Oliver Ames Junior Parent Orientation Class of 2019 January 18, 2018

Agenda What’s Your Plan? SAT’s & ACT’s Common Application Deadlines How To Conduct a College Search SAT’s & ACT’s Common Application Deadlines College Questionnaire

You Need A Plan for Life After High School What Plan Is Right For You? Post- Secondary Training 4 Year College 2 Year College Military

Where to Start? Students will meet with their Guidance Counselor Have a family conversation Check out the Guidance Website for career exploration tools http://www.oliverames.org Use Naviance and College Board

Choosing a College Things to think about: 2 year, 4 year, technical/trade school Public vs. private school Size of school Fewer than 2,000 (Regis College) 2,000-15,000 (Bentley University) More than 15,000 (UMass Amherst) Setting Rural, suburban or urban Location New England, East Coast, West Coast, etc. Cost and financial aid

Choosing a College Things to think about: Majors Offered Do they offer what you are looking for? Are there specific admissions criteria for specific majors? Admissions Criteria Look at the profile (average GPA, SAT scores, specific course requirements) Housing Options Sports and Activities Specialized Options Co-ed or single sex school, fraternities/sororities, religious affiliations, disability support

Researching Educational Options Naviance – SuperMatch College Search College Board – Matchmaker The school’s direct website Request materials from the college National College Fair – Providence on April 10, Boston on April 12 & 13 2018 or Brockton H.S. (date TBD) Technical/Trade Schools – see guidance Connect with schools via Facebook or Twitter

Naviance Home Page http://connection.naviance.com/oliverames

Super Match College Search

College Questionnaire Must be completed by all seniors

College Board also offers a College Search

http://www.collegeboard.org

What About the SAT’s? – Big Changes Old Format New Format Three sections: Critical Reading, Writing and Math (all mandatory) Score range: 200-800 per section for potential score of 2400 Penalized for incorrect answers Abstract format Calculator allowed on all math sections Two sections: Reading & Writing (now combined into 1 section) and Math. The Essay is now an OPTIONAL section Score range: 200-800 for potential score of 1600 No longer penalized for errors Calculator not allowed on 1 math section

SAT’s cont’d Upcoming test dates: -March 10th (registration deadline Feb 9th) -May 5th ( registration deadline April 6th) -June 2nd (registration deadline May 3rd) Cost: $46.00 ($60.00 with essay) Subject Tests: -One hour in length -Can take up to three in one sitting -Required only by some competitive colleges or schools with competitive majors Cost: $26.00

New SAT Test Date August 25, 2018 Good for those considering early action Allows you to prep over the summer Allows you to focus on academics and applications once school starts in September Anticipated score release date September 24, 2018

What about the ACT? The ACT assesses students ability to complete college-level work The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science The Writing Test is optional HOWEVER check the requirements of your college

ACT Test Dates -February 10th (late registration deadline Jan 19th) -April 14th (registration deadline March 9th) -June 9th (registration deadline May 4th) -July 14th (registration deadline June 15th) Cost: $46.00 ($62.50 with essay) To find out more, go to www.actstudent.org

http://www.actstudent.org

SAT & ACT Test Prep Khan Academy on-line videos and tutorials for SAT: www.khanacademy.org/sat FREE ACT on-line course: www.actstudent.org $39.95 Bridgewater State University http://bridgew.edu/sat-preparation-workshops $300.00 Princeton Review and Kaplan Test Prep https://www.princetonreview.com/ https://www.kaptest.com/ Prices vary

Applications Electronic Applications via the college’s website May offer a waiver or discount for the application fee Paper copies Found on the college’s website, print out and mail Common Application Used by 700 schools across the country. One application for multiple schools

http://www.commonapp.org

Common App Workshop Available at OA August 2018 FREE two-day workshop to help students create and start their Common Application Two sessions available Stay tuned for sign-ups!

Decision, Decision Early Decision Early Action Regular Decision Rolling Admissions

FAFSA – Updates FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid Available as of October 2018 which better aligns with college application process -will now collect income information from an earlier tax year Financial Aid Night – November 2018 – stay tuned for details!