process Narrow your choices (3-4 schools) Review admission requirements ACT/SAT GPA Check on application deadlines Early Decision vs. Early Notification/Action Check on scholarship deadlines Know what is required for each separate school Essay Recommendations Submit your application and application materials Common Application vs. School Application

Admission Process Continued… An easy timeline to follow: September 1 - December 1 = APPLY December - January = YOU’RE IN! January 1 = FILE THE FAFSA February – March = FINANCIAL AID March and April = REVISIT National Candidate’s Reply Date is May 1 = DECISION TIME!

Cost and Financial Aid Public four year cost average Tuition- $9,000 to $11,000/Year Room and Board- $7,000 to $10,000/Year Private four year cost average Tuition- $25,000 to $40,000/Year Room and Board- $7,000 to $10,000/Year Private School Cost Example: 3.4 GPA/26 ACT =$12,000/Year Alumni Scholarship = +$2,000/year $14,000/year SCHOLARSHIPS Private School Grant =+$6,000/year $20,000/year GIFT AID Total Cost of $38,318/year Baldwin Wallace-$20,000/year GIFT AID $18,318/year TUITION ROOM /BOARD Public School Cost Example: Merit Scholarship =$3,000/Year Total Cost of $19,352/year Kent State-$3,000/year MERIT SCHOLARHIP $16,352/year TUITION ROOM /BOARD

Myths vs. Realities All Four Year Public Universities have to admit all students. FALSE Private colleges are too expensive! FALSE Not all students can succeed in a college environment. FALSE Students don’t need a college education. FALSE!

Questions? Joy Loper Meredith Cannon