Plainfield School District 2022014-2015
College Application Night
TimelineApplication processRetaking the ACTFinancial Aid / ScholarshipsPractical advice
Why are we here?
DAILY Keep up your grades!
August/September Register to retake the ACT Research Finish college visits Net price calculators Begin filling out college applications
October Finish college applications by October 31 (Priority) Scholarship applications (October – May)
December 10: District Financial Aid Night at PEHSAs soon as possible after January 1, 2015
Complete the FAFSAMay
Send final year-end transcript to one school
Timeline
George Washington University Columbia University
Macalester College University of Michigan
Prior to starting:Review your transcriptComplete your activity/work resumeSet up a professional email accountKnow your ACT School code:
Central: 143-495East: 143-499North: 143-497South: 143-496
College Application Process
3-5 schools (thoughtful applications)Research the application requirementsBeware of the deadlines
Priority filing by October 31Priority Filing vs. Early DecisionLetters of RecommendationPersonal Statement / Essays* Transcripts
Waiting on ACT scores? Do not wait to apply!
College Application Process
Personal StatementTypically utilized for
further review beyond GPA, course rigor, and test scoresFit for academic goalsAcademic
strengths/weaknessesExplanation of
circumstancesi.e. Illinois State Univ.
Typically utilized to assess writing skills, as well as identify unique applicantsi.e. University of
Illinois i.e. University of
Chicago
Application Essays
Essay Prompt
GET IT “WRITE”!DISTRICT 202
COLLEGE ESSAY WRITING WORKSHOP FOR SENIORSSaturday, September 6th 11:00a.m.-12:00p.m. at PNHS
Contact Kato Gupta at [email protected] to reserve your spot!
Establish an organization systemAccounts, login information, required
materials, etc.Apply onlineFollow directions carefullyFees
College Application Process
Application Example #1Joliet Junior College
Application RequirementsHigh School Diploma or
GED18 years oldBasic personal
information (including SSN)
Anticipated degree / certificate of study
Official TranscriptFee: NoneEstimated time:
15-30 minutes
What’s Important?Open admission
Application Example #2Northern Illinois University
Application RequirementsBasic personal
informationHigh school
information (school name, dates of attendance, courses taken, etc.)
Supporting documents:Official TranscriptOfficial ACT Score
ReportFee: $40, non-
refundableEstimated time:
30 minutes – 1 hour
What’s Important?Class rankRigor of high school
coursesStandardized test
scoresExtra-curricular
activitiesTalent / AbilityPersonal Statement ** Interview **Recommendations **
Application Example #3University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
Application Requirements Basic personal information High school information SRAR
-Self-Reported Academic Record Official ACT Score Report
from testing agency Letters of Recommendation:
-Discouraged Final (year-end) transcript Two essays Fee: $50, non-refundable Estimated time:
2 hours +
What’s Important? Academic achievement
in the highest level of rigor available
Grade patterns Academic interest Standardized test scores Other achievements
that show significant impact / accomplishment
Personal characteristics
www.commonapp.orgOnline application 10+ years550 member institutions
(Augustana, DePaul, Northwestern, Columbia)www.universalcollegeapp.com
Partner with NACACMonmouth, MSOE, Marquette, Bradley, Duke
Other Application Options
Just because you hit SEND does not mean everything is there on time. All parts must be there on time.
After submitting:Transcript request: See secretary in student
services with a completed transcript request form for each school to which you apply. Schools may charge $1 per copy sent.
Mail supplemental materials (resume, letters of recommendation, etc.) directly to the college/university
College Application Process
Strength of curriculumGPAACT scorePersonal statement/Standout factorEverything else
Extracurricular activities, resume, volunteer or work experience, class rank, demonstrated interest, interview, recommendations, etc.
Authentic individuals
What are colleges looking for?
ACTSchool General ACT
Score range
Northwestern University
31-34
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
26-31
University of Illinois Chicago
21-26
University of St. Francis
21-25
Lewis University 20-25
Northern Illinois University
19-25
ACT scores will be included on the transcript that is sent
Some schools will require that you send the official score report directly from ACT. You can do this from their website: www.actstudent.org or when you register to take the ACT
Upcoming dates to retake the ACT. Register at www.actstudent.org
Is SAT an option as well? (20 SAT Subject tests)Remember: Do not wait to fill out your college
applications, even if you plan on retaking the ACT!
ACT
Test Date Registration Deadline (Late)
October 25, 2014 September 19, 2014 (9/20-10/3)
December 13, 2014 November 7, 2014 (11/8-11/21)
Check email frequently. You will be notified if something is missing from your file.
Wait patiently.Continue other applications.Apply for scholarships.Keep your grades up…they still count!
After Submitting
Financial AidTypes of Aid
GrantsLoans FAFSA (January 1,
2015)Work StudyScholarships (starting now, deadlines vary)
Net Price Calculators
Mark your calendar! District Financial Aid Night: December 10 at PEHS
College Career Center Scholarship Siteswww.collegeboard.org www.sholarshipexperts.com www.collegedata.com www.scholarships.com www.fairtest.org www.fastweb.com www.whatsnextillinois.orgwww.bls.gov www.fafsa.ed.gov Financial Aid 101: http://bit.ly/18yKtx0
District 202 Financial Aid Information Night: December 10 at PEHS
Further Resources
Students: Take personal responsibilityComplete applications and requirements
ahead of scheduleRead and follow directions before you sign
or send anythingUse your resourcesBe authentic
Advice
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