JFK High School COLLEGE ADMISSIONS 101

College Admissions 101 Application Process Timeline Researching Colleges Standardized Testing Components of the College Application JFK Application Process

What Should I Be Doing Now ?

Timeline February - June Schedule Individual Junior Planning Meeting with your counselor Register / Prepare for AP exams Register / Prepare for SAT, Subject Tests and ACT Schedule College Visits

Timeline, cont. September – December October is considered Application Month Apply to your top 3-5 choices Watch for application deadlines Request letters of recommendation from 2 teachers AND your counselor Complete your college essay-PROOFREAD! Create a resume-list of activities, community service, leadership positions Fill out transcript request form in guidance Set a goal to have all applications submitted before the winter break.

A Good Decision Requires Information Gather information about yourself strengths, weaknesses, abilities, interests Gather information about colleges Admission statistics Location Size Majors/ Programs Financial Aid Oct. 1 Prior/Prior Retention & Graduation Rate

What Resources Are Available? College Guidebooks Campus Visits Visits at JFK/On-sites GOOGLE Guidance Counselor College Fairs Naviance

???????? How should you choose what colleges to apply to? -Major -Location and Size -$$$$$$

Prospective College List -Make a list of colleges with the DEADLINES! -You are responsible for ALL DEADLINES. -Have the family discussion, be honest. -Research the college profiles -Avg. GPA, Rank, and SAT/ACT scores -Find the match -Distance from home??????

Standardized Testing SAT SAT II: Subject Tests (Engineering) Math II ACT Fee waivers available for SAT/ACT See your counselor if you’re on free/reduced lunch All students should set a goal to have all of their standardized testing completed by the end of junior year.

Fact or Myth #1 My test score is the most important factor in a college's admission decision.

#1: Myth Admission test scores are just one factor colleges consider, along with grades and classes. While most four-year colleges require tests, the emphasis on the test scores varies by college.

Fact or Myth: #2 I don't need to take an expensive test-prep course to prepare for an admission test.

#2: Fact Free and low-cost preparation works as well as, and maybe even better than, expensive test prep. Try these ideas: •Use practice tests on the test maker's website. •Take the PSAT/NMSQT or PLAN. These tests cover the same subjects as the SAT and ACT. •Make it a habit to read and write frequently in and outside of class.

Fact or Myth: #3 I need to take an admission test multiple times to get the best possible score.

#3: Myth Studies show that taking tests multiple times won't significantly improve your score. But if you feel you didn't do your best, you have the option of learning from your score and taking the test a second time. Taking it in the spring of junior year gives you that flexibility and can help you start on your college list and visits.

Fact or Myth: #4 If I get a really high score on an admission test, I can get in anywhere.

#4: Myth High test scores won't automatically get you in any college. For example, you may have high scores, but your school record shows that you haven't worked hard in your classes. Colleges want well-rounded students who have shown good character, motivation and accomplishments, both inside and outside the classroom.

Remaining SAT and Subject Test Dates Test Date Test Offered Registration Late Fee Deadline March 10th Sat & Subject Tests Feb. 9 Feb. 27th May 5th SAT April 6th April 26th June 2st SAT & Subject Tests May 3th May 24th It is the student’s responsibility to know which tests are required by each college ***The remaining tests are available at JFK!!!

Remaining ACT Dates Test Date Registration Late Fee Deadline April 14 March 9rd March 15th June 9th May 4th May 18th July 14th June 15th June 28th

Sending SAT and ACT Score Students MUST contact the testing agency to request scores to be sent to each college. JFK does not report SAT or ACT scores on the transcript. SAT - www.collegeboard.org ACT – www.ACT.org *SAT will allow you to send scores after the test date (10 days). ACT, do it before you register!!

Register for College Fairs • Register for college fairs ahead of time at gotocollegefairs.com • Make a list of “must-see” colleges • Visit at least 3 colleges you haven’t heard of before. • Have a few questions ready!

Registering for College Fairs

Resume – Things to Include STUDENT GOVERNMENT PERFORMING ARTS ACTIVITIES YEARBOOK SPORTS: Varsity and any out-of-school clubs or experiences COMMUNITY SERVICE OUTSIDE of SCHOOL LEARNING EXPERIENCES OTHER ACTIVITES (i.e. religious activities, hobbies, clubs, etc.) SUMMER or SPECIAL TRAVEL EXPERIENCES EMPLOYMENT HONORS and AWARDS

Teacher Recommendations Two Teacher Recommendations Should pertain to your MAJOR Ask your teachers in person-complete recommendation form from guidance and provide them with information you would like included in letter Follow-up, Thank you notes

Getting Started on the Essay Brainstorm essay ideas with parents, teachers, and friends. Read the six essay prompts on the Common Application. www.commonapp.org (*new prompts will be released in March) Think of an interesting story to tell that answers one of the prompts and reveals something about you not already shared in your application. Work on your story over the summer. Good essays evolve and take many edits. Check supplemental writing questions for each individual college – do not short change these!

Admissions Decisions Early Action Early Decision I & II Priority Regular Decision Rolling Admission

How to Apply Apply Online Naviance will be the MAIN tool when applying to schools. Link the Common Application to Naviance! Apply directly to the school through the school website. Communicate with your counselor through Naviance.

Components of the Student Application Student and Demographic Data Academic Information Extracurricular Activities Essay(s) Signature – electronically Payment (if required)

What Will the Counselor Send? Transcript School Profile Secondary School Report Form Counselor Recommendation (Naviance) About Me Teacher Recommendations (Naviance)

Completed Application Application submitted online by student SAT or ACT scores requested, by student, to be sent directly from testing agency School package sent from Guidance Office once transcript request form is received includes: Teacher recommendation letter(s) Counselor Recommendation School Report Form Transcript School Profile

Financial Considerations • April 2012, student loan debt surpassed credit debt for the first time in our history. • ‘Paying for college’ is often the last topic discussed by families when investigating colleges. • Student loan debt should be weighted with the same importance as other ‘fit’ factors when selecting a college.

Examine Net Price Calculators • As of November 2011, • universities were required to provide a Net Price Calculator on their websites. • Net Price Calculators were mandated by the U.S. Government to provide families with a ‘Good Faith’ estimate of what the ‘COA’ would be for students. • Net Price Calculators now allow families to ‘shop’ for a financial fit.

Follow-Up Follow-up with each school to be sure everything has arrived and your application is complete. Check status of application online Do not PANIC is something is MISSING, mass emails generally go OUT!

Lastly……. Keep the process in perspective Work together as a family Students must take ownership Discuss finances openly Start early and meet all deadlines GOOD LUCK!