Pre-College Planner - Associated Colleges of the Midwest

The Associated Collegesof the Midwest presentThePre-CollegePlannerThe Pre-CollegePlannerAn official publication of theAssociated Colleges of the Midwest.Beloit College, Beloit, WisconsinCarleton College, Northfield, MinnesotaCoe College, Cedar Rapids, IowaColorado College, Colorado Springs, ColoradoCornell College, Mt. Vernon, IowaGrinnell College, Grinnell, IowaKnox College, Galesburg, IllinoisLake Forest College, Lake Forest, IllinoisLawrence University, Appleton, WisconsinMacalester College, St. Paul, MinnesotaMonmouth College, Monmouth, IllinoisRipon College, Ripon, WisconsinSt. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota©1990, 2004 Associated Colleges of the MidwestReprinted in 2007. Updated in 2008.Printed on recycled paper.1One million copies in print!

Table of contentsPre-CollegePlanner ©1990,2004 AssociatedColleges of theMidwest.2Self-assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4What are your interests and talents? What do you wantfrom your college education? What factors are importantto you in selecting a college?What colleges look forin prospective students . . . . . . . . . .9High school courses and grades, standardized tests,activities, recommendations, and the essay.Finding colleges thatmatch your goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Making a list of colleges you’re interested in, talking topeople, using college guides and Web sites, college fairs,requesting information, and getting organized.Campus visits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19Planning your visits in advance, what to do when you’reon a campus, questions to ask, the interview, and whatto do after the visit.College evaluation chart . . . . . . . .24What’s your evaluation of the colleges you’veinvestigated?Financial assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . .26Types of financial assistance, financial aid forms, andresources for more information.Application countdown . . . . . . . . .29Application options, a checklist to use when you applyto colleges, and the national reply date.For more pre-college planninginformation and links, visit theACM Web site: www.acm.eduThousands of colleges ...and lots of options for youto considerIf you are like many people considering college,you might already have one in mind that you want toattend. Maybe it’s a college or university that someonein your family went to, or one that a friend of yoursattends. Perhaps the college is in your hometown, oryou’re a fan of its sports teams.These are strong influences, and should not beignored. On the other hand, such early impressionsmight make you think that it’s the perfect college foryou. This probably isn’t true.There are about 3,500 colleges and universitiesin the United States — and, like the students whoattend them, they’re all different. They are privateand public, large and small, located in cities andsmall towns. Some are church-related, others arenot. Some offer the liberal arts and sciences, whileothers are specialized or technical.As you look at colleges, you will have to askyourself how important these factors are to you. Butyour choice of a college should not be dictated by ashort visit or a casual comment.Understanding that there’s no perfect college foryou also will make the application process moreexciting. If you narrow your sights to only one college,you may spend too much time worrying about gainingadmission to that particular school. That will keep youfrom seriously considering other colleges anduniversities.We urge you to look at a variety of options, andyou’ll quickly find that each one has its ownadvantages.3

Interest and talent inventoryAnswer the following questions in the space provided or on a separatepiece of paper.1. What subjects in school do you like best? List them, along with the talentsor aptitudes used in these courses.SubjectTalents/aptitudes involvedExample: artcreativity, expressivenessPre-CollegePlanner ©1990,2004 AssociatedColleges of theMidwest.Self-assessment“Where are you going to college?”If you haven’t heard that question already,you probably will soon. Where do you begin tofind the college that’s right for you?When the ancient Greeks had questionsthey couldn’t answer, they consulted the famousoracle at Delphi, a village in central Greece.Inscribed on the temple of Apollo was thesaying: “Know thyself.”To choose a college, you don’t have toconsult an oracle. But you do have to knowsomething about yourself — your interests andabilities, dreams and goals, and reasons for attendingcollege.Take some time to think about what your goals arefor your education and your life. This self-knowledgewill help you decide what to look for and whichquestions to ask as you investigate colleges. Later on, itwill help you sort out which colleges and universitieshave the programs, facilities and atmosphere that willbe best for you.2. List three achievements in your life of which you are most proud. Whattalents or abilities led to these achievements?AchievementTalents/abilities involvedExample: winningability to contruct and presentdebate contestpersuasive arguments3. What are your hobbies or interests outside of school? What talents or skillsare used in them?Hobbies/interestsTalents/skills involved4. Sometimes we’re not aware of all our strengths and talents. Ask a closefriend or teacher to list three things he or she thinks you do especially well.It doesn’t have to be something specific like playing football or the Frenchhorn — talents like being a good listener or a good leader in a group can belisted. Compare their answers with your lists in questions 1, 2 and 3.45

