Leicester High School College Information Session

Guidance Counselors Kathleen S. Warnken A-K Thomas W. Bowes L-Z

Seminar Topics How do I get started with the college search? How do I decide which colleges to apply to? What does the application process look like? How can I put my best foot forward on my admissions applications? What do I need to know about financial aid? What free resources are available to help?

SAT: is a three hour and forty-five minute test that measures critical reading, writing, and mathematical reasoning skills students have developed SAT SUBJECT TESTS: (formerly SAT II’s): are one hour tests designed to measure students’ knowledge and skills in particular subject areas. They are required only by a select group of colleges. ACT: assesses high school students’ general educational development in four skill areas. English, mathematics, reading, and science. The Writing test is optional ( but recommended) The Act is accepted in the place of SAT and sometimes SAT Subject Tests.

The SAT Critical Reading Math Writing (Essay sub score 2-12) Dates available: May, June, October, November – It is extremely important that you submit a request to the College Board to have your SAT scores sent directly to the colleges of your choice.

SAT REGISTRATION May 2 Test- April 6 th Deadline June 6 th Test- May 8 th Deadline Fee Waiver Eligibility Guidelines # in familyAnnual Income 1$21,590 2$29,101 3$36,612 4$44,123 5$51,634

Trends in College Admissions What are current trends? Students are applying to a greater number of schools. Admission to public institutions has become more competitive. Increasingly become a parent driven process. The rise of social media.

BEST COLLEGES Selectivity: The proportion of applicants who are offered admission. Brand Name vs. Fit Remember: The Goal is not to get ACCEPTED to college but to GRADUATE from college.

Developing your College List Get to Know Yourself What are your post-secondary goals? How do you want college to help you meet your goals? What are you most looking forward to about college? What do you like doing? What are you good at doing?

Developing your College List Location/Distance from home. Size-(600 undergrads- 30,00 undergrads) Setting- Rural/Suburban/Urban Admissions requirements Your learning style Activities/sports/clubs/ weekend adventures Financial considerations- cost/financial aid “FIT”-values, goals, social climate

The College Visit Informal vs. formal campus visit Be sure admissions office knows you’re there! Weekday is best Look beyond the publications Be observant Ask questions of everyone You can learn something from EVERY visit, even if it’s not the place for you. BEGIN THIS PROCESS ASAP!

Timeline Plan to visit 5-10 colleges during junior year Visits while school is in session is always preferred Make the most final visits this summer. Return for fall of your senior year having seen all or most of your planned list of colleges.

Factors in Admissions Decisions Academic Readiness Strength of high school curriculum Grades in college preparatory classes Overall GPA and trends over four years Class rank Standardized test scores Test Optional Schools (

Factors in Admissions Decisions Public vs. Private Institutions Private institutions tend to assign high value to qualitative factors such as essay, recommendations, strength of curriculum and demonstrated interest. (Usually a holistic review) Public institutions are more likely to place a greater emphasis on quantitative factors such as GPA, test scores, and class rank. (Often more mechanical review process)

Factors in Admission Decisions More Selective vs. Less Selective Institutions The more selective the institution the more value they place on ALL of the pieces of an application -A bunch of apples in a barrel…must choose among MANY academically gifted and talented students.

APPLICATION TIMELINE Regular and Rolling Admission Early Action and Early Decision

Junior Year – To DO Students – -Push yourself academically – junior grades are very important -Prepare for standardized tests -Get involved -Explore your college interests -Meet with your counselor

It is About Finding The Right Match Top factors in the college admission decision -Grades in college prep courses -Standardized admissions tests -Course selection/rigor -Essay -Recommendations -Other ….

FACTORS IN THE COLLEGE ADMISSION DECISION Some large universities and some public institutions rely almost exclusively on GPA and standardized test scores Often, the more selective the school, the more factors they consider “Tipping factors” could include college essay, demonstration of interest level, senior schedule, senior grades, timing of application, interview, and more ……

Making “The List” Ultimate Goal: Develop final list with college from each category. 6-9 Applications is typical. % of list Probable: Chances for admission are very strong: Make sure at least one is affordab affordable Target: Chances for admission are likely; you look like a typical student Reach: Chances of admission are less than 50% difficult to predict. 25% 50% 25%

Predicting your chances of admission Average G.P.A., testing, course selection for the applicant pool Consult your college counselor Use the College Board Website

My College QuickStart Tm My College QuickStart™ Free personalized feedback, practice, and college planning based on your PSAT/NMSQT results. If You're Logging into My College QuickStart for the First Time: Enter Your Online Access Code Your Online Access Code is printed on your PSAT/NMSQT paper score report. If you do not have your access code, skip to Step #2 below.Online Access Code Sign into Your College Board Account See your scores and your projected SAT score Review questions you got wrong - and why Practice for the SAT with hundreds of practice questions Save your college searches Take a personality test to find majors and careers fit for you Get feedback on your readiness for 20+ AP® courses Note About Test-Prep Product Solicitations

Deadlines It is each students’ responsibility to keep track of their own deadlines for the college admission process. It is each students’ responsibility to request letters of recommendation and transcripts. You’ll find the “request for transcript form” in the guidance office. Your guidance counselors are here to support you through this fun, exciting, and stressful process.