College Orientation for the Class of 2017

Introduction Ms. Director & Ms. Koeppel, College Counselors Ms. Murdoch, College Office Secretary Mr. Harper, College Office Assistant

How to choose a college What’s your best fit? Two year vs. Four year Public, Private, SUNY, CUNY Location Setting – urban, suburban, rural Size – small, medium, large Majors Cost – financial aid, scholarships Distance from home – commuter or dorm? Gut feeling – what’s the campus “vibe?” What’s your best fit?

What are colleges looking for? Transcript Cumulative Average - GPA Types and difficulty of classes Grades, strengths, trends Standardized Test Scores SAT/SAT II ACT Plus Writing Extracurricular Activities Personal Essay Senior year grades Check college websites for a list of requirements!

What are Colleges Looking For? Extracurricular activities In school Clubs, sports, monitor, etc. How long did you participate? List any achievements/recognitions Out of school activities Clubs & Organizations Internships Volunteer Experiences Employment Give details!

Academic Profile The Best Fit Reach Students’ GPA and test scores are lower than the average for admitted students Target Students’ GPA and test scores match the average for admitted students Likely Students’ GPA and test scores are higher than the average for admitted students

Academic Profile The Best Fit Reach schools Appropriate versus inappropriate Grades/test scores should not be significantly lower than the college’s requirements Selectivity of the college/university Percent of students accepted Likely schools Have a back-up plan college that you would be happy to attend if other options don’t work out

Family Connection Comprehensive website that assists our students in managing the college application process Students and parents can use it as a tool in planning for college Career Planner Personality Profile College Search Scattergrams

Completing your College Office File Components Three short teacher references Student Profile Sheet Autobiographical Essay Senior Course Outline Parent Brag Sheet (optional) Materials are due 4 working weeks before college application deadline Forms will be available on Midwoodhighschool.org in the College Office section, including a College Office Guide Book (everything you need to know about the college application process) PLEASE READ!!!

The Application Process What’s included in a college application? Official Transcript Sent directly from the College Office SAT/ACT scores Submitted by the student Application form Common Application CUNY Application SUNY Application Teacher recommendations Personal essay Resume or list of extracurricular activities Application fee or fee waiver (if eligible)

The Application Process Teacher recommendations Who will you ask? Good relationship Knows you best Academic subject teacher When do you ask? Give at least 4 weeks notice Show your appreciation – thank your teacher!

SAT vs. ACT SAT “New” SAT ACT What is the test structure? Critical Reading (3 sections; 70 min), Math (3 sections; 70 min), Writing (3 sections; 60 min), One unscored section that tests critical reading, math, or writing. Reading 52 questions, 65 min., Writing and language, 44 questions, 35 minutes, 1 essay (optional), 50 minutes, Math, 58 questions, 80 minutes Eng (75 Q, 45 min) Math(60 Q, 60 min), Reading (40 Q, 35 min), Science (40 q, 35 mins), Optional essay (30 min) Is there a penalty for wrong answers? Yes, wrong answers will cost you ¼ of a point No penalty for guessing No How often is it offered? 7 times per year 6 times per year How long is the test? 3 hours, 45 minutes 3 hours (3 hours, 50 minutes with essay) 3 hours + 30 minutes w./essay How is it scored? 200-800 for each section, added together for a combined score ranging from 600-2400 Scale ranging from 400-1600 200-800 for evidence based reading, 200-800 for math, 2-8 for essay Essay results reported separately 1-36 for each section, averaged together for a composite score ranging from 1-36

The Application Process Writing the College Essay How do I get started? Positive characteristics Best qualities What makes you stand out? Tell YOUR story! Tips Start early More time, less stress Be honest - plagiarism is a no-no Trust us, they’ll know! Proofread and edit A well-written essay makes your application come to life!

The Application Process Admission Plans Early Action/Early Decision Early Decision – Binding Early Action – non-binding Regular Decision Apply by the deadline, and the college will let you know by a specified date. Rolling Admissions Schools review applications as they are submitted Decisions made usually within 4-6 weeks Apply early; classes do fill up Opportunity Programs EOP/HEOP/SEEK/College Discovery

Other things to consider… Know your Social Security Number if you have one Most schools request senior mid-year reports In other words, SENIOR YEAR COUNTS! It is your responsibility to ask the College Office to submit mid-year grades Create a Professional email address (if you don’t have one) Social media presence Brand yourself appropriately! Application fees Fee Waivers See Mr. Harper in the College Office

The College Visit

The College Visit How/when to visit? Envision yourself as a student Schedule a tour Use the web to become familiar with the campus Visit when classes are in session Eat the food, visit the dorms Envision yourself as a student Can you see yourself there?

Financial Aid Fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) www.fafsa.ed.gov First get FSA ID (user name and password) for student and a parent Gather social security numbers, 2015 tax return(s), records of untaxed income and information on cash The 2017-2018 FAFSA application becomes available October 1st, 2016 Fill out the TAP(New York State’s Tuition Assistance Program) After completing the FAFSA, there will be a link to the TAP If you miss it apply online at www.hesc.ny.gov First create a HESC user ID and pin

College Appointments One Spring or Fall See Ms. Murdoch to schedule one ASAP! Beginning March 10th Choose either counselor Come by yourself (1/2 period) or with parent (full period) let Ms. Murdoch know! We will make you a personalized college list of Reach/Target/Likely You MUST bring your completed Student Profile to the appointment!

Resources College Representative visits to Midwood Stay tuned for schedule US Government College Score Card https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/ Naviance Family Connection- connection.naviance.com/Midwood Register using code provided by College Office Collegeboard.org Register for SAT College Search Actstudent.org Register for ACT Test Prep Like us on Facebook Midwood High School College and Career Office

Most Important… Plan Ahead Stay Organized and Focused Relax Utilize the summer months Stay Organized and Focused Relax Don’t forget to enjoy yourself Life is a balance Avoid burnout