1. CSI: College Search Initiative
Preparing for the College Admission Process
College 101

2. College Search Initiative
1. Finding the Right Fit
2.What’s Important to Get There
3.Tools
4. Be Calm

3. Finding The right fit ATTEND college-sponsored events
EXPLORE college websites
VISIT college campuses
TALK to current students and alumni
USE the resources provided by your school
DEVISE your list of “match” schools

4. Personal Survey Making the Right Choice College and Me
1. I am the kind of person who likes a) the big city b) small town c) suburb d) to travel and be almost anywhere 2. It is important for me to be a) close to home b) across the country c) within a reasonable driving distant of home d) it really doesn’t matter 3. I am most comfortable with a) people who are just like me b) people who are from a culturally diverse background c) a co-ed environment d) a single sex environment
4. I find I do my best work when I am a) in a large group b) in a small group c) by myself d) in almost any kind of people situation 5. I like to be in a place that offers a) a lot of choices b) a main focus such as math or science c) active learning like the performing arts /sports d) strong academics and research opportunities 6. When I think of myself three years after graduating from high school, I see myself a) already out in the work force b) in college preparing to finalizing my career choice c) finishing a short term education plan and thinking about my next move

5. What’s Important to Get There?
Build Relationships
*Get to know your Guidance Counselor
Help you select your high school courses
Help you make a plan starting early
*Find a Mentor
Teacher or coach

6. What’s Important to Get There ?
Academic Program
*Maintain a strong academic record
Keep up your grades
Do not be afraid to take advanced courses (Advanced Placement, Dual Enrollment, Honors)
Be a good citizen

7. What’s Important to Get There ?
The Tests
You will have to take tests (SAT, ACT, or Placement Tests)
Talk with your college to see what they are expecting
Tests do not always determine admission decision

8. What’s Important to Get There…
Supplemental Information
This is where you get to tell the admissions representative who you really are !
Activities, services, work
Essays and/or Personal Statements

9. Collect evidence Create a Timeline The Tools
Document your college search
Document yourself
Create a Timeline
When is the college application due?
When is the financial aid application due?

10. Get in touch with your inner Organization Nerd
College
App Deadline
FinAid
Type of App
Essays?
Recs?
Testing?
Other?
UVA
EA: 11/1; RD 1/1
3/1
Common App
Common+2 short answer
1 couns, teacher
SAT or ACTw/WR; 2 SAT 2's rec'ed
art supp?

11. Application Application – Early, Regular and Rolling
Competitive application
Paints a picture of you – your academic ability and your personal interests
Does our school fit you?
Do not be afraid
Non-competitive application
Collects demographic and personal information
You are automatically accepted
There may be a separate, competitive, application for popular programs

13. College Search Initiative
Be a good investigator! Find a college that is a FIT for YOU !

14. Questions? Valerie H. Gregory Associate Dean Director of Outreach