Welcome to Postsecondary Planning Night Sponsored by Cony High School Guidance Department Sept. 25, 2014 Sponsored by Cony High School Guidance Department Sept. 25, 2014

TONIGHT’S TOPICS CHOOSING How do I choose? How do they choose?

STEP 1 – I CHOOSE WHAT DO I WANT TO STUDY? MYTH – You need to already know “what you want to be when you grow up”! TRUTH – average college student changes majors THREE TIMES! You already know what you DON’T LIKE!

STEP 2 – I Choose What are my geographic parameters? What is a comfortable distance? Do I prefer urban or rural? Do I prefer large or small? NOTE: Most students do not exceed a 250 mile radius!

STEP 3- I CHOOSE Meet with your counselor to help identify a SHORT LIST OF POSSIBILITIES The list should include: 1 to 2 REACH SCHOOLS 1 to 2 SAFETY SCHOOLS

STEP 4 – I CHOOSE VISIT!!!! Attend College Open House Events Schedule a TOUR! Visit with college reps at Cony Schedule an INTERVIEW – (recommended for your REACH SCHOOLS)

STEP 5 – I CHOOSE What other experiences do I hope to have in college? –Extra-curriculars and Clubs –Athletics –Activities outside of school

Identify application criteria – deadlines, academic requirements, test scores etc. Begin completing applications – on line with school OR Common Application Request recommendations from appropriate teachers STEP 6 – I CHOOSE

I CHOOSE TIMELINE Rule of Thumb – all admissions applications should be submitted before the winter/Christmas break! If applying early, the timeline is even shorter! Umaine Early Action – first week of December!!

I don’t have any idea what I want to do!! Meet with counselor to brainstorm some ideas What do you already know you DON’T like Talk with parents and people who know you best Schedule some job shadows

Consider local options: KVCC, CMCC, SMCC - $270 / 3 cr class UMF - $783 / 3 cr. class SNHU (Brunswick) - $729 / 3 cr. class UMA - $651 / 3 cr. class LOCAL OPTIONS

OPTIONS Working full time and college part time. Volunteering or a GAP year program. Military or National Guard service. Certificate training.

STEP 1 – THEY CHOOSE How do colleges make their selections? 1.TRANSCRIPT - The most important part of your application!!! -Shows your performance over time -Shows the rigor of your preparation -Illustrates your work ethic

Academic Qualifications THIS IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR APPLICATION  High School Transcript  Grades  Quality of Courses  Have you taken the most rigorous course load that you could manage?  Strong junior year and senior year!!!!  Has there been improvement over the four years of high school?  High school performance in relation to your class  Academic Honors and awards (including Honor Roll)

STEP 2 – THEY CHOOSE TEST SCORES! Helps schools compare students and their academics Helps to place students (even if not used in admissions) NOTE: Good test scores are HELPFUL but not the MOST IMPORTANT!

TESTING SAT Reasoning scores SAT Subject Tests (the most selective colleges require these) ACT scores in lieu of SAT Reasoning scores ACCUPLACER – can be used to show readiness in community colleges/ UMA NOTE: There are schools that do not require testing, but will use test results for placement

STEP 3 – THEY CHOOSE EXTRACURRICULARS Shows schools where your passions lie Illustrates how you spend your free time Can show leadership and commitment over time

STEP 4 – THEY CHOOSE COMMUNITY SERVICE Shows interest and dedication outside of oneself Illustrates character Could lead to scholarships! ANYONE CAN DO COMMUNITY SERVICE!

STEP 5 – THEY CHOOSE STUDENT’S ESSAY The only chance you get to speak in your own voice and tell your story! Allows you to highlight the things you want to be noticed Allows you to control the interpretation of things less than stellar

STEP 6 – THEY CHOOSE RECOMMENDATIONS Counselor Recommendation – a holistic 3+ year overview of your high school experience Teacher Recommendation – your achievement in a specific class/subject – usually 2 Teacher Recommendations

STEP 7 – THEY CHOOSE The UNKNOWN FACTORS Geographic/socio-economic diversity Choice of a major Talents in sports/academics/the arts Legacy

TYPES OF SCHOOLS PUBLIC – In State Costs are subsidized by the State. Both two and four year options. PUBLIC – Out of State You pay out of state tuition.

TYPES OF SCHOOLS Private Schools Many options, both in and out of state. Costs vary greatly, depending upon institutional endowments. Rule of thumb – the most competitive schools have the most money!

TYPES OF SCHOOLS Proprietary Schools Also known as Trade Schools. Don’t necessarily offer degrees – but a certificate! i.e. UTI, Capilos, etc. May or may not participate in financial aid programs.

The Application On Line Applications – schools prefer! Univ. of Maine System - go.umaine.edu/apply/ The Common Application

Application Options Regular Decision Early Decision (Binding) – ONLY ONE Early Action (Non-Binding) (can be more than one) Rolling Admissions

Always keep in mind that the best college for your sons and daughters may not be the most selective one, but one that best matches their desires, goals, objectives and abilities. -The College Advisor

ON-LINE RESOURCES Collegeboard.org On line school search Testing registration and helpful tutorials Links to college admissions websites

ON LINE RESOURCES FAMEMAINE.COM Maine’s Financial Aid Information Site! FAFSA.ed.GOV and FAFSA4CASTER

Financial Aid & Scholarships Cony Guidance sponsors a Financial Aid Night on December 10 th at 6:00.

Ending Advice There is a college for everyone who is willing to study and put forth the effort. The college that is right for your son or daughter is the best college. -The Best College for You, by TIME, Inc.

Thank you for attending tonight’s presentation!