now what? making the final decision for college
TRANSCRIPT
Now What ? Making the Final
Decision
Presented by Cyndy McDonald, PPS/MA
GuidedPath
Cyndy McDonald, PPS/MA
•Over 25 years of experience as a
public school counselor and as
educational consultant.
•Nationally recognized as expert in
College admissions and college
affordability.
•Currently teaching for online UCLA
College Counseling Certificate and
community college programs.
•Frequent speaker on
student/education topics.
Pick Your Future
Next steps:
– You are poised on the next chapter of your life.
– Your choice will determine where you are the next few
years of your life.
– All of your high school preparation has lead to this point.
– This is probably the biggest decision you have made in
your life.
No Pressure at all!
May 1: National Candidates Reply Date
• All incoming students must
inform a college of their
choice for enrollment by
May 1.
• April = Decision month!
What is “best fit” composed of?
• What were your priorities?
• What are your preferences?
• What are your needs?
Step 1. Establish Priorities
What are your priorities?
Academics
Geographic
LocationSize
Campus Activities Prestige
Special Programs Job Placement
Student Body
Sports
Step 1: Establish Priorities
1. Make cards with 5-10 factors that are
important to you in a college.
2. Make a set for yourself and each of your
parents.
3. Rank in order 1-5 your top categories.
4. Compare results. Write down the categories
that came out in the top 3.
Step 2: Assess Fit
• Based on your priorities, which college has the best
fit for you?
Academic
• Does it offer your major?
• Internships? Cooperative Education?
• How large will classes be?
Academic
Financial
Which college is most affordable?
• Scholarships, loans, aid offered?
Financial
Comparing Financial Aid Awards
1. Determine college Student Budget.
• Tuition and fees
• Room & Board
• Books & Supplies
• Personal Expenses and transportation
2. What is your family contribution?
• From FAFSA or Profile
• More or less than the cost of the school?
Comparing Financial Aid Awards
1. Is there a GAP? • Does the college offer all the money you
need? Or just a portion of it?
2. How much is offered in grants and/or scholarships?
• What are the renewal conditions?
3. How much is in student and parents loans?
• Check this carefully.
4. Is there a good mix?• Grants, scholarships, loans (student), and
work?
Create a comparison
Use a spreadsheet, GuidedPath or other
online tool to lay out all the offers.
Comparison Questions
• Award Rating
• Percent of Need met
• Average Need Based Award
• Gift aid offered
• Student aid offered
• Unmet need = Gap
• Four-six year outlook
Compare Apples-Apples
Comparing Apples-Apples
•Contact colleges with questions.
•Check on details
•Write a letter of appeal if needed.
Social
• People:
– Who will your “people” be?
– Identify 5 “people” who can assist you.
• Places
– Where will you be comfortable on campus?
Social
Physical
College Visit = REQUIREMENT
- Is location listed as a priority?
- Important? Less important?
- Can you make the best of any location?
Importance of College VISITS.
Do overnight if you can!
Ask for Opinions
• Facebook groups
• Friends
• Niche or Unigo
• Avoid other sites like college
confidential. They may not be
balanced views.
Make a list of Pros-Cons
• Using the information in
your rankings to create
a list of pros/cons for
each school.
• You can enter this into
the Decisions section of
GuidedPath.
Questions
• What questions do you have?
• What are you weighing in your
decision?
• Are you torn about your
choices?
• What is your top choice?
Drum roll please
• Based on all your evaluations, what school comes out on top?
• Let college know what first choice is if you need to request more financial aid.
Looking Forward with Enthusiasm
• Once you make your decision-
Look forward.
• Don’t second guess your choice
• You can do well at ANY of the
colleges on your list.
• There is NO bad choice!
Join us for the next webinar
• Counselors/Advisors (April 12)
• Students/Parents (April 19)
Seismic Shifting Sands: College Admissions Applications
2016 will see the launch of a new college application landscape.
Sharing tips for parents and students to use to stay on firm ground.
Presenters: Dr. Rebecca Josephs & Cyndy McDonald
…go to www.guidedpath.net to register
Questions?
• Contact Cyndy McDonald
• Learn more about GuidedPath
– www.guidedpath.net (advisors)
– www.guidedpathedge.com (students/parents)