Nordonia High School Guidance
Department
“A Guide Through the Maze”
Navigating the College Search and Admission Process
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Career exploration
College search process
Admissions testing – ACT and SAT
Financial aid/scholarships
Post Secondary Enrollment Options/Advanced
Placement
Next steps for juniors
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This is a process. These suggestions can help:
 Volunteer
 Job Shadow
 Work
 Take elective classes at NHS to introduce
you to a possible career
 Take time to complete an interest inventory
(Kuder, ACT, websites).
 Talk to family, community members, etc.
 Utilize opportunities the first year of college
to continue this process.
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Academic strengths
Recognize your strengths and weaknesses
Analyze your interests and values
Achievements/talents?
Why do you want/need to go to college?
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Prepare for a career
What are your ambitions?
Set realistic goals
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Continue to work hard academically
Continue career exploration
College exploration/search
Meet with college representatives who come to
guidance
Visit colleges-spring college/career shadow days
(handout)
Start college admissions testing- ACT, SAT
Activities – Continue to be involved
Leadership/Volunteerism
Schedule challenging classes for the senior year
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Four year state colleges and universities
Degrees offered – Bachelor’s and beyond
Typically under $15,000/year
Requirements – SAT/ACT, GPA, Class rank, Essay, Extracurricular activities, letters of rec., transcripts , foreign
language
 Provides well-rounded college experience that includes an
academic area of study.
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Private/Liberal arts colleges
Degrees offered – Bachelor’s and beyond
 Typically more than $20,000/year
 Requirements – SAT/ACT, GPA, Class rank, Essay, Extracurricular activities, letters of rec., transcripts , foreign
language
 Provides well-rounded college experience that includes an
academic area of study.
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Bowling Green State Univ. – mod. sel. admission
Kent State University – mod. selective admission
Miami of Ohio Univ. – selective admission
Ohio University – mod. selective admission
The Ohio State University – selective admission
University of Akron – open admission
University of Toledo – mod. selective admission
Youngstown State University – open admission
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Baldwin Wallace College – mod. sel. admission
Case Western University – very selective
admission
Denison University – selective admission
John Carroll University – mod. sel. admission
Mount Union College – mod. sel. admission
Ohio Wesleyan – selective admission
Wittenberg University – selective admission
Walsh University – mod. selective admission
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Size
Admission requirements
Majors
Tuition/Room and board
Scholarship opportunities
Co-curricular opportunities
Faculty/student ratio
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Community/Two year colleges
Degrees offered – Associate’s
Typically around $4,000/year
Requirements – Open door admission policy
A way to ease into college/take general ed. college classes for
credit. Typically have agreements with four year colleges to
transfer credits.
 Kent State Regional Campuses-Stark, Twinsburg/Geauga,
Lakeland Community College, Stark State College of Tech., Tri-C
(four locations), University of Akron Summit College
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Technical colleges
Generally a two-year college which provides specific
skills for employment or trained labor, such as computer
technology, medical careers, or office management.
 DeVry University, ITT Technical Institute, Stark State
College of Technology
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Proprietary schools are for-profit businesses
which provide education and training. They
may be privately or corporately owned.
Examples are Brown Mackie College,
National College, North Coast Medical
Training Academy, Fortis College
apps.scr.ohio.gov/schools/query.asp
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More students are choosing to begin their postsecondary education at a community college to
complete general education courses, for
financial reasons or for ease of transition, and
then transfer to the four year college of choice.
Be sure to inquire about credit transfer
agreements to various programs at the
universities and colleges. Discuss this not
only with the community college, but with
the school to which the student will transfer.
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High School College Prep curriculum:
4 units English
4 units Mathematics (Alg, Geo, Alg II)
3 units Science (Life, Physical, Advanced)
3 units Social Studies
1 unit Fine Arts (art, drama, music, photo)
2-3 units Foreign Language
(1 unit = 1 credit)
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Strength and depth of high school curriculum
Grades/Overall GPA/Class Rank
Admission test scores - ACT/SAT
More selective schools/programs may also
require/consider:
 Co-curricular activities
 Leadership
 Service
 Letters of recommendation (teachers and counselor)
 Essays
 Demonstrated interest
 Courses in progress senior year
 Personal accomplishments
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Not all colleges are created equal.
