Nuts and Bolts of the College Process Coffee with Counselors… Nuts and Bolts of the College Process Presented by: The Wayne Hills Counseling Department April 28, 2017

Planning for College Organize yourself... The process takes time and effort.

We must tell our story and not allow others to write our story.

6800+ Colleges in the U.S. Community Colleges (Associates Degree) Two Year Private Colleges (Associates Degree) NJ State Colleges/Universities Other State Colleges/Universities PA, DE, MD, NC, VA, etc Historically Black C/U Liberal Arts Schools Prestige Colleges/ Universities & Ivy League Schools Specialized Institutions (art, music, culinary arts, technology, etc.)

Letters of recommendation Extracurricular activities Honors/Awards Create the SOUNDBITE Transcript Test scores Letters of recommendation Extracurricular activities Honors/Awards Essay

Decision Factors Size of school Location Distance from home Activities/Athletics Public/Private Coed/Single sex Admission requirements Facilities Entrance difficulty Reputation of School Faculty/Class Size Majors available Commitment to major by school Services Cost Campus personality

Your search should include: Internet searches College Fairs School visits Campus Tour Open House Interview Overnight stays/class visits Counselor conferences References from parents, friends, etc. College brochures & viewbooks Videos Guidebooks

Campus tours, class visits and overnight stays are very important!

How Colleges Evaluate Candidates: TRANSCRIPT: Course selection (level of difficulty, extended languages, extended math & science, Honors & AP courses) Grades (GPA) and maybe Rank in Class TEST SCORES: SAT and/or ACT Take the SAT and/or ACT in the spring of your junior year and the fall of your senior year. Review for the SAT /ACT or take a prep course. Scores will improve with practice. Check for SAT Subject Test requirements.

Evaluation, con’t. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION: ask for letters of recommendations from two teachers late spring (grade 11) or early fall (grade 12) remember to thank them and let them know where you have been accepted Interview – if this option is available

Evaluation, con’t. EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES HONORS/AWARDS Leadership positions Activities sports clubs & high school community/church volunteer community service part-time jobs

Evaluation, con’t. ESSAY - You are the storyteller! Who you are?…Intentional Live in the moment…Mindful Share some aspect of yourself that cannot be gleaned from other parts of the application Why is the school and/or program right for you? What will you contribute to the school/program?

Hearing from the colleges: Regular Decision (April 1) Rolling Admission (reviewed as received) Early Decision (early application & commitment) Early Action (early application & no commitment)

What are the three most important actions before choosing a school??? Visit Remember… If you have questions…Visit with your School Counselor.

Some Internet Websites to visit   WWW.COLLEGEBOARD.ORG SAT WEBSITE  WWW.ACTSTUDENT.ORG ACT WEBSITE  WWW.NCAA.ORG NCAA ELIGIBILITY WWW.NCAACLEARINGHOUSE.NET CENTER  WWW.COMMONAPP.ORG COMMON APPLICATION   WWW.CAPPEX.COM COLLEGE SEARCH  WWW.FASTWEB.COM SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH

3 THINGS TO DO… (NOW –SPRING) Complete “Game Plan” on Naviance (under ABOUT ME tab) Complete “College Search” on Naviance Prepare/Take SAT and/or ACT (2 times in grade 11)

Welcome to the world of… Explore – It is a powerful tool for you to use.

Coffee with Counselors Thank You for attending: Coffee with Counselors Are there any questions?