1. COLLEGE PLANNING 101

2. What are you looking for? 2 year or 4 year college In-State or Out of State Size Athletics Racial Specific Gender Specific

3. COLLEGE PLANNING 101 You may want to consider: Strength in fields of interest Availability of financial assistance Opportunities outside the classroom PRICE DOESNT ALWAYS EQUAL VALUE!!!

4. COLLEGE PLANNING 101 E-MAIL EXPERT Make sure e-mails to admission offices are professional! Consider setting up a separate email account specifically to request and receive college information.

5. COLLEGE PLANNING 101 CAMPUS VISITS Go to a class or two Talk with students and faculty Visit their Career Center Ask tough questions until you get answers Attend an extracurricular activity Check out residence halls, libraries, student unions. Have a meal on campus Find out about campus organizations and activities.

6. COLLEGE PLANNING 101 If you cant visit a particular school… Go to their Web sites Take a virtual tour Attend a college fair

7. COLLEGE PLANNING 101 WHAT ARE COLLEGES LOOKING FOR??? Course Selection Rank in Class Interests Tests (ACT/SAT) Essays Recommendations Interviews Academic Performance

8. COLLEGE PLANNING 101 PAYING FOR IT!!! AVERAGE TOTAL COST OF COLLEGE ATTENDANCE (includes tuition and fees, room and board, books, transportation and other expenses.) Public School (4 year) $27,000.00 per year Private School (4 year) $50,000.00 per year Public School (2 year) $17,000.00 per year

9. COLLEGE PLANNING 101 TOTAL AMOUNT OF FINANCIAL AID GIVEN: $122,000,000,000.00 (Source: The College Board) NEEDMERIT Grants Academic Loans Athletic Work-Study Your Major

10. COLLEGE PLANNING 101 GREAT WEB SITES www.chooseyourfuture.org www.fastweb.com www.yourfuture.org www.cappex.com