Some treat your SAT scores as a combined score, others treat subtests separately. Some make testing optional. Some offer personal
interviews while others only offer group information sessions.
Roll with the differences!
Same student, different eyes
Size of freshman classes varies as does the number offered
admission from college to college. Control is in the hands of the
college in terms of what they are looking for.
Applications are up and spaces are fixed.
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The ultimate goals for every college are the same:
1.
Admit a freshman class with many different
dimensions.
2.
Admit students who can successfully pursue both
academic and extracurricular programs at the
college/university.
“Because colleges want to build a variety of strengths and
interests into the freshman class – and in so doing to add
geographic, cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity –
applicants feel that they have been treated unfairly. The feeling
on most selective college admissions committees is that the
campus community is made vital and interesting by enrolling
freshman classes that bring with them as broad a range of
interests, talents, and diversity as possible…”
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250,000 high schools in the U.S. each with a top ten list
of students. Therefore, 250,000 seniors are applying to
the same group of highly selective schools. Top NHS
students become “typical” looking in this group.
Perfect scores on ACT/SAT not unusual in this group.
No one is entitled to admission to an Ivy League or
highly selective school.
This process is an art, not a science. There is no perfect
equation that will equal guaranteed admission.
Many top students across the country are denied
admission to the most selective colleges each year.
So what do you do?
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What is important to you?
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Location
Academics (major, academic support)
Admission standards
Size
Social Life (athletics, extra-curriculars)
Campus appeal (Do I feel at home?)
Total cost (including aid)
Religious affiliation
Facilities/Housing
Security
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Compile information from several resources
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Internet/Websites (NHS Guidance list!)
College representatives and college fairs
Teachers, counselors, parents, students, and alumni
College visits
College & Career Fairs
Nacacnet.org – National Association for College
Admission Counseling. Offers national college fair
information and articles about the college search
process.
Cappex.com and BigFuture.collegeboard.com
Get Set for College (handout)
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Rugg’s Recommendations on the Colleges
Book of Majors 2012 (College Board)
Both books are available in the guidance office.
www.myplan.com/majors/what-to-do-with-amajor.php
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ED and EA plans can be beneficial to students but only
for those students who have thought through their
college options carefully and have clear preference for
one institution.
Early Decision
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Plans are binding – student must attend college
Apply to one college only ED & all others regular admission.
Receive decision well in advance, usually by December.
If accepted, withdraw all other applications.
Early Action
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Plans are non-binding
Receive admission decision early, usually Jan. or Feb.
Consider acceptance offer & give decision no later than May 1
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ACT/SAT
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ACT - American College
Test consists of tests in
English, math, reading,
science, and an optional
writing subtest (check
with college admissions).
The test consists of
multiple-choice
questions.
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3 to 3½ hours (includes
administration
instructions, a break
after the first two tests,
and the optional writing
test)
Breakdown:
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English-45 minutes
Math-60 minutes
Reading-35 minutes
Science-35 minutes
Writing-30 minutes
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Students are given a score (1-36) for each
section of the test. The four scores are
averaged to arrive at a Composite Score.
Writing score will be combined separately with
English for a separate composite. Writing Test
Subscore 2-12.
Since there is no penalty for guessing, students
should answer every question on the ACT.
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3 hours, 45 minutes
including Critical
Reading, Mathematics,
and Writing (not
optional) portions.
Critical Reading Subtest
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70 minutes (67 questions)
Sentence completion &
passage-based reading
Score: 200 – 800
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Mathematics
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70 minutes (54 questions)
Multiple choice items &
student-produced responses
Score: 200-800
Writing
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60 minutes (35 min. multiple
choice, 25 minutes essay)
Score: 200-800
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The SAT will have 3 scores of 200-800 for each
of the 3 sections (Critical Reading,
Mathematics, and Writing).
