The Bronx High School of Science An Overview of the College Process at Bronx Science PA Meeting April 19, 2016

Overview College Preparatory School Everything we do relates to the college process Open Door Policy Counselors meet with students for a variety of reasons throughout their four years at Bronx Science: Academic (course selection/planning) Social-emotional Academic Intervention College Advisement

Freshman Year Successful adjustment to high school is the first priority Freshman Guidance Curriculum topics include: Course Selection - Four year plan Extra-curricular Activities Productive summer experiences Exploring interests/Career exploration College Lesson – How to choose a school? How do schools choose you? Naviance - a web based research and planning tool. Students/Parents start using Naviance in freshman year “Add Parent”

Sophomore Year Sophomore Guide Sophomores are invited to the college fair Small group sessions are held with school counselors, topics include: Course Selection Potential Career Interests Plans for the summer (summer opportunities) Standardized Testing

Junior Year We “officially” begin the college process. Winter College Night Panel takes place in February In February counselors go into Junior social studies classes to discuss the college application process. The Junior College Guide is distributed Rave forms are given out Counselors meet soon after with students regarding the course registration process for senior year Juniors meet twice formally with their counselors 2 nd term College Fair - May 4

Senior Year In September counselors visit senior social studies classes: The Senior College Guide is distributed Throughout the fall counselors meet with seniors regularly (formally twice) Project Accepted – September 18, 2016 College Visits take place throughout Sept-November College representatives come to BX to talk about their schools. Seniors attend these visits.

Resources Naviance Document Library  College Office Handouts Sophomore Guide Junior College Guide Senior College Guide Scholarship Bulletins Student Opportunity Bulletins Weekly Parent Newsletter

School-wide Events Fall College Night – September Winter College Night – February Financial Aid Night – September 27, 2016 The College Fair – May 4, 2016 (usually the last Wed in April) College Trips throughout the year (3 per year) Essay Writing Advisement Mock Interviews Scholarship Newsletters sent through Naviance Student Opportunities Bulletin sent through Naviance Department Newsletter sent weekly

Key Factors in the Admission Decision Most colleges look at students holistically Grades Strength of curriculum Test Scores (SAT/ACT) Extra-curricular Activities Essays Demonstrated Interest Teacher/Counselor Recommendations