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A PARENT’S GUIDE TO T H E CO L L E G E S E A R C H P R O C E SS

I N D I A N A W E S L E YA N U N I V E R S I T Y A Parent’s Guide 1

A PARENT’S GUIDE

to the College Search Process 4

WHAT ARE THE BASIC STEPS IN THE PROCESS?

HOW MUCH WILL IT REALLY COST?

WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK?

HOW INVOLVED SHOULD I BE?

WHAT WILL MY STUDENT NEED TO MAKE THEIR ROOM FEEL LIKE HOME?

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN MY STUDENT LEAVES HOME?

2 Indiana Wesleyan University

Helping your student through the college search process is an exciting—and busy—time! And for good reason. There are thousands of higher education institutions in the nation. While each offers a potential place to earn a degree, your student has likely begun to narrow it down by location, major offerings, size and more. But we’re willing to bet you’ve done some research as well!

Whether you’ve found yourself scrolling through college websites at 1 a.m. or have simply made it a point to be there for any questions your student may have, we know you want to support them in finding their best college fit. That’s why we’ve put together this Parent’s Guide to the College Search Process. Check out six of the most common questions that parents have during this time.

A Parent’s Guide 3

WHAT ARE THE BASIC STEPS IN THE PROCESS? Between home, family, and work responsibilities, you’ve got a lot on your plate as a parent of a high schooler! We’re sure the college search process can feel overwhelming at times. If you’re wondering where to even start, we’ve got you covered with a roadmap to the college search process.

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PRIORITIZE Ask your student to rank in order of importance things like their desired major, location, cost, campus size and faith association. This will provide helpful parameters as they research colleges.

CONTACT Have your student connect with admissions counselors at schools they are considering to see if they could be a good fit.

VISIT Coordinate college visits for your student to truly get a feel for different campuses. And, of course, parents are always encouraged to attend!

APPLY & BEGIN FINANCIAL AID PROCESS

Help your student locate any information they may need as they fill out college applications and start the financial aid process.

DECIDE

Be there for your student as they process all the information and make their final choice. It’s a big, exciting decision!

4 Indiana Wesleyan University

“I love helping students in the college search process navigate where they feel God is calling them. IWU is special because of the intentionality within the community. Students are not just numbers—they are seen, cared for and valued. I experienced this intentionality myself as a student, and it impacted me deeply!”

E LE R I VI C E ADMISSIONS COUNSELOR INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY

How can we help? Contact Admissions.

765-677-6507 | ADMISSIONS@INDWES.EDU A Parent’s Guide 5

100%

OF IWU STUDENTS RECEIVE SOME FORM OF INSTITUTIONAL AID. FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FINANCIAL AID, VISIT INDWES.EDU/UG/FINANCIAL-AID

FINANCIAL AID AT IWU HOW MUCH WILL IT REALLY COST? College is a big investment—wherever your student ultimately decides to go. But it is one of the most valuable investments they can make in both their personal and professional life. So, how much does it actually cost? The answer varies, depending on each school’s tuition structure. But here’s the (really) good news. Most often, the “sticker price” you see listed on a college’s website is more than what you will actually pay out of pocket. Your student will receive a financial aid package upon acceptance to a college, which will provide details on what they can expect to receive through federal aid, scholarships, grants and/or work-study programs!

FAMILY INCOME OF ALL IWU STUDENTS WHO FILED A FAFSA Under $50,000 $50,001 to $99,999 $100,000 to $149,999 Over $150,000

18% 19% 32% 31%

*Based on 2020-21 academic year figures

A Parent’s Guide 7

WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK? Whether you’re accompanying your student on a college visit or chatting on the phone with an admissions counselor, asking questions is one of the best ways to get a basic understanding of a school. Here are some types of questions you may want to ask!

General • What makes your school unique? • What types of health and academic support resources are available? • What steps does the college take to keep students safe?

Academics • Are classes taught primarily by professors or teaching assistants? • What is your average class size? • What study abroad opportunities are available?

Admissions • Can you tell me about your admissions process? • What is the total cost of tuition? Room and board? • What type of scholarships/aid are available?

THE WILDCAT WAY Learn more about what makes IWU unique – who we are, what we value and why it matters!

VISIT INDWES.EDU/WILDCATWAY 8 Indiana Wesleyan University

Campus Life • What is the school culture like? • What types of clubs and activities are there? • Can you tell me about the dorms?

Spiritual Life • What types of mission trip opportunities are there? • What are chapel services like? • How are students supported in their faith?

Career Readiness • What is your graduation rate? • What do your _______ majors do after graduating? • What career development services are offered?

