10 Things: 10 Things College Prep for High School Students The Center for College Planning at New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation (NHHEAF) Network 4 Barrell Court Concord, New Hampshire 03301 www.nhheaf.org collegeplanning@nhheaf.org You Can Do Now to Prepare for the College Process


10 Start with you.: 10 Start with you. Ask yourself: What factors have helped me to be successful in high school? What factors have nurtured my talents and interests? What would my ideal college atmosphere look like? What programs weren’t offered at my high school that I’d like to try in college? How far away from family and friends is too far away?


9 Explore College Majors: 9 Explore College Majors Identify your favorite subjects from school. Consider your personality, values and motivations. Take a career assessment questionnaire. Job shadow during the summer or volunteer in a field that interests you. When narrowing your list of colleges, meet with professors from the departments that most interest you.


8 Investigate the Options: 8 Investigate the Options One of the first steps in selecting the right school for you is to consider what you hope to gain from the college experience. Co-op Programs Cross-registration Internships Study Abroad Honors Program Demographics Location Institution Type


7 Get to Know the Campus: 7 Get to Know the Campus Nothing compares to seeing a college first-hand. Remember that the college marketing materials don’t tell the whole story. Visiting allows you to experience the campus’ personality. What are other ways of exploring a college campus? HIGH SCHOOL VISITS tours interviews websites information sessions


6 Talk with your counselor and parents about your plans: 6 Talk with your counselor and parents about your plans Communication is key 2-2-2 Approach Discuss expectations for the application process Set a game plan Challenge assumptions


5 Explore Essay Topics: 5 Explore Essay Topics Personalize the process Writing simple isn’t stupid DOs and DON’Ts Intrigue the reader Don’t tell but show


4 Develop a College Resume & Contacts for Recommendations: 4 Develop a College Resume & Contacts for Recommendations COLLEGE RESUME: —n. One-page personal profile designed to reveal your academic achievements, extracurricular, community and personal interests, including specific events and accomplishments such as leadership positions held, varsity letters received, etc. Acts as another sample of your ability to write, organize and present yourself. COLLEGE RECOMMENDATION: —n. A letter of reference that reveals your character and credentials as observed by adult mentors, including teachers, coaches, guidance counselors, club advisors, work supervisors, etc. who know you well and can write articulately and personally about the special qualities you possess.


Slide9: 3 Prepare for Standardized Tests Use PSAT score to help identify areas for improvement. Register Early! SAT Reasoning Test SAT Subject Test ACT Not all colleges require standardized testing as part of the admissions process. It is your job to determine which tests are required for the colleges to which you will apply. AP Exam


2 Continue to Contribute and Build a Strong Transcript: 2 Continue to Contribute and Build a Strong Transcript In the review of applicants, primary emphasis is most always placed on academic record as demonstrated by the quality and level of college preparatory coursework and achievement. What other factors may determine whether the student is offered admission to college? Extracurricular Activities Special Talents Essay Personal Interview Admission Test Scores Community Service


1 Educate Yourself About College Costs and Financial Aid: 1 Educate Yourself About College Costs and Financial Aid The better informed you are about the college admission process, the better chance you have of being accepted into and affording your first choice institution. CSS Profile Financial Safety FAFSA Grants Loans Scholarships EFC Tuition Award Letter master promissory note


QUESTIONS? : QUESTIONS? The Center for College Planning at the New Hampshire Higher Education Assistance Foundation (NHHEAF) Network www.nhheaf.org collegeplanning@nhheaf.org - College & Career Counseling - Financial Aid Guidance - College Planning Workshops - Special Events - Community Outreach 1-800-525-2577 x119