Welcome to the Junior College Workshop School Counselors: Jennifer Gioglio (A-D) Gina Vanak (E-K) Debbie Burch (L-Q) Rebeca Castellano (R-Z)

The College Advisement Process Take some time after this evening to jot down your questions Take some time after this evening to jot down your questions Sign up for a small group advisement session with your counselor Sign up for a small group advisement session with your counselor Parents are encouraged to attend Parents are encouraged to attend Learn how to do your own college search: counselors will assist but cannot make specific college recommendations Learn how to do your own college search: counselors will assist but cannot make specific college recommendations You will receive helpful handouts You will receive helpful handouts Ask any questions you may have! Ask any questions you may have!

What to expect from your group advisement session One hour meeting with approximately five families Sessions will cover: Multiple ways to do a college search Multiple ways to do a college search Tips on what to expect on college visits/tours Tips on what to expect on college visits/tours Information about college entrance exams (SAT/ACT) Information about college entrance exams (SAT/ACT) Review your transcript with GPA and placement in the class (decile) Review your transcript with GPA and placement in the class (decile) What to know in preparing for college application materials (resume, essay) What to know in preparing for college application materials (resume, essay)

 Differences  Importance  Registration/Timeline    Choose your dates now and register! Seats are taken very quickly!  How many times should I take these exams?  Increase your score – check BHS counseling website for prep opportunities  If your student receives accommodations through an IEP or 504 plan your student may be eligible to apply for accommodations on these tests…please speak with your school counselor SAT I - SAT II - ACT

The College Search Online Online Naviance Naviance Additional search sites can be found on counseling webpage Additional search sites can be found on counseling webpage Explore guidebooks in the counseling office or local library Explore guidebooks in the counseling office or local library

Making the most of NAVIANCE

NAVIANCE - UPDATE PERSONAL DATA

Naviance stores important documents you will need when applying

Be sure to check tasks off of your “Checklist” as you complete them

Your 1 st College Search Focus on the three characteristics that are most desirable for you in a college…  LOCATION AND SIZE  COLLEGE MAJOR  COST  CAMPUS/HOUSING  SURROUNDING AREA  ATHLETICS/ACTIVITIES  RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION  1 st Search Goal: Find 20 to 30 possible college matches

Begin and save a college search

Refine your 1 st search Narrow your search by researching campus life, college majors and admissions criteria using some of these additional resources GOAL: Narrow your search to colleges that match your criteria Ruggs Listing of Colleges Princeton Review’s Best Colleges Fiske Guide to Colleges Insider’s Guide to the Colleges Princeton Review’s Best Northeastern Colleges

 Competitive schools have high admissions standards  Specific programs within a college may have more competitive admissions standards  In considering selectivity - Ratio between number of applicants and available admissions openings Competitive vs. Selective Schools

COVER YOUR BASES REACH:Under admission standards for one or more criteria TARGET: Meet/slightly exceed admissions criteria SAFETY:Significantly above admissions criteria Applies to academic standards AND financial criteria!

Next Steps….  Go back to the drawing board and begin a new search if needed  Finish or refine your resume to date and save in a safe location for use senior year (you’ve started a resume in Career Cruising!)  Schedule college visits

COLLEGE VISITS  Take a guided tour or attend an open house  Meet with an admissions counselor to ask questions specific to you  Bring questions to ask  Picture yourself on the campus  Take notes  Send a thank you note

 THE NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE   PROSPECTIVE STUDENT ATHLETES  Division I and Division II athletics  YOUR RESPONSIBILITY:  REGISTER ONLINE to disclose your high school program of study and your academic stats and request that a transcript get sent from BHS to the NCAA Be sure to confirm your registration with Mrs. Beneway in the counseling office so that she will be sure to submit your transcript THE STUDENT ATHLETE

Make your summer count! ENHANCE YOUR RESUME ENHANCE YOUR RESUME View student opportunities on the counseling website for summer experiences View student opportunities on the counseling website for summer experiences Keep extracurricular activities and community service going strong Keep extracurricular activities and community service going strong Highlight activities outside of the classroom Highlight activities outside of the classroom Explain activities and level of commitment Explain activities and level of commitment Contact Mrs. Troupe, School to Career Coordinator at or make an appointment in the counseling office -Resume assistance -Internship/Work/Volunteer Opportunities -Internship/Work/Volunteer Opportunities

Make your summer count! TEST PREP TEST PREP Study for SAT and/or ACT exams Study for SAT and/or ACT exams Confirm whether your colleges require SAT II subject tests Confirm whether your colleges require SAT II subject tests Test prep opportunities are listed on the BHS School Counseling Website *Take advantage of Method Test Prep – a free online SAT and ACT prep resource in Career Cruising

Make your summer count! GET READY TO APPLY GET READY TO APPLY Narrow down your college choices Narrow down your college choices Visit college campuses Visit college campuses Create a draft of your college essay Create a draft of your college essay Be ready for early deadlines!!! Be ready for early deadlines!!!

IN THE FUTURE  Choose a COMPETITIVE schedule for senior year  Keep your grades up  Senior College Workshop-senior year- to review the application process and admissions terms  Financial Aid Workshop- senior year  Take control of the process and pay attention to deadlines that may be early!

THANK YOU FOR ATTENDING!!! Questions and Answers… CONTACT US: A-D