Welcome to Senior Year!!

PHA College Counseling Philosophy Prospect Hill Academy’s College Counseling Department seeks to place students at colleges and universities that are the best “fit” for the whole student. Students should matriculate where they will thrive both academically and socially, but also have the most opportunities in life with the least amount of financial burden.

More important is finding a college that is right for the student, and that the goals and personality of the student are well matched with the college. Students who think first about who they are and what they want are more likely to choose a college that fits them. 3

Asking the Right Questions Small or large? Diversity? Urban, suburban, rural? Athletics and activities? Retention and graduation rate? Two year or four year? School with specific major or school with lots of variety? Cost? Weather? FCCT Page 50, Resource 4.1, page 87. These questions are included to help parents/ guardians understand a few of the variables among colleges.

Admissions Rep Visits to PHA

Role of the College Counselor at PHA Teach College Prep Course. Get to know students and families. Act as the student’s advocate in the college process. Be available to meet with students and parents/guardians. Help plan and create a list of colleges for students. Advise families about chances of admission. Write counselor’s recommendations for students. Help students with applications, essays, and preparing for interviews. Communicate key information on the college process to parents, including financial aid.

Senior College Prep—Weekly Class time Semester 1 Every student has a CP 12 Google Folder that contains the essay, application organizer, timeline, and supplements Writing (and re-writing) the college essay Finalizing the list Researching/visiting colleges Writing supplements Completing financial aid documents Individual meetings with counselors Semester 2 Application wrap up, including state college applications Receiving and reviewing financial aid award letters with counselors Transitions curriculum: Financial Academic Social Individual meetings with counselors

Applying to College Keep college information in an organized location, every senior has a Google Docs folder for CP 12. Keep notes about likes and dislikes, contacts, and visits (see the PHA College Counseling Handbook!) Follow up on with an admissions rep with a professional email.  Two ways to gain exposure to specific colleges: Admissions representatives visit PHA (list on following slide.) Visit college campuses. Use the CP 12 College Organizer for all college applications! Discuss application pathways: Regular, Early Decision, Early Action, Rolling FCCT page 52; Resource, 4.3, page 89 8

Admissions Paths--Early Early Decision Binding commitment to attend the school, if student is accepted Student, parent, and counselor signs an agreement Deadlines: 11/1 or 11/15 Students must notify counseling office by: 10/13 for 11/1 deadline 10/27 for the 11/15 deadline Early Action Non-binding Demonstrates early interest to colleges; come non-need based scholarships are only available by applying Early Action Deadlines: 11/1 or 11/15 Students must notify counseling office by: 10/13 for 11/1 deadline 10/27 for the 11/15 deadline

Please visit our website. http://www. phacs College Counseling Handbook Important timelines Announcements about upcoming events Scholarship database

Announcements and Q&A SAT reminder—Saturday, October 7th FAFSA fill-in night—November 7th (more from Ms. Peckler & uAspire)