College Planning Night “The Road Ahead” January 7th, 2019 WELCOME!

Does thinking about college leave you feeling like this?

Or like this…

RELAX BREATHE We are here to help you.

To Begin There are over 4,000 colleges in the country. If you want to go to college, you will get there. The task is to gather information to find a “good Fit.” Understand there are a number of schools that will meet this expectation.

Take a Positive Approach to College Planning STUDENTS OWN THE PROCESS Colleges are looking for students to take ownership of the process DEVELOP INDEPENDENCE IN YOUR CHILDREN Know what has to be accomplished Authenticity of the application is important THIS IS AN INDIVIDUAL PROCESS Be empowered to design your own path; respect privacy both your own and others; focus on your goals; see yourself as an individual TAKE YOUR TIME Approach this process as a thoughtful decision-making, self-reflecting process which evolves over time

Factors to Consider Location Size of school Cost / Financial Aid Campus / Surroundings Diversity Curriculum / Educational Approach Areas of Interest /Majors Special Interests /Talents Political Climate Greek Life Athletics AND… Admissions Selectivity- Is there a match between your qualifications AND what the college is looking for (GPA/Test scores). Being realistic is a key factor

The College Search Process Frequent communication with your counselor Utilize Naviance Explore college websites College Visits / Demonstrated Interest Be clear about your family’s parameters (Location, Cost, Culture) Be sure to meet with admissions counselors that come to John Jay High School in the fall of senior year And… Keep an open mind about college options Recognize that admissions standards and campus cultures continue to change Use good judgment when listening to the opinions of others Be mindful of social media sources that may not be credible

By the numbers… Excerpt from Boston College…

How to get the most out of a College Visit Register on school website or call the undergraduate admissions office to arrange for a tour and information session - Best when classes are in session - Ask if there is an option to sit in on a class or do an overnight - Juniors and Seniors are allowed 4 legal absences for college visits Consider visiting the Financial Aid office Keep a journal of your impressions and distinguishing factors, take pictures Pick up the college newspaper Eat on campus Do not overvalue or undervalue your tour guides Do not judge a school by the weather on that day Take a minute to read through the student activity bulletin boards Explore the surrounding community Ask thoughtful and specific questions (See the Step-by-Step guide for examples)

Sample Questions Is there any advantage to applying early action? If I do not get accepted to the nursing/business/engineering program will I be considered for a second choice program? If I do not apply directly to a program, would I be able to transfer into this program? Do you superscore the ACT and/or SAT? Are you a test optional school? How important is demonstrated interest? Do you offer merit scholarships and are there specific deadlines for them?

Factors Considered in the Application Process Academic Data: Transcript: Final Course Grades, 3-Year GPA, Course Selection, Level of Rigor Senior year course selection Senior Grades – 1st and 2nd quarter Standardized Testing Requirements

Senior Year Course Selection Select a level of rigor based on strengths and interests – keep consistency Make good choices: -Find a balance -Speak with your counselor -Consult with your teachers -Discuss with parent(s)/guardian(s) -Talk with other students who have taken the classes Economics & Participation in Government must be a part of your schedule (NYS requirement) Note – It is not recommended to drop a class after your transcript is sent to your colleges.

TESTING Make an individual testing schedule Make a plan to prepare for tests Register for the spring SAT w/writing and/or ACT w/writing (collegeboard.com or ACTstudent.org) Register for SAT Subject Tests (when applicable) Be sure to check the individual college websites for undergraduate testing requirements Test Optional Schools- Visit individual school websites and/or Fairtest.org . Please be sure to check if there are alternative requirements in lieu of test scores.

Additional Factors Considered in the Application Process College Essay / Supplemental Essays Letters of Recommendation (Counselor & Teachers) Demonstrated Interest Interviews (if required) Extracurricular Activities (See About Me tab in Naviance) Special Talents (Art, Athletics, Music, Theater, etc.) Legacy Institutional Goals

Developing a list Reach Schools Target / Range Schools Probable Admit Schools Number of Applications (balance of the above categories)

Types of Application Deadlines Early Decision Early Action Rolling Regular Decision Priority Decision The Coalition Application The Common Application (Available online beginning August 1, 2019)

Special Considerations Students with an IEP or 504 Plan: - Be certain to apply for testing accommodations for both the SAT & ACT (They have separate approval processes) *See your Counselor Special Talents: -Potential NCAA Division I & II Athletes will need to register with the NCAA Clearing House at ncaaeligibilitycenter.com -Artists and Musicians- Begin to prepare portfolios & for auditions

Step-By-Step Guide A wealth of information containing: - Timetables and Current Test Dates - Financial Aid Information - How to Research Colleges - Information about college visits and interview tips - Glossary, helpful websites… The guide can be accessed on the Counseling Center’s web page & on Naviance under ‘Document Library’

College Planning Night II: Monday, March 25th @ 7 PM (Snow date: March 26th @ 7 PM) College Admissions Counselors will be present to answer questions and provide helpful guidance

Call to make a Junior College Meeting with your Counselor 763-7216