Pelham Memorial High School February 25, 2016 Sophomore Planning Pelham Memorial High School February 25, 2016

Topics for Discussion Course Selection Grade Point Average Standardized Test Scores Extracurricular Involvement College Visits Importance of “Fit”

Course Selection Q: How important is my course selection in general, and specifically for my junior and senior year of high school?

Course Selection 101 Should be appropriate for the individual student Rigor vs. Performance ex. “B” in H or AP or “A” in a CP level class Preparation for different intended college majors Evaluation in context of your high school Academic classes vs. electives Minimum requirements for high school graduation vs. college matriculation

Q: How important is my gpa? Grade Point Average Q: How important is my gpa?

GPA 101 “Good GPA” is relative—different schools will have different approaches Weighted vs. unweighted GPA’s and recalculating Grade trends and rigor Academic classes vs. electives

Standardized Test Scores Q: How important are my standardized test scores?

Standardized Tests ACT, SAT, SAT subject tests Varies from school to school Cut-offs, minimums and mid 50% Test optional institutions Considered in context Prepare for exam How many times should I take the exam?

Extracurricular Involvements Q: How important are my extracurricular activities?

Extracurricular Involvement 101 Well rounded vs. targeted interest Application padding or true passion? No right or wrong list of groups and organizations Leadership and sustained involvement is important Community involvements Part time employment Research

Q: How important are college visits?

College Visits 101 Prospective vs. Admitted Do your research in advance Use local institutions as a guide Take advantage of everything that is available to you (classes, interviews, information sessions, tours) Don’t stop with the admission office Regional programming/high school visits Use a journal Demonstrated Interest

Q: What's the importance of “fit” in building my college list?

Finding the Right Fit 101 Have conversations early as a family to determine what “fit” means for you ex. Size, location, affiliations, campus culture, program options etc. This is a student decision within the framework of family input Name recognition does not necessarily equal the best experience College process is about discovering the place that will suit your needs-academically and socially Use your college counseling office, university websites/material and guidebooks

Questions and Answers? Rose Greco, Assistant Director of Admission rogreco@fordham.edu Jeanne Renner, Associate Director of Admission holzmann@fordham.edu