Post Secondary Planning School Counselors: Nicole Grilli and Kendra Swenson

Nipmuc Graduation Requirements English - 4 credits Math – 3 credits History – 3 credits (WEX, US I, US II) Science – 3 credits (Including Biology) Physical Education – 1 credit Passing scores on all 3 MCAS tests Total of 26 credits – including elective courses Keep in mind that most 4 year colleges have a Foreign Language requirement of at least 2 years of the same language. All Massachusetts State Schools REQUIRE 4 years of math, and 3 years of a lab science. Other private colleges may require 4 years of math as well.

Post Secondary Options 4 year college 2 year college Apprenticeship Military Work Certificate Program Gap Year We encourage students to schedule an appointment with Beth Hennessey in the 21st Century Learning Center

Pathways to a 4 Year Degree Graduate from Nipmuc 2 year school Transfer 4 year school Gap year/Military, Work Earn Bachelor’s Degree End Goal = Employment

Overview of the College Process The college search process and Naviance Standardized testing and test preparation College application components College visits Timeline

College Process and Components College Application Common Application College website Essay Students can choose 1 of 7 prompts on the Common Application SAT/ACT Official score reports must be sent directly to colleges through Collegeboard and ACT website Naviance Teacher letters of recommendation Transcripts sent by the School Counselor School Counselor written evaluation NCAA Division 1&2 NCAA Elgibility Center

SAT/ACT Test Test Preparation SAT Collegeboard.org Test Date Registration Deadline March 10, 2018 February 9, 2018 May 5, 2018 April 6, 2018 June 2, 2018 May 3, 2018 Log into Collegeboard Account to Access: SAT practice tests SAT question of the day Khan Academy Free online resource Students can link their PSAT scores to Khan Academy to pinpoint areas for practice. Local SAT Prep Courses Kaplan Log onto ACTstudent.org for ACT practice tests ACT Actstudent.org Test Date Registration Deadline February 10, 2018 January 12, 2018 April 14, 2018 March 19, 2018 June 9, 2018 May 4, 2018

College Visits Campus tours are a great opportunity for students to get on campus and discover if the college maybe the right fit for them. Juniors and Seniors receive 3 excused absences each year for college visits. Schedule a tour with the Undergraduate Admission’s Office. Visit the main buildings, sit in on a class, visit inside the dormitories, cafeteria, library, etc. Ask questions! Find out what the school offers as far as activities, internships, academic assistance, etc.

Naviance Naviance/Family Connections is a web-base comprehensive and widely used college and career planning software program, that assists our students, parents, and counselors in various areas of your child’s education and post-high school planning process.

Naviance Through the Years Grade 9 Grade 10 Strengths Explorer Students can discover their strengths and interests and make connections with future career opportunities through this self- assessment. Career Interest Profiler This is a self-assessment tool that looks at students’ desired preferences and skills in a work environment and creates a matching list of occupations. Grade 12 Grade 11 Scattergram Request teacher letters of recommendation Transcripts View all college application status and materials Common Application Match SuperMatch Students can use this tool to match their post secondary preferences and current credentials to potential schools.

SuperMatch tool on Naviance

Scattergram for Bridgewater State University

Supporting Your Student in Creating a College List Match schools – student’s academic credentials fall well within (or even exceed) the school’s range for the average freshman. Reach schools – student’s academic credentials fall below the school’s range for the average freshman.  Safety schools – student’s academic credentials fall above the school’s range for the average freshman.  College lists should contain a variety of schools including match, reach, and safety schools. Students should explore both public and private schools. A typical student applies to 5 – 7 schools.

Tips for Parents Encourage student involvement in extracurricular activities (inside and outside of school) Attend college visits with your student Access the parent portal in Naviance Help your student explore different career options and/or majors Help your student dream big while also formulating realistic expectations

What Should Your Junior Be Doing Now? WINTER SPRING SUMMER Stay involved with extracurricular activities Continue to gather college information through Naviance, school counselor, parents Prepare for standardized tests Begin narrowing college choices Schedule college visits Research college admissions requirements (GPA, SAT scores, SAT subject tests) Organize college information Contact recommendation writers Register and complete standardized testing Finalize college list Continue to visit colleges Start application essays Organize financial aid options

Questions? Nicole Grilli – Ngrilli@mursd.org Kendra Swenson – Kswenson@mursd.org