1. Alexander Hamilton High School College Information Night 2015-2016 School Code: 331840

2. Role of the Guidance Counselor Meet with students and review their transcripts. Make sure all the credits for graduation are being fulfilled. Research colleges with the students. Write college recommendations. Make appointments with colleges to come visit with the students.

3. Junior Year: Meet with your guidance counselor for Spring meeting Take the May SAT or June ACT Register and Explore Naviance Research colleges Request to take the most challenging senior year classes and complete all graduation requirements Make resume on Naviance.

4. Junior Year: Ask 2 teachers for letters of recommendation and give them a copy of your resume. Look at college websites for catalogues, applications and essays. Check schools’ requirements for SAT II Subject Tests. Attend college fairs. Do some volunteer work or take on a summer job. Fill out the NCAA Clearinghouse form. VISIT COLLEGES OVER THE SUMMER BREAK!!!

5. Senior Year: Meet with counselor for Fall College meeting Check senior calendar on a regular basis. Finalize college list. Confirm that your teacher recommendation letters are complete. Finalize your essay with an English teacher. Register for the October SAT or ACT Complete College Applications. Online using the Common Application or college/university website. Come into the guidance office often to discuss colleges and find out about scholarships. Fill out the FAFSA form after January 1st.

6. What a school looks for in an applicant: Academic records Standardized test scores Senior grades Extra curricular activities Recommendations Essay Interview

7. What to consider when looking at schools: Size Location Type Student Body Competitiveness Specialization Finances Facilities Campus Life Special Admissions Requirement

8. A students list should be compiled of approximately 6 schools that contain 2 in each of the following categories: Safety School -Most likely accept your application for admission. -Most likely to accept you if your high school grades and test scores are well above the school’s average. Target School -School that will probably accept your application for admission. -Grades and test scores will fall into the middle range when looking at the school’s profile. Reach School -Might have a chance of getting into. -Something in your academic profile is on the low side compared to the school’s profile. Making The College List:

9. Parents’ Role One application that over 500 popular colleges and universities use for admission The Common Application: Pro’s -One Application -One Essay -Communicates with Naviance for easy submission Con’s - Lengthy Application -Many schools still require supplemental applications -Not all schools accept the Common Application such as CUNY -Can’t tailor essay to each school

10. Parents’ Role Visit schools with your child. Help your child choose a list of schools that best fit their needs. Assist your child with applications and the FASFA. Try to help your child stay organized and remind them of deadlines. Support, Encourage, and Reassure --- Remember this is a Fun and an Exciting Time!!

11. FAFSA Free Application Federal Student Aid After January 1st fill out application online. Check school deadlines. Must be filled out for all aids including loans. Use 2015 taxes or estimate.

12. Online Information: If you apply to a school online, fill out a Transcript Request Form, located in the guidance office, or on Naviance and return to counselor. Students must contact Collegeboard to have SAT scores sent to the colleges. If you are planning to play sports in college, you must be cleared by the NCAA Clearinghouse. Complete this in your Junior Year.

13. Internet Resources collegeboard.org naviance.com commonapp.org fafsa.edu.gov ncaaclearinghouse.com fastweb.com meritaid.com

14. Contact Information Important Dates Links to other resources “College Terms” Events to look out for Past events & presentations Forms Official link FAFSA http://guidance.eufsd.org Guidance Department Website