1. Elizabeth Fitzgerald Stevenson University

2.  Offer a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science  Lay foundation for more advanced studies and professional work  Offer a more traditional, well-rounded approach to an advanced degree.  Allow the time and opportunity to explore several subjects before choosing career path.

3.  There are more than 3,800 colleges and universities in the United States.  There are more females than males going to college nationwide.  USA is #1 destination for international college students.

4.  Field of Study  Size  Selectivity  Setting  Special Interests ◦ i.e. Study Abroad, Diversity, Religion, Activities  Distance from Home  Public/Private  Athletics

5.  Visit college campuses – don’t wait! ◦ Open Houses ◦ Daily Information Sessions & Campus Tours ◦ Overnight Visits ◦ Interviews  High School Visits by College Representatives  College Fairs  Surf the Internet!

6.  Early Decision ◦ Apply by November 1 and receive decision by December 15 of senior year. ◦ Plans are binding – admission means you must attend. ◦ Can only apply to one school Early Decision.  Early Action ◦ Apply early, but admission is non-binding. Notified mid/late January. ◦ Have until May 1 to notify school of attendance. ◦ No limit on Early Action applications.  Regular Decision/Rolling Admission ◦ Apply by published deadline and receive a decision no later than April 1 of senior year. ◦ Rolling and first-come, first-served basis ◦ Have until May 1 to notify school of attendance. ◦ No limit on Regular Decision/Rolling Admissions applications.

7.  Paper applications  Online applications  Common Application® ◦ www.commonapp.org www.commonapp.org  How many applications? ◦ No magic number ◦ Some students apply to 2-3 while others apply to 10 or more. ◦ Should be combination of safety, match, and reach schools. ◦ Fee waivers

8.  Application – paper or online  Application Fee  Official High School Transcript  Official SATs or ACTs  Essay  Letter(s) of Recommendation  Interview  Extracurricular Resume  Portfolio/Audition

9.  Classroom performance/grades earned  Course selection  Standardized test scores  Extracurricular activities  Quality of essay or personal statement  Interview  Legacy  Campus Visit

10.  Scholarships ◦ Almost $3 billion in scholarships is available annually as free money for college!  Types ◦ Merit-based – vast majority come from colleges ◦ Athletic – NCAA Divisions I and II only ◦ Major-specific competitions ◦ Local organizations  Lions Club, Rotary Club, and Kiwanis Club, churches, etc. ◦ Online searches  Collegeboard.com  Fastweb.com

11.  Financial Aid ◦ Makes up the difference between what colleges cost and what the family can afford to pay.  Types ◦ Loans - have to be repaid ◦ Grants – do not have to be repaid ◦ Work-study – earn money on campus  FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid ◦ www.fafsa.ed.gov www.fafsa.ed.gov ◦ www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov  Fill out beginning January 1of senior year

12.  Higher education experts say first three weeks are most critical.  Success in high school does not automatically translate into success in college.  College professors will not hold your child’s hand.

13. The Naked Roommate: And 107 other issues you might run into in college By Harlan Cohen Expect the unexpected. Allow yourself to be uncomfortable.

14. Elizabeth Fitzgerald Associate Director of Admissions Stevenson University esfitzgerald@stevenson.edu 443.352.4432