As you consider colleges, keep in mind theacademic subjects and extracurricular activities that youdo well in and enjoy the most. Your interest in themprobably will continue in college, and you can explorethem in more depth. However, remember that you’ll beable to try new subjects and activities, too.In deciding what kind of education best meets yourneeds, one choice you’ll make is between a liberal artseducation and a more specialized education.Liberal arts and sciences?A liberal arts and sciences education isbroad. You’ll study literature, languages, andthe natural and social sciences. There alsomight be options to study computer scienceand business, to set up a career internship, andto study abroad for a term.Studies have shown that a liberal artseducation makes you a careful reasoner and acreative and flexible thinker. You’ll learn tospeak and write persuasively and to solve complexproblems. All of these are qualities that employers andgraduate programs value.A liberal arts education will help you understandthe world around you and develop your interests, talentsand values. If you enjoy a variety of subjects and thinkyou could succeed in a number of areas, then youprobably should consider the liberal arts and sciences.Or specialized education?Small or large?You’ll quickly discover in your search that collegesrange in size from a few hundred students to 30,000 ormore — the size of a small city! What size is right foryou?At a smaller-sized college or university, you mightenjoy more personal attention and better access toequipment and facilities. You may find it easier to getinvolved in activities outside of class. Also, you’dprobably have more contact with faculty, and be morelikely to get into the courses you want to take.Large state schools usually offer many courses ina wide variety of fields, with specialties such asadvertising or forestry. Class sizes probably will belarger, especially for lecture courses. Facilities andequipment are likely to be extensive, but used by manypeople.What about cost?College costs have risen sharply in recent years, atpublic and private schools alike. But before you cross acollege off your list because of its price tag, find outwhat financial assistance might be available.Many colleges and universities that charge a lot alsoprovide substantial financial aid. With the aid, you mayfind that it costs you no more to attend a higher-pricedschool than one that appears to cost less.Don’t let initial costs alone determine your future.The extra cost of attending one school rather thananother is small when you divide it by the number ofyears this education must serve you. (More on financialassistance later.)“Before youcross acollege offyour listbecause ofits price tag,find out whatfinancialassistancemight beavailable.”Specialized education will train you for a specificjob or career. Perhaps you’d like to be a commercialartist or photographer, an interior designer or a licensedPre-Collegepractical nurse. Maybe your interests are in constructionPlanner ©1990,2004 Associated technology or agriculture.Other factorsColleges of theFor fields like these that require technical expertise,1. In what clubs, activities and sports would you likeMidwest.you should consider specialized education. You’ll findto participate?that it is most commonly offered at a large university,2. Do you seek opportunities for international study?community college or technical institute.6 7

3. Is the college’s distance from your home importantto you? How close or far away would you like it tobe?4. Are you looking for a particular type of climate orscenery? Do you want access to outdoor recreation?5. Is diversity of students important to you? Would youlike to go to school with people from other parts ofthe United States and from other countries?6. Would you prefer a residential college, where moststudents live on campus and take part in collegeactivities on the weekends? Would you prefer acommuter campus?7. Is the size of the town or city in which the college islocated important to you?8. Do you want to attend a college with a religiousaffiliation?What collegeslook for inprospectivestudentsPre-CollegePlanner ©1990,2004 AssociatedColleges of theMidwest.The students set the tone and atmosphere ofa college or university. Knowing that, admissionofficers try to fill the first-year class withinteresting, creative and sensitive young people.Most college representatives are eager tomatch you with their college only if you’ll enjoyit and are likely to do well there. A mismatch,while sometimes unavoidable, can be costly forboth the student and the college.Thus professional admission representatives willtry to give you accurate and complete information.They’ll be open about the strengths and weaknesses oftheir colleges. They’ll help you work your way throughthe admission process and might suggest other collegesfor you to explore.To decide whether you and a college will fit welltogether, admission counselors look at a number offactors.8 9

