JOHN HANRAHAN - DEAN OF GUIDANCE & COLLEGE ADVISING (L-Z) RICK HUTCHINSON - COLLEGE ADVISOR (A-K) DINA DeROSA AND LYNNE CHESBRO - COUNSELORS KIM BERNIER – GUIDANCE ASSISTANT Fairfield College Preparatory School Junior College Planning Night January 10, 2013

Guidance Groups and Individual Meetings Fall of Junior Year: Overview of the Junior Year Standardized Testing– overview and strategy Identifying Appropriate Colleges through Naviance  College search  My Game Plan  My resume

Guidance Groups and Individual Meetings Spring of Junior Year: Standardized Testing review Key Factors in College Admission Assembling a Resume Campus Visits Junior Interview – schedule with advisor Senior Course Selection Summer Strategies Admission Glossary

Guidance Groups and Individual Meetings Topics for Fall Senior Year: Check in meeting with College Advisor Finalizing Application Strategy Coordination of Application process: application forms, essay (s), recommendations, sending testing to colleges

NAVIANCE Research and develop prospective college lists: Students: Username/ students’ Prep address Password: student created Parents: Accounts established for all parents

College Planning Resources Naviance and the College Advising Page in the Guidance Section on the Prep website provides information on: Interviewing Factors in College Admission Glossary of College Admission terms Resume models SAT/ACT testing dates & deadlines

Evaluating a Transcript Course of Study 5 core subjects: English, Math, Science, Social Science, Foreign Language Grade Trends → Most challenging course load that the student can manage successfully. → Limited # of “lighter” electives. → Junior year, 1 st quarter senior year and 1 st semester senior year are key.

Standardized Testing “ students register themselves for all SAT/ACT exams” SAT (SAT I) At least once in spring Junior Year (Jan., March, May, June) with late fee, March, May, June. At least once in fall of Senior Year (Oct., Nov., Dec.) SAT Subject Tests (SAT II) Some colleges may require (see websites) Can highlight an academic strength ACT Spring Junior year dates: Feb., April, June Fall Senior year dates: Sept., Oct., Dec.

“Tip” Factors Teacher/Counselor Recommendations: Highlight individual academic strengths and personal qualities Essay(s): Reveals self “Show, Don’t Tell” Significant activity(ies): Will show depth and commitment to personal interests and growth.

“Tip” Factors (Continued) Athletic recruitment Special talents or attributes – how to highlight? Interview (admission counselor, current student or alumni) Supplemental letters (use sparingly) Demonstrate Interest Essays from Common App. supplements

Application options and strategies Regular Decision Early Action Early Decision Rolling Decision (w/ priority dates)

Finding a College “Fit”

Prospective College List: Personal Preferences Size (# undergraduates) Geographic Location Campus setting (urban, suburban, rural) Academic focus Areas of study Facilities: Library, Research Labs, etc. Social Atmosphere Campus Life, Sports, Arts Religious affiliation Support services Cost Financial Aid Housing – 4 year guaranteed? Diversity (Ethnic,Geographic) Admission Criteria Graduation +Retention Rates Outcomes: employment and graduate schools Greek system

Prospective College List: Other Resources Friends and Relatives Guide books Rankings College Advisor Alumni Honors and accreditations Name Prestige **Consider many different types of institutions. Do not always go with the pack. Break new ground in the search process. **

Search List Up to 15 – 20 Research (beware increasing selectivity) Place in 5 Categories (as designated in Naviance): Far Reach, Reach, Possible, Likely and Safety Use Naviance Scattergrams as a guide – not as an absolute.

Final Application List Up to 10 (+/-) Fairfield Prep Average Application: 8 Prioritize the list Only a “safety” school if you would attend. Contact (i.e. demonstrated interest) is more important with small/medium sized schools.

The Campus Visit

Campus Visit Options Campus Tour Information session Open House/Special Event Sit in on a class Interview Athletic visit Overnight Shadow student

Why is the Campus Visit Important? Demonstrates YOUR interest Experiencing the campus to help decide if you want to apply. Find the institutions that are the right “Fit”.

Preparing for the Campus Visit Visit website to explore visit options. Do your homework before the visit Make reservations/appointments for campus tours, interviews, open houses and meetings with faculty or coaches. Stick to the Office of Admission schedule Avoid the Drive-Thru visit – if possible Always sign in… smaller colleges tend to track this information (i.e. Demonstrated Interest)

What to look for while on campus General University/College Information Campus Life Residence halls, cafeteria, parking, student center, chapel Student Life/Athletics Clubs & organizations, social life, recreation facilities, visual/performing arts, varsity athletics Academic Life Classrooms, professors, course offerings, internships, research opportunities

College Planning Checklists

College Planning: Spring of Junior Year Initial Student/Advisor College Planning Meeting Research: Web -based resources are best Contact institutions Visit campuses Attend spring open house programs Standardized Testing - first/second round Attend local/regional college fairs Consider teacher recommenders Develop an Activities Resume – excellent document to present at interview. Initial contact with athletic coaches etc.

College Planning: Summer before Senior Year Campus Visits Refine list Consider application options: Regular, EA, ED, Rolling Establish Common Application account – after Aug 1 st. Determine what application and/or supplement forms each school requires. (i.e. common application) Start filling out applications Begin first draft of essay(s) Continue to develop an activities resume.

College Planning: Fall of Senior Year Check in meeting with College Advisor Meet admission representatives who visit Fairfield Prep Ask teachers to write recommendations Parent/Family Recommendation for counselor Attend College Fairs and Information Night programs Finalize essays and applications Final campus visits (tours, interviews, overnights, class visits, open houses) Standardized Testing – final round Check merit scholarship requirements and deadlines. Financial Aid Instruments - FAFSA/CSS Profile

Trends in Admission  Test Optional Colleges  Fast Track/Priority Applications  “Demonstrated Interest” – particularly in schools deemed “safeties”  Interview (smaller colleges) re-emergence  “Authenticity”  More Writing on Common Application Supplements  Public School interest on the rise  Requests for financial aid rising

Useful Web Sites

Miscellaneous Thoughts… Encourage student to stay in contact with the College Advising Office. Communication is essential. Allow ample time for essay writing (2 months) Discern all requirements of your list early (Standardized testing requirements, supplements, essays, deadlines, etc.) ext 2238 (L-Z) ext (A-K) ext