September 2014

Credit Checks Course Requirements for Graduation 4 Math 4 English Physical Science, Biology, Chemistry/Technical Science Civics, American History, Social Studies Elective.5 Fine Art.5 Computer Literacy 2 credits Physical Education 50% rule for graduation Be aware of what 2 and 4 year colleges are looking for

Essential Question: What are the steps in applying to colleges?

What’s due to your Advisor or School Counselor? Student Activity Form( ILP p. 24) College Counseling Questionnaire Includes a “parent brag sheet” (back of course selection sheets) Due to your school counselor by Oct. 10

CHOOSING A SCHOOL Visit! Admissions representatives scheduled to visit SHS Resources Petersons/Ruggs/College Board

CHOOSING A SCHOOL Create a list including: reach school difficulty level, cost, distance 2 or 3 likely schools safety school Attend College Fairs: McCoy Stadium- 9/17 from 6-8pm RIAAO College Fair : RIC -10/19 from 1-3 New England Regional Student Program

COLLEGE APPLICATIONS PROCEDURES Kinds of Decisions Early Decision Early Action Regular Decision Rolling Admissions Create a resume of activities, awards, employment, leadership, volunteer work

What’s in a College Application Package? Application (with supplements) Application fee or fee waiver Letters of recommendation and forms Teachers School counselor Essay Resume (optional) Transcript SAT/ACT scores

COLLEGE APPLICATIONS PROCEDURES Paper Applications Electronic Applications Applying on-line does not complete your application. Common Application Letters of Recommendation from teachers (2 to 3)

ESSAY Choosing a topic Edit for content, grammar, writing style Make it interesting!

SAT Reasoning Tests, SAT Subject Tests, and ACT Which tests to take Fee waivers How to register and when Security procedures Keep track of what schools receive your scores Options if your scores do not reflect your ability

GPA and RANK Weighted vs. Unweighted 1.08 x report card grade = weighted GPA Transcript reports both Recomputed each semester

What is sent from SHS? Transcript Counselor letter of recommendation Secondary School Report form Counselor evaluation forms

How does this happen? Counselor questionnaire –October 10 Activity sheet -October 10 Transcript request OR invite counselor through Common Application If applicable, submit business envelope with postage addressed to the college (We stamp our return address)

What part does the student send to the college? Application Fee Essay Resume Teacher recommendations and forms SAT/ACT scores*

MAKE SURE YOU MEET YOUR DEADLINES!!

Financial Aid Merit Scholarships Through the Colleges Local Others Need-Based Aid

URI Merit SCHOLARSHIPS To be considered… 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 scale (87) 1050 SAT (CR & M) or comparable ACT (23) Complete application package at URI – December 1 Due in guidance - November 3

RIC PRESIDENTIAL SCHOLARSHIPS Top 30% 1100 SAT (CR & M) or ACT 24 December 15 Due in guidance -November 21 Up to $2000/year ?

FINANCIAL AID FAFSA – no earlier than January 1 Pin can be obtained now CSS Profile SHS Financial Aid Night - late November/early December Deadlines are important!

FINANCIAL AID Merit scholarships guidance file cabinet school website College Planning Center of RI On the web Be realistic Selective service:

Some suggestions… Keep track of what you have sent out and when Allow time for “college stuff” each week Take notes when visiting colleges College interview Dress appropriately interviewing skills -see your counselor Make use of college websites

NEWS School Code SHS Guidance Website – forms, a blog, scholarships, important links Common Application Help Sessions – During advisories in the media center Tuesdays in October –sign up in Guidance Use Help Center on Sign-in Page

OTHER OPTIONS Military Visit recruitment office Talk to recruiters in cafeteria CCRI –certificate programs, associate’s degree, joint admissions City Year Waytogori.org (interest inventory)

Essential Question: What are the steps in applying to colleges?