Welcome to College Planning Night 2013

Guest Speaker Matthew Clark Senior Assistant Director of Admission, University of Massachusetts at Amherst

Student Presenters Asmani Adhav Eric Burgess

Tips to Success in the College Search Process Be open-minded Be organized Be prepared Be informed

Help is here Although the application process and wealth of information can seem overwhelming, there are many resources in place to assist you Guidance Counselor Parent & student meeting Take the process step by step Be realistic The goal is to find the best fit

Resources Junior-Senior Planning Guide College Guidebooks College Websites College Fairs March 20 th, TEC Fair at WHS Junior Workshop Materials Guidance-Parent Talks Guidance Website Guidance Calendar Web-based search programs Naviance

Naviance Guidance tracks and sends application materials for each student Student features include: Career search College search Maintain a list of colleges Graphs to assist in developing well balanced list

Sample Student Search Amanda 3.1GPA 1610 projected SAT

First Steps: Preliminary Paperwork Student Descriptive Questionnaire (SDQ) Activity Resume Parent Information Form All forms due March 1 st all available online (Guidance Website, Naviance, Google Drive)

Next Steps: Now and through the Spring Register for SATs and ACTs Research schools Know individual college requirements Visit schools February & April vacations, Saturdays, short Wednesdays Request teacher letter of recommendation Confirm by June 1st

Standardized Tests Test Preparation SAT Register on ACT with Writing Register on SAT Subject Tests Check individual college requirements Most colleges do not require Subject Tests

Application Process: On-line method is preferred Applications Common Application Accepted at almost 500 colleges Will be available in August Standardized Test Scores Students must send online Documents Sent From Guidance Transcript GPA Profile Chart School Profile Counselor letter of recommendation

Admission Plans Admission Plans Early Decision Early notification Binding agreement, must withdraw all other applications if accepted Early Action Early notification Non-binding, can consider other colleges Regular Admission Deadline Rolling

College Selectivity & Trends Barron s Guide College Admissions Selector Naviance Scattergrams Eligibility Rating Form List Reach, Realistic, Safety schools Increased competition Demographics Internet

Communication is Key Check in with your child throughout the process, making sure you are in agreement about the direction he or she is headed Have a conversation with your child early on about what is affordable for your family

Financial Aid Information Forms FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) FAFSA on the Web: fafsa.ed.gov CSS PROFILE collegeboard.com

Scholarships Guidance Website Scholarship Search Programs Westwood Community Scholarships

Students with Learning Disabilities Up to Date Documentation Extended Time Testing Stricter guidelines for accommodations Must apply for both SAT and ACT extended time Consider College Programs Programs versus support

Student Athletes Division I and II Athletes NCAA Clearinghouse ncaaclearinghouse.com Eligibility Guidelines

Some Final Tips for Parents Stay Calm Important in what can be a stressful experience Your child will take cues from you Be Understanding Be sensitive to your child s emotions, anxiety, insecurity, and uncertainty Be Supportive Many ways in which you can help your child stay organized Enjoy This can be a wonderful opportunity to bond with your child

Guidance Office, Mrs. Goodwin, x3312 Mrs. Medsker, x3138 Mrs. Bowe, x3135 Mr. Fredrickson, x3120 Mrs. Higgins, x3134