NOTE: Throughout this handout, when a reference to "college" is made, it means the school you attend after high school, whether that is a college, university, community college, technical, trade, or vocational school.

The college planning process:

• Know yourself and your reasons for attending college
• Prepare yourself for college admissions
• Research colleges
• Research sources of funding for your college education
• Follow the "College Planning Timetable for Juniors"

Reference materials included in this handout:

• Web Sites of Interest
• Addresses of Interest
• Cautions
• Admission Requirements for Illinois Public Universities
• Computer Information System (CIS) directions
• Questions to Ask Colleges

 

I. KNOW YOURSELF AND YOUR REASONS FOR ATTENDING COLLEGE

Your own assessment of your interests, aptitudes, abilities, and goals is central to college planning. You need to examine yourself as a person/student and determine what characteristics you value/need in a college.

A. Self Assessment

Take an interest and abilities test. Many computer programs include interest and/or ability tests, or see your counselor for help in this area.  This year, at SHS, we will be using CIS. Computer Information System is accessible for free on the internet through the Illinois Workforce and Career Information Center at: www.ILWorkInfo.com

B. Consider these questions:

1. Do you have a specific career area in mind?

• Yes - seek a school that offers your specialized subject.
• No - seek a school that offers many subject options and time for exploring a variety of ideas and career paths.

2. How long do you want to be studying at college?

• Less than 2 years - seek a vocational/technical school or community college that provides intensive courses of study in specific occupations.
• 2 years - seek a community college that provides programs of study toward a certificate or an associate degree.
• 4 years or more - seek a community college that offers a transfer program (first 2 years of a 4-year degree) or a college or university.

3. What do you like to do during your free time? Your answer to this question has wide implications regarding choice of college! For example:

• Sports - seek a school with intramural or inter-collegiate athletic opportunities in the activities you enjoy. See information related to NCAA eligibility on page 3 of this handout.
• Social activities on campus - seek a school with clubs and organizations that interest you/. Check into fraternity/sorority (Greek) availability. Find out whether most students at the school go home on the weekends or go home only occasionally.
• Cultural activities - seek a school within easy travel distance to large cities, which tend to offer a variety of cultural opportunities.

4. What special services or programs are important to you?

• Academic support or tutoring - seek a school with a well-developed learning assistance center or services for students with learning disabilities.
• Minority outreach/support - seek a school that offers academic support and social activities designed for a specific minority group. Check into the percentage of minority students enrolled. (See the sections on Web Sites and Addresses on pages 9 and 10 of this handout.)

C. Formally identify those characteristics of a college that are important to you. Among the characteristics you should consider are:

1. Size of student body
2. Location, i.e., area of country and type of setting - urban, suburban, rural, etc.
3. Independent or religious affiliation
4. Majors
5. Facilities, i.e., library, labs, technology, etc.
6. Extra-curricular activities
7. Admission requirements and selectivity, i.e., required class rank/test scores/specific courses, number of applicants for each available opening, requirements for interviews/letters of recommendation/essays, and so on
8. Cost and availability of scholarships and financial aid
9. Student/faculty ratio and use of teaching assistants
10. Accreditation
11. Special academic services, i.e., accelerated, honors, cooperative, independent study, study abroad, tutoring
12. ROTC availability
13. Profile of student body, i.e., male/female ratio, average ACT/SAT I scores of freshmen, average high school class rank, minority enrollment, percentage of non-traditional students, etc
14. Housing and meal plans
15. Graduation rate
16. Job placement services and rates
17. Campus security
18. Availability of public transportation

 

II. PREPARE YOURSELF FOR COLLEGE ADMISSIONS

A. Be certain you are taking high school coursework required for college entrance. Make an appointment with your counselor to review your high school four-year plan and discuss your remaining college entrance requirements. A chart on page 12 of this handout lists the minimum high school course requirements for admission of freshmen to Illinois public universities. Most colleges have similar requirements, but you need to check specific requirements for each college you are considering.

B. If you are planning to compete for athletic scholarships or participate in athletics at a Division I or II college, you must meet specific academic criteria set forth by the NCAA. These criteria include a minimum grade-point-average in specific courses and a minimum college entrance test score. You should meet with your counselor to assess your NCAA eligibility. You may access additional information for student athletes at the NCAA Clearinghouse website.

C. Do your best in every class!  Grade-point-average and class rank are important factors in college admissions.

D. Successful completion of challenging academic coursework is the best preparation for college entrance tests.

E. Take the PSAT/NMSQT Test (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) and read the prep/practice materials before test day. The test is usually in October. Sign up in the Counseling Office and pay the fee.

