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. Campus visits B. Suggestions for college visits & interviews C. Questions that student’s are often asked at a college interview D. 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. Financial aid overview

B. Myths about paying for college C. Types of financial aid D. Federal student aid application process

E. Financial aid and scholarship websites

VII. INFORMATION FOR STUDENT ATHLETES ................................................. 89 A. NCAA Initial eligibility standards B. NCAA Quick reference sheet C. Frequently asked questions about the NCAA D. 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