College Selection Process How to navigate the often confusing world of college admissions

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? You are looking for the right fit Where a student is happy socially and academically Where they feel they belong

COLLEGE ADMISSION TRENDS Competition is increasing 80% - 20% Rule Hot Schools More Early Decision/Early Action/Waitlist Greater use of technology Tuition increases Financial Aid packages at expensive schools are improving Percentage of financial need met varies from school to school Federally funded Financial Aid Programs are intact The SAT has changed—More students are taking ACTs Colleges are looking for diversity and talent Increased enrollment in Community Colleges International students/Global brands FAFSA – October 1st

Admission Requirements Strength of Transcript G.P.A. Class Rank Extra Curricular Activities SAT/ACT Scores

Academic Requirements for College 4 years of English Three to Four years of Social Studies Three years of Math Algebra I Geometry Algebra II Two years of a lab science Two years of a World Language 16 Carnegie Units SAT and/or ACT Test

Types of Admissions Rolling Admissions Early Admissions Early Action Early Decision Regular

Admission Policy Open Less Competitive Competitive Very Competitive Highly Competitive Most Competitive

The Self Assessment Where am I & where am I headed? What do I need to do? What changes do I need to make? Sense of Direction Undecided is OK Achievement-where am I at academically Goals-short term, long term Values-what is important to me Interests-what do I like Abilities-what am I good at Career-what are the possibilities Use Naviance Career Assessment (Career Interest Profiler) Learning Style Inventory (My Learning Style) Personality Type Survey (Do What You Are)

Decisions/Decisions Major Geographic Location Setting Urban Suburban Rural Size Cost

Developing a list – A Research Project Use a search engine to develop a preliminary list: Naviance Super Match Gather information: programs, facilities, dorms, services, security Identify schools that are a good match Safety - Target - Reach

The College Visit College website Off-site information sessions Open house programs Official/informal tours Online virtual tours Online chats College fairs Interviews Overnight stays

Discover Your Resources Get to Know Yourself Find Colleges that Match Communicate with your Counselor NAVIANCE SUCCEED

What can students do using Family Connection? View Guidance News/ Bulletins Complete Learning Styles Inventory Complete Personality Assessment Complete a Career Search Complete a College Search Compare Colleges Develop a Prospective College List Develop a Resume Access Scholarship Search Engines (Local & National) Select Links to Third Party Sites (Collegeboard, NCAA, FAFSA)

For Your Reference…

Resume

Career Search

College Match

College Look Up

Overlaps

College Compare

Prospective Colleges

College Testing Schedules PSAT SAT ACT

PSAT Excellent tool for SAT preparation Gives each student a comprehensive report outlining strengths and weaknesses Junior year PSAT scores enter students for the National Merit Scholarship program Wednesday, October 19, 2016 at MHS Every MHS 10th and 11th grade student will take the PSAT during the school day. The cost is FREE.

www.collegeboard.org SAT TEST DATES October 1, 2016 November 5, 2016 December 3, 2016 January 21, 2017 March 11, 2017 May 6, 2017 June 3, 2017 Registration deadline September 1 October 7 November 3 December 21 February 10 April 7 May 9 REGISTER ONLINE NOW

ACT testing dates www.actstudent.org TEST DATES October 22, 2016 December 10, 2016 February 11, 2017 April 8, 2017 June 10, 2017 Registration deadline September 30 (late fee) November 4 January 13 March 3 May 5 REGISTER ONLINE NOW

REQUIRE TEST SCORES FOR ADMISSION CONSIDERATION SCHOOLS THAT DO NOT REQUIRE TEST SCORES FOR ADMISSION CONSIDERATION OVER 800 schools now accepting “test optional” applications…. www.fairtest.org

WHO WANTS FREE MONEY? APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS!! www.manasquanschools.org Go to “HIGH SCHOOL” Go to “Students & Services” Go to “GUIDANCE” Click on “SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES” OUTSIDE SITES FOR SCHOLARSHIPS: NAVIANCE National Database www.fastweb.com www.meritaid.com www.cappex.com

www.manasquanschools.org

Thursday, December 1, 2016 7pm in the Auditorium FINANCIAL AID NIGHT Thursday, December 1, 2016 7pm in the Auditorium

COLLEGE NIGHT Tuesday, October 4, 2016 6:30pm – 8:30pm MHS Gymnasium Over 100 Colleges and Universities Trade Schools Military/Service Academies

GOOD ADVICE College Admissions is a Process - A series of events over time Begin your planning NOW Self Assessment is a good place to start Do a Search Make a List-Reach, Target, Safe and Financially Safe Get out on the road and Visit Talk to the kids on the campus Revise your List Prepare for and take PSAT’s, SAT’s/ACT’s Keep your grades up Use Naviance to help you through the process Rely on your Guidance Counselor for help Relax, Don’t Panic, Stay Sane