Courses and grades in highschool are most importantYour high school record probably will be the mostimportant factor in whether you’ll be admitted to aparticular college or university. Good grades in all yourcourses throughout high school show that you’re willingto work hard and have an interest in a variety of subjects.A poor grade or two in high school does notnecessarily mean you won’t be admitted to aselective college. If your grades improve, even latein your high school career, most colleges willnotice.Colleges also consider the diversity anddifficulty of the courses you’ve taken. Success inthe tougher courses (honors, accelerated,International Baccalaureate or AdvancedPlacement) suggests you’ll do well in college.Most colleges prefer that students take fouryears of English, three or more years of mathematics,science and social science, and at least two years of aforeign language. Colleges that are more selective maybe looking for a more demanding high school schedule.However, admission representatives will take intoaccount what your school offers.Scores on standardized testsare in a range extending below, as well as above, thataverage. An increasing number of colleges list a rangethat shows the scores of the middle 50 percent of thestudents who attend the school.College admission officers are fully aware, too, thatsome students don’t “test well.” Slow reading speed,unfamiliarity with the test format or simple fear maycause a student to perform poorly on standardized tests.For these reasons, virtually all colleges alsoconsider other factors when they select students. Theylook at grades, class rank, recommendations, essaysand a student’s special talents and achievements.Activities outside the classroomMost colleges, and liberal arts colleges especially,look for students with many interests. Colleges noticestudents involved in theater, musical groups, specialinterest clubs (such as photography or debate), studentpublications, sports or student government. Communityservice and church activities are important to manycolleges, as well.Of course, colleges also look for students whobelong to academic groups, such as honor societies,language clubs and science clubs.Part-time work, interesting summer adventures orunusual experiences may also be of interest to somecolleges.“Mostcolleges,and liberalarts collegesespecially,look forstudentswith manyinterests.”The widely-used tests are the SAT I and the ACT.Usually, these tests are taken during the junior andRecommendationssenior years. To gain experience, many students takeColleges differ when it comes to recommendations.the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) or the PLAN in theirMost require a recommendation from your high schoolsophomore year. The PSAT is required to qualify for aguidance counselor. Some also ask for academicNational Merit Scholarship.references from teachers and/or a personal referenceHow important are your test scores? That dependsfrom an adult you know well, such as a friend of thePre-Collegeon where you apply. Most colleges require them,Planner ©1990,family, an employer or a member of the clergy.2004 Associated although some put less emphasis on the tests.It is important that these people know you wellColleges of theCollege guidebooks and admission materials oftenenough to provide valuable insights about you. They’llMidwest.list the average test scores of students at a college orbe asked about your intellectual strengths, youruniversity. Keep in mind that this is an average, not apersonality and what you do outside of class.10minimum. The scores of students admitted to the school11

“The essayis yourchance topersonalizeyourapplication.”Pre-CollegePlanner ©1990,2004 AssociatedColleges of theMidwest.Too often, neither the counselor nor a teacherknows a student well enough to accurately assess his orher potential. We suggest you spend time with yourguidance counselor and make an effort to know one ortwo teachers well.The essayMany colleges require an essay as part of theapplication. This can be an intimidating task. Here aresome points to keep in mind as you approach the essay.• The essay is your chance to personalize yourapplication and to express yourself in a way that youcannot in the rest of the application.• Admission officers are not looking for a particular“correct answer” on the essay. They want to find outwhat you are like as an individual.• The essay is a demonstration of your writing ability,which is a key component of success in college. Besure to use the principles of good writing, such asdeveloping a logical structure for your essay, checkingyour grammar and proofreading carefully.Finding collegesthat matchyour goalsDoes the process of finding out about collegesand applying seem difficult, and even a bitfrightening? If so, you’re not alone. Many studentsfeel that way, at least sometimes.Actually, choosing a college should be part ofan exciting search for your future. What you learn atcollege and the experiences you have there will be apart of you always.If you’re excited about choosing a college, theadmission process will be more interesting. Also, yourenthusiasm will show up in your application essays andinterviews.Through the self-assessment, you’ve started tonarrow down the kind of education and college youwant. Now you can begin to select the schools thatmeet your requirements. You may have a list already.To expand it, turn to the sources listed on the followingpage.12 13

