1. COLLEGE SELECTION Finding the Right Fit

2. 3 Things You Could Work on Today 1.College Applications 2.Setting Up College Visits 3.Scholarships

3. Deciding Where to Apply: Know Yourself Possible Selection Criteria to Consider: Geographic Location Size Major Offered Surrounding Community Sports & Extra-curricular Activities Social Atmosphere Diversity Study Abroad Religious Orientation

4. Research Online College Navigator and CollegeBoard College NavigatorCollegeBoard

5. College Navigator – Retention, Grad Rates

6. Research Talk to People - Ask relatives, friends, teachers, neighbors, members of your religious community, co-workers and others in your life. Admission Reps – Lunchroom Visits College Visits You may be surprised to learn about colleges you have never heard of that will be great for you to investigate.

7. Application Process Application Deadlines (Early Period, Early Action/Early Decision) Teacher or Counselor Form Transcript from Mrs. Pike Official Test Scores or OK on Transcript

8. Admissions Colleges Look At: Curriculum/Course Path Grades & Transcript Test Scores (ACT or SAT) Essays, Activities & Leadership, Personal Qualities, Awards, Recommendations, Interviews, Resume.

9. Competitive Admissions? Admission Requirements Acceptance Rates Academic Profile of Entering Freshmen – How do you compare?

10. College Navigator – Admission Stats Safety?Target?Reach?

11. College Visits Usually Setup for Fridays Open Houses / Individual Tours Call Admission Offices in Advance Ask Questions and Make Comparisons – Attend a class – Eat in the Cafeteria – See Campus Housing – Look at Surrounding Area – Talk to a Coach – Overnight?

12. Scholarships / Financial Aid Do not let cost be the most important factor in selecting colleges at this time Attend the Financial Aid night in October File Free Application for Federal Student Aid (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ NOT.com!)http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ Research both Need Based and Merit Based Scholarships Fastweb.com – National Scholarships Fastweb.com Guidance Office Website – For Local Scholarships Guidance Office Website Visit the Colleges’ Financial Aid page to determine their scholarships procedures Use Financial Aid Estimator on findaid.org and/or on individual college sites.findaid.org

13. Things to Remember Do Not Change Your Schedule Do You Need to Retake the ACT? (October 25 @ PTHS – Register by September 19) Consider Your Options - You Do Not have a Make a Final Decision until Spring

14. ACT Retake Dates