Steps to Simplify College Planning

250 Jamaica Road
Carlisle, OH 45005

(937)746-4481
www.carlisle-local.k12.oh.us

Bowling Green State University…..www.bgsu.edu
Central State University……………www.centralstate.edu
Kent State Universtiy……………….www.kent.edu
Miami University…………………...www.muohio.edu
M.U.M………………...….www.mid.muohio.edu
Ohio State University………………www.osu.edu
Shawnee State University…………..www.shawnee.edu
The University of Akron…………...www.uakron.edu
University of Cincinnati……………www.admissions.uc.edu
University of Toledo……………….www.utoledo.edu
Wright State University…………….www.wright.edu
Youngstown State University……...www.ysu.edu
NEOUCOM…………………………www.neoucom.edu

Tel: 937-746-4481

Carlisle High School

OHIO”S
4-Year Public Universities

Guidance Department

Guidance Department

Step 1 Know yourself and your reasons for attending college
Making sure that you carefully prepared for college is a big step in finding success there. Did you take the high school courses recommended for college? Specific high school course requirements vary from institution to institution, and some majors may have additional requirements. Don’t forget to thing about your interests and activities. Get familiar with the ACT and SAT. There are advantages to testing in your junior year, however there are not too many reasons to take it any earlier.
Step 2 Consider college characteristics
Think about the different types of schools, their admissions standards, the different costs, the different sizes, etc. Keep your options open!
LARGE COLLEGES OFFER -
More areas of specialized study/more courses
More anonymity
Greater range of extra-curriculars
Larger libraries and more laboratory facilities
Graduate departments
SMALL COLLEGES OFFER -
More personal atmosphere
Small classes, more discussion
Greater chance for participation
Less distance between students and faculty
More flexible programs

Rank characteristics in order of importance
Academic program/major available
Type of school
Admission policy
Cost
Opportunities for financial aid
Location
Size of enrollement
Reputation ina particular field
Affiliation (public, private-independent, private-church related)
Accreditation by a special organization
Campus activities/social clubs
Support services
Type of community
Minority representation
Gender ratio
Specialized programs for students with disabilities
Athletic program
Other
Step 3 List, compare, and visit colleges
Attend a college fair with your parents to learn more about different colleges, financial aid, career planning and other issues. VISIT any school you are considering.
Here are some of the comparison’s you should consider:
__Location __Academics
__Size __College Expenses
__Environment __Housing
__Admission Requirements __Facilities
__Financial Aid __Activities
Step 4 Apply for admission and observe deadlines
Narrow your choices. Don’t rule out applying to a college that seems to be out of your price range, especially if you qualify for admission and the college meets your needs.
Because every school has its own requirements, prerequisites, and levels of selectivity, the application process at each institution is unique.
Step 5 Develop a plan to finance your education
Types of financial assistance………………………
Scholarships Nonrepayable awards based on merit or merit plus need
Grants Nonrepayable awards based on need
Loans Repayable awards available through private lending institutions, colleges, and the federal government. Most educational loans have low interest rates with payments deferred while the students is enrolled in school.
Work-study programs On-campus jobs that allow students to earn money toward their expenses while they are enrolled in school.
Questions regarding applying for financial aid should be addressed with your school counselor.
Step 6 Review and finalize your plans
Once you have made a final decision and have attendance plans confirmed by your college choice, be sure to notify all the other colleges to which you have applied that you will not be attending.

TIMELINE FOR COLLEGE PLANNING
9th-10th grade: Learn about college requirements and continue to exploring careers.
Fall of junior year: Think about your reasons for going to college.
Spring of junior year: Identify important factors in choosing a college.
Summer between junior and senior year: Take ACT or SAT. List colleges you are considering and collect information.
Fall of senior year: compare the colleges on your list. Apply for admissions to your “choice” colleges.
January of senior year: Apply for financial aid.
Spring of senior year: Make some final decisions.
Information for this pamphlet was taken from the following websites:
www.act.org; wiredscholar.com; www.oasfaa.org; www.studentaid.ed.gov