F. Use your PSAT scores to predict your score on college entrance tests and discuss the implications of your scores with your counselor.

G. Begin practicing for college entrance tests by:

1. Reviewing the answers for any questions you missed on your PSAT test. Seek help from your teachers for questions you do not understand.
2. Take the paper/pencil sample ACT test (available free in the Counseling Office) and score it yourself.
3. Review your PLAN Test booklet from last year. The PLAN is 90% of an ACT .
4. Use the on-line reviews offered by ACT at: http://http://www.actstudent.org/sampletest/index.html

H. Familiarize yourself with the college entrance exams.

The two major tests are the ACT and the SAT. Test results are used to select students for admission, as an aid for advising students, and for course placement. Whether you take one or both tests will depend upon what colleges you are considering. All colleges in Illinois accept the ACT for admission. Some colleges, especially those on the east and west coasts, prefer or require the SAT. Some colleges require the SAT Subject Tests in addition to the ACT or SAT. It is important to take either the ACT or SAT during the junior year in order to enter the Illinois State Scholar Program and to meet NCAA regulations. Both the ACT and SAT may be taken more than once.

1. ACT

• Is given 6 times each year and as part of Illinois’ Prairie State Achievement Exam for juniors in late April. Most colleges and the Illinois State Scholar Program will accept the ACT score earned during the Prairie State Exam.
• Registration is required for all test dates except the late-April Prairie State test date.
• The ACT has added an (optional) Writing Test. It is a 30 minute essay test that measures students' writing skills. Some colleges are beginning to require this portion. Check with a potential college's requirement concerning this test.
• You may register on line for the ACT at: www.act.org
• Cost: Is paid by the State of Illinois for the Prairie State Exam, but must be paid by the student for the other 5 test dates:

  2. SAT Reasoning Test

• Is given 7 times each year.
• The May test date is recommended for Juniors. If you have a conflict with this date, you may test on March or June.
• The SAT has been changed to include a writing section. The verbal section has been renamed Critical Reading. Analogies have been replaced with short reading passages. The new math section was expanded to reflect the mathematics that college-bound students typically learn during the first three years of high school. Quantitative comparison questions have been eliminated.
• Some colleges require the SAT Subject Test. Check with a potential college's requirement concerning these tests.
• You may register on line for the SAT at: www.collegeboard.com.
• Registration is required for all test dates.
  
  

III. RESEARCH COLLEGES

Be sure to take notes as you research colleges. Develop a system for organizing and filing your notes so information can be located easily. When visiting colleges, jot down your impressions and file them with the other information you gather.

A. Do a college search on the computer. You will answer questions about college characteristics and the program will sort out the colleges that match. You may use the CIS program to do this search.

B.Read about colleges in:

1. Objective materials

• College guide reference books (many are available in the Counseling Office)
• Descriptions of colleges available in the CIS computer program
  
  2. Subjective materials

• Information mailed to you by colleges. Check the appropriate box on the PSAT test to indicate you would like to receive information from colleges.  You should also e-mail or write to colleges.
• Information posted on the Internet by the colleges (see Internet addresses for colleges in Illinois by accessing either the SHS Counseling Webpage, or the CIS site.)
• College viewbooks and catalogs available in the Counseling Office.
• College guide reference books that offer opinions on colleges (many are available in the Counseling Office)

C. View videotapes or discs (provided by many colleges) that are available in the Counseling Office.

D. Talk to college representatives/recruiters at:

1. The area College Night held at Sauk Valley Community College in November.
2. SHS Counseling Office - dates and times of representative visits are announced through the daily bulletin. The college representatives would like to begin meeting with juniors in the spring.  You need to sign up at least one day prior to the visit so adequate space is available.
3. Regional College Fairs - A National College Fair is held at Navy Pier in Chicago. See its website for additional information and driving directions: http://www.nacac.com/exhibit/fair.cfm
4. A list of questions you may wish to ask college representatives can be found on pages 16-17 of this handout.

E. Talk

1. To your parents.
2. To your counselor.
3. To other people who have been to college.
4. To people who have jobs similar to your career interests.

F. Visit!!!!!

Many colleges hold "Open House" programs you should attend in the spring of your junior year and the fall of your senior year. Check the hallway outside the Counseling Office for notices of such programs or call the college admission office for information.

