PennWest College Guide

COLLEGE PREP GUIDE

Picking the right college is tough. TOGETHER, WE'VE GOT THIS.

Searching for the college that's the perfect fit for you can be fun –but it can also feel a bit overwhelming at times.

Honestly, it’s never too early to think about college. High school graduation will be here before you know it. We've put this guide together to help. It's based on the experience we have helping students just like you get ready for their first year of college.

Keep this as a resource for you and your parents. It contains a checklist, timelines, and tips to guide you through the process of moving from your high school years to your first few days in college.

When you know what to expect, it’ll be easier to savor your high school years while preparing for college. And that sounds like a pretty great way to spend the next couple of years. Best of luck. Hope to connect soon, Erinn D. Lake, D.Ed.

Sr. Vice President for Strategic Enrollment and Global Online Advancement PennWest University

What to Look for During Your College Search

There are thousands of colleges and universities out there, but which one is right for you?

Answering that question can be a little tricky, so it pays to have a plan.

Pages 7-9 contain a survey that you can use to score all the different schools that you research based on various criteria. As you visit websites, read brochures and talk to friends, you can use this survey to rank what each school offers based on how important those things are to you.

Our Advice:

Take it bit by bit. Look at one factor at a time and rate each feature. Create a scorecard for each college you explore.

Directions:

1. Review the criteria listed on pages 8-9. Remove any criteria that you find irrelevant and that would not impact your decision.

2. Rate each school using the listed criteria, on a scale of 0-3:

0 - NO WAY! Does not meet my expectations and/or needs at all.

1 - GETTING THERE. Somewhat meets my expectations and/or needs.

2 - FINE WITH ME. Meets my expectations and/or needs.

3 - WOW! I see myself here! This school exceeds my expectations and/or needs.

RATE EACH SCHOOL

n Offers programs I am interested in

Remember that it’s a good idea to choose a school that gives you other program options in case you change your mind.

Quality of the programs

Classes are taught by

(Are classes taught by professors or graduate assistants? Which would you prefer?)

Average class sizes

Type of classrooms and learning environments

(Small classrooms, labs, studios, large lecture halls, etc.)

Desirable location

(Do you want to be close to a city in the suburbs or in a more rural area?)

n Campus size

There are advantages and disadvantages to large and small schools. You need to determine which is most suitable for you.

n Beautiful campus

Looks aren’t everything, but this will be your home for four years. Try finding a campus that is comfortable, that feels like home and gives you a welcoming feeling.

Campus culture

Friendly, approachable and responsive staff and faculty

Nice residence halls

Safe campus with safety-focused campus culture

Opportunities beyond the classroom

Clubs, organizations, intramurals, volunteering, student employment and other activities are very important to your overall college experience. They provide opportunities to establish networks, meet lifelong friends, gain valuable experience, prepare you for your career, expand your skills and enjoy college life!

Affordable with ample scholarships and other financial aid

YOUR HIGHEST SCORES SHOULD BE YOUR HIGHEST PRIORITY.

A school that scores high on several of the criteria is definitely worth a closer look. Likewise, a school with a low score might not be the right fit. But keep an open mind. You can sometimes be surprised how well a school fits you once you visit it.

List your top five schools based on your survey:

UNDERSTAND

Admissions Overview

HOW COLLEGES LOOK AT YOU

1. GPA – Grade-point average listed on your high school transcripts.

2. Essays – These help colleges evaluate your writing ability and also supplement a borderline GPA or test score.

3. Special talents, community service, extra- and co-curricular activities – Some colleges look at the whole you and consider non-academic factors that tell them more about your skill set, abilities, passions and capability to manage time successfully.

4. Test scores – Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT) are frequently used to determine admittance to four-year colleges. Some colleges have a minimum test score, some have test score requirements for specific majors, some combine test scores with GPA to determine a range of acceptable scores, and some use scores only for placement or scholarships. There are even some schools that are testoptional, and students may choose whether to submit scores.

5. Recommendations – If a college requires recommendations, the letters should be written by a teacher, guidance counselor or principal. There may be some cases, determined by major, where a community leader or employer could write a supplemental recommendation. It is not acceptable to have a family member or friend write a letter of recommendation.

6. Audition, interview or portfolio – Music, theatre, art and other selective majors often require program-specific evaluations that are usually established and conducted by the academic department and faculty.

Terms You May or May Not Know (BUT ABSOLUTELY SHOULD)

Early Decision – If a school is your top choice, you may want to apply for early decision. Application deadlines are in early November. You will receive an early admissions decision (acceptance or rejection) shortly after you apply. If accepted, your commitment to attend the college is binding. This means you must withdraw all other applications and send your deposit immediately. You will not have the option to compare financial aid packages or other options.

