Juniors: Beginning the College Process The journey begins: The process must start with the student. Listen to their voice!

What Colleges Look At: Main components to an application: Grades Rigor of courses Test scores Essay Recommendation Extracurricular Activities/Leadership Demonstrated Interest/Visits

Fundamentals The transcript consists of: Courses and final grades Weighted GPA: Honors, AP, PVCC Unweighted GPA: 4.0 scale

Juniors should pay attention to course selection: Healthy balance between rigor and developmental level Academic/Advanced Honors Advanced Placement PVCC Choose wisely! The appropriate combination of courses will lead to academic success. Think about this when you select courses for senior year

Improvement Speaks Wonders TRENDS ARE IMPORTANT It is never too late to improve!

Standardized Testing SATs ACTs SAT II Subject Tests

The SAT 3 SECTIONS: Reading Math Writing Section is optional (Recommended) Students generally take the SAT twice. SAT’s are offered January, March, May, June, October, November and December Students should sign up on collegeboard.org

SAT Subject Tests Some SAT Subject Tests are only offered on specific test dates. Check collegeboard.org for test dates. Usually appropriate for the end of Junior year or end of course in May or June. Some schools REQUIRE SAT Subject Tests. Most schools do not. Student should use sound judgment in consultation with their counselor and teacher. Student should take a practice test

The ACT Test The ACT is more a test of classroom knowledge, and includes English, reading, math, science. The writing section is optional but highly recommended. The ACT is not offered at AHS! The ACT test is offered in February, April, June, September, October, and December

Activities Quality not quantity! Colleges prefer to see depth and involvement with a few activities over a longer period of time. Athletics Clubs/Activities on and off campus Volunteer experience Summer programs Internships Job experience/travel Unique hobbies, interests and skills

Three Levels of Selectivity Safety Target Reach How many schools should a student apply to? Six to twelve is average.

Finding the Fit Finding the right college match is critical. Everyone is different! Students should make an honest assessment of their strengths and weaknesses. Where do students fit as an applicant? (GPA, Standardized test scores, portfolio of activities) Use college guides, college websites and YouTube.

What should students consider when looking for a college? Geography Size Cost/Financial Aid/Merit Scholarships Urban/Suburban/Rural Areas of Interest/Majors Private/Public/Religious Affiliation Availability of special programs Athletics/Greek system/Extra-curriculars Support for learning differences

What To Do On a Visit: Students should:  Go on an official tour and/or sit in on an information session.  Ask questions that are not easily found on the website.  Follow up with a thank you note if appropriate!  Take notes or create a visitation journal.  Talk to students on campus.  Sit in on a class if possible.

Types of College Deadlines Early Action Deadlines are typically in early Nov or Dec Decisions usually released earlier than April 1st Non Binding Early Decision Deadlines are in typically in early Nov or Dec Binding decision (student must attend the school if accepted) Student has to withdraw other submitted applications if accepted Rolling Admissions Applications accepted and decisions released on a rolling basis Regular Decision Set deadlines in January, February, and March Decisions released around April 1st

Scholarships: AHS School Counseling Website- Updated scholarship list each month Scholarship Highlight- Patriot Progress Scholarship Boards- School Counseling Office and Media Center Websites

How Do We Communicate: Remind 101--Class of 2017 to AHS Patriot Progress AHS School Counseling Website g/Pages/default.aspx Get to know your School Counselor

Next Steps: Completing forms Pages/College-Application-Process.aspx Pages/College-Application-Process.aspx - Senior Autobiography -Parent Brag Sheet Teacher recommendations College Essays Develop a Resume Create Common App account Contact your child’s school counselor with more specific questions

Who is your counselor? Mr. Lennon MESA Mrs. Neil ESOL & A Ms. Garnett CRJ-HAN Ms. Sherwell B - CRI Mr. Heath HAO - LOD Ms. Perry LOE - PA Mrs. Lennon PB - TAX Mrs. Bledsoe AVID & TAY - WE Mrs. Parsons Director & WF - Z