PBL High School presents College Information Night September 30, 2014 Kristin Oyer (A-L) Pat Burns (M-Z)

PBL High SchoolPBL High Schoolpresentspresents

College Information NightCollege Information Night

September 30, 2014September 30, 2014

Kristin Oyer (A-L) Pat Burns (M-Z)

Goals for the Night1. Researching colleges – Factors to

consider when exploring colleges

2. Explore planning resources

3. Walk through the application process

Researching CollegesConsider what you want in a college:

Size Student lifeLocationCostMajors

Larger Schools vs. Smaller Schools

Relationships with professors

Student bodyOpportunities

Environment & Student Life

AcademicsAthleticsSocial lifeGreek lifeExtra-

curriculars

Location

In state or out of state

Driving distanceFlying distanceDrop-ins?

‘Price Tag’ – like buying a car…Private UniversityTotal Cost: $42,000Federal Aid: - $5,500EFC: - $1,500University Aid: - $35,000---------------------------------------Unmet Need: $0Total Cost to you: $1,500

Public UniversityTotal Cost: $18,500Federal Aid: - $5,000EFC: - $1,500University Aid: - $5,000---------------------------------------Unmet Need: $7,000Total Cost to you: $8,500

Source : QuestBridge

Community CollegesCommunity colleges offer a great

startThey’re usually a lot less

expensive.

Financial Aid and ScholarshipsBegin search early senior yearWatch out for scholarships

scams!Local, national, & college-specific

scholarshipsRequest financial aid/scholarship

info from colleges

Sources of college fundingLoans (private and

govt)GrantsScholarships Out of Pocket

Other factors to considerOn/off-campus housing optionsHow are your credentials compared to

others attending the school?If you know what you want to do, do they

offer that major?If undecided, do they offer a wide range of

majors?

Selecting a MajorIt’s okay to be undecided

Average student changes major 2+ times, career 3+

Know yourself!Personality/Interest inventories (We have

various tools available, come see us!)Link careers to college major - explore careers

as they fit your strengths/interests/valuesJob shadows, interviews, etc. . .

Goals for the Night1. Researching colleges - Factors to consider

when exploring colleges

2. Explore planning resources

3. Walk through the application process

Sources of InformationSources of Information

PBL Counseling Website Counselors College Reps Campus visits

Campus Visit!!!It just takes a phone call to set

one up

Colleges love to have students

visit

Read College Information

Talk with students

Come armed with questions

Narrow It DownTwo “safe” schoolsTwo “dream”

schoolsTwo “good fit”

schools

Goals for the Night1. Researching colleges - Factors to consider

when exploring colleges

2. Explore planning resources

3. Walk through the application process

Factors considered for Admissions

Grades and class rankCourses takenACT or SAT scoreRecommendations (ask early!)Extra-curricular activitiesCommunity service/volunteer workEssaySpecial circumstances

How Do I Apply?Apply online – let us know when you have

appliedDeadlines – apply earlyLetters of recommendationEssaysTranscriptsTest scores

Letters of RecommendationPositive

2 weeks notice

Résumé (accomplishments)

Thank you note

Personal Essay

Answer the question

Engaging

Obstacle/accomplishment

Proofread

Transcripts & Scores

High school

ACT or SAT

AP

TimelineNow – apply for admissionsNow – apply for college

scholarshipsAfter Jan. 1 – apply for

financial aidSpring – decide

What Illinois schools are saying- “Especially looking at rigor of high school courses”

- “Apply early, apply online”

- “Holistic review”

- “Campus visits are critical”

- “Personal statements for extenuating circumstances”

- “Fill out your FAFSA as soon after January 1st as possible”

- “If borderline student, it’s even more important to apply early”

Frequently Asked Questions & Misconceptions1. When should I get started?2. Should I apply now or wait for my ACT

scores?3. There is no way that I can afford to go

to college.4. I shouldn't take an ACT if I am going to a

junior college.5. My grades do not matter during senior

year.

Additional Information

NCAA eligibility center – register onlineGet organizedUse appropriate email addresses:

[email protected] careful with Facebook accounts and

appropriate picturesVisit with counselor to learn class rank,

GPA, etc. . .

Military Service

Military academiesROTC programsTuition assistance

Closing commentsApply early, apply onlineContact us when you have appliedGo on campus visitsConsider taking the ACT multiple times

Free ACT online prepFill out FAFSA as soon as possible after

January 1

Thank you for coming!

Contact us with any questions.379-4331

[email protected]@pblpanthers.org