Early Action – Some colleges offer an early action option to apply. This is usually a non-binding commitment to attend. Regardless of the deadlines for commitment, you will still have until May 1 to decide to attend or not.

Regular Decision – This is the normal admissions process in which you follow the college deadlines for application and receive the admissions decision by April 1.

Rolling Admissions – Colleges with rolling admissions do not have application deadlines.

Open Admissions – Colleges with open admissions accept all applicants. PennWest has rolling admissions!

National Decision Day –

May 1 is an important day to remember!

Many colleges use it as a hard deadline to receive applications, as well as deposits, from accepted students. Although May 1 is a nationally recognized benchmark date, many colleges continue to accept applications. It’s a good idea to check this policy with individual schools.

MAY

1

What’s the difference between a college and a university?

Today, the terms are often used interchangeably. You will often say that you are going to college, or you are a college student, when in fact you are attending a university. Typically, a college is a smaller institution that offers only undergraduate programs.

Universities offer a broader range of academic programs, both undergraduate and graduate, and often have programs divided into “Schools” by the discipline of study. For example, a university may have a School of Business, a School of Liberal Arts, a School of Engineering, etc. If you choose PennWest, you’ll be attending the second largest university in western Pennsylvania.

What’s the difference between public and private institutions?

A public institution is funded in part by state government.

There is usually a larger selection of majors than at a private institution. Most private institutions operate as nonprofit organizations, and they are generally smaller or more specialized. They operate on tuition revenue, support from donors and/or religious affiliations, and other private funding sources.

What’s a liberal arts college?

Typically, a liberal arts college is smaller, has a more “well-rounded” general studies curriculum core, and often does not offer professional degree majors such as engineering, medicine, nursing and so on.

What’s a highly selective college?

A college with very high and rigid admissions standards in which less than 20% of all applicants are granted admission is considered highly selective.

What's an Ivy League School?

There are eight Ivy League schools, and these are considered to have the highest academic excellence, selectivity in admissions, and social elitism. Those private institutions are Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University and Yale University.

IVY LEAGUE

More Terms You Should Know

Transcript – A transcript is the record of your academic work to date, including courses taken, your class rank, GPA and recorded test scores. It is the primary document in the college admissions process. Admissions counselors will review and evaluate your transcript to determine whether or not you are accepted.

Official Transcript – This document must be received directly from your high school. Official transcripts cannot be sent by the student. Transcripts must be received in sealed envelopes and sent in a way that validates authenticity.

Standardized Tests – Tests such as PSAT, SAT and ACT provide consistent and fair evaluations of a wide range of students.

Financial Aid “Offer”

– This usually comes from the Financial Aid Office as your aid offer.

It consists of grants, scholarships, loans and other aid that will be applied to your bill. Your aid offer will give you an indication of the gap between your bill (usually estimated until all costs are finalized) and your aid. This financial aid offer is provided in a time frame that allows for financial planning to seek alternative funding or to research options for payment plans. You can always contact someone from the Financial Aid Office to better explain or discuss your offer.

Did you know that PennWest California's Natali Student Center was ranked as one of the top 25 in the country?

Common App (Common Application)

Most colleges and universities have their own online application. However, the Common Application is an online application that is shared across approximately 700 colleges and universities. Students may complete one application and submit to multiple colleges.

Bachelor of Science vs. Bachelor of Arts

A Bachelor of Science degree (BS) offers a more specialized, technical and practical education in a major course of study, while a Bachelor of Arts (BA) provides a broader education with more credits earned in the liberal arts.

COLLEGE APPLICATIONS

Common Mistakes to Avoid

10 MISTAKES TO AVOID

This guide provides plenty of checklists and things TO DO. On the flip side, there are also things that you should NOT DO.

Did you know PennWest Clarion boasts an outdoor National Fitness Court, one of 20 higher education institutions in the United States to have one.

1. Leaving out information on your application – Don’t leave questions blank. Submit all required materials as soon as possible, and provide all personal and academic details. If there is a negative item, be sure to include it and take the time to explain or redeem the issue.

2. Cookie-cutter essays – Admissions counselors read thousands of essays. Make sure yours stands out. Avoid making it all about you (no “I,” “I,” “I,”), and give credit to others. Show your passions, ambitions and visions in essays, interviews and conversations with admissions staff. Also avoid negativity or placing blame for shortcomings.

