Elizabeth FitzgeraldStevenson University

Offer a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science

Lay foundation for more advanced studies and professional work

Offer a more traditional, well-rounded approach to an advanced degree.

Allow the time and opportunity to explore several subjects before choosing career path.

There are more than 3,800 colleges and universities in the United States.

There are more females than males going to college nationwide.

USA is #1 destination for international college students.

Field of Study Size Selectivity Setting Special Interests

◦ i.e. Study Abroad, Diversity, Religion, Activities Distance from Home Public/Private Athletics

Visit college campuses – don’t wait!◦ Open Houses◦ Daily Information Sessions & Campus Tours◦ Overnight Visits◦ Interviews

High School Visits by College Representatives

College Fairs

Surf the Internet!

Early Decision◦ Apply by November 1 and receive decision by December 15 of senior

year.◦ Plans are binding – admission means you must attend.◦ Can only apply to one school Early Decision.

Early Action◦ Apply early, but admission is non-binding. Notified mid/late January.◦ Have until May 1 to notify school of attendance.◦ No limit on Early Action applications.

Regular Decision/Rolling Admission◦ Apply by published deadline and receive a decision no later than April 1

of senior year.◦ Rolling and first-come, first-served basis◦ Have until May 1 to notify school of attendance.◦ No limit on Regular Decision/Rolling Admissions applications.

Paper applications Online applications Common Application®

◦ www.commonapp.org

How many applications?◦ No magic number◦ Some students apply to 2-3 while others apply to 10 or

more.◦ Should be combination of safety, match, and reach

schools.◦ Fee waivers

Application – paper or online Application Fee Official High School Transcript Official SATs or ACTs Essay Letter(s) of Recommendation Interview Extracurricular Resume Portfolio/Audition

Classroom performance/grades earned Course selection Standardized test scores Extracurricular activities Quality of essay or personal statement Interview Legacy Campus Visit

Scholarships◦ Almost $3 billion in scholarships is available annually

as free money for college!

Types◦ Merit-based – vast majority come from colleges◦ Athletic – NCAA Divisions I and II only◦ Major-specific competitions◦ Local organizations

Lions Club, Rotary Club, and Kiwanis Club, churches, etc.◦ Online searches

Collegeboard.com Fastweb.com

Financial Aid◦ Makes up the difference between what colleges cost and

what the family can afford to pay.

Types◦ Loans - have to be repaid ◦ Grants – do not have to be repaid ◦ Work-study – earn money on campus

FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid◦ www.fafsa.ed.gov◦ www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov

Fill out beginning January 1of senior year

Higher education experts say first three weeks are most critical.

Success in high school does not automatically translate into success in college.

College professors will not hold your child’s hand.

The Naked Roommate:

And 107 other issues you might run into in college

By Harlan Cohen

• Expect the unexpected.

• Allow yourself to be uncomfortable.

Elizabeth FitzgeraldAssociate Director of Admissions

Stevenson University

esfitzgerald@stevenson.edu443.352.4432