Pre-CollegePlanner ©1990,2004 AssociatedColleges of theMidwest.Counselor and teachersCheck with your high school counselor forinformation and advice about colleges. The counselingoffice might have a computer data base of colleges orbe able to help you use the Internet to gather currentinformation about colleges. Your teachers also might beable to suggest colleges for you to explore.Standardized testsParentsYour counselor can tell you when thestandardized tests will be given in your area.If you mark the appropriate box when youregister for the PSAT, SAT, PLAN or ACT,you’ll probably get brochures and letters froma lot of colleges and universities. Look overthis material and discuss it with your parents,friends and counselors.Often, the most successful college choices are madewhen students and parents work as a team to exploreoptions.Your friendsThey may know of some colleges that are unfamiliarto you. Maybe they have brothers or sisters in collegeto whom you could talk. Remember, though, that whatyou and your family look for in a college may be verydifferent from what your friends want.College guidesThere are many fine guidebooks to colleges anduniversities, such as those listed on the following page.They are available at your school’s guidance office,high school or public library, or at a bookstore.These books are good sources for objectiveinformation about enrollment, major fields of study,church affiliation, costs and student life.Be wary of any guide that claims to rank collegesand universities. The quality of your educationalexperience will depend more on how well the collegemeets your needs and goals than on any criteria aguide might use to rank colleges.Also, no one guide can capture the spirit or strengthof a college. If you compare several accounts, though,you can better judge a college’s admission literature.Barron’s Profiles of American CollegesCollege Division of Barron’s Educational SeriesThe College HandbookThe College BoardPeterson’s Four-Year CollegesPeterson’s, a division of Thomson Learning, Inc.Online resourcesThe following sites can help you search forcolleges on the Web.www.studentaid.ed.gov Check under the “Choosing”tab and then “College Selection” for the College Finderto search for colleges and universities that match yourcriteria. This site, provided by the U.S. Department ofEducation, has a Spanish language version.www.nacacnet.org Look in the “Student Resources”section for a link to the Steps to College onlinenewsletter. This site is sponsored by the NationalAssociation for College Admission Counseling.www.collegeboard.com A college search feature onthis site uses information on colleges from The CollegeHandbook.www.petersons.com Information from Peterson’scollege guides are used on this site to help you searchfor colleges.“No oneguide cancapture thespirit orstrength ofa college.”14 15

Pre-CollegePlanner ©1990,2004 AssociatedColleges of theMidwest.College Web sitesYou can get lots of information online from theWeb sites of individual colleges and universities. Thesites will have facts and figures about the colleges,details about admission requirements and, in manycases, online applications and virtual campus tours.Web pages for a college’s academic departmentsusually include course listings and faculty biographies.Professors often set up home pages for their courses,which can give you a sense of what classes at thecollege are like.There will also be pages about studentclubs and activities, a calendar of campusevents and, perhaps, the student newspaper.Browse through the students’ home pages to seea range of their interests and opinions.College admissionrepresentativesAdmission representatives from colleges anduniversities may visit your high school during theschool year. Check with the guidance or collegecounseling office for a schedule of those visits.Be sure to seek out representatives from thecolleges that interest you. This is a good opportunity tohave your questions answered.College fairsYour counselor can tell you about “college fairs” or“college nights” in your area. At these events, admissionrepresentatives from many colleges gather in one placeto talk to high school students and their parents.Request informationfrom collegesAs you compile a list of colleges and universitiesyou might be interested in, contact them forinformation. You can find the addresses, toll-freetelephone numbers and Web site addresses in thecollege guidebooks, at your high school’s guidanceoffice or library, or through the online resources listedon page 15.Whether you call, write or e-mail, first think aboutwhat information you would like to request. Forexample, are there majors, sports or activities that youwant to find out about? If so, be sure to ask about them.Get organizedTo make the best use of all the information yougather from colleges, get organized! One good way isto keep a folder for each college, along with a notebookwith several pages for each college.As the materials arrive or as you browse colleges’Web sites, read carefully with a pencil at hand. Notethe things you like about a college and the things youdislike.How does the college compare with the factors youconsidered earlier (pages 6-8)? Jot down any questionsyou have as you read, and ask yourself these questionsas well:1. Does the college have the major(s) or program(s)I want?2. Does it have the activities and/or sports I want?3. How likely am I to meet the college’s admissionrequirements?4. Will the college help me achieve my educationaland personal goals?The idea is not to make a final decision now.Instead, read and think about each college as carefullyas possible. Then figure out what other information youneed to gather.16 17

