1. Plainfield School District 202 2014-2015

2. Timeline Application process Retaking the ACT Financial Aid / Scholarships Practical advice

3. DAILY Keep up your grades! August/September Register to retake the ACT Research Finish college visits Net price calculators Begin filling out college applications October Finish college applications by October 31 (Priority) Scholarship applications (October – May) December 10: District Financial Aid Night at PEHS As soon as possible after January 1, 2015 Complete the FAFSA May Send final year-end transcript to one school

4. George Washington University Columbia University Macalester College University of Michigan

7. Prior to starting: Review your transcript Complete your activity/work resume Set up a professional email account Know your ACT School code: Central: 143-495 East: 143-499 North: 143-497 South: 143-496

8. 3-5 schools (thoughtful applications) Research the application requirements Beware of the deadlines Priority filing by October 31 Priority Filing vs. Early Decision Letters of Recommendation Personal Statement / Essays* Transcripts Waiting on ACT scores? Do not wait to apply!

9. Personal Statement Typically utilized for further review beyond GPA, course rigor, and test scores Fit for academic goals Academic strengths/weaknesses Explanation of circumstances i.e. Illinois State Univ. Typically utilized to assess writing skills, as well as identify unique applicants i.e. University of Illinois i.e. University of Chicago Essay Prompt

10. GET IT “WRITE”! DISTRICT 202 COLLEGE ESSAY WRITING WORKSHOP FOR SENIORS Saturday, September 6th 11:00a.m.-12:00p.m. at PNHS Contact Kato Gupta at khinden@psd202.org to reserve your spot!khinden@psd202.org

11. Establish an organization system Accounts, login information, required materials, etc. Apply online Follow directions carefully Fees

12. Application Requirements High School Diploma or GED 18 years old Basic personal information (including SSN) Anticipated degree / certificate of study Official Transcript Fee: None Estimated time: 15-30 minutes What’s Important? Open admission

13. Application Requirements Basic personal information High school information (school name, dates of attendance, courses taken, etc.) Supporting documents: Official Transcript Official ACT Score Report Fee: $40, non-refundable Estimated time: 30 minutes – 1 hour What’s Important? Class rank Rigor of high school courses Standardized test scores Extra-curricular activities Talent / Ability Personal Statement ** Interview ** Recommendations **

14. Application Requirements Basic personal information High school information SRAR - Self-Reported Academic Record Official ACT Score Report from testing agency Letters of Recommendation: - Discouraged Final (year-end) transcript Two essays Fee: $50, non-refundable Estimated time: 2 hours + What’s Important? Academic achievement in the highest level of rigor available Grade patterns Academic interest Standardized test scores Other achievements that show significant impact / accomplishment Personal characteristics

15. www.commonapp.org Online application 10+ years 550 member institutions (Augustana, DePaul, Northwestern, Columbia) www.universalcollegeapp.com Partner with NACAC Monmouth, MSOE, Marquette, Bradley, Duke

16. Just because you hit SEND does not mean everything is there on time. All parts must be there on time. After submitting: Transcript request: See secretary in student services with a completed transcript request form for each school to which you apply. Schools may charge $1 per copy sent. Mail supplemental materials (resume, letters of recommendation, etc.) directly to the college/university

17. Strength of curriculum GPA ACT score Personal statement/Standout factor Everything else Extracurricular activities, resume, volunteer or work experience, class rank, demonstrated interest, interview, recommendations, etc. Authentic individuals

18. SchoolGeneral ACT Score range Northwestern University 31-34 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign 26-31 University of Illinois Chicago 21-26 University of St. Francis 21-25 Lewis University20-25 Northern Illinois University 19-25 ACT scores will be included on the transcript that is sent Some schools will require that you send the official score report directly from ACT. You can do this from their website: www.actstudent.org or when you register to take the ACT www.actstudent.org

19. Upcoming dates to retake the ACT. Register at www.actstudent.org www.actstudent.org Is SAT an option as well? (20 SAT Subject tests) Remember: Do not wait to fill out your college applications, even if you plan on retaking the ACT! Test DateRegistration Deadline (Late) October 25, 2014September 19, 2014 (9/20-10/3) December 13, 2014November 7, 2014 (11/8-11/21)

20. Check email frequently. You will be notified if something is missing from your file. Wait patiently. Continue other applications. Apply for scholarships. Keep your grades up…they still count!

21. Types of Aid Grants Loans FAFSA (January 1, 2015) Work Study Scholarships (starting now, deadlines vary) Net Price Calculators Mark your calendar! District Financial Aid Night: December 10 at PEHS

22. College Career Center Scholarship Sites www.collegeboard.org www.sholarshipexperts.com www.collegeboard.orgwww.sholarshipexperts.com www.collegedata.com www.scholarships.com www.collegedata.comwww.scholarships.com www.fairtest.org www.fastweb.com www.fairtest.orgwww.fastweb.com www.whatsnextillinois.org www.bls.gov www.fafsa.ed.gov Financial Aid 101: http://bit.ly/18yKtx0http://bit.ly/18yKtx0 District 202 Financial Aid Information Night: December 10 at PEHS

23. Students: Take personal responsibility Complete applications and requirements ahead of schedule Read and follow directions before you sign or send anything Use your resources Be authentic