Score of 2-12 for the essay.
Total possible score of 600-2400.
One point for each correct answer.
Zero points for questions omitted.
Lose ¼ of a point for each wrong answer,
except for student-produced math questions.
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We recommend that students begin taking these
tests during the spring of their junior year.
This way students still have time to take the test
again, several times, before applying to colleges.
Students are currently completing
courses/content that they will be tested on.
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Students should practice both tests.
Feedback from PLAN or PSAT will help
determine which test student scores best on.
Both tests are suggested to see which one is
the best fit:
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ACT – tests all subject areas; achievement
SAT – tests English and math skills; aptitude
NOTE: Most colleges in the United States will
accept either test score. Check with the college to
see what score is preferred.
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Visit testing websites for more information.
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ACT – www.act.org
SAT – www.collegeboard.org
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If you do not do this at registration and need to have scores
sent after the test, you will pay an additional fee.
See handout for a copy of testing dates and deadlines.
Register online - you will be able to see a list of testing
locations and fees.
Be sure to enter our high school code (363835) along
with the codes of the colleges you are applying to (see
list online during registration)so that test scores can be
sent directly to these schools.
Special Testing Deadlines
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Check online and communicate with your special education
teacher.
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High School Curriculum
Sample tests on ACT/SAT websites
Online prep services
Prep manuals
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available through ACT/SAT or bookstores
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Club Z – (330) 656-4360
Sylvan Learning Center – (330) 929-6554
Huntington Learning Center – (330) 673-7200)
Private tutoring
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www.actstudent.org
www.kaplan.com
www.collegeboard.org
www.zinch.com
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March 20 and 21 (2:30 – 5:00) at Nordonia High School
Prep courses (substantial fees required)
Check out:
ZAPS - ACT Seminar
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Admission standards
Scholarships
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Freshman honors/departmental
Other scholarships
The above information should be researched
when exploring colleges.
Practice will improve skills and reduce test
anxiety.
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ACT limits you to 12 tests.
Recommend taking the test twice the
junior year. Retest early senior year (Sept
or Oct) if needed.
Colleges will consider best score no
matter when test was taken.
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Students will indicate college codes when
registering for admissions tests. Maximum
of four colleges included with registration
fee; can add additional schools for a fee.
Most colleges now require scores to be sent
directly from ACT/SAT. If not sent directly
a fee will be charged for this request.
Students should be sure to include all
colleges they are considering applying to
when registering for tests.
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Loans – Money that is “borrowed” and must be paid back.
FAFSA application will determine types of loans you are eligible
for through the government
 Can also research private loans.
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Grants – Money that is received that does not need to be
paid back.
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Scholarships - Money for college that does not need to be
paid back.
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FAFSA application will determine types of grants you are eligible
for through the government.
Merit based and non-merit based
Private organizations, educational institutions
Work Study
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Discuss scholarships and financial aid with
college admissions officers – part of the college
search process.
Complete the FAFSA in January of senior year.
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College Goal Sunday
It is recommended that every student complete
a FAFSA. Colleges cannot grant financial aid if
they have no record of FAFSA information.
December, senior year – Evening meeting for
seniors/parents giving a general overview of
the financial aid process.
For now, begin looking for scholarships.
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Explore colleges for freshman honors and departmental
scholarships.
Search the web – fastweb.com , scholarships.com,
tuitionfundingsources.com
Check at work places.
Explore organizations of affiliation – community
organizations, church, scouts, ethnicity.
Local scholarships available in guidance – March of
senior year
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Some possible requirements include:
 GPA
 Test scores
 Rank
 Leadership
 Service
 Talent - (sports, art, music, etc)
 Ethnicity
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Deadlines for scholarships given by colleges may be
earlier than deadlines for admission.
Scholarship application may require a transcript, letter
of recommendation, essay, or resume.
NCAA Division I or II and NAIA athletic scholarships
register at website and request transcripts for junior
and senior years.
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Beware when you are asked to
pay a fee.
Be cautious of high pressure sales
pitches.
