College 101:

WHAT YOU AND YOUR STUDENT SHOULD KNOW

ABOUT THE COLLEGE ADMISSIONS PROCESS

SCHOOL COUNSELING DEPARTMENTPROVISO WEST HIGH SCHOOL

College 101:

Simplify the College Planning Process

College opportunities exist for everyone. These four steps can help simplify the planning process:

1. Understand admissions factors2. Learn about the SAT and ACT3. Explore college options4. Develop a financial plan

Understand Admissions Factors

The first part of planning for college is understanding what factors colleges consider when looking at a student profile.

•Primary Factors•Quality/Rigor of Academic Courses•Academic Performance/Grades•Test Scores (SAT & ACT)

•Additional Factors•Extracurricular Activities•Essay(s)•Letters of Recommendation•Demonstrated Interest

Understanding Admissions Factors

What Colleges are Looking At:

Grades & Course Work

Your high school academic record is one of the most important factors in college admissions. Colleges will look at a few aspects:

Course selection: Challenge yourself with a rigorous course load and high-level classes, including AP or honors courses.Grades: Every year counts, starting with freshman yearGPA trends: Keep improving through every grade.Class rank (if offered by your school).


Other ConsiderationsPositive recommendations from educators and mentors

Personal statement and essay(s) demonstrating writing ability and self-expression

A “demonstrated interest” that shows your enthusiasm for the colleges to which you’re applying

Extracurricular activities, including participation in sports, performing/visual arts, volunteering, etc.

Community involvement, part-time work or internship

Interview (if applicable)


Learn about SAT & ACT

Test Preparation

Getting Ready for the SAT & ACT

Select challenging high school coursesRead widely and write extensively, both in and

out of schoolTake the PLAN your sophomore yearTake the PSAT/NMSQT soph./junior yearBecome familiar with SAT & ACT question types,

format and directionsTake advantage of free College Board and ACT

resources/High School Test PrepFree/Reduced Lunch-option to retest 2xs for free.

Learn about SAT and ACT Preparation

Explore College Options

Now that you know what colleges are looking for, it’s time to put them to the test.

Which college is a good fit??


What to consider:

Size and diversity of student bodyLocation (distance, urban/rural)Academic programsCampus Life—athletics, activities, housingGraduation and retention ratesFinancial aid/scholarship opportunities

Above all, think about where your child will be happy and successful in their college life.


Factors to consider:Kinds of Colleges Public Private Historically Black

Colleges/Universities

Size Small Medium Large

Selectivity-Open -Traditional-Selective -Highly Selective

Application Options-Early Action-Early Decision-Regular Decision-Rolling Admissions


Visit CampusesGet to know a school from the inside:Take a campus tour.Speak with an admissions counselor.Ask about academic and career services.Ask about financial aid opportunities.Inquire about support services (counseling,

health clinic, etc.).Sit in on a class of interest.Learn about security measures/crime rate.Talk to students and faculty. Ask questions!!


Get Organized and ApplyNarrow and categorize your choices:

“More than likely” schools (1 or 2) “Good match” schools (2 to 4) “Reach” schools (1 to 2)

Review scholarship and financial aid requirementsRevise application essays and share drafts with a

trusted teacher/counselor, adviser or family member.Ask for recommendations and set firm dates for

their completionRequest transcripts and schedule interviews, if

needed.Apply for fee waivers, if applicable.


Develop a Financial Plan

Add It UpDetermine all college costs – not just tuition.Research the percentage of need-based aid met

at prospective schools.In-state compared to out-of-state tuition.Estimate your family’s expected contribution

– an EFC calculator is available at fafsa.ed.gov.Search free scholarships at

collegeboard.com, fastweb.com, scholarships.com, and whatsnextillinois.org.

The early bird catches the worm!!

***Remember to explore every opportunity (NJROTC, community organizations, employer, minority scholarships, etc.).


Apply and CompareKnow your options: grants, loans, work-

study, etc.Fill out the free FAFSA application as early

as possible (Jan. 1st), and meet all individual school deadlines.

Compare financial aid awards and determine how they fit with other contributions: Family Savings Scholarships


Making a DecisionTry to visit colleges where you’ve been accepted.Compare financial aid packages; inform fin. aid

offices of any changes that may occur.Send your deposit; read contracts & academic

catalogs carefully.Maintain good grades/clean discipline record;

colleges can rescind admissions due to poor grades and/or suspensions/arrests.

Congratulations, you’re off to college!Now the REAL work begins!!

College Planning Recap

Remember: College opportunities exist for everyone!

Simplify the planning process:Understand admissions factorsLearn about the SATExplore college optionsDevelop a financial plan

Alternative Options

Community CollegeTrade/Vocational SchoolMilitaryGap YearEmployment

Don’t Ask…Don’t Tell…

Face book/Professional Student EmailsAlternative Admissions Programs

(Pros/Cons)Academic Probation (below 2.0 gpa at

most schools)Credit Card DebtFor Profit SchoolsAverage annual tuition increase

College Planning Web Siteswhatsnextillinois.orgcollegeboard.comfastweb.comfafsa.ed.govscholarships.comactstudent.org and march2success.com (test prep)ncaa.org (potential athletes)careercrusing.com (username

triton2000/password rivergrove) (career/college exploration)

College 101:

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