1. Finding the Right Fit Alliance Cindy and Bill Simon Technology Academy HS Naviance Classroom Guidance Presentation Spring 2013

2. Who Cares?  You are unique and college is expensive. It’s important to make sure that the personal and financial investment you make in college is in YOUR best interest.

3. Three Ways to Find the Fit  1. NAVIANCE: Learn about the college survey and how to add colleges to your “Colleges I’m Thinking About” list.  2. GOOGLE: Learn how to conduct your own college research by searching the internet.  3. RESOURCES: Counselors, we are here to help you through this process!

4. A College is not JUST a College  There are many differences among colleges and universities  Not all majors are the same and equal…even if they have the same name!  Environment: Not all schools will be able to offer you the experience you wish to have.

5. Activity  What matters to YOU?

6. CONSIDER CHARACTERISTICS

7. Location Small town – Big City Close to home – far from home Coastal – Plains – Mountains (Consider the weather)

8. School Size  Big open campus – Small campus  Large lecture style classes vs. small seminar style

9. Majors/Programs  Do they offer a variety of majors you are interested in?  Do they have programs that appeal to you?  Study Abroad  Internship opportunities

10. Financial  What is the cost of tuition?  Are there scholarship opportunities?  Expense of room and board?

11. Start Searching Naviance Advanced College SearchSuper Match College Search

12. Google  Look up lists of colleges in locations you are interested in  For example:  California colleges & www.google.comwww.google.com  You can access California Colleges from Naviance under the links section in the home page

13. By the time you are a Junior you will need to have a list of at least 10-15 colleges you plan to apply to your Senior year…Start early If you find a good college match click “Add to List” Make sure to have a combination of UC, CSU, community college and private colleges

14. Counselors!  Still have questions about finding the right fit? We are here to help!

15. The End