College Orientation for the Class of 2019

Introduction Ms. Director & Ms. Gluck, College Counselors Ms. Murdoch, College Office Secretary Mr. Harper, College Office Assistant College Office is in Room 445

What should I think about when choosing my colleges? Questions to ask yourself… Two year or Four year? Public, Private, SUNY, CUNY? Religious or non-denominational? Location – do I want to stay home or go away? How far? Do I want to live on campus or commute? Setting – Am I looking for a small rural school or a large urban one? Size – small, medium, large Is the population diverse? Does that matter to me? Majors – Do they have the major that I want? Cost – How much? Do they provide enough financial aid? What are the opportunities for scholarships? Do my parents agree with my choices? Gut feeling – what’s the campus “vibe?” What’s your best fit?

What are colleges looking for? Transcript Cumulative Average - GPA Types and difficulty of classes Grades, strengths, trends Standardized Test Scores SAT/SAT II ACT Extracurricular Activities Personal Essay Senior year grades Check college websites for a list of requirements!

No penalty for guessing SAT vs. ACT SAT ACT SAT Subject Test What is the test structure? Reading 52 questions, 65 min., Writing and language, 44 questions, 35 minutes, 1 essay (optional), 50 minutes, Math, 58 questions, 80 minutes Eng (75 Q, 45 min) Math(60 Q, 60 min), Reading (40 Q, 35 min), Science (40 q, 35 mins), Optional essay (30 min) Admissions exams in certain subjects. Can take up to 3 in one day. Cannot take both SAT I & II in the same day. Is there a penalty for wrong answers? No penalty for guessing No How often is it offered? 7 times per year 6 times per year **New July exam!! How long is the test? 3 hours (3 hours, 50 minutes with essay) 3 hours + 30 minutes w./essay 60 minutes How is it scored? Scale ranging from 400-1600 200-800 for evidence based reading, 200-800 for math, 2-8 for essay Essay results reported separately 1-36 for each section, averaged together for a composite score ranging from 1-36 200-800 *Not all tests are given on the same day. See Collegeboard.org for more information

Extracurricular Activities In school Clubs, sports, monitor, etc. How long did you participate? List any achievements/recognitions Out of school activities Clubs & Organizations Internships Volunteer Experiences Employment Give details!

Writing the College Essay How do I get started? Positive characteristics Best qualities What makes you stand out? Tell YOUR story! Tips Start early More time, less stress Be honest - plagiarism is a no-no Trust us, they’ll know! Proofread and edit A well-written essay makes your application come to life! *The 2018-19 Common App essay prompts have been emailed to you through Naviance

2018-2019 Common Application Essay Prompts 1 2018-2019 Common Application Essay Prompts 1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.  2. The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?  3. Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?  4. Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma - anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.  5. Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.  6. Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?  7. Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you've already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design. 

Teacher Recommendations Who will you ask? Good relationship Knows you best Academic subject teacher How many do I need? Typically 2, but check your college websites for exact requirements! When do you ask? Give at least 4 weeks notice Show your appreciation – thank your teacher!

Academic Profile The Best Fit Reach GPA and test scores are lower than the average for admitted students Appropriate vs. inappropriate Grades/test scores should not be significantly lower than the college’s requirements Selectivity of the college/university Acceptance rate Target GPA and test scores match the average for admitted students Likely Students’ GPA and test scores are higher than the average for admitted students Back-up plan college that you would be happy to attend if other options don’t work out

Family Connection Website that assists our students in the college application process Career Planner Personality Profile College Search Admissions info Graduation rates Estimated cost Scattergrams All juniors MUST be registered! See your guidance counselor if you lost your code.

Completing your College Office File Components Three short teacher references Student Profile Sheet Student Brag Sheet List of Senior Classes (fall) Parent Brag Sheet (optional) You can start building your college file now, but all materials will be due in the fall Forms are in Naviance and on the Midwood web site in the College Office page, including a College Handbook (everything you need to know about the college application process) MUST READ!!!

The College Visit How/when to visit? Envision yourself as a student Schedule a tour Use the web to become familiar with the campus Visit when classes are in session Eat the food, visit the dorms Envision yourself as a student Can you see yourself there?

A look ahead… Admission Plans Early Action/Early Decision Early Decision – Binding Early Action – non-binding Regular Decision Apply by the deadline, and the college will let you know by a specified date. Rolling Admissions Schools review applications as they are submitted Decisions made usually within 4-6 weeks Apply early; classes do fill up Opportunity Programs EOP/HEOP/SEEK/College Discovery

The Application Process What’s included in a college application? Official Transcript Sent directly from the College Office SAT/ACT scores Submitted by the student Application Common Application CUNY Application SUNY Application Teacher recommendations Personal essay Resume or list of extracurricular activities Application fee or fee waiver (if eligible)

Other things to consider… Know your Social Security Number if you have one Most schools request senior mid-year reports In other words, SENIOR YEAR COUNTS! It is your responsibility to ask the College Office to submit mid-year grades Create a Professional email address (if you don’t have one) Social media presence Brand yourself appropriately! Application fees Fee Waivers See Mr. Harper in the College Office

College Appointments One Spring or Fall See Ms. Murdoch to schedule - beginning March 19th, first appointments March 26 Come by yourself (1/2 period) or with parent (full period) let Ms. Murdoch know! We will make you a personalized college list of Reach/Target/Likely You MUST bring your completed Student Profile to the appointment!

Important Dates to Remember March 9 - Last day to register for April ACT without a late fee March 13 - PA meeting – Junior College Orientation for parents March 19 – Ms. Murdoch will start scheduling spring appointments! (first appointment March 26) March 22 – Camp College/College 101 March 21 – SAT day for Juniors at Midwood April 6 - Last day to register for May 5 SAT without a late fee May 3 - Last day to register for June 2 SAT without a late fee May 5 - Last day to register for June 10 ACT without a late fee

Resources College Representative visits to Midwood Stay tuned for schedule US Government College Score Card https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/ Naviance Register using code provided by College Office Collegeboard.org Khan Academy test prep Register for SAT College Search Actstudent.org Register for ACT Test Prep Like us on Facebook Midwood High School College and Career Office

Most Important… Plan Ahead Stay Organized and Focused Relax Utilize the summer months Stay Organized and Focused Relax Don’t forget to enjoy yourself Life is a balance Avoid burnout

Financial Aid Fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) www.fafsa.ed.gov First get FSA ID (user name and password) for student and a parent Gather social security numbers, 2016 tax return(s), records of untaxed income and information on cash The 2018-2019 FAFSA application becomes available October 1st, 2017 Fill out the TAP(New York State’s Tuition Assistance Program) After completing the FAFSA, there will be a link to the TAP If you miss it apply online at www.hesc.ny.gov First create a HESC user ID and pin