1. Getting Prepared for College
Do’s and Don’ts for Counselors/Students/Parents

2. Why a College Education is Important ?
Creates Options
Intellectual Stimulation
Skill Development
Discover of Talents
Enhances Marketability
Higher Standard of Living

3. What Students Need to do to Prepare for College
Sign up for the right core courses
Take challenging courses
Work hard to pass courses
Build academic, language, mathematics & critical thinking skills
Prepare for SAT or ACT early
Get involved in extra-curricular activities early
Start saving money in a college fund early
Get an idea of what schools offer and what interests you

4. What Colleges/Universities Look for When Making Admission Decisions
SAT/ACT Scores
Class Rank
GPA
High School Core Classes
Essay
Audition/Portfolio
Interview
Letter of Recommendation

5. What Students Need to Know when Filling Out the Application
Student fills it out!
Know the deadlines
Know the right college/campus
Fill out the correct application
Have appropriate and one that you check
Put down legal name
FERPA!!!

6. Elements of An Application

7. High School Transcripts
Three to four year academic history
Class rank and GPA
High School Academic Core Requirements
Rigor of the Curriculum
AP and Honors classes

8. Admission Test Scores Most schools require you to
submit one of the following test
scores:
SAT
SAT II
ACT

9. Essay Showing v. Telling
Shows creativity, personality, enthusiasm, and value systems
Ability to write a good composition

10. Extracurricular Activities
High School Activities or Community Service
Demonstrates Leadership
Demonstrates Commitment
Demonstrates Time Management

11. Letters of Recommendation
Many schools (private & selective) require you to submit one or more letters of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or other adults who know you well.
Shows how you are perceived by classmates and teacher
How you fit in the community
What leadership roles have taken

12. Interview This is required or recommended by some schools
Good idea to make a personal connection with admission person on campus

13. Audition/Portfolio
If you are applying for a program such as music, art, or design, you may have to document prior work by auditioning on campus or submitting a tape, slide or other samples of your work

14. Five Things Students Should Consider When Choosing a College Academic Admission Requirements Social Life Career or Job Preparation Financial Aid

15. Academic Strength of academic programs Graduation/Retention rates
Class Size/Challenging course of study

16. Admission Requirements
How many applicants are admitted?
Academic profile information (average GPA & test scores)

17. Social Life Location of the college, whether urban or rural
What size is the college (small, medium or large/public or private) and does it suit your needs?
What is there to do other than study and attend clubs?
Is it a good fit for you? Will you fit in?
What sports and athletics are offered?

18. Career or Job Preparation
Placement rates of graduates in career area
Percentage of students who go on to graduate school
University Career Center

19. Financial Aid What is the actual cost of attendance?
How does the college compute need?
What kind of scholarships are offered?
What financial aid forms are needed?
Can you negotiate aid?