1. Call ahead to schedule an appointment.  While absences due to verified college visits are excused, take advantage of days that SHS is not in session: Veterans Day, teacher institute days, spring and summer vacations, etc., so you will not miss too much class time.
2. Meet with representatives of the admissions office, the financial aid office, the housing office, and the department in which you plan to major.  Go to classes, talk to students, eat in the cafeteria.  Visit the library, student union, and residence halls.  Some colleges may arrange for you to stay overnight.
3. Have a list of questions you wish to ask. The questions will involve information you identified as being important to you (refer to pages 1-3 and 16-17 of this handout).
4. Walk around the campus on your own to get a "feel" for whether it is a good fit for you.

 

IV. RESEARCH SOURCES OF FUNDING FOR YOUR COLLEGE EDUCATION

A. Determine the annual cost for each college you are considering. As you total the cost, include the following: tuition and fees, books/supplies, room/board, transportation, personal expenses.

B. For current information about school costs and funding go to: http://www.collegezone.com for tuition costs to Illinois colleges.

C. Although the primary responsibility for funding a student's education after high school lies with the student and parents, additional funds are available from:

• scholarships awarded by the college
• scholarships from private sources
• "need-based" grants, loans, and work/study programs funded by the federal and state governments and by the college
  
  

D. "Need-based" funding is based upon a family's ability to pay, and is computed using information about the student's and parents' income and assets for the most recent tax year. The computation results in the "expected family contribution" or EFC, which will not change, regardless of the cost of the college. Free estimates of the EFC may be obtained for any student. Some colleges offer free estimates through their financial aid offices. You can obtain a free estimate at the Illinois Student Assistance Commission's Internet web site: http://www.collegezone.com/calc/cacILLstart.html - or the federal government-authorized lender at. Anybody may receive an estimate, but SHOULD NOT actually apply for aid until January 1 of the year before attending college.

E. Use the cost of each school and the EFC to determine how much "need-based" aid you qualify for, but remember that you must apply, apply correctly, and apply by the deadline(s) in order to receive the money.

 

V. COLLEGE PLANNING TIMETABLE FOR JUNIORS

September

• Research and understand various kinds of higher education.
• Meet with your counselor to review your remaining college entrance course requirements.

           

October

• Attend the “College Application & Entrance Test Information Meeting” for juniors to learn details of college entrance tests and college applications.
• Register for and take the PSAT/NMSQT test.
• Take an interest/abilities test on the computer.
• Identify characteristics of a college that are important to you.
• If you are interested in college athletics, meet with your counselor regarding NCAA eligibility requirements.
• Do a college search on the computer.
• Begin to practice for college entrance tests as outlined in this handout.

           

November/December

• Meet with your counselor for an interpretation of your PSAT test scores in relation to your college planning.
• Attend the Area College Night at Sauk Valley College.
• Begin to research colleges as outlined in this handout.
• Continue to practice for college entrance tests.
• Determine which college entrance tests you will take and when.  Register as appropriate.

           

January through March

• Continue to research colleges.
• Continue to practice for college entrance tests.
• Meet with college representatives at SHS.
• Meet with your counselor to plan your senior year courses.
• Register for/take appropriate college entrance test(s).
• Begin to research sources of funding for your college education as outlined in this handout.

          

April and May

• Take the college entrance test(s).
• Review your college entrance test scores with your counselor.  Decide whether or not you will take the test(s) again.
• Continue to research colleges.
• Continue to research sources of funding for college

June through August

• Continue to research colleges, gathering all the information you will need to narrow your choices to six or fewer colleges.
• Continue to research sources of funding for college.
• Visit college.

Fall of Senior Year

• Attend the “Scholarship Information Meeting” for seniors in September to review the details of the college application process and learn about scholarships.  The College Planning Timetable for seniors will be distributed at the meeting.
• Meet with your counselor for a credit check and to complete your personal resume.
• Visit and apply to colleges.

 

WEB SITES OF INTEREST

American Association of State Colleges and Universities

Black Collegian Online

College Is Possible – 800-433-3243

College Parents of America - 888-256-4627

College Savings Plan Network - 877-277-6496

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, Inc.

Consolidated Student Loan Information - 800-557-7392

FastWeb - Free customized scholarship search

Financial Aid Information Page

Free Scholarship Information Service

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

One Source:  Workforce and Career Information

NCAA Clearinghouse

Scholarship Databases:

www.studentservices.com

Scholarship Scams

Sterling High School Counseling Website

Twelve Reasons to Stay in Illinois Guidebook

Universal Black Pages

 

ADDRESSES OF INTEREST

Aspira of America, 205 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Free counseling, scholarship and loan information to Puerto Rican students.

