Introduction to College Admissions

1. Introduction to College Admissions January 12-13, 2011

2. OverviewIt is in your best interest to take notes • GETTING READY • Course Selection • Types of Schools • What Colleges Consider • Testing Information • CHOOSING A COLLEGE • College Search Process & Resources • Considering the Options • Comparing Schools • Types of Admissions • Application Materials and Process • Application Checklist

3. Course Selection • Graduation requirements • Distinguished high school graduation plan (4X4X4) • A balance of requirements and challenges • Courses that include interests and/or build skills for a future college major are encouraged.

4. Types of Schools • Liberal Arts Colleges • Universities • Community Colleges • Specialized Colleges • Public vs. Private Colleges • Academies (including military) • Prep Schools

5. What Do Colleges Consider?

6. Testing Information • College Board Customer Service # 866.756.7346 SAT Reasoning Exam • Required for almost all colleges except for community colleges (Texas is an SAT state.) • Generally taken in the spring of junior year and fall of senior; MUST be taken no later than December of senior year • Several high schools are area test sites • Register at www.collegeboard.com; save User Name and Password • Test scaled on 2400 points • Critical reading, writing and math sections • Colleges may elect to review essay written by students

7. Testing Information Continued… SAT Subject Tests • Preferred by many selective colleges (two to three exams) • One hour subject exams • Students can take up to three exams in one day • Register and send scores same way as the SAT Reasoning Exam (and by the college’s application deadline) • Test dates and registration deadlines are the same as the ones for the SAT Reasoning Exam

8. Testing Information Continued… ACT • Achievement test • Measures actual learning in English, math, reading and science • Students should take the test with writing as many schools want to see a writing sample Register at www.actstudent.org • Some selective colleges will accept ACT in place of SAT Subject Test • Scores to be sent to the colleges by the student by the college’s admission deadline

9. College Search Process Size Programs Narrowing Your Options Location Campus Life Cost Special Programs

10. Resources for Selecting Colleges • The College Board – www.collegeboard.com • Use the free services (college and career searches) • My College Quickstart • A ‘one-stop-shopping’ site for the college and career exploration and planning • Program also includes SAT preparation and ‘EZ-SAT Registration’ for every SAT exam • Princeton Review – www.review.com • Use the Counselor-O-Matic to search for colleges • Books(i.e. Barron’s, Rugg’s Recommendations, Index to College Majors)

11. The List – Considering The Options • REACH • REALISTIC • SAFETY • FINANCIAL – REACH, REALISTIC, SAFETY

12. Sample College Comparison

13. Types of Admission • Early Decision • Binding! • Early Action • Non-binding • Can apply to more than one school with a few exceptions • Regular Decision • Watch deadlines – they vary • Hear by April 1st • Rolling Admission • “Apply anytime, hear anytime” • It is recommended students apply as early as possible to be sure space is still available • Watch for priority deadlines

14. College Application Materials • GPA/Rank • Resume • Letters of Recommendation • Essay • Transcript • Test Scores

15. The Application Process • The STUDENT will submit to the college: • The application • Essay • Application fee • Official SAT & ACT scores from the testing organization • Official transcript from Alamo Colleges • The GUIDANCE COUNSELOR will submit to the college: • Official transcript • Counselor recommendation • Teacher recommendations (if received)

16. The Checklist • Create a list of what is important – don’t forget the “must haves” in a school • Take SAT Reasoning and SAT Subject exams and/or ACT exam • Attend Open Houses and campus tours at different colleges and attend college fairs • Develop your academic resume. • Ask for letters of recommendation (2 teachers, guidance counselor) – ASK EARLY! Students should also check requirements at college to see if specific content area recommendation is required.

17. The Checklist (con’t) • Select a range of schools and WATCH DEADLINES • Applications can be found on the college’s website (some schools offer reduced or no fee applications) or consider the Common Application (www.commonapp.org) and Texas Common Application (www.applytexas.org) . Paper versions are available but most colleges prefer electronic applications. • Make copies of EVERYTHING you submit and date when applications were submitted • Maintain/improve grades – they are very important • Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center if participating in Division I, II & III athletics (www.eligibiltycenter.org)

18. Sources • Adapted from Wilmington High School College Information Night presentation. 2010. • College Board. College MatchMaker. 2010. 8 January 2010 http://collegesearch.collegeboard.com/search /adv_typeofschool.jsp . • University of Texas at Austin. 8 January 2010 College Board. College MatchMaker. 2010. 8 January 2010 http://www.utexas.edu/student/admissions/.