1 Post-Secondary Planning Valley Regional High School School Counseling Department January 8, 2014 VRHS Library

2 The School Counselors Current grade 11 counselor distribution by student last name:  Ms. Sarah McKinney: A-F  Mr. Yves Noiset: G-M  Ms. Lorraine Duffy: N-Z

3 The College Search  Junior U.S. History classroom presentations.  Online college search programs 1. Naviance: College Search *Under: “Student Resources” on VRHS website. 2. College Board: *Click on “College Search”  Post-Secondary EXPO

4 College Admission Requirements Four Year College/University  High School transcript  Rigor of courses  Test scores (SAT/ACT/SAT II)  Letters of Recommendation  College Essay  Portfolio/Auditions if applying to a fine arts program

5 College Admission Requirements 2 year Community College  SAT/ACT not required  Placement test will be given at the community college  Less expensive option  Associates Degree or Certificate programs  Transfer options/agreements

6 College Admission Requirements Technical School/Career  Trade programs/Certificate programs  Valley Post-Secondary EXPO  School-to-Career (Mrs. Hambor) can help students with job shadowing and career internship opportunities. Internships will be required as a Capstone Experience during a student’s senior year.

7 Testing Requirements The SAT  Comprised of 3 sections (Critical Reading, Math and Writing)  A student can score a possible score of 800 on each section  2400 is the highest SAT score possible  Spring of junior year and fall of senior year

8 Testing Requirements The SAT II Subject Tests:  SAT II’s are offered in a variety of subjects  Colleges and universities that are more competitive may want to see 2-3 subject tests  Plan testing dates in advance

9 Testing Requirements  All registration info and testing dates for both the SAT I and SAT II can be found on the College Board website  Registration packets also available in School Counseling Dept.

10 Testing Requirements The ACT  Alternative test to the SAT  Has a Math, Reading, Science and optional Writing section  Registration and testing dates can be found at:

11 The Application Process How do I get an application?  Applications are completed online.  You can access a college application on their individual website.  If a college is a member of the Common Application, you can apply on their website

12 The Application Process What is the Common Application?  The Common Application allows students to apply to multiple colleges and universities using a single application form.

13 The Application Process Different ways to apply:  Early Decision  Early Action  Regular Admissions  Rolling Admissions

14 The Application Process When it comes to sending the application, who sends what? Students send:  Application fee  Application  College essay  Portfolio/Auditions (if necessary for program) **Will also need to turn in Transcript Request Form to Counseling Dept and request to have transcripts sent on Naviance**

15 The Application Process Once a student has requested transcripts and letters of recommendation on Naviance, the Counseling Dept sends:  High School Transcript  School Report Form  Counselor Letter of Recommendation  School Profile  Senior Year Course Schedule Students MUST also fill out a Transcript Request Form to have these materials sent.

16 The Application Process Teachers send:  Letter of Recommendation--once students have invited them to write in Naviance. Teacher letters are submitted electronically through Naviance. Student should provide teachers with stamped and addressed envelopes only if the college does not accept electronic forms. Ask Teachers EARLY!!!

17 Visiting Colleges  School vacation weeks  During the summer  Talk to college admissions office to schedule a tour, interview, overnight, etc.

18 Athletics NCAA Eligibility Center Need to register if interested in Division I & II athletic programs. Do not need to register for Division III.

19 Summer Mailing  Look for information on the college application process in the first newsletter that goes out in August.

20 Financial Aid  Financial Aid Night at Valley. For Parents of Seniors Held each December  FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)  CSS Profile  Scholarships

21 Financial Aid Helpful Financial Aid websites :

22 Additional Resources (Common Application) (ROTC programs) (college search/financial aid) (college/career) (career search) (career search and info) (year between h.s./college programs) (CT Community Colleges) (listing of colleges that don’t need SAT) (online college fairs)

23 School Counseling Website  Run the cursor over the “Counseling” link for a drop down menu of resources; or click on “Counseling” to go directly to our website.  Info on College Rep Visits, SAT/ACT registration, Financial Aid, FAQs, etc.

24 Q&A Remember: organization and following timelines are key—keep deadlines in mind! We’re here to help as you embark on the post secondary planning process! Thank you for attending!