1 Post-Secondary Planning Valley Regional High School School Counseling Department February 2, 2010 VRHS Auditorium 7:00pm

2 The School Counselors Current grade 11 counselor distribution by student last name:  Ms. Sarah McKinney: A-Filippides  Mr. Yves Noiset: Finkledey-McMahon  Ms. Lorraine Duffy: Mitchel-Z

3 The College Search  Junior U.S. History classroom presentations.  Online college search programs 1. (Choices Planner) ID: PW: warrior 2. click on “Find Your Match”  College Fair: Hartford Expo Center (April 8 th : 6:30-8:30 pm)  Post-Secondary EXPO (March 26 th at Valley)

4 College Admission Requirements Four Year College/University  High School transcript  Rigor of courses  Test scores (SAT/ACT/SAT II)  Letters of Recommendation  College Essay  Portfolio/Auditions if applying to a fine arts program

5 College Admission Requirements 2 year Community College  SAT/ACT not required.  Placement test will be given at the community college.  Less expensive option.  Associates Degree or Certificate programs.  Transfer options/agreements.

6 College Admission Requirements Technical School/Career  Trade programs/Certificate programs.  Valley Post-Secondary EXPO (March 26).  School-to-Career (Mrs. Hambor) can help students with job shadowing and career internship opportunities.

7 Testing Requirements The SAT  Comprised of 3 sections (Critical Reading, Math and Writing).  A student can score a possible score of 800 on each section.  2400 is the highest SAT score possible.  Spring of junior year and fall of senior year.

8 Testing Requirements The SAT II Subject Tests:  SAT II’s are offered in a variety of subjects.  Colleges and universities that are more competitive may want to see 2-3 subject tests.  Plan testing dates in advance.

9 Testing Requirements  All registration info and testing dates for both the SAT I and SAT II can be found on the College Board website  Registration packets also available in School Counseling Dept.

10 Testing Requirements The ACT  Alternative test to the SAT.  Has a Math, Reading, Science and optional Writing section.  Registration and testing dates can be found at:

11 The Application Process How do I get an application?  Apply online.  Request an application from a college admissions office.  Common application.  Counseling Dept. Resource Room

12 The Application Process What is the Common Application?  The Common Application allows students to apply to multiple colleges and universities using a single application form.

13 The Application Process Different ways to apply:  Early Decision  Early Action  Regular Admissions  Rolling Admissions

14 The Application Process When it comes to sending the application, who sends what? Students send:  Application fee  Application  College essay  Portfolio/Auditions (if necessary for program) **Will also need to turn in Transcript Request Form to Counseling Dept**

15 The Application Process Counseling Department sends:  High School Transcript  School Report Form  Counselor Letter of Recommendation  School Profile Students MUST fill out the Transcript Request Form to have these materials sent.

16 The Application Process Teachers send:  Teacher Letter of Recommendation. Student should provide teachers with stamped and addressed envelopes. Ask Teachers EARLY!!!

17 Athletics NCAA Eligibility Center Click on Fall 2010 or after Need to register if interested in Division I & II athletic programs. Do not need to register for Division III.

18 Visiting Colleges  School vacation weeks  During the summer  Talk to college admissions office to schedule a tour, interview, overnight, etc.

19 Summer Mailing  Summer Mailings are sent before senior year to each student. Packets contain important information on the college application process.

20 Financial Aid  Financial Aid Night at Valley. For Parents of Seniors Held each December  FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)  Scholarships

21 Financial Aid Helpful Financial Aid websites : (CT Student Loan Foundation)

22 Additional Resources (Common Application) (ROTC programs) (college search) (college search) (college search/financial aid) (test prep) (career search) (career search and info) (year between h.s./college programs) (CT Community Colleges)

23 School Counseling Website Click on “Valley Regional H.S.” Click on “Student Resources” Click on “Counseling” link.

24 Q&A Remember: organization and following timelines are key—keep deadlines in mind! We’re here to help as you embark on the post secondary planning process! Thank you for attending!