The College Planning Process at Solon High School SHS College Counselors: Mrs. Wendy DingmanA-De Mr. Rick NowakDf-Ho Ms. Ann BruceHp-Mc Mr. Calvin WashingtonMd-See Mrs. Anne JohnsSef-Z SHS College Planning Support Staf SHS College Planning Support Staff: Ms. Carol RymazSecretary Mrs. Marcia ElbrandFinancial Aid Consultant

 Work  Military  Trades  Apprentice programs  Proprietary schools  College

Remember, decision making is a PROCESS, not an event.

You can organize the college planning process in 6 SIMPLE STEPS.

 Recognize your strengths and weaknesses  Analyze your interests and values  Achieve a personal goal  Increase your earning power  Prepare for a career and expand learning  Participate in extracurricular activities and social life  Consider the influence of family and friends

Take responsibility for your future.

English4 Years Mathematics (Algebra 1 and above) 4 Years Social Studies3 Years Science3 Years Foreign Language (of the same language) 2 Years Arts1 Year HIGH SCHOOL COURSES ACT RECOMMENDS FOR ALL STUDENTS

Average ACT Scores by Core Curriculum Completion Status, 2007–2011 For each year from 2007 to 2011, ACT Composite and subject scores were higher for students who took a core curriculum or more in high school than for students who did not. On average, high school graduates who completed at least a core curriculum earned Composite test scores 2.2 to 3.1 points higher than the scores of students who did not take a core curriculum. Similar ranges of higher scores for core or more curriculum completers are noted for each subject test: English (2.5 to 3.5 points), Reading (2.2 to 3.0), Mathematics (2.3 to 3.0), and Science (2.0 to 2.7). Took Core or More Took Less Than Core

 Become familiar with the ACT ® test content and format  Review your PLAN ® results to identify academic weaknesses  Learn appropriate test-taking strategies  Use ACT Online Prep TM —ACT’s test preparation program  Review The Real ACT Prep Guide—the official test prep book  Take ACT’s free practice test  See your counselor for other test preparation materials  Visit the ACT website at THE BEST PREPARATION IS A SOLID HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Remember—Test scores are only ONE factor used for college admission and scholarship decisions.

Every campus has a personality.

 Majors & educational programs  Type of school & degrees offered  Admission policy  Location & size  Costs & financial aid  College affiliation & accreditation  Campus activities  Support services

 Compile information from several resources: –Internet/Websites –College catalogs, viewbooks, videos, and computer- based services (DISCOVER ® ) –College representatives and college fairs –Counselors and teachers –Parents, students, and alumni –Directories and ACT score report

 Prepare a college comparison checklist  Weigh advantages & disadvantages  Contact the office of admission  Schedule appointments for your campus visits

CHECKLIST FOR A CAMPUS VISIT Meet with an admission counselor Verify admission requirements Determine actual college costs Ask about financial aid opportunities Take a campus tour Investigate your academic program(s) Attend a class Talk with students and faculty

Discuss your chances for success: ADMISSION GRADUATION PLACEMENT

 Narrow your choices  Review college admission test requirements (including the optional Writing Test)  Know application fees and deadlines  Submit application materials (paper/electronic) –Application for admission –High school transcript –Recommendations –Admission test results  Know scholarship requirements

KEEP ACCURATE RECORDS!

 Determine college costs  Investigate ALL possible resources –Parents –Savings –Summer earnings –Financial aid: scholarships, grants, loans, and work- study –Other sources  Secure necessary forms and note deadlines  Apply for financial aid as early as possible

Don’t eliminate any college because of costs before receiving financial assistance information! REMEMBER…CHECK WITH COLLEGE OFFICIALS FOR ACCURATE COSTS.

Estimated Expenses for a Year of College Budget ItemAverage Annual Range Tuition and fees$5,000 – 21,000* Room and board$5,000 – 8,000* Books and supplies$ 800 – 1,700* Transportation$ 400 – 1,500* Miscellaneous$1,200 – 2,700* (laundry, entertainment, and recreation) Total$12,400 – 34,900* *These figures represent average tuition and fee costs for Midwestern states. Some schools will be lower in costs, while other schools will have higher costs. These figures should be used as a guide only. Students should check with the institution(s) in which they are interested to determine more specific costs. Budget Item1st Choice2nd Choice3rd Choice Name of College —————————————————— Direct Costs Tuition and fees —————————————————— Room and board—————————————————— Indirect Costs Books and supplies—————————————————— Transportation—————————————————— (including car expenses) Miscellaneous—————————————————— Totals—————————————————— Costs at Your College Choices

 Show initiative and be assertive  Talk with your parents and counselor  Select a college that meets your needs and preferences  Follow up with colleges to which you have applied

IMPORTANT! Keep your communication lines open.

 ACT Test Scores  High School Grades Test scores and high school grades ARE important. However, they measure ONLY PART of your POTENTIAL.

 Study habits  Motivation  Course selection  Placement  Interests  Commitment Keep in mind…making sound DECISIONS will lead to satisfying and successful EXPERIENCES.

College is not a prize to be won... to be won... but rather a match to be found. to be found.

Karen Dickerson Transfer Student Services Center The University of Akron

Ohio’s Public Universities Ohio’s 13 Public Universities - The University of Akron – - Bowling Green State University – - Central State University – - University of Cincinnati- - Cleveland State University – - Kent State University- - Miami University –

Ohio’s Public Universities Ohio’s 13 Public Universities, cont. The Ohio State University – Ohio University – Shawnee State University – University of Toledo – Wright State University – Youngstown State University – There also are 25 regional campuses of state- assisted universities

Ohio’s Public Universities Advantages of attending Ohio’s public universities: Wide variety of academic programs Broad range of student life experiences and opportunities Diverse type of institutions to choose from Metropolitan, urban, rural, selective, moderately selective, open, large, medium, small

Ohio’s Public Universities Advantages of attending Ohio’s public universities, cont. Broad range of opportunities to participate in research Affordable tuition options Financial assistance (merit and need based) Ability to transfer credit from community college

Ohio’s Public Universities Advantages of attending Ohio’s Public Universities, cont. Opportunities for graduate and professional studies Regional campus options Major sports programs

Ohio’s Public Universities Admission Completion Requirements Application Form (online or hard-copy) Application Fee (ranges from $45 to no fee; average is $30) High School Transcript ACT/SAT The ACT Writing Test is recommended by most of the universities; required by University of Cincinnati, Miami University, The Ohio State University and University of Toledo Some universities will require: Essay Recommendation College Prep Form

Ohio’s Public Universities Recommendations Consider college characteristics that are important to you and your family Request information from the university Schedule a campus visit Apply for admission by the time you leave for Thanksgiving break/winter break Develop a plan to pay for your education