College Prep

College Prep Basics

  1. Why do you want to go to College? What do you hope to get out of it?
  2. What schools are you considering? Discuss what appeals to you about each one. (Use additional note paper to list more schools if needed)
    1. School 1
    2. School 2
    3. School 3
  3. Do you think you would be happier at an in-state or out-of-state school? Why?
  4. Do you plan to live in a dorm? Why or why not?
  5. What aspect of college are you most excited about? Why?
  6. What aspect of college are you most nervous about? Why?
  7. What types of scholarships are you applying for? Do you think you’ll receive any?
  8. Are your parents excited for you to go to college? Why or why not?
  9. What do you want to study in college? Why?  If you’re not sure yet, how do you plan to decide?

 

Start Early!!!

  • It’s never too early to start planning for college
  • Don’t let the process intimidate you
  • Put yourself in a position to choose your college instead of colleges choosing you
  • Starting early gives you an advantage over other prospective students

 

Utilize Free Resources

  • Use our local library and ask a librarian
  • Use on-line tools and resources such as:  https://www.okcollegestart.org/

 

Get to Know Your Guidance Counselor

  • Ensure that they know who you are at the beginning of each school semester
  • Ensure they know that you are a college bound student

 

Financial Aid Planning

  • Fill out FAFSA as early as possible Senior year
  • Target and apply for as many Scholarships and Grants as you can
  • Avoid student loans as much as possible

 

ALWAYS Know Your GPA!

  • Check your transcripts at least once every quarter (every nine weeks)
  • Aim for a GPA of 3.0 or Higher*

 

Create a College Folder

  • Create a portfolio showing your semester grades, student honors, awards, certificates, activities, newspaper articles, and college acceptance letters

 

Get a Mentor(s)

  • Find college graduates and ask for mentorship
  • Network / get to know alumni from colleges you are interested in

 

Taking the ACT and/or SAT  

  • Study for these tests and take several practice tests in advance
  • Utilize the Library’s books and on-line resources available for check out
  • Be prepared to take your entrance exam tests more than once to improve and maximize your test scores
  • Know your testing dates and locations
  • Aim for a 20 or higher on the ACT and a 1050 or higher on the SAT*

 

Letters of Recommendation

  • Identify at least 3 people to write  letters of recommendation
  • Ask a favorite teacher, coach, mentor, guidance counselor, church minister, employer, community leader etc.

 

Campus Visits and College Fairs

  • Attend as many as possible; email or call the colleges that interest you
  • These are available both on-line (virtual) and in-person

 

Keep Track of All Due Dates

  • Make a master calendar and note all test dates, fees, deadlines, and application due dates

 

Ask Questions & Develop Good Study Habits

  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions
  • Be persistent and stay focused on your goal
  • Study smart and use your time wisely
  • Seek Homework Help. Use the library's free Homework Help service to receive free tutoring, test prep, and have access to online courses and training.

 

*These are recommendations based on admission requirements of most colleges and universities. You can find the list of admission requirements for the school(s) you are looking for on their website and aim for those specific requirements. Please note that even if you do not meet those requirements, you may be conditionally admitted.

 

 

View Detailed Checklist

 

 

 

College Test Prep Basics

ACT:  American College Test is a standardized test used for college admissions that covers four academic skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and scientific reasoning.

 

SAT:  A standardized test widely used for college admissions in the US. originally called the Scholastic Aptitude Test, its administered by the College Board.

 

AP:  An Advanced Placement exam is to demonstrate mastery of rigorous college-level material. Scoring is on a scale of 1 to 5. By scoring a passing grade of 3 or above, you can earn college credit.

 

IB:  International Baccalaureate test is given to 16–19-year-olds at the end of a rigorous two-year educational program. The program provides an internationally accepted qualification for entry into higher education and is recognized by many universities worldwide.

 

CLEP:  Tests used to assess college-level knowledge in 36 different subject areas in which you earn college credits without taking college courses. Also known as the College Level Examination Program.

 

ASVAB:  Known as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, is a multiple-choice test, administered by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command. The test is used to determine qualification for enlistment in the United States Armed Forces.

 

PSAT:  The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test, better known as the Pre SAT, is a test designed for high school students, taken in their sophomore or junior year. The test is used to measure qualification for college scholarships and as training for the SAT.

 

Scores

  • Aim for a 21 or Higher ACT Score
  • Aim for an 1100 or higher SAT score

 

Best Practices

  • Study for these tests and take several practice tests in advance
  • Utilize the Library’s books and on-line resources available for check out
  • Be prepared to take your entrance exam tests more than once to improve and maximize your test scores
  • Know your testing dates and locations
  • Know your school code(s)

 

How Do I Apply For a Fee Waiver?

  1. Check with your school counselor to see if you are eligible to apply.
  2. Once your school counselor determines if you are eligible, you can receive up to four fee waivers to take the ACT test for free and you will receive free learning resources.
  3. When you register for the ACT or SAT online or by mail, use your ACT or SAT fee waiver code.

