Class of 2018 College and Post-High School Planning Melrose High School Guidance Department 1

Junior Year Looking ahead to after high school Focus on academics and GPA Meet with counselor in the spring Make a plan and register for SAT/ACT test dates Visit colleges in the spring (book early) Begin to develop a college list Continue with extracurricular and summer activities

Naviance Program Linked with Guidance Office Program to help with decisions about colleges and careers Junior accounts have been activated We use it to send out school documents to colleges

Individual Session with Counselor Counselors will meet individually with every junior in the spring Discussion centers around interests, grades, post-high school plans, and creating an initial college list Students learn to research colleges using variables such as major, location, size, GPA averages, etc. Counselor and student generate a list of colleges for further exploration “To do” list created for student

Options 4 year college 2 + 2 school 2 year school Technical/Trade School Military Work Gap Year (rare)

Very Competitive Colleges Math through Calculus Biology, Chemistry and Physics 3-4 years of the same foreign language Rigorous senior year schedule Dedication to a few key activities Leadership roles taken Community Service Unique qualities or achievements

SAT Standardized Testing SAT Spring 2017 Test Dates May 6th (register by April 7th) June 3rd (register by May 9th) SAT Subject Test Same Test Dates US History, World History, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math Level 1 & 2, Literature, Spanish, Latin, French, Italian, and German A word about the subject tests Register www.collegeboard.org

ACT Standardized Testing ACT (With Writing) Spring Test Dates June 10th (register by May 5th) Register www.actstudent.org * Differences Between SAT and ACT See Handout

Test Prep Use with discretion There are many companies that offer classes leading up to spring tests Cost varies $200 - $700 for a class Private Tutoring - more expensive Free test prep online through Khan Academy Books or other printed test prep materials Tends to help students that are already motivated to do well

College Search Web Sites https://connection.naviance.com/auth/f clookup www.princetonreview.com www.collegeboard.com www.fiskeguide.com http://blog.prepscholar.com/the-best- college-search-websites

College Selection Process Size Location Learning style match Major offerings/specializations Co-curricular activities Entrance criteria Facilities Public vs. Private Cost

College Selection Process “Reach” “Realistic” “Likely “Safety”

Reach for All Students Examples: Harvard, Dartmouth, Princeton, Yale, Brown, Columbia, Georgetown, Bowdoin, MIT, Swarthmore, Cornell, U/Penn, Stanford UVA, University of Michigan, Cal Berkeley

Reach for Most Students Boston College, Connecticut College, Williams, NYU, Middlebury, Amherst, Brandeis, Colby, Hamilton, Tufts, Vassar, others

Test Optional Colleges Assumption, Stonehill, Wheaton, Bowdoin, Holy Cross, Connecticut College, Providence, UMass Lowell, Salem State University, many more. http://www.fairtest.org/university/optional

University of Massachusetts System 3.0 GPA required to even be considered U.Mass/Amherst looking for 3.5 unweighted minimum Commonwealth College – 3.8 minimum School of Nursing – most competitive U.Mass/Lowell - has become MUCH more competitive U.Mass/Dartmouth U.Mass/Boston These are no longer safety schools for the majority of students

Massachusetts State University System Bridgewater State Fitchburg State Framingham State Salem State Westfield State Worcester State Massachusetts College of Art Mass College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Massachusetts Maritime Academy

Application Process Research 10-20 schools on average Perhaps consider schools outside of our geographic region Apply to approximately 5-10, but it varies by student and their intended major Keep an open mind because once application is sent, it is out of our control Look for the best fit, not necessarily the best brand name Financial Aid is a separate process but must be considered

Application Deadlines Early Decision (and Single Choice Early Action) / Early Action Usually Nov 1, Nov 15, or Dec 1 Regular Admission often Jan 1st Rolling Admission Anytime - The earlier, the better Students must inform their guidance counselor they are applying at least 2 weeks prior to application deadline

Visiting Schools START NOW if possible Check college websites for appointment schedules for tours and information sessions Try to visit when school is in session Some colleges offer overnight stays Get the student perspective if possible Remember to stay objective in conversations with your child: the student must be comfortable with the school

College Recommendations 1 – 2 teacher recommendations max, as directed by college Student are encouraged to ask teachers in the spring of junior year and remind them in the fall of senior year Supplemental recommendations okay, but no more than 4 total including guidance counselor recommendation In fall of senior year, students complete a “self-assessment” form to give more information to teachers/counselors writing their recommendations

College Essay Good idea to start brainstorming ideas now Often requires some assistance to help brainstorm ideas from parents, teachers, counselor Parents can assist and review, but not write it Have counselor or English teacher review Will work on essay in senior year English class in Fall Students should always ask their counselor to review their essay The more competitive the college, the more scrutiny the essay will receive

Financial Aid Financial Aid Night Usually in early fall FAFSA available Oct. 1 CSS Profile (College Board) Use MEFA (Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority) as a resource Mefacounselor.org Melrose Permanent Scholarship Fund Private Scholarships listed on Naviance College Specific Scholarships

Scholarships Colleges will give merit scholarship based on applicant’s profile Melrose Permanent Scholarship Fund www.fastweb.com www.scholarships.com Check with employers, unions, and any other organizations you may be affiliated with. AFL-CIO. Follow the MHS Guidance blog Private scholarships listed on Naviance site

Coming Attractions Senior Parent Breakfast Fall College Mini-Fair October 2017 date TBA Fall College Mini-Fair Fall 2017 date TBA Reading College Fair Financial Aid Night November or December 2017 date TBA

Contact Information jbuxton@melroseschools.com 781-462-3239 flograsso@melroseschools.com 781-462-3237 jparrillo@melroseschools.com 781-462-3233 jshackelford@melroseschools.com 781-462-3236 jbolduc@melroseschools.com Nancy Arrington, Secretary 781-979-2210