Pre-CollegePlanner ©1990,2004 AssociatedColleges of theMidwest.18College nameName(s) of representative(s)(List dates of the following)High school visitCollege fair/nightInformation requestedInformation receivedOtherCommentsThere’s a lot to keep track of, so keep goodrecords throughout the college selection process.Here are some suggestions.• When you meet an admission representative, ask forhis or her business card and keep it with your files.• Whether you talk with a college representative inperson or on the phone, jot down the person’s name,the date and what you talked about.• Keep copies of your test score reports and of allforms, applications and letters you send out.• Write down the dates when you give recommendationand other forms to your teachers or counselor.For each college you investigate, you might wantto fill out a chart like the one below.Campus visitsNo publication, no matter how thorough, can giveyou a complete picture of a college or university. Acampus visit is the best way to see for yourself what acollege is like.Advance planning with the college’s admissionoffice is important to help you make the most ofyour visit. Most colleges encourage campus visits,and many have special brochures and pages on theirWeb sites to help you plan one.When you’ve decided to visit a campus, contactthe admission office. Tell them the date you’d like tocome and the approximate time you expect to arrive.If you want to stay overnight in a residence hall, askif they can make arrangements. They might also be ableto plan for you to talk with someone in one of yourinterest areas, such as a professor, coach or director of amusical group.During your visit, try to meet with someone fromthe admission office or attend an information session.Take a tour of the campus, talk to students, have a mealin the cafeteria (many colleges will treat you), and pickup copies of the student newspaper and alumnimagazine. Some colleges also can arrange for you to sitin on a class.People’s views about a college or university canvary widely, so try to talk to as many people as possible.Whether your visit lasts an hour or a day, you shouldget all your questions answered. You already may havethought of a lot of questions. Here are some you mightwant to add to your list. In any case, be sure to ask thequestions that are important to YOU.19

“Am Iintellectuallychallengedby what istaking placein theclass?”When you talk to students, ask . . .1. How many hours a day do you study? Is that typicalof students here?2. Are campus jobs readily available?3. Are faculty members interested in students andaccessible outside of class?4. Do many students go home on weekends?5. Is it easy to get involved in student activities?6. Are the athletic facilities open to all students or onlyto athletes?7. Is the food good?8. Is it possible to study in your dorm room?9. What’s the library like as a place to study? ... to doresearch?10. Do you feel challenged academically?11. What do you like most about this college? ... least?12. How easy is it to get the classes you want atregistration?13. If you had it to do again, would you still choose thiscollege?As you tour the campus, askyourself . . .1. Are the buildings in good repair?2. Are there new buildings as well as older ones?3. Are the computers and lab equipment up-to-dateand plentiful?4. Are there good facilities for the activities in whichI’m interested?5. Are rooms in residence halls pleasant? ... quietenough to study in?6. Are common areas in the residence hallsattractive? Are there laundry and kitchenfacilities?7. What’s the cafeteria like?8. Are the grounds well-kept?9. Is the setting and architecture appealing?10. What’s the surrounding town or city like? Would Ifeel comfortable here?The interviewSome colleges require an interview, though manyIf you attend a class, askdo not. If the college requires or recommends one, seeyourself . . .if you can schedule it during your campus visit.As with any interview, be on time. If you know you’ll1. Are students interested in the material?be delayed, call ahead. Also, review the information2. Is there time for questions and discussion? Doand notes you have on the college and prepare a list ofstudents participate?questions ahead of time. Take the list along, so you’re3. Are students prepared for the class?sure to cover everything you wanted to find out.4. Am I intellectually challenged by what is takingIn your interview, you’ll probably be asked aboutplace in the class?your academic background, interests, hobbies, goalsPre-Collegeand why you’re interested in the college. It’s natural to5. Do I feel that the students are learning — eitherPlanner ©1990,be a little nervous. Try to see it as a conversation in2004 Associatednew facts or new ways of thinking about a subject?which you ask questions, too. If you do that, you’ll beColleges of the 6. Is there good rapport between professors andmore likely to relax and enjoy the experience.Midwest.students?Here are some questions you may want to ask in7. Would I feel comfortable as a student in this setting?your interview or when you talk with an admission20 counselor.21