IWU’s Center for Life Calling can help alleviate some of the unease surrounding major or career choices—some of the most common college stressors. Through services like life coaching, career development and pre-declared student advising, the Center for Life Calling aims to…

• GUIDE STUDENTS TOWARD DISCOVERING THEIR LIFE CALLING. • EQUIP STUDENTS THROUGH DEEP, INTEGRATIVE LEARNING. • EMPOWER STUDENTS TO FULFILL THEIR PURPOSE . TO LEARN MORE ABOUT LIFE CALLING & CAREER, VISIT INDWES.EDU/UNDERGRADUATE/LIFE-CALLING-AND-CAREER

A Parent’s Guide 9

HOW INVOLVED SHOULD I BE? We know you—as a parent—want the very best for your student. And maybe you’re wondering what your role is throughout this exciting college search process. Our best advice is to let your student be the “CEO” of their college search process, but be there for them when they need help or advice. In a sense, you can think of yourself as a key investor or personal assistant—there to help outline expectations and help the boss look good. Here are a few great ways you could be involved: • Let your student know that you are there to offer support as needed. • Facilitate questions with your student about what they’re looking for in a college. • Be a second set of ears (and notetaker) during college visits. • Research options for financing the education. • Encourage your student to look into real facts about each college (graduation rates, student outcomes, academic programs, etc.) • Pray that your student will clearly sense God’s direction for their college selection. 10 Indiana Wesleyan University

What Parents are Saying

90% ARE EMPLOYED FULL-TIME OR ENROLLED IN GRADUATE OR PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL*

STAC EY K L I N E PARENT OF IWU GRADUATE “Our oldest, an IWU grad, graduated from Logan University with his Doctorate of Chiropractic degree. We are very proud, to say the least. Thank you to everyone at IWU for providing a wonderful undergrad experience and an education that prepared him for the next step.”

IWU Student Outcomes Check out real outcomes from real alumni. See where they work, where they live, where they attend graduate school, average salaries— and you can even filter the data by academic division! * Graduates from the Class of 2019 that are employed full-time or enrolled in continuing education.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, SCAN THE CODE OR VISIT INDWES.EDU/OUTCOMES

WHAT WILL MY STUDENT NEED TO MAKE THEIR ROOM FEEL LIKE HOME? Your student’s surroundings—such as their room—can play a big role in their college experience. Between studying, classes and extracurriculars, college life can get pretty busy. But having a room that feels like an extension of home can provide a peaceful place to recharge. So how can you help your student create that space? Here are a few great items your student can consider packing! • • • • • • •

Comfy chair Cozy rug Decorative pillows Foam mattress topper Full-length mirror Lamps Mini fridge

• • • • • •

Photos of friends, family and pets Removable wallpaper Sentimental item(s) String lights Throw blanket Under-bed storage containers or baskets

Check out how one IWU student created her ideal room in Evans Hall!

SCAN THE CODE OR VISIT YOUTU.BE/ORIVOGFPZT8

12 Indiana Wesleyan University

BEST DORMS 2022 IN INDIANA For 5 consecutive years niche.com

#14 IN AMERICA IWU students live across 12 residential, on-campus communities—six of which are open to incoming freshmen! Each hall has a unique, encouraging community that provides students their home away from home.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN MY STUDENT LEAVES HOME? The college experience is going to be so exciting for your student—but it can also be stressful at times. To help your student navigate the first few weeks of college life, check out a few of the stressors they may experience:

SYLLABUS SHOCK | Students will receive all of their syllabi within the first week, which can quickly lead to feeling overwhelmed by assignments and exams. Reassure your student that previous learners have succeeded in the same classes, and to simply take it one day at a time.

TIME MANAGEMENT | Your student will begin learning to balance their schedule on their own, which may take some practice. Encourage your student to utilize planners and to-do lists to organize their time.

HOMESICKNESS | Missing family and friends from home is very common— especially when your student may feel like they don’t know anyone yet. In addition to offering love and support, remind them that everyone is in the same boat and looking for friends!

BACK HOME | Let’s face it, with one less person at the dining room table, things just won’t be the same at home. Life transitions like this are a great opportunity to communicate with your family about how you’re feeling and invite them to do the same. No one is impacted in exactly the same way, so try to simply be honest about the moment. If others know what you’re going through during this time, perhaps it will help your entire family be better prepared for the lifestyle change you’re all about to go through.

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STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO 14 Indiana Wesleyan University

24/7 ON-SITE CAMPUS POLICE

FINAL THOUGHTS KEEP THE CONVERSATION GOING | Wherever your student is at in the college search process, create time for casual conversations between the two of you. Ask questions, listen and allow them to express their thoughts.

RELEASE THE IDEA OF PERFECTION | The idea of there being one “perfect” college for your student is a myth. Instead, encourage your student to look for colleges that will provide a positive, value-packed experience in a community that values them.

TAKE ONE STEP AT A TIME | The college search is a marathon—not a sprint. Remind your student (and yourself) to simply take things one step at a time. We hope this guide has been helpful. Remember, take it one day at a time, and enjoy this exciting journey! Know that the faculty and staff at IWU are praying for peace over you and your family as your student navigates the college search process.

JOIN US ON ZeeMee!

PRO TIP Encourage your student to download ZeeMee, a mobile app that connects students interested in the same colleges! Once your student has been admitted to IWU, they will have access to an official private chat community on ZeeMee where they can:

ZeeMee

• MEET OTHER ADMITTED STUDENTS • TAKE THE ROOMMATE MATCH QUIZ • SEE VIDEOS FROM CURRENT STUDENTS • JOIN LIVE VIRTUAL SOCIAL EVENTS A Parent’s Guide 15

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