College Information Night Columbia City High School March 18, 2010

You have lots on your plate…. Academics Extra-curricular activities Part-time job

It’s not too early to start thinking about college!!!

Where do I start? Ask yourself… What am I looking for?  Do I want a large college or a small college?  How many students would I like to have per class?  Do I want to stay close to home?  What does the college offer academically?  What opportunities does the college allow me to take advantage of?  Are there lots of clubs and organizations at the college in which I can be involved?  How much will it cost? Are there scholarships available?

OK…I know what I’m looking for. Now what? Talk to family and friends Visit college websites Schedule time to meet with your Guidance Counselor Set up visits to colleges that are interesting to you…spring and summer before senior year are GREAT times to visit **Remember…senior year is busy. Starting your college search now will save you time and effort later!

What’s all out there?

Wherever you end up, colleges look for… SAT or ACT scores ◦ Register for one of the tests  (SAT)  (ACT) ◦ Prepare before taking the test  Practice testing from books  Online prep work College Prep coursework ◦ Work with Guidance Counselor to make sure you are on pace for diploma track you want to follow Your involvement ◦ Write down everything you’re involved with in and out of school ◦ Join a club, play a sport, or volunteer…anything you do outside of class could impress an Admissions office

What do college professors say? Communication/presentation skills lacking Importance of math English skills ◦ Includes writing, reading comprehension and ability to do research What can you do now? **Taken from Professors Offer Advice on Making Students "College Ready“, January 2010;

How will I be able to pay for college? Financial Aid is available to most students Start saving now…students can work, parents can put money away College loans are an option Strong academics = Scholarship Websites: Fastweb.com Collegeboard.com Scholarships.com **Check with the Guidance Office for opportunities

SENIOR TIMELINE Spring/Summer 2010 Review for/take the SAT or ACT Visit colleges of interest…most will do individual visits, but also look for “open house” events Explore ways of getting involved outside of school (i.e. Church, volunteering, etc.) Begin looking for outside scholarships/research scholarship opportunities at the colleges that interest you ◦ Create chart with due dates and requirements

August - September Start to narrow down your search after summer visits and research Begin filling out college applications ◦ Many online applications are free Meet with Guidance Counselor to organize your college search Continue searching for outside scholarships/start to turn in applications for them

Fall Complete college applications by November 1 st. ◦ Begin talking with colleges about Financial Aid Schedule college visits Attend College Fair at CCHS (October) Complete Lilly Scholarship

Winter Continue applying for outside scholarships ◦ CCHS website ◦ Community Foundation File the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Attend CCHS Financial Aid Night (January) KEEP GRADES UP!

March/April/May The “stretch run” ◦ Spring Break visits – try an overnight! ◦ Financial Aid packages arrive  Talk with parents, Guidance Counselors, and Admissions Counselor at particular school ◦ Deposit to college(s) of your choice – Deadline May 1 st ◦ Let other colleges know you are no longer interested ◦ Complete housing forms and other paperwork for college of your choice

Summer Checklist… CCHS Graduation! Send your final high school transcript to college through E-Transcript ( ml) ml Contact Future Roommates to pre-plan on who’s purchasing “what” items for the dorm room Continue to work a part time job to save money for college Attend on campus orientation/registration sessions Investigate health-insurance options Start packing!

Questions?

Where do I go for help with the college search? Contact Information: Mr. Phil Fry, A-E ext Ms. Sarah Maynard, F-Lhext Mrs. Kim Waugh, Director, LI-Rext Mr. Derek Yoder, S-Zext Greg Hetrick, Guidance Intern