In your interview, you couldask . . .1. What is distinctive about the college?2. Does the college have academic programs that fitmy interests?3. Will I have easy access to computers? Where areterminals located? Will I have to pay extra forcomputer time?4. Will I have access to special equipment (such as anelectron microscope) as a first-year student?5. What are the strengths and weaknesses of thecollege’s advising system?6. How many students will there be in the coursesI’m likely to take in my first year? Are thosecourses taught by full-time faculty members orby graduate assistants?7. What extracurricular activities are there oncampus? What are the facilities like?8. What kinds of campus jobs can I get if I qualifyfor work-study?9. Are there new programs or facilities that will beavailable in the next couple of years?10. What are the college’s recent graduates doing now?11. Is it likely I’ll be admitted?12. Is the college “need-blind” in its admission policies(see page 26)?3. Did you sense that the college was interested inhaving you as a student?4. Did you like the social atmosphere?5. Did the campus itself impress you in any way?6. What do you think about the quality of instruction?7. What do you think about the academic demands andatmosphere?If you cannot visit . . .Sometimes it’s impossible for you to visit a campus.You can still get the feel of a college by talking to recentgraduates or current students who are from your area.Ask the college’s admission office if they can arrangefor someone to contact you.Many college representatives travel to interviewstudents in their homes or at schools or hotels nearby.Contact the admission office to find out when arepresentative will be in your area and to make anappointment to see him or her.Also, many colleges and universities haveproduced videos or virtual campus tours. Check withthe college’s admission office or go to its Web site.Pre-CollegePlanner ©1990,2004 AssociatedColleges of theMidwest.When your visit is over . . .Write down your impressions of the college whilethey’re still fresh in your mind. These questions mayhelp you assess your visit.1. Were the people you met friendly and did theyanswer your questions fully and candidly?2. Were the students the kind of people you’d like toget to know?22 23

Pre-CollegePlanner ©1990,2004 AssociatedColleges of theMidwest.CollegeevaluationchartYou’ve gathered a lot of information fromyour reading, conversations and campus visits.Feeling a little overwhelmed by it all? Thecollege evaluation chart on the following pageshould help you put it in perspective.For each of the selection factors listed,evaluate each college on a scale of 1 (poor) to 5(excellent). You determine whether a college oruniversity receives a 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 on aparticular factor, such as location or academic program.In other words, a college that you evaluate as a 5 onone factor may receive a 1 on that same factor fromsomeone else.Now, for each factor, compare your evaluations ofthe colleges. Keep in mind that it’s unlikely that all ofthe college selection factors will be of equal importanceto you. Pay special attention to those you think are mostimportant to your interests and needs.College namesSelection factorsEvaluate each college from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)Academic program and atmosphere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Student-faculty ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Accessibility of faculty outside of class . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Faculty teaching reputation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Opportunities for independent study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Opportunities for international study . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Opportunities for internships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Academic counseling program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Career counseling program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Campus setting and architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Academic facilities (classrooms, labs, practice rooms) . . . .Availability of computers and Internet access . . . . . . . . . . .Library as a place to study and do research . . . . . . . . . . . .Cultural facilities (theaters, galleries, concert halls) . . . . . .Opportunities to hear visiting lecturers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Opportunities to see visiting artists and performers . . . . . .Personal counseling program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Recreational facilities (gyms, tracks, pools, etc.) . . . . . . . .Student health facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Location of campus and surrounding town or city . . . . . . .Size of student population . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Opportunities for part-time work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Opportunities to participate in clubs, sports . . . . . . . . . . . .and activities (list all that interest you)Residence halls or other types of college housing(special houses, fraternities, sororities, etc.) . . . . . . . . .Opportunities for entertainment and social life(movies, concerts, dances, coffee houses, etc.) . . . . . . .Food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Other factors of importance to you (list below)24

