Junior Guidance Seminars

Junior Guidance Seminar Dates Group A Group B January 19th 9am January 19th 10am January 26th Flex block February 2nd Flex block March 2nd Flex Block March 9th Flex block

DO NOT STRESS! This is the start of the post-secondary planning process. The best part about this process is that you get to own it, drive it, and make it exactly what you want it to be. The most important thing is that you focus on the best fit for YOU. All of the details of this process will be laid out for you every step of the way. Your job is to find a place and a plan that will make you happy!

What are the options? Post Graduate programs Gap Year Technical School Military Work 2 or 4 year college/university

There is a college out there for everyone 94% of RMHS students attend a 2 or 4 year college right after high school

Individual Session with Counselor Meetings start in February/March I will send an email letting everyone know that I am starting individual meetings. If you know you have trips planned to visit schools let me know through email or remind. Discussion centers around what YOU are looking for and what you are interested in. Together, we generate a list of colleges Create a To-do list

Where do I find Information? College Websites College Handbooks Guidance Counselors Visit Colleges Naviance Talk to family, friends, neighbors, teachers College Fairs Meet with college reps visiting RMHS in the fall

Things to consider- What’s your criteria? Size: Small—1,000 to 2,500; medium—2,500 to 10,000; and large—over 10,000 students Location: Section of the U.S. (Massachusetts, New England, Northeast, etc.) or other country Setting: Urban, small town, rural Majors: Does it have the majors you are considering? Type of college: liberal arts, business, technical Cost: tuition, room & board, fees, financial aid options

How Many Colleges? Research 15 - 20 schools during junior year Narrow search down during summer of junior year Average # of applications 6-10

College Search Process REACH Colleges whose standards are slightly above your credentials but where you may have a chance  REALISTIC Colleges whose standards correspond with your credentials LIKELY Colleges whose standards are slightly below your credentials and your acceptance is fairly secure. Make sure the likely college is one with which you would be satisfied because it may be the school you attend. FINANCIAL SAFETY: Good academic school that is less competitive to get into but may provide more scholarships/financial assistance to you

What are colleges looking for in an applicant? Active Learner Transcript/grades/GPA Standardized tests Extra-curricular activities Essay Recommendations How they compare to other students Interviews, auditions, portfolio’s

2018 Graduation Requirements 90 credits Required courses 8 English, 6 Math, 6 History, 6 Science, 4 Foreign Language, 1 Decisions, 2 Fine Arts, 2 Business/Technology, 4 Physical Education, 1 Health MCAS

Senior Year Courses Course selection Highest level of classes a student can handle while maintaining balance in their life Minimum 5 Academic Subjects 25 credits

4 Year College Requirements Highest level of classes a student can handle while maintaining balance in their life 4 years English 3-4 years of Math (state colleges 4 yrs math) 3-4 years history 3-4 years science (min.2 years lab science) 2-4 years same foreign language

Standardized Testing SAT I Test Dates March 11th @ RMHS (subject tests not offered; register by Feb 10th) May 6th @ RMHS (register by April 7) June 3rd (register by May 9) SAT II (Subject Tests) same test dates American History, Biology, Chemistry, French, Literature, Math Level 1 & 2, Physics, Spanish, World History, Latin Register www.collegeboard.com Burlington and Stoneham are testing sites for June

Standardized Testing ACT April 8 Register by March 3rd June 10 register by May 5th Also offered September, Oct and Dec senior year RMHS is not a test center Register at www.actstudent.org

Standardized Testing AP Exams – Junior or Senior year Administered early May @ RMHS Calculus, Chemistry, European History, French, Physics, Spanish, Statistics, English, Biology, AP Studio Art, US History Other options – see counselor Register at Guidance Department later this month

TEST PREP Research various options Guidance website has list of options www.collegeboard.com “Khan Academy” and other practice options PSAT score reports provide valuable information

Recommendations Formal: 2, or as directed by college Junior Year teachers that know you and can speak about your performance in their class, citing examples of their work or providing anecdotes related to class. Ask teachers by April 14th Informal: 2-3 Yellow Reference Form, to be returned to guidance for guidance rec. Coach, employer, advisor,etc

Visiting Schools Make appointment for tour Sleep over See schools while in session

Interviews Usually relaxed Engaged Excited about activities Why do they want to attend college

Academic Absences Total of 4, junior and/or senior year The day before, bring signed note from parent to guidance counselor for signature Student then submits note to assistant principal’s office

Application Deadlines Early Decision / Early Action Oct 15, Nov 1, Nov 15, Dec 1, Dec 15 Regular Admission Jan 1, Jan 15, Feb 1, Feb 15, March 1 Rolling Admission Anytime - The earlier, the better Application materials must be received by guidance department 3 weeks prior to application deadline

College Essay All junior English classes will be reviewing college essay by end of junior year Students should continue to work on draft this summer! Look at Common App and individual applications and to get idea of essay each college requires Answer question asked by college Often requires some soul searching Data vs Voice

Athletics Register with NCAA for Division I and II www.eligibilitycenter.org 800-638-3731 Transcript release form to guidance office Specific requirements for Division I and II are outlined in student packet Certain courses can not be counted as core courses per NCAA, e.g., computer courses, business courses, art and music

Stanley Koplik Certificate of Mastery Tuition assistance at Mass public colleges or universities. MCAS Scores Advanced on one Advanced or Proficient on the other Second qualifying score SAT II AP

Adams Scholarship Program Tuition credit for students whose MCAS scores are in the top 25% Notified senior year

Financial Aid Financial Aid Night September/October next year FAFSA (new parents will file in October next year) CSS Profile Funding Your Education publication by Federal government Download at www.studentaid.ed.gov Click on “funding” icon

Coming Attractions College Fair – Boston Convention & Exhibition Center Sunday, May 7th: 2pm -5pm Monday, May 8th: 8:30am - 12:30pm North Reading High School – Monday, March 28th 2017, 6:30-8pm College Fair - October Financial Aid Night – September/October