American Indian College Fund, 21 W. 68th St., New York, NY 10023
Nonprofit group that began raising money for Indian colleges in 1989.    Black Excel, the College Help

Network, 28 Vesey St #2239, New York, NY 10007
Publishes a quarterly newsletter and other helpful material for college.

Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, 4204 Gardendale St., #216, San Antonio, TX 78229 - Provides studies of the nation's Hispanic-Serving Institutions.

League of United Latin American Citizens, National Education Service Centers, Inc.,
1133 20th St, NW #750, Washington, DC 20036 - Offers counseling for low-income students and maintains a scholarship fund for Latino students.  When writing, include a self-addressed stamped envelope.

National Council of La Raza, c/o Gaudalupe Saavedra, Vice President for Special and International Projects, Suite 200, 1725 Eye St. NW, Washington DC 20006 - Sources of financial aid to Hispanic students.

National Scholarship Service and Fund for Negro Students, 562 Third St., Brooklyn, NY
11215 - Free counseling and referral service for all minority students.

Office of Indian Education Programs and Bureau of Indian Affairs, Scholarship Officer,
18 and C Streets, NW, Washington DC 20242 - Provides scholarship and loan information to Native Americans.

United Negro College Fund - 800-332-UNCF - Nonprofit group that raises money to help African-American students get the education they need to fulfill their dreams.

 

CAUTIONS

A. Students convicted of a drug-related offense will not be eligible to receive federal grants, loans, or work-study money.  The period of ineligibility ranges from one year (for a first offense involving possession of a controlled substance) to indefinite (for a second offense involving sale of a controlled substance).  Students may regain their eligibility sooner by completing a drug rehabilitation program.

B. Information provided for the purpose of securing financial aid must be true and correct to the best of your knowledge.  If you purposely give false or misleading information, you may be fined $20,000, sent to prison, or both.  You could also lose eligibility for future financial aid.

C. Many companies offer, for a fee, to provide information on scholarships, financial aid, career selection, college selection, and so on.  Most such information is available FREE from your guidance counselor.  The Sterling High School Counseling Office recommends that you consult your counselor before writing a check or giving your credit card number to such companies.

 

STATE UNIVERSITIES ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS

Many State universities in Illinois are increasing their requirements for admission to include: 4 English, 3 each of Math, Science, Social Studies, and 2 of Foreign Language, Art or Music recommended by the State Board of Education. Students should plan carefully to meet these requirements. See information about state universities for more complete information.

SUGGESTED QUESTIONS TO ASK COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVES

Below are some suggested questions to ask college representatives either at a college fair, when they come to your school, or when you visit their college campus.

ADMISSIONS

• What factors do you consider when making an admission decision?
• What is the GPA of the average entering freshman?
• What kind of courses should I have to consider your school?
• Is the SAT (or ACT) required?
• What are the average SAT scores for entering freshmen?
• Do you require an interview?
• What is the application deadline for admission?
• What are the entrance requirements?
• Do you accept Advanced Placement test credit? If so, what score do I need to get credit?
• What are the opportunities for proficiency credit?
• Do certain departments (colleges) within the institution have higher or specific entrance requirements?
• What high school prerequisites does the institution require in general for my major area of study?

FINANCIAL AID

• What are the basic costs for a year (tuition, room/board, fees)?
• What is the total estimated student budget for a year (includes above plus personal expenses)?
• What kind of financial aid programs are available?
• How many students receive financial aid?
• What is the average award?
• Does your school meet full need?
• What kind of scholarship opportunities exists?
• What is the application deadline for financial aid?
• How and when do I make application for financial assistance?

PROGRAMS OF STUDY

• Do you have my major?
• What are considered your top programs?
• What unique programs does your institution offer?
• What is your job placement rate for graduating students?
• How do you assign faculty advisors to students, especially to those who are undecided about their majors?
• Does your school have an honor code? How effective is it? What is the penalty for cheating?
• Are freshmen and sophomores taught by full professors or by graduate students?

CAMPUS LIFE

• What is your total enrollment?
• What is the male/female ratio?
• How many students live on campus?
• What activities are available? Sports? Arts? Fraternities? Sororities?
• How safe is your school?
• Are there housing regulations?
• What are the housing options?
• What meal plans are available?
• What types of computer facilities are available?

OTHER

• Are there Saturday classes?
• What is the teacher to student ratio?
• Are there opportunities for off-campus and on-campus jobs?
• Does the institution have a counseling service to assist students with course selection, vocational plans, school difficulties and/or personal problems?
• What distinguishes this institution from other schools of the same size and reputation?

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