1. Junior Planning Meeting CLASS of 2016 Preparing for Graduation & Beyond

2. Objectives Gain a better understanding of the post-secondary planning process. Acquire resources related to planning for life after high school

3. College/Military/Work: Where do you start the process? The process has already started! Focus on classes for your senior year Meet with your School Counselor over the summer and review schedule and graduation requirements Ask questions to everyone who has been through the process (INCLUDING YOUR SCHOOL COUNSELOR!) Plan to take SAT/ACT/ASVAB/Accuplacer

4. Which Test is right for you?.. SAT (Aptitude) ACT (Achievement ) AccuplacerASVAB  What is it?  Prep (App’s, Blog, Twitter, E-mail the question of the day, use your PSAT scores)  When May 2 nd registration deadline April 6 th June 6 th registration deadline May 8 th www.CollegeBoard.org  What is it?  Prep (App’s, website)  When June 13 th registration deadline May 8 th www.actstudent.org  What is it?  Prep (App’s, websites)  When CCC Admissions 410-386-8430 www.CollegeBoard.org  What is it?  When TBD for Senior Year www.official-asvab.com

5. The College Search Finding the Right Fit Location – Distance from home/ accessibility – Urban vs. Rural Size – Small, Mid-Size, Large – Average Class Size Relationships with professors Cost – In State vs. Out of State Tuition – Scholarship Opportunities – Financial Aid Two Year or Four Year – Community College vs. University Private or Public Cost Affiliations Prestige Academics Major Options Academic match Student Life Athletics, Greek Life, Travel Abroad Opportunities, Dining hall, Housing Amenities, etc.

6. The College Search Finding the Right Fit Review your high school transcript – Weighted & Unweighted GPA – Academic, Honors, & AP level courses Tests – ACT or SAT – Placement/ Accuplacer Test  Match your performance with average test scores and GPA of current freshman class using college websites

7. College Board www.collegeboard.org Then click on “College Search” at top of page

8. Compare Colleges https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/compare-colleges

9. LTR) Choose schools strategically (LTR) LIKELY (over the averages quoted for admitted students) TARGET (fall close to averages of GPA & test scores) REACH (a long shot- below range of GPA & test scores) Early in the search process it is good to have 2-3 schools for each category. Match Yourself to Admission Standards!

10. Campus Visits 101 Call or email the admissions office. Ask for: a campus tour a host for an overnight stay classes you can attend cafeteria passes an appointment with a coach ask for an interview appointment a schedule of activities Then get permission to visit college on a school day have parent write note ahead of time get note signed by your administrator and take to attendance office day will count like a field trip allowed 3 per year

11. “Separating yourself from the Competition...” Academic Record Testing Rigor in Schedule Extracurricular Activities Letters of Recommendation Honors and Awards Essays Interviews

12. Application Process Applications typically become available in August Know your deadlines Consider applying for early action if possible. Most of these deadlines are between October and December Colleges accept ~70-80% of the freshman class from this deadline Complete a Senior Credential Sheet (available in school counseling office) Complete a Transcript Request Form (available in the Counseling Office). Be sure to fill in ALL information. The first 3 transcripts are free and additional requests are $1.00 each. Please allow at least 2 weeks for processing.

13. Concerned about Paying? WHS School Counseling Website Carrollk12.org/whs/counseling Scholarships www.fastweb.com www.meritaid.com www.collegeboard.org www.finaid.org www.studentaid.ed.gov FAFSA www.fafsa.ed.gov Apply after January 1 of senior year

14. Remember it is Never Too Early to Start! Sign up to meet with your counselor