Sophomore Parent Night Guidance Department January 19, 2012 Guest Speaker: Lisa Yaeger Assistant Director of Admission- Emerson College Tips and tricks learned from Lisa’s 20 years dedicated to higher education and admissions at three different institutions.

Agenda What can I, as a parent, be doing right now? Naviance Family Connection What do Admissions Committees look for? Timeline Q&A

How do I support my child in the post-secondary planning process? All students have a special talent- they just might not know what it is right now Encourage success in all academic areas, GPA Know the Graduation Requirements Exceed the requirements! Take 3 or 4 years of a foreign language, take a 4 th year of Math/Science/Social Studies Reflect on classes that gets your son/daughter excited, what he/she likes to do Guidance office/Internet information NAVIANCE

Naviance

Site for Students, Parents, Counselors Academic Profile MBTI- Do What You Are Career Inventory Resume Builder Go to connection.naviance.com/swampscott Enter your unique registration code in the top right where it says, “I’m new here.”

What does an Admission Committee look for?

High School Transcript/ School Profile: Review the courses taken Grade trends GPA Standardized Tests: PSAT, SAT I, SAT II, ACT Schools have different requirements- check! Schools will take best scores in each category Not necessary to take test more than 3 times

What does an Admission Committee look for? Recommendations: Typically schools ask for Guidance Counselor and 2 teachers Students should develop positive relationships with teachers Choose teacher wisely- Math/Science and English/History Don’t send more than 3-4 recommendations total

What does an Admission Committee look for? Activities Sheet/ Resume: What makes someone tick? Would rather see deep involvement than superficial commitment Work, Childcare, Volunteer work, internships? Begin a folder, make a list Honors and Awards Extracurricular Activities Community Service Summer jobs/ Experiences Employment/ Internships Hobbies/ Interests

Research some schools! Visit local colleges Information sessions/campus tours Junior Days Lunch with a student Get on the college mailing list Naviance and Internet search on each college Accepted student profile (also on Naviance) Majors Application Requirements Housing Availability Social Environment Financial Aid and Scholarship opportunities Career Services Research Careers: Vocational Education and Reps See Guidance Department for schedule

How to determine your list of prospective colleges In your junior year, you and your son/daughter should make an appointment with the Guidance Counselor to discuss the best next steps in post-secondary planning. Use this information to research colleges on programs like: Naviance.com Collegeboard.com Princetonreview.com Peterson’s.com Attend local spring college fairs- Boston National College Fair- May 3 rd and 4 th NEACAC Fair: Merrimack College- May 14 th

Timeline for Sophomores Students should keep studying this semester! Students should be challenging themselves Students should meet with his/her counselor if you haven’t already Four year plan Parents can also set up meetings Log onto Naviance with your son/daughter, look at profile Explore the MBTI results with son/daughter

Timeline for Sophomores Go to some college campuses, get a feel for what type of environment feels “right” Explore summer opportunities- summer programs, work, courses, volunteer, internship Think about the PSATs or the PLAN for October of junior year National Merit If your son/daughter is on an IEP/504, meet with your liaison/Guidance Counselor to discuss applying for accommodations