1. Navigating through the College Admissions Process Mrs. Kim Bryson Forest Park High School Counselor

2. Workshop Topics Gathering Information Narrowing Choices Applications Letters of Recommendation Tests Required Campus Visits Types of Acceptances Selection of College Financial Aid

3. Gathering Information Student Search Service – free service of The College Board www.collegeboard.com Information in the mail College websites Networking with friends and family College fairs/ School Visits

4. Narrowing Choices How many colleges should I apply to? Location Public/private Size/demographics Cost Programs – academic, athletic, activities

5. Applications Hard Copy Online- Most popular Deadlines Fees/ Fee Waivers Transcripts Guidance Process NCAA Clearinghouse

6. Letters of Recommendation May be required Who to ask Prepare resume Letter content –Address the school specifically –No generic letters –Show personal knowledge of student

7. Required Tests SAT I –Aptitude Test SAT II –Subject specific ACT –Achievement Test

8. Campus Visitations Parent and student visit While college is in session Schedule tour Get ‘feel’ for campus Absence excused for college visit

9. Types of Acceptance Accepted Accepted if Wait listed Deferred Rejected

10. Selection of School Lifestyle (Urban vs. Rural campus) Program of studies Activities/Athletics Support (Academic & Social)

11. $$$ Financial Aid $$$ Loans Grants Scholarships –National –State –Local

12. Financial Aid FAFSA Form Scholarship Requirements –Application –Transcript –Recommendation –Essay –Interview

13. Financial Aid File taxes Complete FAFSA form beginning in January of your Senior Year Scholarship Awards –Directly to school –Directly to student

14. Essays Must address the prompt given Make your essay unique, which is based on your own personal experience/ situation in relevance to the topic. Must adhere to guidelines given (length, topic, location) Double check grammar and spelling Don’t procrastinate

15. There is a school for everyone There are over 3800 colleges and universities in the United States Not all choices are ‘forever’

16. The mission of a Guidance and Counseling office is to help you be successful. Do not hesitate to ask for assistance. Good Luck!