Presented by The BHS Counseling Department THE ROAD TO COLLEGE Presented by The BHS Counseling Department

Today You Will Learn About: BHS Graduation Requirements Post Secondary Options Factors to consider when researching colleges Factors involved in the admission decisions of colleges. Other things to consider, ie financial aid, scholarships, NCAA.

BHS Graduation Requirements–Class of 2018 4 credits of English 4 credits of Math (through algebra II & including a credit of math senior year) 3 credits of history (World, US I and US II) 3 credits of science (all lab-based) 22 credits total Passing ELA, math and science MCAS These are the minimum BHS grad requirements – most colleges require more including world languages

Post Secondary Options College 4 year college Bachelors 2 year college Associate Employment Career / Technical School Military Gap Year Programs

Finding a College Public and Private College Size Location Campus Culture Majors Selectivity Cost Extracurricular Activities Special Programs Cost – don’t let it stop you from applying – talk about it

Developing A List Be OPEN MINDED to schools Start with a larger list then narrow it when it is time to apply Ideally apply to 6-8 schools 1-2 Reach Schools 2-3 Probable schools 1-2 Best Chance schools Consider academics and finances when developing your list. Should include a financially feasible option You may need more schools if your list is reach heavy or less schools if your list has more probables. There is no magic number. Each and every students list is very different .

Resources to Build a List Attend open houses and tours Use February and April Vacations College Rep visits at BHS/College Fairs Speak to current students Schedule interview (if offered) College websites Three excused absences in junior and three in senior years NEACAC college fair in Boston – Sunday, May 7,2:00-5:00; May 8, 8:30-12:30

Factors Colleges Consider Transcript - Most Important GPA, Courses (Levels and Subjects), & Grades ACT and SAT Essay(s) Extracurricular Activities/ Leadership/ Work Letters of Recommendation Transcript – Final grades most important, Midterm/final exam grades not on transcript Letter of rec should be from a junior or senior year teacher – all are confidential – colleges expect this to maintain the integrity of the process

Standing Out in the Admissions Process Challenge yourself in course selection Go beyond the minimum requirements Take the ACT/SAT more than once Trending upward Rigorous senior year Demonstrate interest – tours, interviews Going beyond - You know your school may require only three years of science/history, but you took four!

ACT and/or SAT Preparing is absolutely essential to success on these tests. Junior year: ACT in April or June SAT in May or June (Subject test for SAT may be required for competitive colleges) Senior year: Students should retake the test on which they did their best More than 880 colleges are Test Optional – www.fairtest.org Show website for ACT/SAT comparison

NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Student athletes intending to play NCAA Division I or II sports must register with the NCAA Regardless of what Division you want to play, it is important to learn about the NCAA requirements early and understand the NCAA rules. Visit www.ncaa.org to learn more.

Student Timeline Fall/Winter of Junior Year Attend group meetings with counselor in computer labs Utilize Naviance to research colleges and careers Focus on Grades! Spring/Summer of Junior Year Visit Colleges – February/April vacations Add Colleges to “Colleges I’m Thinking About” in Naviance Take the ACT Autobiographical Statement – English classes College Essay – English classes Junior Group meeting in June Thoughtfully select senior year courses with counselor

Student Timeline Fall Senior Year Small group senior meetings in computer labs in September Retake ACTs or SATs Continue to visit schools Finalize list of colleges in Naviance - “Colleges I’m Applying To”

Valuable Resources Use Naviance for: General Information about Colleges and Careers Admission Requirements Deadlines (verify with websites) Compare your profile to previous graduates BHS School Counseling Website Naviance demo here Address how parents and student get their user names and passwords? Students also get three excused absences Junior year and three senior year NEACAC college fair in Boston – Sunday, May 22nd

CLOSING THOUGHTS Keep the process in perspective Work together as a family Students must take ownership Discuss finances openly Start early and meet all deadlines Communicate!!!!