1. Welcome to the College “Journey” LOCUST VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT February 6, 2007

2. Self Assessment  Academic strengths and weaknesses  Favorite courses  Favorite activities  Learning Environment

3. What are Colleges looking for?  GPA  Transcript  SAT, SAT Subject tests, ACT  Extracurricular activities  College Essay  Interview  Recommendations

4. GPA &Transcript  Academic growth, strength of program, grades - IB, AP, Honors & Regents -Interests & Strengths -Senior course selection - Mid-year Grades  Weighted classes  GPA is computed for all high school courses through the Junior year  LVHS does not rank

5. SAT, SAT Subject Tests, & ACT  College entrance exams  Required by most Colleges What are your test-taking strengths?

6. The SAT  SAT I –Critical Reading –Math –Writing  SAT Subject Tests - Check with individual Colleges for testing requirements

7. The ACT  ACT –English –Math –Reading –Science –Optional writing test (Colleges may require the writing section) (Colleges may require the writing section)

8. Tips for taking the SAT/ACT  Take a rigorous schedule  Take extra math, science, and English  Read, read, read  Study Vocabulary  Take practice exams www.collegeboard.com https://www.uccp.org/https://www.uccp.org/ (click on “students”) https://www.uccp.org/

9. SAT dates Test Date:Registration Deadline: March 10, 2007* February 2, 2007/ Feb 14, 2007* May 5, 2007 April 3, 2007 June 2, 2007April 27, 2007 October 6, 2007(07-08 Registration November 3, 2007 dates currently December 1, 2007not available) Check SAT Schedule to verify SAT Subject test dates *late registration LVHS is a testing site for all SAT dates

10. ACT dates Test Date:Registration Deadline: April 14, 2007March 9, 2007 June 9, 2007* May 4, 2007 September 15, 2007August 10, 2007 October 27, 2007*September 21, 2007 December 8, 2007November 2, 2007 *Test offered at Locust Valley High School

11. School Codes  High School CEEB Code: 332 882 Test Center Codes:  SAT Code: 33-562  ACT Code: 20006

12. Testing for Students with Accommodations Please contact the Individual Needs Department with any questions regarding special testing accommodations for SAT and ACT tests

14. Letters of Recommendation  Two letters  Spring of Junior year  Teachers who know you well (preferably Junior teachers)  Supplementary letters (ie. Athletics, Art, Music)  Counselor Recommendation  Thank you note

15.  Represents student  Answer question  Engaging  Presentation counts  Be original  Be yourself  Revise and proofread  Seek feedback College Essay

16. Interviews  May be required  Alumni interviews  Informational  Relax and be yourself  Be prepared - Ask questions - Bring Activity Record - Dress appropriately - Arrive on time

17. Activity Record  Accomplishments  Honors and Awards  Extracurricular activities – Clubs, Sports  Community Service  Out of school activities  Summer programs, Research & Internships & Internships  Work experience

18. Researching Colleges  Consider what you want in a college: –Size –Location –Urban, Suburban, Rural –Public or private –Major, special programs –Athletics –Environment –Student life –Single Sex or Co-ed –Religious orientation –Military Academy

19. Larger Schools vs. Smaller Schools  Relationships with professors  Student/ Teacher ratio  Average class size  Opportunities

20. Public vs. Private Universities  Cost  Reputation  Denominational  Military

21. Environment  Academics  Major  Special Programs  Athletics  Single Sex or Co-Ed  Social life  Greek life

22. Location  In state or out of state  Region  Weather  Urban, Suburban, Rural  Distance  Commuting cost

23. Narrow It Down  “target” schools  “reach” schools  “safe” schools

24. How Can I Learn About Different Colleges?  School Counselor  Internet  Friends and Family  Campus tours and interviews  Virtual College tours  College handbooks  College Catalogs  College Fairs

25. INTERNET SITES  www.collegeboard.com Offers a wide range of college admissions information & services in the areas of college search, assessment, admission, placement, financial aid, curriculum, and research.  www.collegeboard.com Offers a wide range of college admissions information & services in the areas of college search, assessment, admission, placement, financial aid, curriculum, and research. www.collegeboard.com  www.collegenet.com Search for colleges by name, location, enrollment, tuition, major, affiliation and sports. Also includes a scholarship search, financial aid information and other college resources. www.collegenet.com  www.campustours.com Online source for virtual college tours, interactive maps, college webcams, QuickTime VR tours, campus movies and pictures www.campustours.com

26. Campus Visit  Contact admissions: –To register for campus tour –To inquire about Open House dates

27. Attend College Fairs!  Speak with college representatives  Find out and gather information on schools College Fairs may offer: College Fairs may offer:  Valuable workshops  Informational resources  Counselors to help with the college search process

28. Spring College Fair: Nassau Counselors’ Association SPRING COLLEGE EXPO Tuesday, MAY 8, 2007 5-9 PM HOFSTRA ARENA Hofstra University FREE to attend! www.NassauCounselors.org

29. NCA Spring College Expo:  Over 350 colleges and universities in attendance  Counselors available to provide College Search Assistance  Seminars on: - Financial Aid - Students with Special Needs - Student Athletes & the NCAA - “Selective College” Admissions

30. FALL COLLEGE FAIRS  NCA Fall College Expo -September 23,2007 Time:12-3pm SUNY Old Westbury SUNY Old Westbury  NACAC- National College Fair -September 30, 2007 Time: 11-4pm Nassau Coliseum Nassau Coliseum

32. When Should I Apply? Fall of Senior year  Early Decision  Early Action  Priority Deadlines  Regular Admission  Rolling Admission

33. Application Process  Obtain applications online or from each college  Common, SUNY, CUNY, Individual  Apply online or by mail through the Guidance Department  NCAA Clearinghouse  Financial aid Be aware of deadlines!

34. National Collegiate Athletic Association  Division I & II college-bound athletes should register in the fall with NCAA -www.ncaaclearinghouse.net  Be in touch with HS coaches spring of junior year  Consult with your child’s Guidance Counselor regarding academic eligibility

35. New York State Higher Education Services Corporation www.HESC.com Financial Aid Workshop offered at LVHS in Senior year FAFSA: File after January 1 st of Senior year www.HESC.com

36. Academic Departmental Private

37. Scholarship Websites  www.fastweb.com www.fastweb.com  www.collegeboard.com www.collegeboard.com  www.scholaraid.com www.scholaraid.com  www.lvcsd.k12.ny.us www.lvcsd.k12.ny.us (go to Schools > HS > Depts. > Guidance > Scholarship info)

38. Make the most of this journey!  Let your child take ownership of this exciting process  We are here to help you You are about to embark on another milestone of your life!