SUNY Albany, SUNY Brockport, University at Buffalo, SUNY Canton, Cazenovia College, Cayuga CC, Clarkson University, SUNY Cobleskill, Corning CC, SUNY Cortland, SUNY Delhi, Elmira College, Fingerlakes CC, SUNY Fredonia, Genesee CC, SUNY Geneseo, Hilbert College, Ithaca College, University of Kentucky, LeMoyne College, Mansfield University, Messiah College, Mohawk Valley CC, SUNY Morrisville, Nazareth College, Niagara University, Onondaga CC, SUNY Oswego, Penn State, Potomac State College – West Virginia University, SUNY Potsdam, SUNY Purchase, Russell Sage College, Sage College, St. Bonaventure, St. John’s University, St. John Fisher College, St. Michael’s College, TC3, University of Montana & Wells College.

15 months to graduation… now what?

The Big Picture The Big Picture After High School Options: WorkMilitaryVolunteeringCollege Live at home forever

Work  People spend most of their waking hours WORKING!  Whatever road you choose…you should find some gratification  Take an interest test  Now is the time to explore options that meet your interests and abilities.

Military  US Air Force  US Army  US Marine Corps  US NAVY  US Coast Guard  Reserves  ROTC Options? *Recruiters will come to the school and/or your home to discuss the options of the military

Volunteerism  Peace Corps  Americorps  City Year  Options!

Business, Trade, Technical  Many careers do not require college  Learning a trade, earning a certificate –Mechanics –Graphic Design –Cosmetology –Landscaping

College  Type of institution –Two year –Four year –Technical –Certification Programs  Geographic location: –Region –State –Distance from home

 Majors offered/curriculum –Liberal Arts –Technical Training –Business  Setting –Urban –Rural –Suburban What are you looking for in a college?What are you looking for in a college?

 Size of institution  Selectivity  Diversity

 Costs to consider –Tuition –Room and board –Fees –Book fees –Travel What are you looking for in a college?What are you looking for in a college?

 Extracurricular activities –Sports –Entertainment –Religious –Clubs –Organizations –Community Service –Travel Opportunities/Abroad Programs What are you looking for in a college?What are you looking for in a college?

What are you looking for in a college?  Housing –Coed –Rules –Roommates –Special interest dorms –Size of room –Food –Off Campus Options –On campus Requirements

What are you looking for in a college?  Facilities  Building  Libraries  Student union  Classrooms  Lecture halls  Labs  Recreational & Athletic offerings  Shopping  Laundry  Handicapped access

Who are you?  What have you found most interesting from: –Academics –Community service –Activities  Put it all together

Self Knowledge  What are your –Goals –Abilities –Expectations –Interests

Use Lots of Resources  Books  Computers  Counselor  Former Students

Visit Colleges  Call for tours  Visit the campuses  Visit again later in the year  Prepare a list of questions (students can be excused from school when they visit a college with a parent/guardian)

How Many Applications?  One or two “reach” schools  Two or three “realistic” schools  One safety school

Transcript Package: Putting it all together  A transcript of high school courses  Two academic teacher recommendations  School recommendation  Personal resume  Standardized test results  First quarter progress reports  Essay

What Do Schools Look For?  Open Enrollment -Did the student meet Graduation Requirements  Least competitive –High school record 90% –Testing 5% –Other 5%  Traditional level colleges –High school record 50% –Testing 25% –Other 25%  Most competitive –High school record 20% –Testing 20% –Other 60%

Keep Your Grades Up !  Junior year is a very important year. Many colleges will be making preliminary decisions based in this information.  Your senior year is important too! Strength of schedule can be a deciding factor on admissions. I don’t believe in SENIORITIS!  Schools will ask for your final transcript  Don’t relax, you’ve only just begun! You need to make a plan and follow through with it.

Mr. P’s suggestions from NOW until Summer Vacation

Mr. P Suggestion #1 Resume! Get started on a resume ( a written list of activities, interests, work experiences, awards and goals).

Recommendations Research how many are needed and who should be asked to support your goals. Give your teachers plenty of notice. Supply the teacher with a resume. Mr. P Suggestion #2

SAT Reasoning, Subject Tests & ACT’s  Tests commonly taken in spring of junior year and fall of senior year  Students sign up online or via registration packet available in Guidance Office  Sat Subject Tests are required by some private schools…do your research.  ACT plus writing can replace the SAT Reasoning at some schools…again, do your research. Mr. P Suggestion #3

Information Gathering  Sending for Course Catalogues  Using Computer Software and Internet  Using Print Resources at School, Home and Library  College Fairs  College Visits Mr. P Suggestion #4

College Admissions Essay Student should think about what they want to write about.  Write in student’s own voice  Not try to sound impressive  Be genuine  Take time to concentrate on content, insights  Write several drafts  Take a close look at organization, structure and transitions  Not digress from topic  Essay should give honest insight into who student really is and how student views the world Mr. P Suggestion #5

One Final Thought…  This is certainly going to be a stressful time for both students and parents. Effective communication is necessary so that you can continue to work together to reach your goals. I recommend setting ½ hour a week to discuss post-high school plans. Have discussions over dinner and review your progress on reaching your goals!