Unlocking the

College Selection Process

Jennifer Williamson

Associate Director of Admission

Albright College

jwilliamson@alb.edu

800-252-1856

Does thinking about the College Selection Process make you feel like this?

What’s the Goal?

4,000 +

1 Best Fit

Visiting Campus Using Resources

Online Guidance Counselor College Fairs

Getting Started

Talk as a family Expectations Compromises

Self Evaluation http://www.collegeboard.com/student/plan

Searching for the Right Fit!

Academically Major Profile

Location Size Extracurricular Feel

Try it on!

Educate Yourself

Terms Procedures Understand differences

► SAT/ACT► FAFSA► Liberal Arts► Rolling Admission► Early Decision► Early Action► Common Application► Need Blind► Need Aware► Merit

Summer/Fall Planning for Student August/September

Narrowing list Complete Essay/Personal Statement Begin Applications Work with Guidance Counselor

Process and strategy Ask teachers for recommendations

October/November Complete application (make copies!) Note school deadlines Confirm receipt of applications Request updated grades be sent

Fall Planning for Family

Begin financial aid process Send in early estimates Revisit top choices Search for outside scholarships

Online resources Fastweb.com PHEAA

Guidance Office Affiliations

How To Pay for This Venture?

FAFSA: FREE Application for Federal Student Aid

Subsidized Stafford Unsubsidized Stafford Pell Grant Federal Work Study option Other federal grant programs

Words of Wisdom

Enjoy the process.

Go with your gut.

You are looking at the wrong school if they are not looking at you.

Don’t rule out a school based on sticker price.

Student centered search

Include the family – talk, compromise, understand

Recommendations and Resources

Make copies of everything

Be aware of deadlines

www.fafsa.ed.gov

ASK QUESTIONS - IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE ANSWER, THE QUESTION IS NOT STUPID!!!!

jwilliamson@alb.edu