1. Roadmap to College What Do I Need to Navigate The Process? Shelley Kaler, Admissions Counselor Jacksonville State University Dylan Kelley and Price Sparks, JSU Ambassadors

2. Are You Ready? College Admissions is more competitive than 5 to 10 years ago. The process started when you were forming work habits in middle school. Start NOW building a solid foundation and make a plan. Decisions and actions now will spell success in the future.

3. Colleges Want 6 Things! 1. Bright 2. Motivated 3. High Achieving 4. Diverse in Background 5. Involved 6. Consistency

4. Bright Students Grades Count! Emphasize importance of good grades and class attendance. Show teachers you want to do your best! Don’t let your interest in the course affect your grade. If possible, move to a more rigorous schedule and challenge yourself. Consider doing more than just the assignment. Research interesting points.

5. Motivated Set goals now! Take courses that will help you prepare for college. Improve or maintain good grades. Create a resume that documents your successes. Start a college folder and research schools you might be interested in attending.

6. Motivated? Colleges Notice! Do -Take responsibility for your learning. -Develop great study habits. Be Organized! -Learn where to go for help. -Be involved and make a difference. Don’t -Blame teachers or parents for bad grades. -Feel overwhelmed. -Think “I have time to get it together” or “I don’t need to worry about that now”.

7. Motivated = Discovering Options Come to College Night Types of schools  Compare and Contrast – In-State/Out-of-State, Public/Private, 2 year/4 year, Trade Schools Attend college events and fairs hosted locally  Collect materials and READ the material  Ask questions to admissions staff and counselors and really make an effort to get to know the staff  Start a folder and include a Pro and Con list Don’t make decisions, but know what it takes to get accepted. Tips for a successful college night – Hold on to your hats!

8. Colleges Like Diversity Identify personal abilities, aptitudes, and interests. Gifts and unique qualities are found on the playing field, on stage, in organizations, expression of ideas, volunteer work and more. Find your passion! Know what you care about? And why? Let colleges know what sets you apart. Let colleges know about mission trips you have taken and ask about International programs that may offer scholarship opportunities.

9. Involvement – Give Back! Colleges like to see well-rounded, active, and involved students. Commit to extracurricular activities at school and in the community. Create a resume that will include recognition from academic and extracurricular activities, including honors rolls, clubs, and volunteer activities. Very selective schools/programs – want to know you can give back and make a difference in the world. Make the schools aware of your leadership abilities and skills.

10. Consistency Consistent academic record or record that demonstrates steady improvement Strong ACT or SAT scores – the more often you take exams the more comfortable you will become. Achievement across all courses Strong study skills Make a commitment to an activity and/or sport you can stick with throughout high school.

11. Colleges want… CHARACTER Involvement outside the classroom Leadership Community Service Maturity and Strong Values Commitment to the College Individuality “Our character is what we do when we think no one is looking.” H. Jackson Brown Jr.

12. What Should You Be Doing Now? Make the best grades possible Get Involved Compile a resume Research interesting careers Do something you are passionate about this summer Look at summer programs offered by colleges

13. What should I know? Make a list of “realistic” and “reach” schools. Take a virtual tour and look for key facts of colleges (majors, location, size and cost). What are the most popular majors? What size is the campus? How far away is it? If it is on my list, how selective is it?

14. Consider… Which one will get me where I want to go? Do they offer the major(s) I am interested in? Advantages and disadvantages! Scholarships and Financial Assistance What’s the weather like? City, Suburban, Country?

15. Costs Costs should not be your main focus, but it should be addressed.  Look online at average costs per year  Some colleges will meet 100% of your demonstrated need.  Private colleges that cost more to attend often have large endowments and will put together a package that will make attending affordable.

16. Influences Most of the time, high school students are influenced by:  Parents and Family  College choices of friends they look up to or their girlfriend/boyfriend  Their own perceptions (however formed) of what a school is like  National rankings (and their own internal ranking systems!)  Athletic teams  Campus visits

17. The Right Tools Recap… Organize your year and make the best grades possible. Develop good study habits. Learn to prioritize your time. Become involved, give back – find a passion. Go to college fairs. Start a college file and resume. Search colleges for a virtual tours. Spend some time during the summer getting on campuses that interest you.

18. Parent Do’s and Don’ts of the College Selection Process DO - Listen to your student’s thoughts -Make time for college searches and book tours rather than just showing up -Encourage your student to take appropriate risks -Keep an open mind about colleges you may not be aware of -Encourage your child to explore various non-academic interests -Be a smart college consumer! Don’t - Set a particular college as the goal for your child. -Limit options or choices -Use language like “first-tier”, “second-tier”, or “safety-net” to describe colleges. - Don’t fill out forms that are meant for the student to complete!

19. Enjoy the Journey! They will be your sons and daughters a lot longer than they will be a high school or college student. Be organized, be proactive, be well informed and involved in the process yet avoid being a “Helicopter Parent”. Let your child discover their options and be supportive. Remember that life is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep a steady pace and you will get to the finish line.