College Prep Night @ Stevens High School Molly Moore—Director of Admissions South Dakota School of Mines

Choosing a College

It Starts With You—Self-Inventory What are your values? Which classes do you enjoy? What subjects always bore you? What's your learning style? Hands-on? Large group or small group preference? Proximity to home? What are your academic/career goals? What makes you happy?

What our students say: Long-term goals Brianna: I decided on Mines because I knew what I wanted as my goals but I didn't know how to achieve them. The head of the department was able to outline my options and reassure my concerns, and explain what opportunities I can come across in the future.

What our students say: Cost and Professors Kristin: Cost is good to think about! Also the smaller campus and less students than most colleges help you get classes with real teachers not just TAs, smaller class sizes and more access to the staff and teachers. Even as a non-trad these were very important to me.

What our students say: Size & Community Connell: Definitely look at size and community activity opportunities. The biggest thing that drew me to Mines and kept me here was that it's small enough for professors to build personal connections with students on an individual level. And the next biggest reason was that there were so many programs/events/organizations to get involved with.

What our students say: Majors available Jenna: Do they have your top 2-3 majors you are considering so you don't constantly transfer? Placement rate/How successful that major is at that particular college.

Create a short list Make a list of your top 5-7 universities

Utilize your local resources Rapid City Planning Days College Fair 8:00 a.m. on October 23 at the Rapid City Civic Center 50 different universities and military representatives College Rep visits at the high school Talk with family, friends, teachers, and coaches

Make Campus Visits Personalized Visits Open Houses Personalized One-on-One Chance to see a lot about a few specific things Mon-Fri for most schools SD Mines: Sign up online OR Call our office. Open Houses Many more students Chance to see a little bit of everything Usually a few times a year. Saturday options SD Mines: Sign up online

Important Questions to Ask Student to Teacher Ratio Placement Rate Starting Salary Internship Opportunities Learning Communities Tutors/Academic Support Academic Advising Graduate Assistants Campus involvement with students Study Abroad Opportunities Clubs and Activities

What our students say about campus visits: Kristen: The main reason I ended up picking Mines was because I visited and everyone treated me so well.

Applying Deadlines Material Requirements Varies school to school Early Admission (Non-Binding) Early Decision (Binding) Rolling Admissions Material Requirements Apply online Application fee Official high school transcript Official vs. Unofficial Official college transcript if enrolled in college courses Essays Letters of Recommendation

I’m admitted. Now what?

Admissions Counselors What do we do? Territories Phone Calls Answer Questions Travel How can you benefit from us?

Enrollment Checklist Housing Classes Meal Plans Orientation Parking Pass

Financial Aid & Scholarships Merit based vs. Need based Specific Eligibility Scholarships Speak with Financial Aid Office. Scholarships @ SD Mines Deadline is February 1st, 2016 Students are automatically entered for merit based scholarships. Notified via mail in March. FAFSA Apply online at www.fafsa.gov . Apply as soon as possible after January 1st. SDSM&T FAFSA School Code is: 003470. Need Based, Subsidized Direct Loans and Federal Work Study (FWS). Contact Financial Aid Office for more information.

Costs Tuition Room & Board Books & Materials Average Credits Fees Instate Out of state Reciprocity Room & Board Average Room Meal Plan Books & Materials This is not always included. SD Mines does include this. Undergraduate SD Resident Tuition and Fees $10,370 Books and Supplies    $ 2,000 Room and Board $ 7,300 Estimated Yearly Total $19,670

Class Schedules & Housing Assignments Varies School to School Many have a class registration day. Talk with the Admissions Counselor SD Mines Complete Course Survey Registrar’s Office creates schedule. Continuously come out as they are finished. Housing Assignments Varies School to School Talk with the Admissions Counselor SD Mines Complete Housing Application Housing assignments given out in June. $100 Deposit.

Questions?