1. The Next Step Applying to and Choosing the Right School

2. Who are we?

4. Our presentation… Part I: A “checklist” of things you should be doing / must eventually do Part II: How to find the right school Part III: What I should consider when choosing a school

5. Part I A “checklist” of things you should be doing / must eventually do

6. Juniors Get to know your counselor AND teachers! For recommendation letters Volunteer and/or Work Hospitals, House of Amos, etc Leadership positions in extracurriculars Think about college essays and resumes Save in-class essays

7. Juniors In the summer: Consider summer programs/ internships Request college information Websites, counselors, or college friends Seek out scholarships Consider QuestBridge Visit colleges Source: McConnell Foundation

8. TESTS! SAT SAT IIs 2-3 required by most top-tier schools ACT AP Tests College credit Shows you challenged yourself in high school

9. Seniors Letters of Recommendation 1 or 2 teachers from different backgrounds Counselor’s Recommendation Additional Recommendation Letter Swim coach, eagle scouts leader, etc Give recommender 2-4 weeks notice Provide transcript, resume, envelopes, and stamps

10. Seniors Personal Essays Allows the school to see another aspect of you besides grades, test scores, etc VERY IMPORTANT Why do you want to apply to this school? Schools can tell when you know nothing about them Financial Aid Search for scholarships and apply CSS Profile and FAFSA for FINANCIAL AID

13. Seniors If you are waitlisted, contact admissions to reiterate your interest Request a final transcript to be sent to the college you will attend Enjoy your last semester! Have fun, but don’t forget about grades

14. Part II Source: Rice University How to find the right school

15. The Process List criteria Research List possible colleges Seek advice Narrow list Visit Apply Finalize

17. College fairs

18. Bookstores

21. College info sessions

22. College students

25. Reaches

26. Matches

28. Attend classes

29. Dine with students

31. Best financial package

33. Location Visit the campus Rural vs. suburban vs. urban Metropolitan life | Access to outdoors Climate Near vs. far Source: David Sun

34. Size Large university of 30,000 students vs. Small university of 3,000 vs. liberal arts college Amount of personal attention Faculty-student ratio Demographic of student body Source: UGA

36. Cost Costs between a private and public university Financial aid and assistance Merit-based scholarships Obligation of continual loans and academic scholarships

37. Remember… Name brand colleges will not guarantee success or happiness Investigate beyond a narrow band of highly selective colleges for more options Don’t need to pick a major to pick a college - likely to change VISIT COLLEGES!!! KEEP TRACK OF DEADLINES Don’t turn in your app on the last day

38. GOT QUESTIONS? Email us! thenextstepcollege@gmail.com