St. Charles North High School

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"And research shows that good decisions lead to happy college students: one study of Indiana high schoolers found that those who spent more time investigating college options made the best choices and were the most content during their undergraduate years." (U.S. News and World Report, Sept. 11, 2000)

Selecting a college or university requires work. However, the benefits can make the difference between a so-so experience and a terrific college education. Ideally, students will select a college that fits with their personality as well as their education and career goals. This process entails some introspective self-analysis and exploration of universities. Essentially, students must answer this question: "Under what living conditions do I prosper academically and socially?" Then they match this information to colleges and universities.

Fortunately, there are a variety of computerized college search programs which assist with this process. They prompt students' self analysis by requiring students to choose from a variety of options, such as - size of institution, major areas of study, housing options, extra curricular activity options, geographic location, etc.

At St. Charles North High School, students can use Career Cruising, a useful, internet tool which will allow students to do college searches - http://www.careercruising.com. (See someone in the guidance office for the proper username and password). However, it is important that each student first complete some self-analysis about what they are looking for in an institution of higher education. Then the student can use a computerized search program to find a suitable college or university. Students who skip this self-analysis process run the risk of having a dissatisfying college experience.

So finding the school that fits with your dreams, goals, personality, and ability is very important. Where do you start? What do you consider? Well, start by seeing your counselor and considering these points:

1. How introverted or extroverted am I?
2. Would I like to attend a large, medium or small size school?
3. How much quiet time and privacy do I need for optimal performance? Do I want a roommate?
4. What do I want to study? If I am undecided, do I have a few ideas?
5. How far away from home do I want to be?
6. How often will I want to come home?
7. How academically oriented am I? (How motivated am I to learn?)
8. How much study time can I stand?
9. What activities do I enjoy?
10. What kinds of things are currently occurring in my life that might effect my academic
    performance or happiness? (for example: boyfriend /girlfriend, financial obligations, family
    difficulties)

 

Most schools take a look at:

• Grade point average (GPA)/Class Rank
• Quality of coursework
• ACT or SAT score

And some schools take a look at:

• Personal statement or Interview
• Activities and/or awards
• Letters of recommendation

** Check with the schools that you are interested in to know for sure what they each require.

College Visit:

At a minimum...

• Take an unofficial transcript
• Arrange for a campus tour
• Attend a class or event of interest
• Visit some residence halls
• Try to eat a meal and stay overnight, as well
• Talk to a number of students and faculty
• Talk to someone in both admissions and financial aid offices
• Verify admission requirements and costs
  

 

Procedures for Applying to a College or University:

• Obtain College or University application from the Guidance Office or the College or University
  of your choice. You can type the application or write neatly in pen.
• Fill out application and return it, along with a self addressed stamped envelope, application fee, and any other necessary paperwork (such as letters of recommendation, essay or personal statement, list of activities, etc.) to your counselor. Note: Application fees range between $20.00 and $100.00
• Obtain Transcript Release Form from the Guidance Office.
• Fill out Transcript Release Form and return it to your counselor along with $1.00 per request.
  Your Counselor will check over the information and mail along with your test score(s) and our school profile.
• After you graduate, you must use the Graduated Transcript Release Form for the
  school of your choice.

 

Timelines:

• Letters of recommendation (If necessary) - allow at least 2 weeks for counselors or teachers to write these letters. Form for student to fill out is available in the guidance office.
• Apply early - Colleges and Universities observe their deadlines and have been known to be full before the deadline. For more selective schools, we recommend applying in September and October of Senior Year.
• Early Decision/Early Action deadlines are usually Nov. 1, Nov. 15, or Dec. 1. Check with the school you are interested in.

 

College Search Information on the Internet:

The guidance office staff has provided this resource, which contains useful information pertaining to college searches as a convenience so that students and parents can plan effectively for college. St. Charles North High School and District 303 do not endorse any of these sites or the services they offer, and are not responsible for any information, or misinformation, contained in these sites. Please note that additional information, and assistance, can be found in the guidance office.

Career Cruising – http://www.careercruising.com
This subscription site features search resources for both college and career. North students/parents can pick up the required password information and/or a direction sheet in the guidance office.

Christian Colleges - http://www.christiancollegesearch.com
One can search a number of Christian colleges and find useful tips.

College View – http://www.collegeview.com
Site allows one to search for colleges, scholarships and financial aid. Also provides links to
college web pages and on-line applications.

Crime Statistics – http://www.ope.ed.gov/security/search.asp
Users can check the reported criminal offenses and statistics for various colleges across the U.S. by going to the Department of Education’s web site.

National Association for College Admission Counseling – http://www.nacac.com
Here, one will find helpful information for both parents and students. Links to other sites include college web sites, financial aid, and special interest sites.

NCAA Clearinghouse – http://www.ncaaclearinghouse.net
All students interested in participating in Division I or II sports at the college level should register with this service at the end of junior year; contains helpful information for student-athletes and their parents.

Princeton Review – http://www.princetonreview.com
Offers college searches, test prep for ACT & SAT, financial aid information, and useful advice.

Peterson’s Education Center – http://www.petersons.com
Has useful college search, financial aid tips, on-line applications, and test preparation information.

Universities on the Web – http://www.utexas.edu/world/univ/state
Contains links to over 3,000 colleges and universities, including both 2-year and 4-year schools.

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