Pre-CollegePlanner ©1990,2004 AssociatedColleges of theMidwest.FinancialassistanceAll colleges and universities expect you andyour parents to contribute as much as you can to thecost of your education. But they realize that collegecosts may strain your family’s budget. They’ll dotheir best to bridge the gap between what you canafford and what the college costs.If you and your family will not be able tosupport the full cost of your education, you shouldapply for assistance. At many high-quality collegesand universities, one-half to three-fourths (or more)of the students receive financial assistance.Although it is increasingly difficult to do so, manyinstitutions are still committed to “need-blind” admission.This means the admission decision is made separatelyfrom the assessment of your financial aid application.In “need-blind” admission, the amount of financial aidyou need will have no effect on whether or not you’llbe admitted.Types of financial aidFinancial assistance comes in several types: grantsand scholarships, loans and work-study.Grants and scholarships are outright gifts ofmoney. Most of the time, they are based upon need.Sometimes, though, they are awarded for academicexcellence and promise, or for special achievements orabilities.Loans are a significant part of most aid packages.They must be repaid, but most often not until after yougraduate. Interest rates are usually lower than other typesof loans. The payback period on college loans variesfrom two or three years up to 30 years.Work-study is a part-time job on campus. Forinstance, you might work in the library, or as a residentadvisor, lifeguard or food-service worker.Funding for financial aid comes from the federalgovernment, state government, private sources and thecolleges and universities themselves.Financial aid formsColleges determine your eligibility or need for aidon the basis of information you and your family provideon confidential forms. You can pick these forms up atyour high school guidance office.To be considered for federal grants and loans, youmust submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA). Some colleges and universities require thatyou use the PROFILE Form of the College ScholarshipService or the institution’s own forms to be consideredfor the college’s or university’s grants and loans.Read each college’s brochures carefully to findout which form(s) to submit and when to apply forfinancial aid. Make sure you don’t miss importantdeadlines, as the dates might vary. For example,merit scholarships often have deadlines that aredifferent than those for other types of financialassistance. Also, keep a copy of every financial aidform you send out.“To beconsideredfor federalgrants andloans, youmust submitthe FreeApplicationfor FederalStudent Aid(FAFSA).”26 27

Pre-CollegePlanner ©1990,2004 AssociatedColleges of theMidwest.• Rolling admission This is the same as regularadmission, except that the college makes itsadmission decisions as applications are received. Youmight receive notification of admission early, but thereply date is the same as in regular admission.The application checklistNow you’re ready to apply to the three or fourcolleges you’ve chosen. To keep track of what you needto do and when, answer the following questions for eachcollege to which you’re applying.Remember, it’s always a good idea to start early, soyou have plenty of time before deadlines. Also, it’simportant to give ample time to your counselor andothers filling out recommendation forms. Do you know the deadline (if any) for filing theapplication? Read all application instructionscarefully! Have you kept copies of all the forms, applicationsand letters you’ve sent? Has your official high school transcript been sent? Have you given the personal reference form to yourguidance counselor? Has he or she completed andsent it? Have you given the forms to your other references(if required)? Have these forms been completed andsent? Have you had your ACT and/or SAT I scores sent toeach college? What about your scores on SAT II:Subject Tests or Advanced Placement Tests (AP), ifyou are taking those tests? Have you checked to be sure you answered all ofthe questions on the application form? Have youchecked and re-checked the grammar and spelling?Is your application legible? Have you signed your application and enclosed theapplication fee, if one is required? (If the fee wouldbe a financial burden, ask the admission office about Do you plan to apply for financial aid? If so, haveyou completed and sent the proper forms (the FAFSA,PROFILE, state aid forms, private scholarship formsand/or the college’s own form)? Have you had an interview (if required or suggested)? Have you checked the admission materials to seewhether the college requires any further action?When each college has evaluated your application,you’ll receive a letter telling you whether you’ve beenadmitted and granted financial aid.Have you been accepted by more than one of thecolleges to which you’ve applied? Congratulations!Read the acceptance letters carefully to find out bywhat date you must accept or reject an offer.A majority of the most reputable colleges anduniversities recognize the national candidate replydate of May 1. This means you should be allowed towait until May 1 or until you’ve heard from all thecolleges to which you have applied (unless you areusing an early decision plan that requires an earlierreply date).Now, of course, you’ll have to choose the one youthink is best. If you’re still not sure, take another look atthe college evaluation chart you filled out (pages 24-25).Compare your evaluations on the factors that areimportant to you.If it’s still a toss-up, visiting the colleges a secondtime may help you decide. Are your impressions thesame or have they changed since your first visit?When you make your final choice, be sure to notifythe colleges you don’t plan to attend. That way, they canoffer your place to another deserving student.In the end, the choice is yours alone. But if you’vegone about the selection process using some of thesuggestions in this booklet, you can be confident thatyou’re on your way to receiving the college educationyou want.“Readacceptanceletterscarefully tofind out bywhat dateyou mustaccept orreject anoffer.”30 a fee waiver.)31

