TABLE OF CONTENTS OVERVIEW I. PLANNING FOR COLLEGE ............................................................................................. 7 A. Students’ rights and responsibilities B. Planning steps for college C. Graduation requirements D. Senior year college planning guide E. College entrance course requirements F. College admission testing program
II. CHOOSING A COLLEGE ............................................................................................... 32 A. Self-assessment B. Factors to consider in choosing a college C. Major myths about college selection D. Types of institutions E. Locations of institutions F. Computer searches G. Six wrong reasons for counting college out H. What if college isn’t right for me?
III. VISITING A COLLEGE ................................................................................................ 49 A. B. C. D.
Campus visits Suggestions for college visits & interviews Questions that student’s are often asked at a college interview Questions that student’s should ask at college interviews
IV. APPLYING FOR COLLEGE ADMISSIONS ......................................................... 56 A. Applying to college – how many? B. College Applications - what colleges are looking for C. The process of applying explained D. Admission decision definitions E. Resume details F. Letters of recommendation G. Corresponding with colleges through social media H. Actual letters from college admissions offices
V. THE PERSONAL ESSAY .............................................................................................. 74 A. Importance of the college admissions essay B. Tips on writing an autobiography C. Sample essay questions asked by colleges
VI. FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION .......................................................................... 82 A. B. C. D. E.
Financial aid overview Myths about paying for college Types of financial aid Federal student aid application process Financial aid and scholarship websites
VII. INFORMATION FOR STUDENT ATHLETES ................................................. 89 A. B. C. D.
NCAA Initial eligibility standards NCAA Quick reference sheet Frequently asked questions about the NCAA College recruiting terms and definitions
VIII. THE DECISION ............................................................................................................ 98 IX. DISABLED STUDENTS AND COLLEGE ............................................................100 X. GLOSSARY OF TERMS ..............................................................................................109 XI. INTERNET RESOURCES ..........................................................................................114 XII. HELPFUL HANDOUTS ..............................................................................................118