3. Choosing a school that doesn't offer your major – Carefully research each college and make sure that they offer the field of study that you’re seeking before you apply.

4. Not updating information – If you move, get a new phone number or email address, or if there’s any change in your contact information, be sure to notify the schools, or they may lose touch with you. You may miss out on valuable information.

5. Not checking email – Email is the primary method of communication from colleges, so check your email frequently. Checking your emails only once in a while during the admissions process could make things difficult. It’s also a great idea to provide your parents’ phone numbers and email addresses so that they, too, know what’s going on.

6. Not keeping the college in the loop –Did you decide you were no longer interested? Reach back and tell the college that your plans have changed. It is also courteous to tell them why. Perhaps there is even something they could do to help if it was because of finances or other obstacles.

7. Missing deadlines – There are many deadlines to follow and steps to take, so stay organized. You don’t want to miss out on scholarships, choices, grants or other benefits of taking actions before deadlines.

PennWest Edinboro's Sports and Recreation Dome is the largest air-supplied facility in the region at over 85,000 square feet. The facility has a six-lane, 230-meter indoor track, as well as four multi-purpose courts.

8. Letting your parents do it all – Your parents are important, and it is great to go through this process together. However, part of preparing for college is learning to be more independent. Don’t have your parents make all the phone calls, talk for you when asked questions, fill out the paperwork or take care of everything. You can do things together, but it is evident to admissions counselors when you do not. Take the wheel and demonstrate your readiness.

9. Slacking off your senior year – Keep your grades up! Don’t surrender to senioritis and throw in the towel. It all counts until the very end. Remember, your final transcript must be submitted to the college.

10. Don’t be afraid to ask – The admissions office is there to help you. When you are confused or have any questions, just call and ask – as often as you need to.

Fun Facts About College Admissions

DID YOU KNOW?

The word “alumni” comes from the Latin “alumnus,” which means “foster son.”

“Alma mater” comes from the Latin meaning “nurturing mother.”

The word “college” comes from the Latin “collegium,” which means “community” or “society.”

There are nearly 5,000 colleges and universities in the United States, of which approximately 3,000 are four-year institutions.

There are approximately 170 four-year colleges and universities in Pennsylvania alone.

Because of their rich histories, many colleges and universities have various secrets and traditions that lie beyond the campus tour and website.

Many have spooky urban legends, hidden rooms and staircases, secret societies, haunted halls, mystical statues, whispering walls, trapdoors and other hidden treasures. Ask your campus tour guide to tell you some stories!

Nearly 60% of all college students are female.

The first person to enter Disneyland was a student named Dave MacPherson. He didn’t ride a single attraction because he had to get back to class at Long Beach State University.

Get the Facts

FACT OR FICTION

Wait until you get accepted until you visit.

Visiting colleges allows you to narrow down your choices. Through a visit, you learn more about what they offer. Plus, every school has a unique culture and feel — a campus visit gives you a taste of that. Application fees can stack up. Visiting campuses to determine if they are an option can save you the expense of paying for an application for a college that is not a good fit.

Take easy courses in high school so that your GPA is high.

Many colleges look at your courses and take that into consideration when reviewing your application. Difficult classes also prepare you for the rigor of college courses and provide you with an excellent academic foundation to build upon.

No one in admissions will ever take the time to look at my Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Not all college admissions counselors will look at your social media presence, but many will. And don’t count out faculty – they look, too! Avoid posting anything inappropriate and make sure not to post anything on social media that you wouldn’t want to see on the front page of the news.

Get recommendations from teachers and school counselors who know you best and can attest to your academic strengths.

Do not ask a family friend to write a recommendation that explains how nice you are or how close your families are. Colleges are looking for your potential to be a successful student.

FICTION

Rush through your application and essay. All anyone will look at are your test scores and GPA.

Always make sure your submissions are proofread and your application is the best it can be. Remember that your application and materials are also reviewed for scholarship awards and other considerations. If a college asks you to write an essay, it matters. And someone is definitely taking the time to read and evaluate it.

FACT

You can always ask how you can increase your financial aid offer.

Asking for financial aid has no impact on admissions, and the worst answer you can get is that nothing can be increased. However, there are plenty of sources for financial aid, and it is best to discuss your situation thoroughly with a financial aid counselor. Ask for individual attention so that you can optimize all your options.

My family has financial challenges; there is no way I can go to college.

There are many opportunities for low-income families through grants, loans and other need-based funding. Make sure to file your FAFSA and discuss your circumstances with the financial aid counselors. Use cost calculators that are found on college websites to determine actual costs. There are great tools to help you understand how much financial aid you would receive.

