Rochester Academy (RACS) Life After High School THE JOURNEY BEGINS Thursday, September 22, 2016

Road to your Future AGENDA Review and discuss various post-secondary educational & vocational options. Determine what factors will influence your decisions. Review procedures for processing college applications.

Post-Secondary Options Four year Institutions Two year Community Colleges Vocational Schools Arts Institutions The World of Work Military “Gap” Year AmeriCorps, Study Abroad, Outward Bound

No matter what road you take… Make your “Counselor Appointment”

Research your Schools Resource Books & Catalogs Computer Searches Call or Email Admissions Offices College Fairs College Reps RACS Workshops College Campus Visits College Fair

Search using College Board web-site School Type (2 or 4 yr) Location Student Body - Enrollment Size Majors & Minors Athletics Cost + Financial Aid Special Programs (clubs, newspaper, band, ROTC, etc)

How Many Colleges Should I Apply To? Identify Colleges Apply to Colleges Target Safe Reach

Admission Policy Vocabulary Early Decision Early Action or Priority Early Notification Rolling Admission Regular Admission Open Admission

Components College Application Application Form – Biographical Data Common Application (www.commonapp.org) Application Fee – ranges from $0 - $75 Transcript – GPA & Courses Test Scores – SAT/ACT www.fairtest.org – Test optional colleges Essay – Check prompts carefully Audition/Portfolio/Interview – specific to certain colleges Letter of Recommendations – teacher and counselor

How to Request a Recommendation Ask Early. Ask at a Convenient Time for the Teacher. Use the “Request for Recommendation Letter” Memo/Form with deadlines. Present the following materials to your Teacher in an organized way: A copy of your resume Teacher Recommendation form (if required) Addressed envelopes

What did the Admissions Director learn about you?

How are Admission Decisions made? Highly Selective Academic Rigor Non-Academic Factors Essay Letters: Acceptance, Denial, Early Decision, Waitlist, Spring Admit, Summer Pre-College Programs

LET’S REVIEW Your Application Packet YOU SUBMIT: RACS MAILS: Online Application Transcript SAT/ACT Scores (Transcript Request Form) Application Fee Secondary School Report Letter of Recommendation (Brag Sheets) RACS School Profile Resume Did your teacher send the recommendation letter?

It’s Really All About Fit Be Confident – Take responsibility for your own college admissions search. Be Deliberate – Do thoughtful research about programs and opportunities Be Realistic and trust your instincts Be Honest and be yourself “College is a match to be made, not a prize to be won.” – Martha O’Connell with NPR

Financial Aid and Scholarships Financial Aid Workshop In October 6:00 pm Bring your Parents/Guardians www.fafsa.ed.gov www.fastweb.com www.wiredscholar.com Scholarships link on the School webpage

Financial Aid and Scholarships Don’t Forget to APPLY NY STATE TAP (Tuition Assistant Program)

Upcoming College Fairs (FREE field trips) REOC COLLEGE FAIR Tuesday, Sept. 20 Riverside Convention Center Rochester , NY 6 pm – 8 pm RACS COLLEGE FAIR Tuesday, Oct. 11 Wednesday, Nov. 2 Bring a bag lunch for the bus & dress appropriately.

Too Much Information? Check out the bulletin board outside the Guidance Office