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Athletes vying for a Division I or Division II
or NAIA scholarship must register and be
cleared for eligibility through the NCAA
Clearinghouse or NAIA Clearinghouse.
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www.ncaaclearinghouse.net
www.playnaia.org
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Code 9999
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This program allows students to take college
courses for both high school and college credit
during high school.
If interested, plan to attend the PSEO meeting
on February 7th at 7:00 p.m. in the high school
auditorium. The state of Ohio requires that
potential participants and parents attend this
informational meeting.
Most colleges in Ohio will accept PSEO credit.
Check with college.
Sometimes courses may not transfer to special,
competitive programs. Always communicate
with college.
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Scores on the AP courses will determine what
credit the colleges will issue to the student.
Check out AP credit policy of colleges at
 www.collegeboard.org/apcreditpolicy
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The state universities in Ohio will grant college
credit to students who earn a 3 or higher on an
AP exam.
Private schools have not made this
commitment. Communicate with admissions
officers regarding the specific college’s policy.
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Students need to fulfill all but one criterion for either of the Honors Diploma criterion
listed below.
Academic
4 units English
4 units math (including Alg I, Geom, Alg II)
4 units science (including physics & chemistry)
4 units social studies
3 units world language or 2 units in 2 lang.
1 unit fine art (art, music, drama)
3.5 Cumulative GPA
27 ACT / 1210 SAT
Career- Technical
4 units English
4 units math including Alg I, Geom, Alg II
4 units including physics and chemistry
4 units social studies
4 units elective of career-tech program
3.5 Cumulative GPA
27 ACT / 1210 SAT
Achieve proficiency benchmark for
appropriate Ohio career-technical
competency assessment
*Writing sections of ACT or SAT not included in Composite score listed above.
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In School
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Stay focused on academics.
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Do not lighten your academic load for senior year.
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Stay involved in school activities.
Standardized Testing
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Prepare for and register (in the spring) for ACT/SAT tests.
College Search/Exploration
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Choose college priorities
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Explore colleges via website
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Meet with college representatives at Nordonia
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Attend college fairs
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Visit colleges – use college visitation days
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Compare colleges and finalize list to 3-5 schools
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Be ready to apply to colleges in the fall of senior year.
Scholarships/Financial Aid
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Begin searching websites.
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PSEO mandatory meeting is February 7th.
Attend if you are considering for senior year.
Choose senior classes carefully!
If you have not passed the OGT, make that a
priority! Get to summer school to take the class
and another opportunity to take/pass the test.
If there are graduation requirements to make
up, do so in summer school so senior year has
fewer opportunities to fail.
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1.
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10.
Help your students understand the college search process.
Be realistic and non-judgmental.
Be in the “back seat” and not the driver of the college
search process.
Be open to dialogue and responsive to questions.
Be aware of deadlines and fees.
Know that things have changed since your college days.
Don’t overemphasize your own alma maters or college
choice.
Don’t compare your student to others.
Don’t dwell on disappointments, like a rejection letter.
Celebrate successes!
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Relax…you will get in.
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If you don’t have a major, it’s OK.
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70% of colleges accept an average of 70% of their applicants.
More than half of new college students say a very important
reason for going to college is “to find my purpose in life”.
Keep an open mind – don’t stereotype people/colleges.
Seek advice, but make up your own mind.
Take the time to visit, research and really find the best
match.
Complete your applications thoroughly and on time.
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Apply to 3 – 5 colleges by November 1.
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Apply early for best admissions opportunities
Scholarship possibilities
More specific information on the application
process will be given to juniors in the spring and
also the fall of next year.
Apply for other scholarships.
Submit FAFSA in January/February of senior year
Compare financial aid packages offered.
Apply for local scholarships in March.
Make college choice by May 1 of senior year.
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You will make it through the process; it is a
stressful yet exciting time.
Enjoy your young adults!
I am looking forward to senior year with this
amazing group of students that I have had the
pleasure of getting to know these last few years.
Contact me with any questions:
staci.ross@nordoniaschools.org
 (330)908-6003
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College is not a prize to be won, but a match to be found.
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