Clarkston High School
College 101
Informational Night
CHS Counseling Department
Presented By:
Amanda Goodwin
Jamie Graves
CHS COUNSELING DEPARTMENT
Visit the CHS counseling website to learn more about The College Pathway
Finding the Best Fit
“College is a match to be made. Not a prize to be won.”
-Frank Sachs
When Searching for Colleges
KEEP NOTES ON
01 | Admissions Requirements | Vary greatly from open admissions to highly selective |
02 | ACT/SAT Preference | Test optional? Do scores effect scholarship amounts? |
03 | Size and Location | Staying in State? Rural? City? |
04 | Cost | Merit based scholarship, financial aid packages |
05 | Quality of Programs, Majors and Faculty. | Does the school have a good program for your area of interest. |
06 | Private or Public | We will learn more about the difference during our presentation |
Size of the Institution
Location
Cost
Did you know CHS Counseling posts scholarship information on the counseling website?
https://chs.clarkston.k12.mi.us/counseling
PROGRAM QUALITY
Public or Private?
While Searching For Colleges
TAKE NOTES ON
07 | Application Deadlines | Early Decision, Early Action, Regular Decision, Rolling Admission |
08 | Student Activities | Clubs, sports teams, groups etc. |
09 | Housing Options Available | Roommates, live off campus, single dorms? |
Application Deadlines
EARLY DECISION
EARLY ACTION
REGULAR DECISION
Housing and Residency Options
GPA: Grades in all subjects | ACT/SAT Scores |
Rigor and Curriculum | Class Rank/ Extra-curricular activities including work and volunteering |
Student Essay | Awards/Achievements |
Counselor Recommendation | Teacher Recommendations |
Important Factors of College Applications
Did You Know?
80% Of Colleges in the U.S. have a 50%+ acceptance rate. | Only 5% of colleges have a 20% or less acceptance rate |
On average colleges accept ⅔ of applicants | Expressing interest in a college can help when applying, (Think college representative visits in the fall or attending an open house) |
Building your College Lists (Categories can/will overlap) |
Choose 2 colleges where you have high chance of being admitted |
Choose 2 colleges in your home state |
Choose 2 colleges where you will NOT need significant financial aid |
Choose 2 dream colleges |
Spring of Junior Year | Complete Senior Questionnaire in 11th Grade ELA Class | Share with anyone you ask for a recommendation and your counselor. If it is required by the college you are applying too. |
July- September | Register to take the ACT or Retake the SAT (optional) | For early action deadlines |
By September 15 | Register with Parchment to be prepared to send transcripts electronically | Information can be found on the CHS counseling website |
By September 30 | Meet with counselor regarding any final questions | |
September | Attend Paying for College Lunch and Learn | Information released by counseling department in late August |
September-October | Submit Applications | In October most Michigan Universities participate in free application month. |
October 1* Complete FAFSA | Available October 1. Fill out your FAFSA! (Deadline has varied in the past for example:December1st is the 2024 deadline) | FAFSA must completed for many types of financial aid including scholarships. Submit early for best possible offer |
May 1 | Submit enrollment deposit to hold your spot | Check with your school for their exact deadline |
Senior Time Line
Warning
Colleges can change their minds:
If any of the above scenarios occur you may receive a warning or rejection letter
Time for the
Sorting Game