<p>Greetings all!</p>
<p>As I recently mentioned in another</a> thread, I'm endeavoring to give a presentation at my former high school on the topic of applying to college. Many seniors and juniors at my HS are not familiar with general application guidelines, so this is kind of a catch-all quick tips guide to applying.</p>
<p>This is my second iteration, which takes into account the great suggestions I got from my preliminary attempt.</p>
<p>This version is in full powerpoint. However, instead of making you download the powerpoint or observe all the slides (I know CC doesn't like linking to images), I've copied all the text of the powerpoint below.</p>
<p>PLEASE consider taking some time to read, proofread, and critique this presentation.</p>
<p>On behalf of myself and all the seniors/juniors at my HS, THANK YOU!</p>
<p>
[quote]
Slide 01: Applying to College</p>
<p>Slide 02: Overview
What this presentation is all about
Picking your colleges
Finding colleges that fit
Making a plan
The application process
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Q & A with the audience
Final Remarks</p>
<p>Slide 03: What this presentation is NOT
Hidden secrets to guarantee admission
Tricks to work the system
Ways to get around the process
Offer to do the work for you
A profit-motivated scheme
Do these things exist?
◦ Unfortunately, yes.</p>
<p>Slide 04: What this presentation IS
An introduction to college applications
Insight from students and faculty
Advice and tips for navigating the process
Helpful information
A chance to get your various questions answered from counselors and students who have been through this</p>
<p>Slide 05: Finding Colleges
You need to select a range of colleges
◦ 4-8 is a good ballpark figure for MOST students
What do you want in a school?
◦ Rural? Urban? Big? Small? Local? Far? Sports? Arts?
There are many online tools to help find good matches for you
◦ Collegeboard.com
Students > Find a College > College Search > Matchmaker
College</a> MatchMaker - Type of School</p>
<p>Slide 06: Choosing Your Colleges
Do your homework!
College brochures, visits, mailings, etc.
The college website: your one-stop shop
◦ Things you should look for
Future Students
High School Students
Applications
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Academics/Majors
Contact information</p>
<p>Slide 07: Example College website</p>
<p>Slide 08: Example College website</p>
<p>Slide 09: Example College website</p>
<p>Slide 10: Choosing Your Colleges
Look for the fit
Look for what you want in a college
Take advice
◦ Ask parents, teachers, friends in college already
Ultimately, it should be about what YOU want to do for the next four years!</p>
<p>Slide 11: Your Final List
Good fit? Good mix of Reach/Match/Safe?
Rule of thumb for applying:
◦ 1-3 Reach Schools (I applied to 2)
Reach- I dont know if I can get in or even afford it.
◦ 2-4 Match Schools (I applied to 3)
Match- I really should get in and afford it.
◦ 1-2 Safety Schools (I applied to 2)
Safety- Yep. Im in. And I can definitely afford it.
Reaches, Safeties, and Matches are unique for every student! No two must be alike!</p>
<p>Slide 12: Now That Youve Chosen
Double check all application requirements
◦ Foreign language? SAT Subject Tests? Sept 26
Make a plan! Schedule!
◦ How I applied despite a hectic schedule
Know your deadlines!
◦ Early Action, Early Decision, special scholarship consideration, etc.
Stick to that schedule!</p>
<p>Slide 13: Example Schedule</p>
<p>Slide 14: Example Schedule</p>
<p>Slide 15: Letters of Recommendation
The earlier, the better!
Teachers and others get bombarded with these in the Winter; beat the crowd!
Provide some personal accomplishment information
Remind them occasionally of deadlines; theyve got a lot going on!
Dont forget to thank them!</p>
<p>Slide 16: Its finally time to go out there and fill out those college applications! But </p>
<p>Slide 17: STOP signs graphics, CAUTION sign graphics</p>
<p>Slide 18: Read The Directions
Read all of the directions!
Re-read all of the directions!
Many colleges have their own special application processes</p>
<p>Slide 19: Applying
Many colleges like Online Applications
The Common Application
Most colleges will require you to mail SOMETHING in
◦ Mailing things in piece by piece is not recommended, but it is certainly OK!
◦ Recommendations, Transcripts, paper applications, etc. can all be handled through the Guidance Office</p>
<p>Slide 20: <em>HS Guidance Office
The HS Guidance Office is here to help you!
Many resources
◦ Sending all of your mail-in items (including official transcript together
◦ Counselor recommendations
◦ College representatives visits
◦ Scholarships
How to utilize the counseling office
◦ Mrs. _</em>___, PSEO and College Counselor</p>
<p>Slide 21: Youve Applied
Congratulations!
Now you can just sit back, wait, and relax for Spring to roll around, right?
Actually, theres something else you can be doing to prepare for college
</p>
<p>Slide 22: Scholarships and Financial Aid</p>
<p>Slide 23: Free Money! (Scholarships)
There are many, many scholarships out there, free to find and apply!
Apply to as many as possible! The more the merrier! There is no limit
Plan ahead, schedule
◦ Some require essays, recommendations, resumés
Always be on the lookout for more, all year!
◦ Fastweb.com, guidance office, local scholarships, your employer, parent employer, big corporations, your college, philanthropic organizations
</p>
<p>Slide 24: Financial Aid
The FAFSA
◦ Fill out in the Spring
◦ Required by many colleges for Financial Aid
◦ Nothing to lose by doing it; can only benefit you
School FinAid policies vary greatly
Cost: Tuition vs. Total Cost of Education
Many families utilize student loans
Too much to cover here; check your colleges websites for more detailed info!</p>
<p>Slide 25: Questions and Answers</p>
<p>Slide 26: One final, all-important, supercritical thing that you should always remember </p>
<p>Slide 27: Remember
Breathe.
Do not stress out.
◦ Ive hit you over the head with a lot. But these are just tips and advice and my personal point of view. What works for you may be different.
Youll be alright.
◦ Youve got friends, family, and faculty for support
Youll find your college. Your perfect fit.</p>
<p>Slide 28: Some Resources
Your colleges websites
<em>HS web site / Guidance Office
Mrs. </em>____, PSEO and College Counselor
talk.collegeconfidential.com
princetonreview.com
collegeboard.com
fastweb.com</p>
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