Welcome to Cinnaminson High School Junior Parent Night

Post–Secondary Options? Community Colleges (Associates Degree) Two Year Private Colleges (Associates Degree) Public Colleges/Universities Private Colleges/Universities Liberal Arts Schools Ivy League Schools Specialized Institutions (art, music, culinary arts, etc.) Technical Schools

Searching for the Right College Speak to college reps during lunches in the café in the fall Conferences with high school counselor & come prepared to Senior Meeting SuperMatch college search in Naviance will be done in April connection.naviance.com/cinnaminsonhs Use this tool to search majors, careers, and colleges College search tool on website

Searching for the Right College College Fairs & Campus tours Speak with Admissions Counselors Visit Financial Aid Office Visit the Student Center Speak with faculty and students Read the student campus newspaper Sit in on a class of interest Visit the “other” side of campus (beyond the tour) Refer to College Visit Checklist

Searching for the Right College * * Naviance Highlights Colleges (Tab) Upcoming College Visits to CHS link College Research Section SuperMatch College Search College Lookup College Compare Scattagrams Career (Tab) “Do What You Are” Career Interest Profiler About Me (Tab) Tasks (*) Resume Profile (GPA & Rank)

Teacher Recommendation Form 1.My major/minor area(s) of study in college will be: _______________________ 2.Eventually I hope to be: _____________________________________________ 3.I am intending to apply to the following colleges: _________________________ 4.Three qualities I think others like best about me: _________________________ 5.Three qualities I like best about myself and why: _________________________ 6.The most meaningful extra curricular experience I have had is: ______________ 7.The accomplishments that I am most proud of are: _______________________ 8. Please rate yourself in the following areas: (1=below average, 2=average, 3=above average, 4=well above average, 5=excellent): creative/original thought motivation self-confidence independence/initiative intellectual ability academic achievement written expression of ideas effective class discussion disciplined work habits potential for growth perseverance

Counselor Recommendation Form - Parent Portion 1. In the space below, please describe your senior in terms of special qualities or characteristics, personal growth you have noted, obstacles or challenges he/she may have overcome. Do not hesitate to comment on any points you believe should be emphasized in order to fully explain and appreciate this individual. In other words, brag about your child. 2. Please write illustrative anecdotes that demonstrate one or more of the following personal attributes as they relate to your son/daughter. Please feel free to include other attributes. Attribute List: motivation, leadership, concern for others, perseverance, strengths, potential for growth, independence, originality, sense of humor, weakness, self-discipline, initiative, self-confidence, reaction to setbacks, written expression. 3. Please provide specific information about activities, awards, and/or achievements particularly those that have taken place in the summer or outside of Cinnaminson High School.

Counselor Recommendation Form - Student Portion 1. What do you plan on majoring in college? 2. Describe a situation or tell of a person who influenced your decision in choosing your major. 3. What are the first three words that come to mind that describe you? 4. What are your personal strengths? (Give examples that describe these strengths.) 5. What are your personal weaknesses? (Give examples that describe these weaknesses.) 6. What points or qualities about yourself would you like me to highlight in your recommendation? 7. What do you think differentiates you from your peers and why? 8. Have you ever had to overcome any difficult obstacle personally or academically? If yes, please describe your circumstances. 9. What are your hobbies/interests? 10. What are you looking forward to the most when you arrive at college?

Things to Consider Size of school Location Distance from home Activities/Athletics Public/Private Housing options Entrance requirements Entrance difficulty Reputation of School Majors available Financial Aid available Cost Campus personality Placement office on campus Resources available

Understanding Admission Factors Strength of Curriculum68% Admission Test Scores ACT/SAT59% Essay or Writing Sample25% Counselor Recommendation Letter19% Class Rank19% Teacher Recommendation Letter17% Subject Test Scores (AP) 7% Portfolio and/or Interview 6% SAT Subject Test 5% Extra Curricular Activities 5% Work/Volunteer or Community Service 2%

Applying to College: Senior Packets will be distributed to all juniors by the end of the school year in June Begin thinking of two teachers who will write recommendation letters College essays should be error–free for submission (edit carefully) Choose five colleges including “Safety”, “Realistic” & “Reach” Senior Meetings will be scheduled for every student to discuss post- secondary plans beginning in October – parents are encouraged to attend Refer to the Senior Parent Tip Sheet for ideas on how to support your child through the college admission process

Applying to College Develop and/or update Resume in Naviance Plan to take SAT or ACT this spring and next fall Attend Naviance training and take it seriously Parent Naviance Night will be in September Scholarship & financial aid requirements Visit estimate of your federal financial aid eligibility Set firm dates for completion of recommendations DO NOT MISS ANY DEADLINES

College responses: Early Decision  Requires early application, commitment & contract Early Action  Requires early application & no commitment Single Choice Early Action or Restrictive Early Action  Requires early application & colleges will restrict your ability to apply Early Action/Decision to other colleges Rolling Admission  Will be reviewed as received Regular Decision  Check each college for deadline

Common Application The Common Application is a not–for–profit membership organization that, since its founding over 35 years ago, has been committed to providing reliable services that promote equity, access, and integrity Serves students, member institutions, and secondary schools Membership open to colleges and universities that promote access by evaluating students using a holistic selection process 40 YEARS OF SERVICE There are currently Applications to over 500 members institutions. Over 500 Member Institutions including Universities and colleges from 47 states plus Washington, DC 25 international members from 11 countries outside of the US

CAP Program Program offered by Burlington County College Students enrolled in CAP designated courses may earn BCC credits for a fee Must enroll by deadline BCC will issue transcript upon request CAP payments are nonrefundable CAP credits may or may not be accepted Students’ responsibility to contact college regarding their policies

SAT vs. ACT Ten–Section Test Timing  (7) 25 minute sections  (2) 20 minute sections  (1) 10 minute section Reasoning Test Math – up to Algebra 2 & 9 th grade Geometry Reading – sentence completion, critical reading, comprehension Four–Section Test Timing  (3) 35 minute sections  (1) 60 minute section Achievement Test Math – up to Trigonometry Reading – passages from Prose Fiction, Social Science, Humanities & Natural Science English – grammar Science – charts & experiments

NJ STARS Scholarship program New Jersey residents that covers the cost of tuition at New Jersey's 19 community colleges. Top 15 percent of their high school class from junior year Five (5) semesters of eligibility for NJ STARS.

NJ STARS II Scholarship towards a Bachelor's Degree New Jersey community college NJ STARS students who earn their associate's degrees with a 3.25 grade point average or better are eligible Up to a $2,500 per year NJ STARS II scholarship Any New Jersey public or independent NJ TAG- participating four-year college or university.

Financial Aid Sources of Aid Federal State of New Jersey College/University Outside Organizations  Civil organizations (Rotary)  Parents’ Employer  High school awards Types of Financial Aid Grants (Need based) Scholarships Employment Opportunities  Work–Study

Parent’s Guide to College Awareness and Planning: SAT Registration: PSAT results – College Search & Planning Resource: ACT Registration: Naviance – College & Career Readiness Solutions: connection.naviance.com/cinnaminsonhs Financial Aid: Estimate of your Federal Financial Aid Eligibility: Websites

College Planning Summary  Communicate with counselor  Understand admission factors  Explore your options early  Keep information organized  Develop a financial plan  Deadlines are critical  Visit, visit, visit!

Thank you for coming! Please fill out the survey.

Questions & Comments Donna Lobascio Alexis Mancinelli Crystal Widmann