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 khinden@psd202.org 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