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Looking Ahead to College

Looking Ahead to College. Predicting the admissions landscape February 23, 2010. Projected High School Graduates 2010-2020. Admissions at Selective Universities Class of 2013. So, to put HS graduates and application numbers in perspective:.

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Looking Ahead to College

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  1. Looking Ahead to College Predicting the admissions landscape February 23, 2010

  2. Projected High School Graduates2010-2020

  3. Admissions at Selective UniversitiesClass of 2013

  4. So, to put HS graduates and application numbers in perspective: • In the short term, numbers of HS graduates will decline • The numbers of applications at most selective colleges and universities will continue to rise – or at the very least, remain at very high levels • So, in a pool of very highly qualified candidates, the non-academic criteria will become increasingly important

  5. What generates a large applicant pool? • Colleges, fearful of declining numbers, market more aggressively • Use of Common Application makes it easier for students to apply to multiple colleges • Therefore, colleges receive more applications • Admission rates go down – colleges are not getting larger • Students get scared and nervous they will not get admitted • So, they apply to more colleges!

  6. How do selective college and universities make admission decisions? • Curriculum: What a student takes relative to what is available. • GPA: Academic performance is the most important criteria. A student’s work must reflect genuine effort, intellectual ability, and a demonstrated interest in learning. • Test Scores: ACT or SAT: Test scores are still a factor at most selective colleges and universities. But they are increasingly being called into question and many colleges are test OPTIONAL. www.fairtest.org

  7. The Academic Criteria only places a student into the pool of qualified candidates. What makes the difference? • Essay(s): The ability to write personal essays – to tell a personal story – to capture the student’s personality. Some colleges accept graded writing assignments. • Extracurricular Activities: What a student does after school is now of increasing importance! Demonstrating persistenceand passionin school and community activities. • Recommendations: The ‘whole’ must fit together. • School • Teacher • Community

  8. The Importance of Extracurricular Activities • Selective colleges and universities expect to see meaningful experiences on a resume • Students engaged in activities have a stronger self-concept and an increased cultural awareness • Demonstrated commitment to group and group goals • Staying power – commitment and persistence for four years or more • Substance rather than titles • Passion to excel • Juggling multiple duties

  9. Financial Aid: Paying for college in a tight economy • Need-Based Aid: uses federal methodology (FAFSA) and CSS Profile to analyze family income and assets and to predict Expected Family Contribution (EFC). FAFSA predictor at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Look for the FAFSA4caster. • Merit-Based Aid: Colleges use merit aid to recruit top students: scholars, athletes, musicians, leaders, community volunteers • Schools recruit the top 25% of their applicant pool – not the middle 50% • The “Zippy Wal-Mart” discount.

  10. The Randolph Experience • 9th and 10th Grade: • Meet with Academic Advisors to plan US Curriculum • Take PLAN (9th) and PSAT (10th) • Receive feedback regarding results • Introduction to College Board Quick Start • Attend evening college presentation in spring • Students are consistently reminded that grades matter – more to the point – doing one’s best matters.

  11. 11th Grade: • PSAT/NMSQT testing in October • The College Search process begins with the Junior Seminars • Junior/Parent meeting in late fall • Standardized testing in winter and spring • Junior Seminars in 3rd Quarter • Student/Parent meetings • Use of Naviance:Family Connection • Search for “best fit”

  12. 12th Grade: • The college application process • Continue standardized testing • Application workshops • Meet the deadlines • Rolling decision • Early decision/action • College reply date • Enrollment date

  13. The Randolph Bonus! • Our graduates are: • Confident • Engaged • Self-starters • Connected in extracurricular activities – fine arts and athletics • Active in the school and greater Huntsville community with volunteer activities

  14. The Practical Side • We require students in Advanced Placement classes to take the national AP exam. • With the emphasis on critical thinking and writing in the classroom, standardized test results are high across the class. • GPAs are weighted for in-state admissions to provide a level playing field for admissions, honors programs, and scholarships. • Most private colleges and universities recalculate GPAs with their own method and reflect the demanding nature of the high school curriculum

  15. Why Randolph? • Our courses are demanding and rigorous. • We require students to think critically, prepare daily, write effectively, and be young people of character and integrity • It is not easy to for a young person to make their way in this teen world, but we hold steadfast to our ideals and are committed to the growth of every student as an individual

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