selecting a college. selecting a college is much like finding a new home for the next 4 years. make...
TRANSCRIPT
Selecting a
College
• Selecting a college is much like finding a new home for the next 4 years.
• Make sure you take this process seriously and conduct it thoroughly.
• Involve parents or trusted adults in the process.
Step 1Know thyself…
Identify strengths and weaknesses Know your academic profile Analyze your interests and values What do you want out of life? Are you socially self-sufficient or do you need familial support? Analyze your reasons for
attending college.
Step 2Consider college characteristics:• Location• Environment• Size• Admissions requirements• Academics• Cost• Financial aid• Housing• Facilities• Activities• Campus visit
Environment
Location• Small town setting like
Ripon or UW-Platteville?• Bustling streets like
Milwaukee or Madison or Minnesota Twin Cities?
• Do you want to take your car?
• Close to home or how far away?
Size• How large or small of a
school do you want?• Large lecture halls of 300 or
class size of 30?• Distance from dorms to
class
Admission Requirements• What ACT score is required?• What about rank in class?• Check out your ACT score report.
-How you would place among freshmen?
• What are your chances of being accepted?
• Once accepted, what are chances of being competitive?
Value
Academics• What majors are offered?• Contact with professors?• Classes are taught by TA’s?• Research and learning
outside the classroom?
Cost/Financial AidHow much is tuition?
-$11,000 or $30,000
Dorms/housing?-size of rooms, suites
Meal plans?-1/2/3 meals per day
Book purchase or rental?Other expenses?
Financial Aid
• Scholarships available • Work study opportunities• Campus jobs• Community employment• Who is available for assistance if you have
questions?
Lifestyle
Housing• Dorm requirements for
freshmen• Availability/wait list?• Types of housing• Size of dorm rooms• Air conditioning?• Procedure for assigning
roommates and what about changes?
Facilities• Computer labs• Library• Weight/exercise• Outdoor activities• Laundry facilities• Parking• Restaurants and
shopping in town
Extras
Activities• Sports including intramural• Clubs and student
organizations, most campuses have 100+
• Sororities and fraternities• Community and church
Safety• Campus security officers• Dorm entrance security• Transportation around
campus• Night escorts• Presence of outdoor lighting
and emergency phones• Crime rates on
campus/community
Step 3
List colleges from your research.
Consulting:Online informationCollege representativesCounselors and teachersParents, students, alumni
Step 4 Comparison List
Weigh advantages/disadvantages
CostDistance from homeMajorsAdmissionsEtc
Step 5 The College Visit
Talk to your counselor about arranging a visit to your top choices.
Tuesday, March 8 will address getting the most out of your college visit.
Best that you go with a parent.
Step 6 Process
After your visits, process the information you have gained.
Weigh pluses and minuses - discussing with parents/adult
Step 7 Application
Apply in the fall to your top choice.Also apply to your “plan B” school.
More information on the application process will be available next year in September. Colleges start accepting applications Sept. 15 and Sept. 1 for MATC programs.
Remember that everyone must
follow his or her own path in life.What will you
choose?