This document provides an overview of the college planning and application process. It discusses preparing for and taking the SAT and ACT exams, researching college options, applying to colleges, the types of financial aid available, and receiving admission decisions. The presentation addresses various topics to help students successfully navigate applying to post-secondary education.

1. College Planning Carolyn Karno Manager, Early Awareness and College Planning Connecticut Student Loan Foundation

2. Early Awareness and College Planning Department Free Services Financial Aid Assistance Assistance with Aid Applications One-on-One Advising Workshops and Professional Development Programs Hotline 1-866-752-6443

3. College Entrance Exams The College Search Financial Considerations The College Application College Decisions Special Circumstances Advice From Experts AGENDA

4. Senior grades and courses count Colleges will see them and use them Fundamentals No such thing as… “ I’ve worked hard for 3 years and I deserve an easy senior year!”

5. Reasoning Test: Mathematics, Critical Reading, Writing Scoring: 200-800 per section/2400 cumulative Basic cost = $43.00 Some colleges may also require subject area tests College Entrance Exams SAT

6. English, Reading, Mathematics, Science and Writing (optional) Scoring: 1-36 Reported by the ACT Cost: $30.00 College Entrance Exams ACT

7. Upcoming Test Dates College Entrance Exams May 9, 2008 June 14, 2008 March 7, 2008 April 12, 2008 ACT May 6, 2008 June 7, 2008 April 1, 2008 May 3, 2008 January 29, 2008 March 1, 2008 SAT DEADLINE TEST DATE

8. Technical Schools Specialized training for a particular occupation Community Colleges Open-enrollment Certificate or Associate Degrees Most affordable option 2-Year Colleges Many offer career oriented programs Colleges and Universities Broad range of degrees and programs Wide price range The College Search College Options

9. How far from home is too far? What type of environment is important to you? How important is diversity to you? What degree of challenge is best for you? The College Search Questions to ask yourself

10. What major or career direction will you take? Are you interested in internships or study abroad programs? Is cost a concern for your family? The College Search Questions to ask yourself

11. Keep in Mind The best indicator of future success is not where you attend college but what you do at the college you attend

12. Talk with your counselor Go online Look at some college guides Attend college fairs Visit schools The College Search Coordinate Your Search

13. Narrow your list Reach Schools Good Match/Target schools Likely Admit Schools The College Search

14. Tuition and fees in Connecticut range from $2,800 to more than $36,000 per year Add $8,000 - $12,000 for room and board Add approximately $1,000 for books Create a budget for personal expenses Financial Considerations College Costs

15. Gift Aid Grants and Scholarships Self-Help Loans and Work Programs Financial Considerations Types of Financial Aid

16. Paper or electronic ( tell your counselor ) Answer all questions Fill in neatly and completely Keep a copy The College Application Getting the Application

17. Start early Select a topic Stay between 250-500 words Ask a teacher or counselor to review it The College Application The Essay

18. Teachers Counselor Coach Employer Club Advisor Other Tips Teacher must teach an academic subject Don’t send too many Only from people who know you The College Application Recommendations

19. Supplementary Materials Art students (ex. portfolio) Music students (ex. CD of performance) Athletes (ex. video of game) The College Application

20. Your High School sends: Transcript School Profile Mid-Year Grades Final Grades Test Scores sent by: The Collegeboard for SAT The ACT for ACT The College Application Submitting Your Application Find out what procedure your school follows

21. Early Plans Nov. 1, Nov. 15, or Dec. 1 Second Round Dec. 15 to Jan. 31 The College Application Deadlines

22. College Decisions Admit Deny Wait List

23. Athletes Division I and II: Required to complete NCAA eligibility form ( ncaa.org ) Artists/Musicians Prepare portfolios and/or auditions Attend college fairs for artists and musicians ( nacacnet.org ) Section 504/IDEA Students may still qualify for some services while in college Special Circumstances

24. Work closely with your counselor Stay focused! Thank people who have helped you along the way Advice From Experts

25. Good Luck!