COLLEGE PLANNING NIGHT FOR JUNIORS Jesuit Counseling Center January 2017
COLLEGE
PLANNING NIGHT
FOR JUNIORSJesuit Counseling Center
January 2017
COLLEGE PLANNING: A GROUP EFFORT
• Students
• Parents/Guardians
• Family and Friends
• High School Counselors
• College Admissions Professionals
• Teachers, Administrators, and Coaches
JULIE MCCULLOHDEAN OF ADMISSIONS
GONZAGA UNIVERSITY
Julie McCulloh
• Gonzaga Prep and Saint Al’s Parent
• Dean of Admission at Gonzaga University
• Fellow traveler in the parenting journey
• I hope to give some guidance, answer your
questions, lower the stress
JULIE MCCULLOH
The Application Process
• Help your son or daughter create a smart list
of colleges
• A list with options – academically and
financially
• A range of schools – Reach, Likely, Safety
• Not too long – do some of the hard work
early (paring down the list)
ADVICE
The Application ProcessADVICE
• Seriously consider factors of importance:
• Major opportunities
• Location
• Extra-curricular requirements
• Financial constraints
• Personal preferences
• Campus visit experience
The Application Process
• More Joy, Less Angst
• Encourage Ignatian Discernment throughout the
process
• Head & Heart
• Make the Pro/Con list
• Reflect - What brings joy? What brings angst?
• “Ignatian Tricks” – What advice would you
give your best friend in the same situation?
• Try on the school for a day
ADVICE
FACTORS IN ADMISSION
DECISIONS
The Holistic Application Review
• Strength of Curriculum
• GPA and Grade Trends
• Standardized Tests (SAT and/or ACT)
• Activities & Honors
• Quality of Writing (essay, short answer,
overall presentation)
• Character (letters of recommendation &
school report)
SIX KEY FACTORS
STANDARDIZED
TESTS
SAT & ACT
• Take SAT + Essay or ACT + Writing
• Required by most 4-year colleges
• Test Prep is a must!
• Visit fairtest.org for Test Optional schools
SAT SUBJECT TESTS
• Required or recommended by many highly
selective colleges
• Subjects include World Languages, Math,
Science, English, History
• Shows college an interest in a specific
program of study and highlights skills and
knowledge
CAMPUS VISITS
GETTING STARTED
• Visit local campuses to experience different types
of campuses & define preferences
• Avoid visiting during college breaks & holidays
• Plan ahead!
• Do your research
VISIT & INTERVIEW
• Talk to as many people as possible
• Take some free time to explore the
surrounding neighborhood/community
• Dress appropriately
• Keep priority questions in mind for interview
• Relax and be yourself!
TIPS & ADVICE
• Maximize your visit
• Do your research
• Prepare a list of questions
• Bring your transcript & test scores
• Take notes after the visit
• Follow up with questions and a thank you note
COLLEGE COSTS
COLLEGE COSTS
• Direct Costs
• Tuition & Fees
• Room & Board
• Indirect Costs
• Books & Supplies
• Personal Expenses
• Travel Expenses
• Study Abroad Expenses
RESOURCES
• Net Price Calculator
• College Affordability & Transparency Center
(U.S. Department of Education)
• College Navigator
(National Center for Educational Statistics)
• Family Connection / Scholarship Database
• OSAC Application & Oregon Promise
WHAT’S NEXT?
SPRING SEMESTER
• Complete “College Planning Questionnaire for
Juniors” and “Career Cluster Finder” survey in
Family Connection
• Visit colleges
• Testing
• Research summer opportunities (work, research,
internships, campus visits)
• Meet with College Advisor at Jesuit
• Follow JHighCounseling on Twitter!
SUMMER
• Complete “Counselor Statement Questionnaire”
in Family Connection
• Continue to research & visit colleges
• Update resume
• Test prep, if necessary
• Create a Common Application account
• Write college application essays
• Research scholarship opportunities
• Work, volunteer, and stay involved!
FALL SEMESTER
• Work with college advisor at Jesuit to refine
college list and application timeline
• Testing, if necessary
• Request teacher recommendations
• Finalize college application essays
• Apply to scholarships
• Complete financial aid forms
SENIOR YEAR EVENTS
• At Jesuit
o College Application Workshops
o College Night for Senior Parents
o College Visits
o College Financial Aid Night
o College Planning Brown Bags
o College 101
• In Your Community
o Receptions, Presentations, Interviews
o College Fairs
QUESTIONS?