College 101 Jill Brown, Counselor PTSA Meeting 10/11/11

Discussion Points College Process/Timeline/Organize College Selection Area Admission Facts Rankings, Lists and More! Family Role Student’s role

College Process and Timeline Freshman Year/Sophomore Year Encourage students to take rigorous courses Encourage student to get involved in sports, clubs, and activities Start talking to your student about post- secondary goals Get to know your Counselor/Teachers!

College Process and Timeline Junior -- Fall Encourage students to take rigorous courses (AP/Honors Courses) Encourage student to take leadership roles in sports, clubs, and activities Take PSAT - Fall Attend College Fairs and College Rep visits in Career Center Start Touring Campuses and talking to Alumni

College Process and Timeline Junior -- Spring Take SAT/ACT Meet with Counselor to discuss college options Find out if schools require SAT II (Subject Tests) Attend “Junior Weekends” Register for a rigorous Senior Schedule Have your “list” of colleges picked out and schedule visits Work on a personal statement - over summer Download Common Application (

College Process and Timeline Senior Year Take SAT again or for the first time Fall - Application Deadlines UW - December 1st deadline is new FAFSA Form - January 1st Wait, Wait, Wait (rolling/batched) May 1st - universal decision day

Picking the “right” college Majors & Educational Programs Location and Size Costs & Financial Aid (WUE) College Religious Affiliation Campus Activities/Student Life Support Services Admissions Policy, Retention, Graduation Rates

The Final List (open to modification!) College List 5 colleges 1 “dream” school 2-3 “mid-range” schools 1 “safety” school

Introspection helps to find the “fit” Who you are and what characteristics are you looking for? Do you like being an observer or a participant? Are you religious? Do you want to stay close to home or go somewhere new? Do you see yourself at a liberal arts college, or do you prefer the comparative anonymity of a major research university?

Introspection means finding the “fit” Do student-teacher ratios matter? Do you plan to join a fraternity or sorority? Diversity? Apply to schools with budget in mind, but don’t let it shut the door. Urban, rural, do you need a car?

Private vs. Public Washington Public Schools UW, CWU, EW, WSU, WWU, TESC Washington Private Schools SU, SPU, UPS, PLU, GU, Whitman...

Public vs. Private Differences Cost (Private schools may offer more financial aid) Class size/Campus size Range of majors/degrees Student services, activities and sports Application procedures Professors vs. Grad Students

Washington State Colleges Fall 2011 CollegeAverage GPA Average SAT Average ACT Admit Rate UW - Seattle % WSU % WWU % SU % UPS %

Good News There are 2,272 Four Year Schools College acceptance rate is above 70% More selective institutions don’t guarantee a more satisfying college experience Students gain more through a solid student/teacher relationship and involvement in activities

Western Undergraduate Exchange 150 percent of the host institution’s regular resident tuition. Certain majors only Applies to State College only –States that participate Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, Wyoming

How can you support your student? Encourage them to take rigorous courses Supportive environment Listen to fears, hopes, goals Discuss openly the family goals/expectations regarding college Encourage college visits or College Fairs Occasional reality checks ($$, gpa) Timelines, organization and “scheduled” meetings

Be informed and realistic Major/minor offered In ball park on GPA, SAT/ACT scores Location Size of student body Activities/clubs/sports offered Cost for four years

Rankings, Lists, and more Rankings - USNWR, NCCE (on-time grad rate, endowment, retention) Comparing with others - “your kid is going where?” Stress, money and awaiting aid You are the consumer -make the choice that is best for you and your family

What students should be doing? Discuss college plans with SC counselor Attend college fairs/attend college representative meetings/tour campuses - VISIT! Ask questions Get a standardized testing plan Study hard - take challenging courses Get involved at school or community Participate in summer enrichment activities, leadership camps, volunteer!

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