Planning for College Source ACTs College Planning Guide

Planning for College Source: ACT’s College Planning Guide Copyright 2004 by ACT, Inc.

Planning for College You can organize the college planning process in six simple steps Source: ACT College Planning Guide

W or k Options After High School Military Tr ad es Apprentice Program Propr ietary Schoo ls COLLEGE

Let’s Focus on College Remember. . . decision making is a PROCESS, not an event! Source: ACT College Planning Guide

1 Know Yourself and Your Reasons for Attending College Recognize your strengths and weaknesses n Analyze your interests and values n Achieve a personal goal n Increase your earning power n

1 Know Yourself and Your Reasons for Attending College Prepare for a career and expand learning n Extracurricular activities & social life n Influence of family and friends n Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Take responsibility for your future! Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Recommended High School Curriculum for College English n Mathematics n Social Studies n Science n Source: ACT College Planning Guide 4 units 3 units

Recommended High School Curriculum for College n Many colleges also require additional courses in: – Foreign Language – Mathematics – Fine & Performing Arts Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Core Curriculum/ACT Score Study National Core or More National Ave. (Total) National Less than Core Curriculum: 4 Units – English 3 Units – Math 3 Units – Social Studies 3 Units – Nat. Sciences Source: 2004 ACT High School Profile

ACT Test Preparation The best preparation is a solid high school curriculum n ACT includes four curriculum-based tests -- English, Math, Reading, and Science n Become familiar with the ACT test content and format n Review your PLAN results to identify academic weaknesses n

ACT Test Preparation Learn appropriate test-taking strategies n Use ACTive Prep® – ACT’s test preparation software program n Take ACT’s free practice test n Visit the ACT website at www. act. org n See your counselor for other test preparation materials n Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Remember, test scores are only ONE factor used for college admission and scholarship decisions Source: ACT College Planning Guide

2 Consider College Characteristics Majors & educational programs n Type of school & degrees offered n Admission policy n Source: ACT College Planning Guide Location & size n Costs & financial aid n College affiliation & accreditation n Campus activities n Support services n

3 n List, Compare, and Visit Colleges Compile information from several resources: – Internet/Websites – College catalogs, bulletins, videos, and computer-based services (DISCOVER ) – College representatives & college fairs – Counselors and teachers – Parents, students, and alumni – Directories and ACT score report

3 List, Compare, and Visit Colleges Prepare a college comparison checklist n Weigh advantages & disadvantages n Contact the office of admission n Schedule appointments for your campus visits n Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Every campus has a “personality” Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Checklist for a Campus Visit Meet with an Admission Counselor n Verify admission requirements n Determine actual college costs n Ask about financial aid opportunities n Take a campus tour n

Checklist for a Campus Visit Investigate your academic program(s) n Attend a class n Talk with students and faculty n Discuss your chances for success: – admission – graduation – placement n Source: ACT College Planning Guide

4 Apply for Admission and Observe Deadlines Narrow your choices n Review college admission test requirements n Know application fees and deadlines n Know scholarship requirements n

4 n Apply for Admission and Observe Deadlines Submit application materials (paper/ electronic) – Application for admission – High school transcript – Recommendations – Admission test results Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Keep accurate records!

5 Develop a Plan to Finance Your Education Determine college costs n Investigate ALL possible resources – Parents – Savings – Summer earnings – Financial aid: scholarships, grants, loans & work-study n – Other sources

5 Develop a Plan to Finance Your Education Secure necessary forms and note deadlines n Apply for financial aid as early as possible n Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Don’t eliminate any college because of costs before receiving financial assistance information! Source: ACT College Planning Guide

What Does Postsecondary Education Cost?

6 Review and Finalize Your Plans Show initiative and be assertive n Talk with your parents and counselor n Select a college that meets your needs and preferences n Follow up with colleges to which you have applied n Source: ACT College Planning Guide

College Success Factors Test scores and high school grades are important. . . However, they measure only part of your “potential” Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Keep in mind… making sound decisions will lead to satisfying and successful experiences! Source: ACT College Planning Guide

Planning for College