The Common App
How common is The Common App at Illinois colleges? What are the commonly asked questions about it? The Common Application is a not-for-profit membership organization who, for over 35 years, has been serving students, member institutions, and secondary schools by providing applications that students and school officials may submit to any of the nearly 500 members.

This session provides feedback from both secondary school counselors and college admission counselors who use it. A Common App staff member will be joining in via Skype to explain their program, answer questions, and to introduce CA 4—The Next Generation Common App. “Common” over to this session for an informative presentation on The Common App.

Finance a Must or College Bust
The cost of college today is often an impossible reach for many young students, and even returning adults. More and more people are finding out an Associate’s degree is the new diploma and a Bachelor’s degree is the new Associate’s; and often a Master’s is required for advancement in many careers. Where does this leave the high school graduate whose family may not be able to afford educational advancement opportunities? The cost of community colleges may even be beyond reach for some without financial aid. Are there even financial opportunities available to students who want to attend schools in-state, out-of-state, public or private beyond what they receive through FAFSA? This session will present information regarding financial aid opportunities for today’s students.

PLAN B: Alternative College Planning for a Future with Purpose
Many of our students come to the realization in March that their original college plan is not going to come about due to limited financial resources, rejection by their first-choice school, family/cultural circumstances, or change of heart. As counselors, our challenge is to help them chart a course to a meaningful “Plan B.”

This session provides ideas and solutions for students that will help get them on a track for their future. A panel, to include speakers from the Oakton Community College honor’s program, an admission staff member from the University of Illinois (who will discuss their transfer programs), and a high school college counselor will offer ideas for “second choice” schools for a “first choice future.”

AMAZING SAVINGS: Guiding students through the maze of Accelerated and Direct Admit Professional Programs
This session looks at the plethora of direct admission and accelerated professional programs as post secondary options. It will explore the advantages and disadvantages of such programs, and identify the type of students who would find this a good fit.

Nursing: When It’s Right and When It’s Wrong
While it continues to be a very popular and highly sought after career field for aspiring students, nursing isn’t for everyone. Join this session to explore the criteria needed to be a successful nursing program candidate. Additionally learn about other options within the health professions, when nursing just isn’t the right “fit.”

Dream Act: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
The Dream Act was first introduced in 2001. Where is the Dream Act in 2013? Learn about the good, bad, and even some of the ugly truths surrounding the bill. The Dream Act has undergone much controversy and many changes. Join us for updates on changes in legislation and the Dream Fund Scholarship.

Athletic Recruiting: What the heck do I say?
The ABC’s for High School Counselors
Ever feel confused and uncertain about what to tell students and/or parents when they come calling for help with
the college athletic recruitment process? Want to feel prepared to answer questions like: How do I get my child a scholarship? When do we start with a plan? What athletic camps should he/she attend? How do I get him/her noticed? How do we make sure to meet eligibility? How do I create a good working relationship between myself and the coaches?

Here’s your chance to become the counselor in the know for college athletics. A panel of experts will be featured; including a retired high school counselor and faculty member of the Academy for College Admissions Counseling,
an Associate Director of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, a Director of Athletics at a Division III institution, and former Division I and III coaches.