AGENDA o Words of Wisdom o Choosing a college o SAT/ACT o The Application Process o Paying for college o Parent tips/Next steps o Questions

Words of Wisdom Relax… You will get in. 70% of colleges accept an average of 70% of their applicants. Source: Cappex.com

Words of Wisdom You don’t need to go far away. 88% of high school students go to college in their home state. Source: Cappex.com

Words of Wisdom If you don’t have a major, it’s OK.  General Studies  Liberal Arts  Design your own program of study

Choosing a College o Determine priorities (size, location, total cost, campus resources, etc.) o Research majors o Schedule campus visits o Talk to current or former college students

SAT/ACT & Other College Entrance Exams

o SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) -Accepted at the majority of four-year colleges and universities -Consists of three tests: Critical Reading, Math, Writing -Each test is scored on a scale of Measures how well a student performs on the test o ACT (American College Test) -Accepted at ALL four-year colleges and universities -Consists of four tests: English, Math, Reading, Science, Writing (Optional) -Top composite score is 36 -Based on high school curriculum o Accuplacer – -Placement test -Primarily used for admission to Montgomery College and other smaller schools -Consists of Reading, Writing, and Mathematics o ASVAB -Similar to a career interest inventory (to determine interests, skills, abilities) -Used for recruitment into the military or to determine career path -Given in March What’s the Difference?

The Application Process

Forms to be familiar with….. 1. Yellow transcript request form 2. Secondary School / Counselor report 3. Student and parent brag sheets 4. Resume and /or activity sheet 5. Letters of recommendation 6. Mid-year report 7. Final transcript

1) Get organized! 2) Select colleges/universities of interest (between 5-7) 3) Complete applications (online preferred method) ***PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO APPLICATION DATES/DEADLINES*** 4) Prepare for and take the SAT ( and/or ACT ( 5) Request transcripts to be sent 6) Obtain letters of recommendation 7) Apply for financial aid In General…

From the experts…

At Sherwood…

Paying for College

o Scholarships (merit, community service, program of study) o Grants (Federal Pell) o Federal Work Study o Loans (Government, banks) o Money saved from working o Any money given by family or friends *Scholarships and grants do not have to be paid back Types of Financial Aid

Financial Aid Resources o – Free Application for Federal Student Aid. A PIN number is required for both student and parent to apply: ***DO NOT COMPLETE until after January 1, 2012*** Deadline for Maryland residents – March 1, 2012 o Fastweb.com – Private scholarships o Studentaid.ed.gov – The federal government’s website about paying for college o Meritaid.com - $11 billion in merit scholarships o Cappex.com – Scholarship matching o Finaid.org – Free student resource for learning about all types of financial aid

A Word about Merit Scholarships…  Merit scholarships are where the money is  There is more than $11 billion in merit scholarships available to students from colleges  Not just for “A” students (many awards emphasize leadership or school involvement)  Nearly all colleges offer merit aid scholarships  The average merit scholarship is $5,000  Many awards can be renewed year after year Source: Cappex.com

Are you a helicopter parent?

10 Tips for Parents… 1. Be in the "back seat" - and not the driver – of the college search process 2. Help your student understand the college search process 3. Be aware of deadlines and fees due 4.Be open to dialogue and responsive to questions 5.Be realistic and non-judgmental 6.Don’t compare your student with others (ex. “Why can’t you be like_________...” 7.Don’t overemphasize your own alma maters 8. Know that things have changed since your college days 9.Don’t dwell on disappointments (ex. rejection letter) 10.Celebrate successes!

In School Do not lighten your academic load for senior year!!! Keep up your grades!!! AP courses are courses. The expectation is that students are to remain in the class for both semesters. Talk with college admissions counselors before making changes to your schedule. Meet with your school counselor/career center advisor Stay involved in school activities Standardized Testing Prepare for and register for SAT/ACT tests Register for AP tests as appropriate College Exploration Use the Family Connection program to find collegesFamily Connection Visit colleges if you can Attend college fairs Meet with college representatives (sign up in the career center!)

Senior Meetings- TBD Senior Commitment – September Senior Parent Night – Early/Mid-September Financial Aid Night – January 2012

QUESTIONS?