Post High School Planning Spring 2008

Review of this workshop Examine trends and factors salient to college admission Review what the application process may look like for you Introduction to PVI policy and procedure for handling transcript requests Discuss the college topics which concern you

from NACAC's 2007 Report NACAC’s State of College Admission Report More students applying to college. The numbers continue to grow, though growth did slow for the first time in seven years. Growth is expected to continue. Getting in: college is possible. National average is that 7 of 10 applicants accepted Course Rigor, grades, & admission tests most important admission criteria in general

Admissions requirements vary While all schools will want to look at your transcript at some point, not every school looks at your transcript in the same way Some schools will also want to examine additional criteria for admission beyond grades & test scores Ultimately it will be your responsibility to know what each school is looking for

Additional admissions factors Class rank Writing ability Recommendations Extracurricular and community activities Interview Demonstrated interest Legacy

The Application Process: A rough sketch The #1 rule: Don’t Panic! –Develop an interest list and examine your options –Take a test, either the SAT and/or the ACT –Do your research on prospective colleges –Narrow down your interest list and focus your applications –Complete your paperwork: applications, letters from teachers, transcripts, essays, addendums, etc. –Follow-up with your colleges and keep your records –Wait for your results –Make your final decision

Developing your list of prospective colleges Ask yourself what you are really looking for in higher education. Seek out potential matches and use all the tools at your disposal, e.g. your Naviance account. Be a smart shopper. Ask specific questions pertinent to your goals. A visit is often the best way to get a true sense of whether a college will be a good fit or not. When you cannot visit, find alternate ways to get your answers.

The SAT and the ACT SAT Three sections: Critical Reading, Math, & Writing Each section on a scale In theory the SAT is an ability test Traditionally the SAT is more predominant on the East Coast. Scores adjusted for guessing ACT Four Sections: English, Mathematics, Reading, & Science Writing Section is optional Each section on a 1-36 scale In theory the ACT is a knowledge based test Traditionally the ACT is more predominant in the midwest Scores based on the number of right answers, no penalty for guessing

The bottom line on the SAT and the ACT Neither test is easier, they are equally challenging. Yet they are different. On concordance tables, students tend to perform equally on both tests. For the most part colleges across the nation report no preference for either test. Why take the SAT? You’re comfortable with the format and prepared to do your best. Why take the ACT? You want an alternative to the SAT and willing to venture into unfamiliar territory. Why take both? You test well and believe that having both will provide a ‘fuller’ profile to admissions counselors.

The #2 rule: Follow directions Remember you are responsible for knowing what it is that a college wants from you. Applications, whether online or paper, they must be complete, accurate, and on time High School transcripts, turn in your requests by the PVI deadline Test Scores, know whether a school will accept scores from us Items that are considered ‘recommended’ are often worth doing

Various recommended items Letters of recommendation – Typically one good letter from a teacher is better than multiple bland letters. Essays – Write, review, revise, rewrite. Manage your time well. Interviews – Have some good questions prepared before going into an interview. Resumes & activity lists – Go beyond bullet points to short sentences addressing what? & why? Addendums – Will admissions know everything they need to know from your application? If not, provide them with that info in writing.

Records and organization Make files for each college Chart your deadlines Use checklists and/or time tables

Making your final decision Rethink your goals and plans Confer with trusted sources Revisit if necessary Most colleges will allow you to defer your decision until May 1 st OR they may offer a full refund of your deposit up to that date Notify all schools of your decision as soon as you have made a commitment

PVI Guidance Procedures 1.Retrieve college forms (hardcopy or download) 2.Request your letters of recommendation 3.Bring your completed transcript forms to guidance with processing fee 4.Guidance will prepare a transcript packet and send it to the college via mail

PVI’s forms Transcript Request Form Complete identifying info Provide accurate college information Identify sources of recommendation $5 for the first 7 requests; $10 for each request beyond the 7th Letter of Recommendation Request Form Complete identifying info Give to teacher in person Decide whether you waive your right to see the letter

What’s in the transcript packet? Student Transcript NACAC Secondary School Report SAT/ACT scores on file Paul VI School Profile Postcard of Acknowledgement Letter(s) of recommendation

Questions What questions do you have? –Do you need to know the difference between early decision and early action? –Do you have questions about community college? –Do you know about the service academies? –Do you have financial aid questions?

Steps from here Revisit your Naviance account Prepare for your appointment with your guidance counselor Share this information with your family If you haven’t started looking,… start now!