COLLEGE PLANNING

HIGH SCHOOL TIMELINE : Use this link to make sure you are accomplishing everything you need to accomplish on time!!!

College Admission Criteria 
Colleges look at a variety of criteria when considering students for admission.  The following criteria are often considered during the college application process.

  • Grade Point Average
  • Class rank
  • SAT/ACT
  • Challenging Curriculum
  • Extra-curricular activities
  • Recommendations
  • Personal Essay

College Characteristics To Consider
During the college search, it is also important to consider various characteristics of colleges in making the final decision about which college is right for you. The following characteristics are a general guideline of characteristics to consider.

  •  Major field of study
  •  Public or Private
  •  2 year or 4 year
  •  Cost
  •  Student Body Size
  •  Location
  •  City Size
  •  Athletics
  •  Special Programs
  •  Religious Affiliation

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

·        Colleges.Com: This site provides a search engine which provides contact information for universities and colleges. 

·        College Board offers in-depth information about all aspects of a college search process.

·        Education Planner is a one-stop career and education planning site. Research careers. Choose a post-secondary school and apply online.

·        NCAA ELIGIBILITY CENTER this link explains eligibility for NCAA Eligibility Center and offers a direct link to their website.

·        Peterson’s college database is available on this home page, as is other educational information.

·        Pennsylvania Colleges and Universities provides an extensive list of links to Pennsylvania university and college homepages. 

·        Princeton Review is a site which lists schools by a college’s name, region, state, size, and cost. Rates hundreds of colleges.

Financial Aid Websites

·        Fafsa.ed.org  Provides information on the FAFSA. Apply online.

·        Fastweb.com  offers a scholarship search service free of charge.

·        Finaid.org offers a student guide to financial aid.  Provides links to internet sources of information about student financial aid.

INVESTIGATE AND COMPARE COLLEGES

  1. Prepare a college comparison checklist
  2. Weigh advantages and disadvantages
  3. Contact the admissions office
  4. Schedule a campus visit.

CAMPUS VISIT CHECKLIST

________ Take a campus tour.

________ Talk with students and faculty.

________ Investigate your academic program.

________ Meet with an admissions counselor.

________ Verify admissions requirements.

________ Determine actual college costs.

________ Meet with a financial aid representative.

________ Inquire about a class visit.