WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS…

After Graduating from Hinsdale Middle/High School

Parent College NightAgenda

 6:00 – 6:15 Greetings and have a snack! 

6:15 – 6:50 Powerpoint Presentation

Parent QuestionsPost-Secondary OptionsTimelineFactors in Choosing a SchoolSAT/ACTCommon ApplicationMoney!ResourcesA quote

6:50 – 7:00 Lasting Questions 

7:00-7:15 Informal Discussions with more snacks 7:15 Adjourn

QUESTIONS FOR PARENTS

• What is your biggest fear as relates to your child applying and attending college?

• What counseling did you receive when you were in high school about the college admissions process?

• Do you know what services or resources are available to help your child with the college admissions process?

POST-SECONDARY PLANNING

Four Year College/ University Two Year College/ Community

College Technical/Vocational Schools Military Apprenticeship Training Programs Gap Year Employment

A BIT OF ATIMELINE

Now!• Visit Colleges• Narrow Search to 5 – 7 Colleges (two stretch, one safe, the

rest best fit)• Determine Deadlines (Early Decision, Early Action, Rolling

Admission)• Get Recommendations (two core academic teachers and

counselor)• Ask for transcripts• Start Common Application

December• Attend Financial Aid Information Night• Finalize remaining applications

January/February• Attend FAFSA Help Night

May• Celebrate!!!

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A COLLEGE

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTSLOCATIONSIZE OF CAMPUSEXTRA CURRICULAR INTERESTSACADEMIC INTERESTSCAMPUS ENVIRONMENTSCORES REQUIRED/IF REQUIREDWHAT STUDENT WISHES ARE

Your student’s choice!

COLLEGE ADMISSIONS TESTS (REQUIRED BY MOST 4 YEAR COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES)

SAT Designed to assess skills and application of knowledge Deadlines for this fall:

• October 9 for November 7th test• November 5 for December 5th test

Financial Assistance available for families with free or reduced lunch. Subject Tests

www.Collegeboard.com

ACT Curriculum-based test Deadlines for fall:

• September 18 for October 24 test• November 6 for December 12 testwww.actstudent.org

Many schools are test optional, check the updated list at

www.fairtest.org

COMMON APPLICATION

Hundreds of schools accept this application process. One fee, many schools! Some colleges require additional information or an

additional essay. Start now!

OTHER WAYSTO APPLY

Check school websites for paper or electronic applications.

Visit schools or college fairs and request paper applications.

3 MONEY LESSONS FROM STUDENTS

I can’t cover tuition with a part time job.It’s ok to take out student loans.You probably won’t pay sticker price.

LET’S TALK MONEY

Do not base search on cost!

Do not base search on cost!

More expensive = more financial aid!

More expensive = more financial aid!

Hard discussion comes after acceptance.

COLLEGE SEARCH RESOURCES

 College Applicationwww.commonapp.com/  

Financial Aid Informationwww.fafsa.ed.gov/www.studentaid.gov/https://profileonline.collegeboard.com/prf/index.jsp (CSS Profile)

SAT/ACTwww.collegeboard.comwww.actstudent.orgwww.fairtest.org College Searcheswww.collegeboard.comwww.petersons.comwww.collegeview.comwww.princetonreview.comwww.anycollege.com

WHAT DO I REALLY WANT FOR MY CHILDREN?

If you linger over the question, your reply will almost certainly include one particular word: the simple, even silly-seeming word, HAPPY, now and forever. Oh, sure, we also want them to be good people; we want them to contribute to the world; we want them to care for others and lead responsible lives. But deep down, most of us, more than anything else, want our children to be happy.

~Edward HallowellThe Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness

Thank you!Feel free to call with

any questions!