Highly Selective College & University Information Night

1. Highly Selective College & University Information Night Monday, March 16, 2015 7:00 – 8:15 PM Naperville Central High School Student Services

2. What does the term “highly selective” mean? • The most selective schools admit fewer than 30% of the students who apply. • The top 30 most selective schools in the nation admit 20% or less of their applicant pool. • 2008, The Academy of College Admissions Counseling, College Counseling 201 manual.

3. NCHS Class of 2014 Graduates -2014 NCHS Senior Exit Survey

4. NCHS Class of 2014 Graduates -2014 NCHS Senior Exit Survey

5. Admissions Trends Highly selective schools most often admit students whose cumulative GPA is above a 4.25. - NCHS Naviance Scattergram data, 2014

6. Admissions Trends The most highly selective schools typically admit students whose ACT composite score is a 33 or higher. - NCHS Naviance Scattergram data, 2014

7. Tips for students Highly selective schools prefer to see strong grades in the most rigorous courses possible. They prefer to see honors and AP courses when they are offered in the subject area. - Conversations with admissions counselors at highly selective colleges and universities.

8. Tips for students Highly selective schools are looking for deep, consistent involvement and leadership in extracurricular, athletic and/or volunteer activities. - Conversations with admissions counselors at highly selective colleges and universities.

9. Tips for students Highly selective schools highly value research and publication of written work by applicants. - Conversations with admissions counselors at highly selective colleges and universities.

10. Tips for students Work experience and community service are also valued by highly selective schools in the admissions process. - Conversations with admissions counselors at highly selective colleges and universities.

11. Tips for students NCHS counselors advise students to write about extracurricular, athletic, volunteer and work activities in “resume” terms (initiative, outcome and leadership oriented) on their applications.

12. Tips for students The essays that students write in their applications are VERY important in the selection process. These can count for up to 25% of the admission decision. - Conversations with admissions counselors at highly selective colleges and universities.

13. Tips for students College essays should be well-written, authentic and help the admissions counselor or reader get to know the applicant. - Conversations with admissions counselors at highly selective colleges and universities.

14. Tips for students If asked to write about why they are interested in a school, students need to very clearly and specifically articulate this based on their research about the school and their college visit experience(s). - Conversations with admissions counselors at highly selective colleges and universities.

15. Tips for students Many highly selective schools do consider a student’s demonstrated level of interest in that school. They may track college visits and contact with admissions representatives. - Conversations with admissions counselors at highly selective colleges and universities.

16. NY Times article – 3/15/15“How to Survive the College Admission Madness” http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/15/opinion/sunday/frank-bruni-how-to-survive-the-college-admissions-madness.html?_r=0

17. 2015-2016 - Counselor Evening Programs at NCHS Sept. 8th, 2015 at 7:00 PM - Senior Family Night focused on the College Application Process Sept. 15th, 2015 at 7:00 PM - Junior Family Night focused on Standardized Testing and Timeline for Junior Year Nov. 16th, 2015 at 7:15 PM – Freshman Parent Night

18. 2015-2016 - Counselor Evening Programs at NCHS Dec. 16th, 2015 at 7:00 PM - Financial Aid Information Night Feb. 23rd, 2016 at 7:00 PM - College Planning Night for Junior Families April 27th, 2016 at 7:00 PM – Sophomore Family Night focused on Career Exploration