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“The Process”

Hints, Help and Fun for AHS/SILSA Juniors

Presented by: The AHS/SILSA Counseling Department

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Cougar Pride***Cougar Pride***Cougar Pride

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  • Thank You for coming!
  • Introductions/Who we are!

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AHS/SILSA Class of 2024 �‘College for Cougars’ Junior Night

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Questions

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Use your phone’s camera app to scan the QR code and visit our Padlet!

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What: The unofficial kickoff to the college selection process

When: Second semester of Junior year

Why: Your future, Yo!

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College Planning Canvas Course

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  • Canvas Course designed to guide students through the College Planning process
  • Videos, activities, assignments
  • Enroll: https://acs.instructure.com/enroll/9KCCMC or scan QR code below:

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Agreements:

  1. Students own the process
    1. Allows us to know your student: recommendations, good working relationships, follow through
    2. Practice for when students are on their own
  2. Parents/Guardians have a right to know progress
    • Updates and statuses
    • Milestones
    • Some tasks require both student and parent/guardian input
    • See Rule 1!!
  3. Blackout or ‘In’ times
    • No College Talk... ...Sundays/Thanksgiving/with others
    • Only Monday and Tuesday nights!

Reduces anxiousness and stress for everyone!

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Useful Information!

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CollegeEssayGuy �(https://www.collegeessayguy.com/)

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Grown & Flown �(https://grownandflown.com/)

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The College Tour �(https://www.thecollegetour.com/)

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Niche

(https://www.niche.com/)�

***AHS/SILSA Website/College Planning Page***

(https://nc02214494.schoolwires.net/Page/5738)

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High School related tasks

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  • ACT/SAT - Each once before end of junior year.
    • Which works better for you?
      • Plan to take that one again.
    • Prep resources on the AHS/SILSA Counseling Website
    • Admissions departments are trending away from these tests
    • Most colleges are reporting that about half of their admitted students submitted test scores
    • Need to be prepared: https://fairtest.org/test-optional-list/�
  • Create a list/journal of your activities
    • Don’t join now just for application/resume reasons
    • Job = Awesome!
    • Dedicated interests/Engaged participation

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High School related tasks

In-Between related task

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  • UNC Chapel Hill - Morehead Cain

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College/University related tasks: Start A List

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�It’s all about Fit!!

We are looking for the VERY BEST college…

...FOR YOU!

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Already have an interest?

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  • Friend or family member attended
  • Specific academic program
  • Specific athletic program
  • Great mascot or school colors
  • Won the National Championship

Get more info!

  • Admissions department mailing lists
  • Follow on social media
  • Create a dedicated email address
  • Not iloveicecreamyummytime@gmail.com

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Size

Location

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  • Small
  • Medium
  • Large
  • Enormous

# of students

Size of campus

Taking a shuttle to class or �Bed > class

Multiple dining halls or 1 stop shop

Part of the country/ world

Distance from home

City/Rural

College town only

City - little or no campus

Stay after graduation

Place to come back to

Travel expenses

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Type

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  • Liberal Arts/Sciences vs Research Universities
  • Liberal arts colleges tend to be smaller and more undergraduate-focused
  • Research universities tend to have the gamut of graduate and professional schools
  • Research opportunities exist at liberal arts schools
  • Large scale universities have under grad/liberal arts
  • Public vs Private

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Other Considerations

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  • Study Abroad programs
  • Co-Op/Internship opportunities
  • Living/Learning communities
  • Diversity
  • Campus location and political climate
  • Living accomodations
  • Greek Life
  • Commuter school?

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Cost

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  • Needs to be on the radar
  • Net Price calculator on every school website
  • DO NOT rule out any school based on price (at this point) including high tuition private schools
  • Know your budget
  • FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid *Required*

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Don’t...

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  • ...think about majors… too much
  • ...obsess over rankings/reputation
  • ...do things just so they look good on a college application
  • ...stress (ok, maybe a little healthy stress)
  • ...ever think you are in this alone!

Article from Colleges that Change Lives:�Ready, Set, Go! How to Begin a College Search

School Report Cards and STUDENT REVIEWS!�https://www.niche.com/

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Digital Citizenship

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  • Admissions departments/officers are increasingly reviewing applicant social media accounts and it 100% could impact admissions decisions!
  • Create a dedicated email account

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Down the road:

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Senior Year!

  • Senior Meetings!
  • Finalize college list
  • Common app and other application portals
  • Decide on deadline options
  • Recommendation letters
  • FAFSA: October 1(December?) of senior year
  • Scholarships

Summer Fun!

  • Campus visits
  • Think about/start your essay(s)
  • List of activities, awards, honors, etc.
  • Get pumped!!

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Down the road:

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Three things you will need!

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Q/A and Thank You!