YOUR SENIOR YEAR

Timeline and Important Dates

SPRING

Welcome

FALL OR EARLIER

n Visit colleges and discover what you like about them. You can attend college fairs and see multiple colleges at the same time, attend open houses at universities or colleges of interest, or schedule a campus tour.

n Take the ACT or SAT if you have not done so, or retake them to increase your scores.

n Develop a system. You are going to receive a lot of information from various colleges. Toss materials that you are definitely not interested in, and create a file system to organize the ones that interest you.

n Meet your school counselor and discuss your college plans. They will be glad to help.

n Start narrowing down your list of top schools.

n Fill out college applications. This can typically be done online beginning in August.

nWrite essays. Remember, the colleges are not comparing notes! As long as your essay is an original piece and meets specifications, you can submit the same one to multiple colleges.

n Request letters of recommendation from teachers and school counselors. They get multiple requests, so the earlier you ask, the better.

File Your FAFSA. FAFSA can be filed as early as October 1 at studentaid.gov.

Get organized! Requirements, deadlines, applications, portals and passwords are different for every college. Develop a spreadsheet or system where you can take notes, mark items sent, document important deadlines and keep track of your admissions process.

WINTER

n Keep your grades up! Don’t let senioritis set in or think this is the time to slack off. You may have submitted many applications and even received acceptances; however, colleges do require that you send final transcripts with grades. Some colleges rescind acceptance or merit-based scholarships if your GPA or class rank decreases.

n Research and apply for scholarships:

- Check with your school counselor for available scholarships.

- Many local and regional groups such as the Rotary, church organizations and other organizations have scholarships available based on merit and need.

- Don’t forget to check on external corporate-sponsored scholarships.

n Attend a financial aid informational event with your parents. These are often held at your high school or local colleges.

n Follow up on your applications. Check with schools that you haven’t heard from to make sure there are no outstanding items needed to evaluate your application.

n Check your email and postal mail daily for notifications and information from colleges.

SPRING

n If you have not visited the colleges where you were accepted, plan your trips. Touring campus and meeting faculty and staff are very important to making the right decision.

n Attend an accepted student event. Many colleges host events on campus or at a location near you. These provide opportunities for you to learn more about the school, which will help in your decision making.

n Complete other applications and paperwork needed for enrollment, such as housing applications, scholarships, meal plan selection, registration for orientations and other forms. Keep track of deadlines for all paperwork.

n Sit down with your family and discuss your options. You may have received multiple acceptances, and it is now time to make a decision.

nIf you have not done so already, contact your chosen college and accept its offer! You will need to make some type of declaration of intent or commitment. Most colleges require an enrollment deposit. This deposit can be refunded if you change your mind before the Decision Day on May 1.

n Ask the college if this deposit is applied to your first bill –always good to know!

nDiscuss finances with your parents. Set a realistic expectation of what you and your family can afford, what extent of borrowing you feel comfortable with and who will be paying for what.

nCompare financial aid packages and determine affordability of your choices. You may need to call and speak to a financial aid counselor if you need further assistance.

SUMMER

n Connect with future classmates. Many colleges use social media and other ways to get acquainted.

n Tell your school counselor about your intentions before you graduate from high school.

n Find out what you need before you start classes.

Parking pass?

A bike?

Bus/transportation pass?

Student ID?

What size bedding for the residence halls?

What kind of computer?

What will you need to do your laundry?

When and where will you get your books?

Who handles scheduling for your first semester classes?

n Make a list of what you will need in your residence hall and coordinate it with your roommate so you don’t double up on things such as a mini-fridge, microwave, rugs, TV, coffee maker, etc.

n Create a communication plan with your parents. In what manner, when and how often will you communicate?

n Establish a budget and financial plan with your parents. Determine who is paying for what, clarify if you will have a credit card, establish a plan for obtaining emergency money and define “emergency.” Talk about student employment, travel to and from home over holidays, and other things that are important to you.

TEAM UP

Just for Parents

CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?

All your years of pushing, prodding and quizzing are about to pay off. That little kindergartner who used to be dependent on you is preparing to spread their wings. There’s a lot of great stuff ahead for you both to enjoy, but there’s also plenty of new stuff to get used to. We created this guide to be helpful to both you and your student. That way you can navigate all that the next few years have to offer – together.

In the first section of this book, we provided a student checklist. This is your checklist. Individual dates will vary with every school, but this will be a good guide, and it’ll help you mentally prepare for the road ahead. Just remember, like most of parenting, the road from high school won’t always be smooth, but you’ll love the destination.

