Class of 2015/2016 Parent Meeting Post Secondary information Cheerleaders

Your Support Guidance Team Jenny Barker - students A to G Steve Barnes – students H to O Lisa Suttman - students P to Z Jessica Overdorf– School Psychologist Sharon Merkel- Guidance Secretary Welcome! Take a deep breath, relax, and we will all get through this together! Keith

TONIGHT’S TOPICS Keys to College College Testing Test Preparation & Practice Students with Disabilities College Representatives The Campus Visit Types of Admission Application Process College Athletic Eligibility Apprenticeship Financial Aid

KEYS TO COLLEGE GPA Rigor of coursework SAT/ACT scores Extracurricular Activities Recommendations Essays Community Service Unique Talents

COLLEGE TESTS College entrance tests for college-bound students ACT SAT Reasoning Test SAT Subject Tests (may be required by competitive schools) Plan to take these in the spring of your Junior year or earlier if enrolled in a higher math- may be taken more than once Test scores should be sent directly from the testing agency to colleges- Colleges only use the highest score Most colleges require a writing score from the ACT (Plus Writing) or SAT for admission Go to www.actstudent.org or www.collegeboard.org for registration information

TEST PREPARATION & PRACTICE Strength of Curriculum ACT prep/info at www.actstudent.org ACT Question of the Day ACT Preparation Guide Practice Test Questions SAT prep/info at www.collegeboard.org SAT Question of the day Full SAT sample test SAT Preparation Guide Private Test Preparation Resources Contact your student’s counselor for options ACT/SAT Prep class Semester class offered to Junior and Seniors ACT Practice Sessions Guidance Office offers PRACTICE sessions in the computer lab one day before and after school the week before some of the ACT tests

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES ACT/SAT Accommodations THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS AN IEP IN COLLEGE. Eligibility rules are different. Direct instruction vs. reasonable access. Students must contact the Disability Services office to seek out support, it won’t just happen because of previous supports in high school. Not all disability services programs are equal, most of the really intense ones are not free. Students still have to meet college guidelines for acceptance that are set for all students.

COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVES College Representatives come to Harrison and meet with students each fall and spring. Times/Dates are posted on Daily Announcements Students can sign up at the Counseling Office in the red binder

CAMPUS VISITS Make an appointment with the college Most colleges schedule tours on their website Schedule a meeting with a college admissions counselor Schedule a visit with the particular program Bring in a note from parent to the Guidance Counselor about 3 days before visit Obtain teacher signature form and get signatures from all teachers and attendance Return signature form to counselor and obtain college form Have college sign form, verifying attendance Return signed college verification form to attendance the day you return to school. Juniors get TWO/Seniors get THREE college visitation days!!!!!! Check out our College Visit information on our website

TYPES OF ADMISSION Regular/Traditional Student’s will be notified according to each college’s notification date. This normally begins in the early Spring Rolling Applications are reviewed as they arrive. Students will received notice 6-10 weeks after submitting application and review is completed. Early Action (Non-Binding) Students can apply early (usually November) and receive decision by January….students are not required to attend if accepted Early Action (Binding) Identical to Non-Binding Early Action BUT students are required to attend if accepted

APPLICATION PROCESS

STEP ONE-APPLY Decide which college(s) you are applying Apply on-line at college’s website (OR) Common Application www.commonapp.org Paper applications may also be completed for some schools

STEP 2-TRANSCRIPTS Complete a transcript form for EACH college Transcript forms can be found in the Guidance Office Only one transcript form is needed for the Common Application BE SURE TO ALLOW AT LEAST THREE DAYS FOR THE TRANSCRIPT TO BE PROCESSED AND SENT!!!!!!!

STEP 3-RECOMMENDATIONS Give teacher or counselor a resume′ Please check with your teacher to determine their preference(electronic or paper) Allow two weeks for teacher and/or counselor to complete letter Don’t forget that teachers and counselors are not the only ones that can write recommendations (bosses, pastors, etc.)

STEP 4-TEST SCORES Test Scores must be sent from Testing Agency for many schools SAT scores – www.collegeboard.com ACT scores – www.actstudent.org

HELPFUL HINTS DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Be aware of early deadlines for specialized programs or scholarships Retake SAT or ACT if needed Work on Essays before completing application If playing collegiate sport register with the NCAA or NAIA DO NOT PROCRASTINATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

COLLEGE ATHLETIC ELIGIBILITY NCAA Clearinghouse for Division I & II Register with the Clearinghouse in early September of senior year ACT/SAT scores must be sent directly to the Clearinghouse (code 9999) Information and registration at www.ncaa.org and www.naia.org Each DIVISION I school has a compliance officer on staff to answer questions

APPRENTICESHIP Ohio State Apprenticeship Council www.JFS.Ohio.gov/apprenticeship Click on “current opportunities” along the top left This is a GREAT resource!

FINANCIAL AID The first step to Financial Aid is FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Go to www.fafsa.gov to apply for a FAFSA ID(this can be done now!!!!) After January 1st, go to www.fafsa.gov and begin applying for financial aid. (the sooner you get it done, the better) Don’t forget that there is a Financial Aid meeting here on November 30th at 6:30pm for any questions.

FINANCIAL AID SCHOLARSHIPS Based on academics or special talents-Do NOT have to pay back! LOANS Money loan to either parent or student-Must be paid back! (Subsidized does not build interest while in school, Unsubsidized does build interest) GRANTS Based on financial need, may have academic requirements as well WORK STUDY Part-time job on campus arranged by the school and government

FINANCIAL SUPPORT With the challenges of this economy, we understand that families may be faced with financial struggles at home Colleges, testing agencies and SHS work to provide support for students in these situations If your family is struggling financially, please talk with your student’s counselor….help may be available with Test fees College Application Fees

TIPS FOR PARENTS Let your kids take charge Play a supporting role, not the starring one Guide, but don’t push Be Positive!