WILLOWBROOK COUNSELING DEPARTMENT SPRING 2011 “First in the Family” Navigating the Road to College Part 2

Review from Part 1 99% of students attend college after leaving WBHS (List of colleges/universities attended by WBHS graduates) Benefits of attending college College is a “Family Affair” Be knowledgeable about: – WBHS graduation requirements – College admission requirements – Son/daughter’s GPA and academic progress/grades in classes Be active in: Your child’s education High school activities Parent organizations Get ahead by: – Developing post high school plan – Researching careers and colleges – Visiting college campuses

Important for student’s to thoroughly evaluate purpose of college and career goal prior to searching and applying to colleges 1/3 of college students leave after their first year in college Almost 50% of college students never graduate Over 50% of adults are unhappy in their jobs  Careervision.org

College Major When student’s have a career focus, can take classes in area, gain internship opportunities, and learn if area is “right fit” Students should examine areas of interest (English, writing, Math, computers, teaching, Science, medical field, etc.) Think about careers outside of the box and the various career opportunities available by major Knowing major/career interest assists with college search/admission process

College Admissions What are college admission representatives examining when determining admission for your son/daughter?  Courses and grades earned in courses  Standardized Test Scores  Extra-curricular activities  Essay  Recommendation Letter(s)

Challenging Courses Willowbrook High School Course Offerings – 20 Honors Courses offered (additional 10 next year) – 20 Advanced Placement Courses offered (students may be eligible to earn college credit by taking the Advanced Placement exams in May) – 71% of WBHS students scored a 3 or higher on their AP Exams in 2010 (the score typically necessary to receive college credit) Is it better to earn A’s in Core level courses or B’s in AP or Honors level courses?

Standardized Testing ACT Exam-EPAS  8 th Grade-Explore Exam (Spring)-Score 1-25  9 th Grade-Plan Exam (Fall and Spring)-Score 1-32  10 th Grade-Practice ACT Exam (Fall and Spring)-Score 1-36  11 th Grade-Practice ACT Exam (Fall and Spring)  ACT Exam (Prairie State Exam-PSAE)-Spring –Score 1-36 ACT College Readiness Benchmarks College Course or Course Area TestExplore ScorePlan ScoreACT Score English CompositionEnglish Social SciencesReading College AlgebraMathematics BiologyScience202124

Interpreting Practice Exams

What do I do with this information??? Thoroughly examine each of your child’s practice exam scores and locate areas of improvement Provide your son/daughter with opportunities for practice and improvement – Reading in spare time – Prep Classes – Visit for practice questions, test prep, and to register for National ACT Exams ACT Retest Statistics: 55% increased 22% no change 23% decreased

Should my son/daughter take the SAT Exam Yes-if your son/daughter is applying to highly selective colleges/universities  Highly Selective Colleges/Universities may require SAT and/or SAT Subject Tests which measure knowledge and ability in specific subject areas Taking additional Standardized exams assists students with improving their test-taking skills To register, learn more info, and locate practice questions, visit

Extracurricular Activities Activities outside of school are factors in college admissions and scholarship awards Various options for activities  Clubs  Sports  Volunteer  Work

Essays and Letters of Recommendations Essays should answer the question/prompt Essays provide students with opportunities to explain career goals, any deviations in grades, test scores, or personal information Essays can be a deciding factor in a student’s admission Letters of recommendation should be from teachers that know student’s ability well and from areas of major (i.e. Business Major-Business, English, and Math teacher) Students should ALWAYS provide ample time for teachers and counselors to write letters of recommendation (2 weeks)

Paying for College Pick the college first, find the funds later Choose colleges/universities that fit your son/daughter’s needs, likes, wants-but also choose schools that fit your budget and are affordable Visit:  Register account and view videos and testimonials regarding choosing a college that your family can afford  Magic 8 Ball Worksheet

Paying for College What is Financial Aid? Calculated using this formula: COA (Cost of Attendance) - EFC (Expected Family Contribution) =Financial Need

Who is eligible for financial aid? All college-level students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, have a valid Social Security #, and demonstrate financial need to pay for their COA Financial Aid is generally available to all students because there is no income cut-off to qualify for federal student aid

Types of Financial Aid Gift Aid -Grants/Scholarships -does not have to be paid back Educational Loans - borrowed money MUST be paid back -Subsidized Loans (no interest accrued during school) -Unsubsidized Loans (interest accrues during school) Work Study

Scholarships Visit the Counseling office or WBHS website and review the available local scholarship offerings Search college financial aid websites Ask student’s employers or parent’s employers for scholarship opportunities Use scholarship search websites: – Fastweb.com – Naviance – Wiredscholar.com – Collegeboard.com – Salliemae.com Scholarships take time to locate and apply, but will pay off in the end with free money towards college education

Applying for Financial Aid and Scholarships Complete FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by priority deadlines (March 1 st )   FAFSA4Caster-will give estimate of financial aid offer Search and apply for scholarships by deadlines Speak with Financial Aid Administrators at colleges/universities

Naviance Personality and Career Interest Profiler Career Search Extensive College Search Manage College Applications Scholarship Search Communication with Counseling Office and News Freshman-Trained in May during advisories Sophomores-Trained during Speech Class Juniors-Trained March 14-March 17 in Junior English class Seniors-Trained in September in Senior English class

Things to Do Continue to be informed of son/daughter’s grades, assignments, and course progress Take challenging courses Continue to communicate with teachers Prepare for standardized testing Research careers, colleges/universities admission requirements Visit college campuses and meet with reps in College and Career Center Remain involved in activities and organizations

Important Dates for Students Freshman – Plan-April 28 Sophomores – Practice ACT-April 27 Juniors – PSAE-April 27, 28 Seniors – May 1 deadline to notify colleges/universities of intent to enroll

Upcoming Events Coffee with the Counselors March 10, 3:00pm-7:00PM Career Vision: “How to help your teen choose a motivating college major” April 19, Library, 7:00 p.m. Coffee with the Counselors May 12, 3:00PM-7:00PM Sophomore Parent Night May 19, Room C2, 7:00 p.m.