College Planning & Admissions
Why College?
If you go to college, you’ll gain information and skills that you’ll use for the rest of your life. College enables you to:
Obtain More Job Opportunities
The world is changing rapidly. More and more jobs require education beyond high school. College graduates have more jobs to choose from. Many students will have a certain career in mind, and they need to go to school to get the education they need for that career.
Earn More Money
Based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2007 median earnings for full-time workers at least 25 years old. Annual earnings, based on degree, are: high school diploma, $32,500; associate’s degree, $42,000; bachelor’s degree, $53,000; master’s degree, $63,000; and professional degrees, $100,000+.
Expand Knowledge Base
A college education helps you acquire a range of knowledge in many subjects, as well as advanced knowledge in the specific subjects you’re most interested in. It also increases your ability to think abstractly and critically, to express thoughts clearly in speech and in writing, and to make wise decisions.
Increase Your Potential
A college education can help increase your understanding of the community and the world as you explore interests, discover new areas of knowledge, and consider lifelong goals.
The College Experience
The college experience is a unique one that allows the individual to grow as a person. You are placed into a world that is much bigger than one you have previously experienced. You meet new people from various backgrounds and learn more about yourself as well. College is a place that you can redefine yourself.
Getting a college education is an investment that will pay back for a lifetime. People with a college education have better job opportunities, earn more money, and develop skills that can never be taken away. The point is that attending college will open many doors for you. It is up to you to decide if the process is worth the effort. In most cases, it will be.
Getting In
Application Form
Most colleges will accept one of two application options; students can submit a handwritten or typed form or apply electronically. Applications are available on the colleges’ websites.
Application Fee
College application fees range from $35 – $70. The fee is usually nonrefundable, even if you’re not offered admission. Many colleges offer fee waivers for applicants from low-income families. If you need a fee waiver, call the college’s admission office for more information.
High School Transcript
This form is filled out by an official of your high school. If it comes with your admission materials, you should give it to the guidance office to complete as early as possible. Some colleges send this form directly to your school after receiving your application.
Admission Test Scores
At many colleges, you have to submit SAT or ACT test scores. Many colleges require admission tests because they are a standard way of measuring a student’s ability to do college-level work.
Letters of recommendation
Many private colleges ask you to submit one or more letters of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, or other adult who knows you well. When asking someone to write such a letter, be sure to do so well before the college’s deadline.
Essays
Essays are playing an increasingly important role in the college application process. Whether you’re writing an autobiographical statement or an essay on a specific theme, take the opportunity to express your individuality in a way that sets you apart from other applicants.
Interview
An interview is required or recommended by some colleges. Even if it’s not required, it’s a good idea to set up an interview because it gives you a chance to make a personal connection with someone who will have a voice in deciding whether or not you’ll be offered admission. If you’re too far away for an on-campus interview, try to arrange to meet with an alumnus in your community.
Audition/Portfolio
If you’re applying for a program such as music, art, or design, you may have to document prior work by auditioning on campus or submitting an audiotape, slides, or some other sample of your work to demonstrate your ability.
Printable College
Prep Guide
All information on this page is available in this printable packet