 

Register for Tests Online

 

  • Get plenty of rest the night before the test
  • Relax breath deeply before and during the test
  • Answer the easy questions first
  • Skip the harder questions, save them for later
  • Remember details matter read each work with care
  • For English, know your technical grammar rules
  • For Math know common formulas such as the FOIL method
  • For Essays – write the longest essay possible. Typically, the longer the essay the higher your score
  • Ensure you fill in the right line for each question and check on this often
  • Review your answer sheet ensure all the answer bubbles are filled in before you turn in your test.
  • Remember to HAVE FUN!

 

  • Know the test location, date, time arrive early!!!!
  • What to Bring:
    • Test confirmation/admission paperwork
    • Photo identification
    • Mask
    • Number 2 pencils
      • Bring sharpened, No. 2 pencils with good erasers (no mechanical pencils or ink pens).
    • Do not bring any other writing instruments; you will not be allowed to use them.
    • Watch
      • You may bring a watch to pace yourself, but do not bring a watch with an alarm!
  • Calculator
    • Bring a permitted calculator to be used on the mathematics test only.
  • Snacks to eat during breaks outside the test center.
  • Always check with your high school counselor to review this list before test day.

 

 

COLLEGE Financial Aid Basics

It’s no secret that the cost of college can be quite expensive. Costs, especially Tuition and Fees, continue to out-pace the annual rate of inflation year after year.

Additional Costs include Room & Board, Books & Supplies, Transportation, and Other Living & Personal Expenses.

This site contains basic information on Financial Aid with a focus on FREE MONEY from Scholarships and Grants, that will assist you on your post-secondary journey. Use the QR codes to get you to specific web sites.

*Generally, Financial Aid consist of:

  • Federal and State Grants
  • Federal Work-Study Programs
  • Schools’ Merit Scholarships
  • Private and Non-profit Scholarships & Grants
  • State Student Financial Aid
  • Subsidized and Unsubsidized Student Loans

 

*FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is used to determine eligibility for these except for Private and Non-profit Scholarships and Grants



Learn More about Financial Aid

 

What is it? - Free Application for Federal Student Aid

Federal student aid is aid from the government in the form of grants, loans, and/or work-study to assist students with college or career school costs and expenses.

Who should fill it out?

All students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to apply for federal aid.

When?

As soon as you can after Oct. 1st of your senior year in high school

How?

Complete electronically or mail form in

 

Scholarships

Scholarships are gifts. They don't need to be repaid! There are thousands of them, offered by schools, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, local communities, religious groups, and professional and social organizations.

 

Grants

Grants can come from the federal government, your state government, your college or career school, or a private or nonprofit organization. Do your research, apply for any grants you are eligible for, and be sure to meet the application deadlines!

  • Federal Pell Grant – unlike a loan, it does not have to be repaid, except under certain circumstances and are usually awarded to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need
  • OTAG –  a need-based grant program for Oklahoma residents who attend eligible colleges, universities and career technology centers in Oklahoma

 

* This list is not all inclusive. Check with you High School Counselor’s Office, College Financial Aid Office, and Community Resources such as place of employment, non-profits, national scholarship programs.

* NEVER PAY TO APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP OR GRANT! WATCH OUT FOR SCAMS! REMEMBER THIS IS FREE MONEY AND THERE IS NO COST TO APPLY.

 

 

  • Keep a Master list — be organized! - see example on next page
  • Start Early — start your search early in the 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th grades so that you will know and better understand the multitude and kind of scholarships that are out there. Some scholarships even let you apply before your senior year!
  • Find & Apply for as Many Scholarships as You Can — it’s free money for college or career/trade school!
  • Don’t Overlook Smaller and/or Local  Community Scholarships!  spend some time researching smaller and local scholarships and apply away
  • Make Sure Your High School Counselor Knows That You Are Looking for College Scholarships — most counselors keep lists, are aware of scholarship opportunities, and know about scholarships won by students in previous years
  • Recycle / Re-use Scholarship Essays — keep copies of all essays submitted so that you can edit and reuse for other scholarship applications
  • Don’t Feel Entitled — Nobody “owes” you scholarship money, so be willing to put in the work. Stay positive and focused. Be strategic.
  • Have All of Your Resources Organized and Available — Make your search easier by keeping a file folder of needed information. Such as the following:
    1. School Transcript(s)
    2. Test Scores – ACT, SAT, PSAT
    3. Personal Statement
    4. Resume and work samples
    5. List of your extracurricular activities, honors, awards, and certificates
    6. Contact information for references and copies of letter(s) of recommendations

 

  • Borrowing money is a last option to use when paying for college.  This is NOT free money, and it must be paid back, with interest.
  • Be very careful with student loans as student loan debt can add up very quickly.
  • Student loan debt can take many years to pay off and can negatively impact your financial future.
  • Try not to take out any student loans during your freshman and sophomore years of college, if possible. 
  • For more loan information, check out Studentaid.gov

* Remember use student loans as a last resort and as little as possible



Learn More about Student Loans

 

Download College Basics Resource Guide

Download the College Test Prep Guide

Download the College Financial Aid Guide

 

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