Forinformationabout theACMcolleges ...Pre-CollegePlanner ©1990,2004 AssociatedColleges of theMidwest.32For more pre-college planninginformation and links toWeb resources, visit theACM Web site:www.acm.eduThe Associated Colleges of the Midwest(ACM) are 13 independent, liberal arts colleges.ACM offers off-campus study programs forundergraduates in the U.S. and around the world.Associated Colleges of the Midwest205 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 220Chicago, Illinois 60606312-263-5000 E-mail: acm@acm.eduBeloit College700 College Street, Beloit, Wisconsin 53511608-363-2500 or 800-9BELOITE-mail: admiss@beloit.edu Web: www.beloit.eduCarleton College100 S. College Street, Northfield, Minnesota 55057507-222-4190 or 800-995-CARLE-mail: admissions@carleton.eduWeb: www.carleton.eduCoe College1220 First Avenue N.E., Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402319-399-8500 or 877-CALL-COEE-mail: admission@coe.edu Web: www.coe.eduColorado College14 E. Cache La Poudre Street, Colorado Springs,Colorado 80903719-389-6344 or 800-542-7214E-mail: admission@coloradocollege.eduWeb: www.coloradocollege.eduCornell College600 First Street SW, Mt. Vernon, Iowa 52314319-895-4215 or 800-747-1112E-mail: admissions@cornellcollege.eduWeb: www.cornellcollege.edu/admissionsGrinnell CollegeGrinnell, Iowa 50112641-269-3600 or 800-247-0113E-mail: askgrin@grinnell.eduWeb: www.grinnell.eduKnox College2 E. South Street, Galesburg, Illinois 61401309-341-7100 or 800-678-KNOXE-mail: admission@knox.eduWeb: www.knox.eduLake Forest College555 N. Sheridan Road, Lake Forest, Illinois 60045847-735-5000 or 800-828-4751E-mail: admissions@lakeforest.eduWeb: www.lakeforest.eduLawrence University706 E. College Avenue, Appleton, Wisconsin 54911Mail: PO Box 599, Appleton, Wisconsin 54912-0599920-832-6500 or 800-227-0982To schedule a campus visit: 800-448-3072E-mail: excel@lawrence.eduWeb: www.lawrence.eduMacalester College1600 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, Minnesota 55105651-696-6357 or 800-231-7974E-mail: admissions@macalester.eduWeb: www.macalester.eduMonmouth College700 E. Broadway, Monmouth, Illinois 61462309-457-2131 or 800-74-SCOTSE-mail: admit@monm.eduWeb: www.monm.eduRipon College300 Seward Street, Ripon, Wisconsin 54971920-748-8337 or 800-947-4766E-mail: adminfo@ripon.edu Web: www.ripon.eduSt. Olaf College1520 St. Olaf Avenue, Northfield, Minnesota 55057507-786-3025 or 800-800-3025To schedule a campus visit: 800-275-6523E-mail: admissions@stolaf.eduWeb: www.stolaf.edu