Bear Creek High School Class of 2018 Welcome Seniors Bear Creek High School Class of 2018

BCHS Counseling dept Kristen Kofoed (A-C) Matt Schacht (D-I) Gretchen Slaughter (J-M) Joy Pearson (N-Sc) Valerie Smrt (Sd-Z) Interns: Jess Bennett Erin Noonan Ann Wygle

What are you going to do after high school? Based on survey of 2017 Senior Class 4 year college 54% 2 year college 32% Military 1% Work 13%

Of those who continued their education: 92% planned to stay in CO to further their education Based on Survey of 2017 graduating seniors

Colorado has 34 two and four year colleges 19 Four year colleges & universities 15 public/4 private 15 Two year community & junior colleges 29 are governed by the CO Commission on Higher Education (CCHE) What’s the difference?

four year colleges Degrees Offered Description Tuition Admissions Requirements Bachelors and beyond Provides a well-rounded college experience that includes an academic area of study Public: Typically under $15,000/year Private: Typically more than $20,000/year SAT or ACT GPA Coursework Class rank Essay Extracurricular activities Letters of recommendation Examples: Metropolitan State University, Colorado College, University of Colorado, Colorado State University, University of Denver

Two year colleges Degrees Offered Description Tuition Admissions Requirements Associates and certificates A way to ease into college/take general college classes for credit. Typically have agreements with four year colleges to transfer credits Typically under $7,000/year Open door admissions policy May vary for: Nursing, allied health, law enforcement, engineering technology, computer technology Examples: Red Rocks Community College, Northwestern Junior College

Career and technical education Warren Tech Adult Programs: Auto Collision Repair Auto Customization Automotive Technology Cosmetology: Esthetics, Nail Tech, Hairstyling Dental Assisting Power Equipment/Motorcycle Technology Welding Adult students please contact the Warren Tech/Red Rocks Community College liaison at 303-982-0695 for information.

Other options Military: The military can offer benefits such as college fund assistance. ASVAB, 10/19/17- Sign up with Mrs. Slaughter. Job Corps: Free education and training program that helps young people learn a career, earn a high school diploma or GED, and find and keep a good job. Get a Job: http://www.jeffcoyouthworks.org Apprenticeship: provide structure, on-the-job training under the supervision of a qualified member of that profession. Apprenticeship options: Construction skilled trades, Cosmetology, Dental Assistant, Fire Medic, Law Enforcement Agent, Pharmacy Tech, etc. For more information visit: https://www.dol.gov/featured/apprenticeship or www.coworkforce.com

Explore career options Log on to Naviance– Do What you Are survey, Career Interest Profiler O*NET: www.onetonline.org OOH- Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/ College In Colorado: www.collegeincolorado.org See your counselor!

COLLEGE

Choosing your College priorities What is important to you? Location Total Cost- including aid Academics Size Support Services Majors Offered Admission Requirements Clubs & Activities Housing Options

College visits Check Naviance for current list Students sign up on Naviance for the visit Students must PRINT the Naviance College Visit Page for a pass

College fairs Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 Lakewood High School 6:30- 8:00 pm Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017 Nat’l College Fair @ Denver Mart 1:00-4:00 pm Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017 Standley Lake High School 6:30-7:30 pm Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017 Alameda High School 6:00- 7:30 pm Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017 Columbine High School

Quick review! What type of degree do you earn at a four year college or university? Bachelors degree Name an option for after graduation besides a two or four year school. Career, military, Job Corps, Apprenticeship Name 3 of our school counselors. Kofoed Schacht Slaughter Pearson Smrt

What really matters in college admissions? Many factors influence admissions decisions including: Grades in All Courses Strength of Curriculum Admission Test Scores (SAT, ACT) Essay Student’s Demonstrated Interest Counselor and Teacher Recommendations Subject Test Scores (AP, IB) Extracurricular Activities

SAT retakes SAT TEST DATES REGISTRATION DEADLINES ‘LATE’ REGISTRATION October 7, 2017 September 8, 2017 September 9-27, 2017 November 4, 2017 October 5, 2017 October 6-25, 2017 December 2, 2017 November 2, 2017 November 3-21, 2017 March 10, 2018 February 9, 2018 February 10-28, 2018 May 5, 2018 April 6, 2018 April 7-25, 2018 June 2, 2018 May 3, 2018 May 4-23, 2018

ACT ACT TEST DATES REGISTRATION DEADLINES ‘LATE’ REGISTRATION October 28, 2017 September 22, 2017 Sept 23- Oct 6 ,2017 December 9, 2017 November 3, 2017 November 4-17, 2017 February 10, 2018 January 12, 2018 January 13-19, 2018 April 14, 2018 March 9, 2018 March 10-23, 2018

6 steps for applying to college Apply online on college website. Determine if letter of recommendation is required. Confirm college is on YOUR list in Naviance. Pick up a transcript request form from counseling office. Return completed form with all signatures and $3 per application. Confirm with college that application is complete.

Recommendation Letters (Send ONLY if required) Speak to your counselor to discuss the need for a letter of recommendation. Ask for recommendations in person. Do not email or drop the request in a mailbox or on a desk. Choose people who will give you a strong recommendation– if a teacher, preferably in the subject area of your college major. Log in to Naviance and complete “Letter of Recommendation Questionnaire.” Allow a minimum of two weeks for the completion of the letter. Write a ‘Thank You’ note to the person who completed a letter of recommendation.

FAFSA.gov

Next steps for seniors In School Standardized Testing Stay focused on academics Meet with your school counselor early to discuss college plans Talk with teachers regarding letters of recommendation Standardized Testing Prepare, register, and retake SAT/ACT if necessary College Applications Meet with college representatives Attend College Night– Sept 18th, 6-8 pm @ BCHS!! Narrow college choices and apply Complete applications by October 31 Complete the FAFSA- Opens October 1 Visit colleges

Combating “senioritis” Your senior year MATTERS! Maintain a challenging course load Enjoy your senior experience responsibly Commit to an internship, career-focused job, or volunteer Keep a calendar of activities and deadlines (tests, college applications, senior year events, etc.) Don’t obsess over the admissions process. Just get started and keep moving.

BCHS Counseling dept Kristen Kofoed (A-C) Matt Schacht (D-I) Gretchen Slaughter (J-M) Joy Pearson (N-Sc) Valerie Smrt (Sd-Z) Interns: Jess Bennett Erin Noonan Ann Wygle

Coming up… BCHS College Night College Application Workshop September 18, 2017 6:00- 8:00 pm Starts in the Auditorium College Application Workshop During parent-teacher conferences 9/27, 9/28 Optional Financial Aid meeting November 9 During Connections

What have you learned? Where can you sign up for college visits? Naviance What is the application you fill out for financial aid? FAFSA- Free Application for Federal Student Aid Where can you find a BCHS transcript request form? The counseling office or the counseling website