PBL High School presents “College Information Night” Kristin Oyer (A-L) Pat Burns (M-Z)

Goals for the Night 1. Researching colleges – Factors to consider when exploring colleges 2. Explore planning resources 3.Walk through the application process

Researching Colleges Consider what you want in a college: Size Student life Location Cost Majors

Larger Schools vs. Smaller Schools Relationships with professors Student body Opportunities

Environment & Student Life Academics Athletics Social life Greek life Extra-curriculars

Location In state or out of state Driving distance Flying distance Drop-ins?

‘Price Tag’ – like buying a car… Private University Total Cost: $42,000 Federal Aid: - $5,500 EFC: - $1,500 University Aid: - $35, Unmet Need: $0 Total Cost to you: $1,500 Public University Total Cost: $18,500 Federal Aid: - $5,000 EFC: - $1,500 University Aid: - $5, Unmet Need: $7,000 Total Cost to you: $8,500 Source : QuestBridge

Community Colleges Community colleges offer a great start They’re usually a lot less expensive.

Financial Aid and Scholarships Begin search early senior year Watch out for scholarships scams! Local, national, & college-specific scholarships Request financial aid/scholarship info from colleges

Sources of college funding Loans (private and govt) Grants Scholarships Out of Pocket

Other factors to consider On/off-campus housing options How are your credentials compared to others attending the school? If you know what you want to do, do they offer that major? If undecided, do they offer a wide range of majors?

Selecting a Major It’s okay to be undecided Avg student changes major 2+ times, career 3+ Know yourself! Personality/Interest inventories We have various tools available, come see us! Link careers to college major explore careers as they fit your strengths/interests/values Job shadows, interviews, etc

Goals for the Night 1. Researching colleges - Factors to consider when exploring colleges 2. Explore planning resources 3.Walk through the application process

Sources of Information PBL Counseling Website Counselors College Reps Campus visits

Campus Visits!!! It just takes a phone call to set one up Colleges love to have students visit Read College Information Talk with students Come armed with questions

Narrow It Down Two “safe” schools Two “dream” schools Two “good fit” schools

Goals for the Night 1. Researching colleges - Factors to consider when exploring colleges 2. Explore planning resources 3.Walk through the application process

Factors considered when colleges review applications Grades and class rank Courses taken ACT or SAT score Recommendations (ask early!) Extra-curricular activities Community service/volunteer work Essay Special circumstances

How Do I Apply? Apply online – let us know when you have applied Deadlines – apply early Letters of recommendation Essays Transcripts Test scores

Letters of Recommendation Positive 2 weeks notice Résumé (accomplishments) Thank you note

Personal Essay Answer the question Engaging Obstacle/accomplishment Proofread

Transcripts & Scores High school ACT or SAT AP

Timeline Now – apply for admissions Now – apply for college scholarships After Jan. 1 – apply for financial aid Spring – decide

What Illinois schools are saying - “Especially looking at rigor of high school courses” - “Apply early, apply online” - “Holistic review” - “Campus visits are critical” - “Personal statements for extenuating circumstances” - “Fill out your FAFSA as soon after January 1 st as possible” - “If borderline student, it’s even more important to apply early”

Frequently Asked Questions & Frequent Misconceptions 1.Waiting too long to get started 2.Should I apply now or wait for my ACT scores? 3.There is no way that I can afford to go to college. 4.I shouldn't take an ACT if I am going to a junior college. 5.My grades do not matter during senior year.

Additional Information NCAA eligibility center – register on-line Get organized Use appropriate addresses: Be careful with social media Facebook accounts and appropriate pictures Visit with counselor to learn class rank, GPA, etc...

Military Service Military academies ROTC programs Tuition assistance

Closing comments Apply early, apply online Contact us when you have applied Go on campus visits Consider taking the ACT multiple times Free ACT online prep Fill out FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1

Thank you for coming! Contact us with any questions