An Introduction to the College Planning Process What Parents of Sophomores Should Know!

Introductions The THS Counseling Department Caitlin Foran (A-F) Jim Shea (G-L) Michelle Grady (M-Se) Corinne Lorenzet (Sh-Z) Cherie Richards, Secretary Wilma Lockhart, Secretary

Objectives of today’s program: Relieve anxiety about the college search process. Encourage reflection, research and planning. Learn what you can do to assist your student.

The Steps in College Planning Searching Testing (PSAT, SAT, ACT) Visiting Applying

High School Course Preparation (preparation for college, NOT for graduation from THS) Minimum 4 English 3 Math ( through Algebra II) 3 Science 3 Social Studies 2 World Language 1 Fine Arts

High School Course Preparation cont. Selective colleges 4 English 4 Math (1 course beyond Algebra II) 4 Science 4 Social Studies 3-4 World Language 1 Fine Arts STRONGEST CURRICULUM POSSIBLE

College Admission Criteria Grades/Curriculum Class rank SAT/ACT scores Essay Counselor recommendation Teacher recommendation(s) Extracurricular involvement **The importance of each of these criteria varies widely by college!!!

PARENTS, Help your student be successful Provide a good place to study. Help your child set goals. Stay informed. Check the Parent Portal, THS Counseling web site and Family Connection on a regular basis. Encourage daily attendance. See all progress reports and report cards. Help with time management. Stay in touch with teachers.

What can a Sophomore do NOW? READ Know themselves- abilities, goals, interests. Get the best grades possible. Take the most challenging courses possible. Refine study skills. Record activities and honors for a future resume. Use a variety of resources for gathering information. Plan ahead. Take advantage of all opportunities. Ask questions. Keep in contact with their counselor!

Family Connection Web Site Family Connection is a shared resource that will facilitate communication and collaboration among students, parents and counselors. It will allow counselors to track and analyze data about counselee’s post-secondary plans.

How is Family Connection accessed? The easiest way to access Family Connection is through the Tolland High School web site, Quick Link to School Counseling, Family Connection link on left. www.ths.tolland.k12.ct.us

How do you register? All students have been using Family Connection for their yearly goals. Parents were emailed a registration code. Use code to create a personal account Codes are random and alphanumeric for security reasons Codes can be used only once On your first visit, you will see a prompt that says “I need to register”. Follow on-screen instructions. If parents do not have codes, please contact your student’s counselor.

Looking ahead to JUNIOR year Maintain a strong academic curriculum. Take the PSAT– will be on Wed. Oct. 19. Details in the fall. Encourage students to meet with the college reps that visit THS Attend College Planning Workshop with your student (evening program – mid-November 2016). Visit college fairs and college campuses. Refer to the THS College Planning Calendar.

Good Luck! Please feel free to contact your student’s counselor at any time with questions about the college search and selection process.