SENIOR BASED PARENT CHECKLIST

LATE SUMMER/EARLY FALL

n Family meeting time – Sit down with your student and make a game plan. Schedule remaining college visits, make sure ACT/SAT tests are taken or retaken (check to see if your top choice colleges require the SAT/ACT), get tests scheduled, discuss expectations, and plan a budget to cover test or application fees.

FALL

n Start the application process –Students should be completing online applications to the colleges on their list. They may need your assistance to pay for application fees. Always explore fee-waiver options.

n Road trip – Attend open houses and visit the colleges your student is interested in attending. Holiday breaks are great times to visit. Register ahead (usually online) to attend an event or visit.

OCTOBER 1

n Complete the FAFSA – Go to studentaid.gov

n Attend financial aid events – Your student’s high school or college may be hosting an event or workshop to provide more information about FAFSA filing and financial aid options. Look for announcements, or call and ask if there are any scheduled. These events are very informative and can make things much easier.

n Proofread – Offer to proofread essays. Don’t write them, but check for grammar or errors, and provide some constructive criticism. If necessary, motivate your student to write and submit any essays that are required.

NOTE: You and your student will need to set up a FSA ID. (This is simply an account for each of you that gives you access to your information.) Then complete the FAFSA.

n Explore costs – It is never too early to think dollars and cents. All college websites have cost calculators. This will help you get an idea of what to expect. It will give you an estimate of what your student may receive in financial aid and what remaining costs will be your responsibility.

Financial aid offers are sent to you following an admittance letter and a valid FAFSA submission. This will provide the scholarship, grants, loans and aid that your student can be awarded based on your FAFSA. Did you know that PennWest sends out financial aid offers starting in December? This is an advantage for families to get that information soon!

WINTER

n Watch your emails and mailbox. Responses to applications, possible financial aid offers and other important information will be sent not only to your student, but to you. Check your email daily.

n Finish applications. Encourage your student to complete all the applications he or she wants to submit. Many colleges have rolling admissions (no deadlines), but it is best to apply earlier in order to stay on track and prepare for the start of school.

NOTE: Make sure your student includes your email and contact information when applying to colleges.

PARENTS AS PARTNERS

Preparing for college is a step toward independence.

Your student will benefit from your support during the admissions process, but future college students should learn to take responsibility for creating to-do lists, collecting documents, asking questions and meeting deadlines.

These skills are important for a successful college experience – so let your student begin practicing them now.

Instead of taking over, be the guiding hand that helps your student stay on track during the college search. Make it your student’s responsibility to mark important dates on a college calendar or set reminders on your phones.

Create a space for your student to keep admissions materials and organize paperwork. Set aside time for completing applications, writing essays and making college visits – but let your student take the lead.

Encourage your student to be responsible, confident and independent.

At PennWest, we value parents and embrace our partnership.

Like you, we always strive to protect your student and provide the safest environment,positive experiences and an exceptional education.

... it is important to partner with your student and the college, but let your student take responsibility.

SOME WORDS OF ADVICE AS YOUR STUDENT MOVES THROUGH THE PROCESS:

1. Let them talk. When visiting schools and talking to counselors and faculty, let your student be the one to engage in conversations, express their desires and goals, and answer questions. Your student may be used to you taking the lead, but have that conversation early in the game. Explain that colleges want to feel confident that the student can be mature, responsible and ready to take the next step.

Some selective admissions offices will actually deny admissions to even highly achieving students if they are not the ones speaking and engaging.

2. Let them email and open their own mail. Emails to your admissions staff and faculty should come from your student directly. Students need to develop that habit for themselves in order to gain respect. There will be items that are sent to your attention as well.

3. Do it together. Complete all financial aid and other forms together with your student. Make sure your student understands and learns the process, so they are equipped to handle any changes or problems that may occur during the school year. By giving your student this knowledge, you are providing the tools needed for success in college and beyond.

4. Give them space. When your student starts college, provide space and time to meet friends and find their place at the college. You do not need to call or text constantly or visit every weekend.

5. Let them make decisions. If you make the choices, your student won’t stick to them. Provide guidance, give options and advice, and offer support that builds independence.

6. Communicate and be clear. Communicate your expectations. What can your family afford? What are your expectations?

7. Encourage. Encourage your student to be active, join clubs, attend student activities, volunteer, travel and seek opportunities. There is a strong correlation between getting involved and academic success.

94% report being happy

94% of people with at least a bachelor’s degree reported feeling happy or very happy with their lives overall.