1. Senior Parent College Information Seminar

2. Agenda Welcome/Overview The List The Application Process Nuts and Bolts Financial Aid Senior Internships Questions and discussion

3. Words of Advice Objectives: good fit & realistic list Early Decision (ED) is binding – not an admissions “strategy” Over 3,500 undergraduate colleges and universities in USA. There is a right fit for every student. Enjoy your child’s senior year. Parents can set the tone and reduce stress. Don’t compare your student to siblings or peers. Don’t make colleges the only topic of conversation! Not a prize to be won, but a match to be made.

4. Naviance: “Reach” School

5. Naviance: “Target” School

6. Naviance: “Likely” School

7. Resources Naviance Online resources College Board / ACT College website  very important! Every college’s requirements are different Fiske Guide books in the guidance office College visits/College fairs: – Visual/Performing Arts, 10/8, BU – TEC Fair, 10/7 Waltham HS – Performing Arts in College panel, 10/21, WHS – Canadian College Fair, 10/6, Newton Marriott – NEACAC Fairs – various locations, see neacac.org for dates

8. Terminology Early Decision (ED) Early Decision 2 Early Action (EA) Early Action Single Choice/Restricted EA Rolling Regular Decision Decisions from Colleges (Defer, Waitlist)

9. Nuts and Bolts Changes to the Common Application Activating the student’s application at WHS The counselor’s packet Teacher letters of recommendations Standardized test scores

10. Activating Applications In order to document and track the application process for our students, the Guidance department uses the following forms. All are available on our website, www.westonschools.org/hsguidance either through the Quick Links to Forms or through the Guidance Seminar 12 curriculum page. The Application Checklist is a helpful tool to help your student stay on track.www.westonschools.org/hsguidanceApplication Checklist Transcript Request Form Transcript Addendum Guidance Letter Option IEP & 504 Information Release Form These forms are completed only once; students add to the transcript request form held by the counselor. Counselors move applications from “prospective” to “active” in Naviance.

11. Naviance: Colleges I’m Thinking About

12. Naviance: Active Applications

13. The Application Packet Transcript GPA Distribution Chart Counselor Statement Secondary School Report School Profile Curriculum Notes

14. Sample Transcript

15. GPA Distribution Chart This histogram represents the most recent distribution of weighted academic grade point averages which includes all semester and year academic courses taken through the end of junior year. The individual student’s weighted GPA is printed on the transcript. Only courses taken at Weston High School factor into the GPA. Weston High School does not rank students. Profile for Class of 2014 at the end of grade 11. Number in Class: 213 Number included in Chart: 201

16. Counselor Statement Based on the counselor’s personal relationship with the student, as well as: – Introspective Survey – Resume/Activity list (important to be current!) – Parent Brag Sheet – Peer Feedback Form Discuss concerns with counselor Letter is holistic

17. Other Pieces Weston has its own form School Report Form which is sent in addition to the Common Application SSR (or paper college form) School Profile Curriculum Notes

18. Teacher Recommendations Generally one to two academic teachers from junior or senior year (check the college website) – Balanced: 1 humanities, 1 math/science – Engineering: 1 math, 1 science Additional only if different “take” such as coach, theater, job Letter is subject/academic or activity specific Importance of advance notice Protocol, including thank you and notification of decisions Most teachers submitting electronically, some need to mail Students are responsible for managing who sends where; they need to update teachers about additional schools

19. Financial Aid MEFA Financial Aid Night, Wednesday 10/15, 7:00pm FAFSA CSS Profile Financial aid “package” Scholarships

20. Senior Internships All seniors will be taking a senior internship course second semester which will prepare them for their upcoming internships. Internships will be from May 11 th – June 2 nd 2015. Students are encouraged to pursue their own internship leads but can receive assistance from the internship advisor, Corey Guerra. All seniors must meet with Corey Guerra prior to internship approval.

21. Thank you… Keep lines of communication open – With your student – With the counselor – With teachers Encourage your student to “stay the course” academically Have fun!