Road to College “Enjoy the ride. Don't let the stress get you down.” Jonathan E. Lee, Class 2011.

What Is The Parents’ Role In This Application Process? Allow your child to take ownership of the application process. Listen. Be supportive. This process is stressful at times.

Is There More Than One College For My Child? YES! “There are tons of great schools out there. Do not limit yourself to only the Ivies or to any school just by its reputation. Do your homework.” Jonathan E Lee, Class of Over 3,000 Four-Year Colleges and Universities in the U.S.

What Are Colleges Looking At In A College Application? Transcript - Most important part of an application. Testing. Extracurricular activities. Recommendations. Essay(s). – “When you write those essays, be sincere and truthful. Let your voice be heard. Write what is in your heart, not what you think someone would like to read. You'll be better off in the long run.” Jonathan E. Lee, Class 2011.

Does 9 th Grade Count? Absolutely! Many admissions offices review applications holistically. Everyone transitions to high school differently. Colleges want to see an upward trend.

Is It Better To Get an “A” in a Regular Class or a “B” in an Honors Class? Colleges want to see students challenging themselves in the classroom. “Understand your limitations!” Anna Bella Korbatov, Class 2011.

College Admissions Tests: Could Anything Be More Confusing? PSAT, ACT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests. “If you are taking SAT Subject Tests, take them right after you complete the course.” Rachel Levi, Class “Make sure to take the PSAT sophomore and junior year (it's good practice) and begin seriously preparing for the SAT/ACT your junior year.” Anna Bella Korbatov, Class English, Math, Reading, Science, Writing Critical Reading, Math, Writing Curriculum Based Critical Thinking Skills ACTSAT Areas Tested Basis for Exam

What Are Extracurricular Activities? What your students are doing besides going to classes, studying, sleeping, and eating.

What Are Extracurricular Activities?  Performing Arts.  Sports.  Student Government.  School Newspaper.  Yearbook.  Literary Magazine.  Community Service.  Summer Programs.  Internships.  Paid Jobs.

How Important Are Extracurricular Activities? “Remember, it's quality, not quantity. Don't feel the need to have 10 extracurricular activities if you can't follow through with all of them.” Anna Bella Korbatov, Class Extracurricular activities are only one part of the application. Activities Fair for Undergraduates

What Should My Child Do During The Summer? Find a job or internship. Volunteer. Take classes. Study for the SAT or ACT. Think about the college process. – “Start early!” Rachel Levi, Class of 2011.

Summer School JUNE 27 – JULY 31, st session June 27 th – July 13 th 2 nd session July 16 st – July 31 st Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. –1:20 p.m. BHEF Summer School – get ahead and enrichment classes. Register online BHHS summer school – credit recovery classes To retake a class, students should see their counselors

California System of Higher Education Community Colleges California State University (CSU) – Top 30%. – SAT Reasoning Test or ACT. University of California (UC) – Top 9%. – At least 11 of the A-G requirements must be completed at the end of junior year. – SAT Reasoning Test or ACT. Private Colleges & Universities – Transcript. – SAT Reasoning Test or ACT. – Some require SAT Subject Tests.

A-G College Admission Subject Requirement (UC/CSU System) Minimum eligibility for first time freshmen The intent of the “A-G” Subject requirement is to ensure that students can successfully participate in the first-year program at the university in a wide variety of fields of study.

A-G UC & CSU Requirements A. History - 2 yrs. required B.English - 4 yrs. required C.Math - 3 yrs. required (4 recommended) D.Lab Science – 2 yrs. required (3 recommended) E.Foreign Language – 2 yrs. required (3 recommended) F.Visual Performing Arts - 1 year required G.Academic Electives - 1 year required

How Does One Create a College Application List? Students should evaluate who they are and what they are looking for in a college. Consider Size, Location, Single Sex or Coed, Academic Interest/Major, Greek Life, Flexible Curriculum. Students should research colleges that meet their criteria and familiarize themselves with Naviance. Meet with their guidance counselor and/or college counselor to discuss their options.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Colleges? “If you can visit colleges you're interested in, take advantage of the opportunity. You can learn so much from just walking around campus or sitting in the dining hall.” Rachel Levi, Class Visit schools when you can. – Ideally, visit campuses when colleges are in session.

What Are The Best Resources for The College Process? BHHS College Counselor Your Child’s Guidance Counselor. Evening programs, enrichment periods, and on-campus college visits, College Connections Fair at the HS, National College Fair Naviance. – Search engine for finding colleges. – See profiles of students from BHHS that were accepted at these institutions. Counselors’ Corner on the BHHS website Norman Bulletin. – “Read the Bulletin during high school and especially during senior year to stay on top of details regarding the college application process!” Michelle Redston, Parent of a Graduate Class of 2009, Current Senior, and a Future Graduate class of 2014.

Additional Resources College Admission: From Application to Acceptance, Step by Step by Robin Mamlet and Christine VanDeVelde College Admission: From Application to Acceptance, Step by Step With advice and insight from more than 50 Deans of Admission

Additional Resources Colleges that Change Lives Looking Beyond the Ivy League 40 Schools That will Change the Way You Think About Colleges All three books by Loren Pope. Wonderful guides to many of the smaller U.S. colleges

Additional Resources The Fiske Guide to Colleges by Edward B. Fiske. Every college counselor’s favorite college guide. It gives you detailed, anecdotal information about how to choose the right college. Reading this book will give you the “feel” of the campuses and their programs, not just statistics!

Additional Resources The Fiske Guide to Getting into the Right College by Edward B. Fiske and Bruce Hammond. Detailed information about how to choose the right college and successful strategies for applying and interviewing. The Insider's Guide to the Colleges, 2012 (Students on Campus Tell You What You Really Want to Know)