Welcome! While you wait… 1. Please sign in/update current address 2. Can you pass the test? College Quiz in packet The Junior Journey (for parents) December 11, 2008 Department of Student Services

Top 10 Signs the College Rat Race is Out of Control 10. Son ignores the State Department travel warning to seek eye-catching community-service experience among the Kurdish separatists near the Iraq-Turkey border. 10. Son ignores the State Department travel warning to seek eye-catching community-service experience among the Kurdish separatists near the Iraq-Turkey border. 9. Daughter complains that a classmate who uses wheelchair has better college essay topic. 9. Daughter complains that a classmate who uses wheelchair has better college essay topic. 8. Son is distressed to learn that the SAT does not offer extra-credit problems. 8. Son is distressed to learn that the SAT does not offer extra-credit problems. 7. Mom has a sudden falling out with best friend after friend's daughter is accepted early at Yale. 7. Mom has a sudden falling out with best friend after friend's daughter is accepted early at Yale. 6. Dad proclaims that the family will only be allowed to communicate using SAT vocabulary words. 6. Dad proclaims that the family will only be allowed to communicate using SAT vocabulary words.

Top 10 Signs the College Rat Race is Out of Control 5. Private investigator verifies that student's great-great-grandfather was half Cherokee. 5. Private investigator verifies that student's great-great-grandfather was half Cherokee. 4. Thanksgiving dinner conversation is devoted to critiquing essay drafts. 4. Thanksgiving dinner conversation is devoted to critiquing essay drafts. 3.Daughter memorizes Tiers I and II of the U.S. News & World Report National University rankings. 3.Daughter memorizes Tiers I and II of the U.S. News & World Report National University rankings. 2. Mom searches the Web for car window decals with a space that says "also accepted at..." 2. Mom searches the Web for car window decals with a space that says "also accepted at..." 1. Message on phone answering machine notes that daughter is National Merit Semifinalist. 1. Message on phone answering machine notes that daughter is National Merit Semifinalist.

TJ Myths “ Everyone gets in to an Ivy.” “ Everyone gets in to an Ivy.” In 2008, only 19% of all TJ seniors got IN to an Ivy (80/429) -13% chose to matriculate into an Ivy (54/429) -29% of students who applied got in to an Ivy League school (80/272) -48% (204) went to a Virginia public school (101 UVA; 53 W&M; 37 VT) “ Everyone gets a “2400” on the SAT.” “ Everyone gets a “2400” on the SAT.” - Average score for the Class of 2008 = 2183 “Everyone applies to 15 schools” “Everyone applies to 15 schools” -70% of all seniors in 2008 applied to 8 schools or fewer -We recommend 5-7 applications (reach, range, safety)

Timeline – Junior Year Now Begin thinking – plan, read, plan, read some more... January – April Junior Meetings (parent optional) – me for appt. Campus Visits!!!!!! April – June SAT and AP Exams Letters of Recommendation College Packets Summer Plans Do something… Next Fall

What needs to be done? Begin Thinking Begin Thinking What do I want out of college? What do I want out of college? What am I interested in studying? What am I interested in studying? Begin Researching Begin Researching College & Career Center College & Career Center College Fairs College Fairs Visiting Schools (see additional handout) Visiting Schools (see additional handout) Testing Testing (SATs, ACTs, APs) (SATs, ACTs, APs) Develop a working list of schools College Packets Form positive relationships with teachers View various applications Schedule a Junior Counselor meeting (Jan- Apr) Sign up for Family Connections

Begin Thinking... Begin with a list of schools Begin with a list of schools Factors to consider: Factors to consider: Programs of Study Programs of Study Competitiveness Competitiveness Student Life/Culture Student Life/Culture Location Location Size Size Public/Private Public/Private Finances – have this conversation!!! Finances – have this conversation!!!

Begin Researching... College and Career Center - College and Career Center College Search Web Sites (See handout) College Search Web Sites (See handout) College representatives in CCC College representatives in CCC College visits!!!! College visits!!!! Internet Internet Books Books Ruggs Guide Ruggs Guide Fiske Guide to Colleges Fiske Guide to Colleges Rock Hard Apps Rock Hard Apps Family Connections (link on Blackboard) Family Connections (link on Blackboard) Family Connections Family Connections

Family Connections Acceptance History

Comparing yourself to colleges on your list

Family Connections Scattergram for MIT 2008

Family Connections Scattergram for UVA 2008

Family Connections Overlaps

The TJHSST CCC Website

Terms to know Early Decision Early Decision This year, 55/454 students applied Early Decision This year, 55/454 students applied Early Decision Early Action Early Action Early Action/Single Choice Early Action/Single Choice Rolling Admissions Rolling Admissions

Numbers Game Grade Point Average (GPA) Grade Point Average (GPA) Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SATs) Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SATs) SATs – Reasoning Test SATs – Reasoning Test SAT IIs – Subject Tests SAT IIs – Subject Tests At least 2; 1 in Math II; some schools want 3 At least 2; 1 in Math II; some schools want ACT Test – reading, writing, math, science ACT Test – reading, writing, math, science Advanced Placement (AP) Classes Advanced Placement (AP) Classes

Schools Are Looking For... Academically challenging curriculum Academically challenging curriculum Excellent grades Excellent grades Upward trend Upward trend Intellectual curiosity Intellectual curiosity Creativity Creativity Commitment Commitment Personal maturity and integrity Ability and willingness to contribute POTENTIAL Leadership

College Ratings of the Importance of Various Factors in the Admission Decision: Fall 2007 ConsiderableModerateLimitedNone Grades in college prep 79.9%14.4%2.9%2.7% Strength of curriculum Admission test scores Grades in all courses Essay or writing sample Demonstrated interest Counselor recommendation Teacher recommendation Interview Subject test scores (AP, IB) Extracurricular activities SAT II scores State graduation exam scores Work Source: NACAC Admission Trends Survey, 2008

Summer/Senior Year Narrow “the list” to 5-7 schools Narrow “the list” to 5-7 schools Download applications Download applications Request transcripts Request transcripts Apply online (familiarize yourself with the Common Application) Apply online (familiarize yourself with the Common Application) Essays Essays Secure teacher recommendations Secure teacher recommendations Senior Check-in with Counselor Senior Check-in with Counselor Fill out FAFSA online in January, and PROFILE if your college requires it Fill out FAFSA online in January, and PROFILE if your college requires it

Making the college match is a process... It takes time It takes time It may not be smooth It may not be smooth Your vision may not match theirs, or vice versa Your vision may not match theirs, or vice versa Your student WILL be okay in the end Your student WILL be okay in the end Your input is very important – BUT the final decision needs to be theirs – their dreams, goals, future, loans! Your input is very important – BUT the final decision needs to be theirs – their dreams, goals, future, loans! I am here to help!!! I am here to help!!! Parent Conferences by appointment Students get open door policy Parent Conferences by appointment Students get open door policy

Perspective Selection process vs. admission process The “X” Factor Beyond the walls of TJ National applicant pool The journey is far more important than the destination. Questions?

Thank You! Please contact your child’s counselor with questions or concerns!