Choosing a College | College Admissions Testing | College Athletics |
Common Application | Essay Writing | NACAC Resources |
Post-Secondary Options | Selective College Admissions

McCool Junction students will want to start researching colleges in junior year or earlier so that they are ready to begin the application process by the start of senior year. The most important factor to consider when deciding where you want to apply is choosing COLLEGES THAT ARE A GOOD FIT FOR YOU. There are many different criteria you can consider in choosing a college. Whether students are looking at four-year, two-year or vocational schools, an early start in selecting schools for application will help students make appropriate choices and submit quality applications on time.

Below are some web sites that may help you start the college search process. Once you have narrowed the field, you will want to visit schools you are most interested in.

College Searches and General College Information

Access to web sites for 4-year and 2-year colleges in Nebraska

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College Admissions Testing

Pre Tests

The PLAN test is a pre-ACT and is administered in the fall to all 10th grade students.

The PSAT is a pre-SAT I and is available to interested students in October of each year.

Admission Tests

Test Preparation

Course work is your best general preparation. Sample questions, sample tests, and test –taking strategies are available in books, on CD's, online, and through test preparation workshops. All students should familiarize themselves with test format, etc. ahead of time to maximize their scores. The following links are a good place to start:

Free ACT or SAT Test Prep Sites:
www.studyhall.com
www.number2.com

COMPASS -- computer-adaptive placement test used at Southeast Community College. It measures skills in reading English, and mathematics. There is no test fee, the test is untimed, and you receive your results immediately after testing. A variety of times are available. It is recommended that students take the COMPASS as soon as they decide to attend SCC. You can schedule your test or obtain more information by calling 437-2715

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Test Dates and Registration

ACT

ACT Test Dates & Registration Deadlines

ACT Registration information, fees & online registration
(A one-time fee waiver is available for students whose families qualify for free or reduced lunch.)

SAT

SAT Test Calendar and Fees
(A fee waiver is available for students whose families qualify for free or reduced lunch.)

SAT Registration Information & Online Registration

 

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College Athletics

Students considering college athletics at the Division I or II level can obtain information on NCAA guidelines at http://www.ncaa.org/.

Division I & II institutions which sponsor specific sports can be found at http://www.ncaa.org/sponsorships/.

The NCAA Initial-Eligibility Clearinghouse handles all inquiries regarding an individual's initial eligibility status. Information and Clearinghouse registration are available at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net.

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Common Application

If you are applying to a number of selective colleges, the Common Application will save you valuable time. The Common Application is the recommended form of many selective for admission to their undergraduate programs. Details, schools participating, and application form available at www.commonapp.org .

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Essay Writing

A student's essay can be a critical part of applying to a college, to an Honors Program or other special program, or applying for a scholarship, Often, there are many students with top credentials submitting these applications and the student's essay is one of the best ways to help an admissions officer or scholarship committee member learn what is unique about you--your interests, how you think, how you write. Your job is not to try and make a particular impression, but to help the reader get to know you. The links below provide tips on writing your essay.

NACAC's Top Ten Tips for Writing the College Essay

 

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NACAC Resources

The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC), founded in 1937, is an organization of 8,000 professionals from around the world dedicated to serving students as they make choices about pursuing post secondary education. NACAC is committed to maintaining high standards that foster ethical and social responsibility among those involved in the transition process.

The mission of the association is to support and advance the work of college admission counseling professionals as they help students realize their full educational potential, with particular emphasis on the transition from secondary schools to higher education and with attention to access and equity for all students.

The NACAC web site has a variety of useful information for parents and students.

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Post Secondary Options

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Selective College Admissions

Applying to Selective Colleges-- Dr. Laura Damuth, UNL Honors Program

Ten Steps to College with the Greenes, a resource from PBS (Public Broadcasting Service), is designed to help students in the school-to-college transition. It breaks down the college admission process into ten basic steps. It is particularly aimed at students who want to understand the competitive environment of admissions to highly selective colleges. Two copies of the DVD for use in the Center are available to for checkout from the Media Center . Print materials associated with this program are also available.

Early Decision/Early Action -- Information to consider

Students are also encouraged to make use of other resources provided by NACAC (the National Asssociation of College Admissions Counseling)

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