1. College Planning Night for Juniors Class of 2018
Thursday, November 17, 2016
6:30 p.m.

2. Agenda What do colleges look for in students?
College Research and Visits
Strongsville Application Process
Financial Aid and Scholarships
NCAA
Questions

3. What are Colleges looking for?
Academics How does the student perform in class on a daily basis? What is the student’s course load and level of difficulty?
SAT/ACT Scores Based on a national average, at what level does this student achieve?
Extra-Curricular Activities
Will this individual be a positive addition to our campus environment?
Community Involvement
What does this student do with his or her time outside of school?
Personal Statement or Essay
Based on his/her writing sample, what more can we learn about this unique individual? Does this student have the potential to grow? Are they intellectually curious? What is their writing ability?
Student Interview How effectively does the student communicate his/her experiences in high school? How prepared is he/she for a college education?

4. Make sure you are following a college preparatory course of study
Academics
Make sure you are following a college preparatory course of study
English 4 Credits
Math 4 Credits
Science 3 Credits
Social Studies 3 ½ Credits
Health and P.E. ½ Credit each
Foreign Language Credits
Personal Finance ½ Credit
Fine Art 1 Credit
**You will need 4 credits of English, Math, Social Studies , Science, (including Chem and Physics) and 3 credits of Foreign Language, and at least a 3.5 unweighted GPA for an Ohio Honors Diploma.

5. Test Registration *Quick Links through Naviance*
You can register for the tests at the following websites: SAT ACT *
*Quick Links through Naviance*
Jan 21st – Register by Dec 21st Feb 11th – Register by Jan 13th
Expect to spend at least 45 minutes registering
You will need a credit card
Please register at least 6-8 weeks before the scheduled test. * All Juniors will take the ACT on April 19th , paid for by the state

6. SAT and ACT
Students should take both at least once (twice recommended) between Winter and Spring Junior year.(optional retake Senior year)
When registering, make sure the results are sent to Strongsville High School (school code is ).
Some schools require the scores sent directly to them from the testing agency (i.e. Miami &OSU). Make sure you are aware if the schools you are applying to require this.
Highly Selective school applicants: check to see if your school requires SAT Subject tests.
Made minor adjustments.

7. SAT vs. ACT Covers Math, Reading, Science and
Covers Math, Reading, and Writing
Scaled Score
Accepted in and out of state
Sub-Test Strongsville Ohio National Cr Reading Math Reas
Writing
Total
Covers Math, Reading, Science and
Writing
No points deducted for wrong
answers
1-36 composite score
Accepted in and out of state
Sub-Test Strongsville Ohio National
English
Mathematics
Reading
Science
Composite

8. SAT /ACT Preparation
SAT/ACT practice tests are provided on their websites.
Use PSAT scores for customized test prep based on actual test performance
Use the SAT Question of the Day App
Prep/Practice books (Barron’s, Princeton Review, etc) can be purchased or borrowed from the public library.

9. Naviance (Family Connections ) can help!
Match and Explore Colleges
Complete Career Inventories
Research careers, job prospects, and potential earnings
Parent and Student accounts creates opportunity for collaboration between family and school. Students all have predetermined log in.
Parents can use student log in or request his/her own.
Requests should be directed to student’s assigned Counselor.

10. use Naviance -“Colleges”, then Super Match
Picking a college…
use Naviance -“Colleges”, then Super Match

11. I still don’t know what I want to major in!!!
use Naviance - “About me” Tab

12. Early Decision vs. Early Action
Early Decision - a binding contract between you and the school. If accepted, you must attend that school. May offer a better chance to be accepted. Student may only apply for one school Early Decision.
Early Action- admitted students are not obligated to enroll, but receive an admission decision early in the process.

13. SHS Application Process
Start online application on School’s website or Common App
Ask teachers to write recommendation letters , if needed.
If necessary, request test scores from ACT or SAT.
(Many Common App Schools require scores directly from testing agency)
Review Application and Application Requirements.
Complete & Submit Application
Request Teacher Recommendations and Transcripts through Naviance and communicate with the Guidance Counselor
Complete and Submit Transcript Release Form with one-time $10 fee to Mrs. Slany (guidance secretary)
Communication with your Guidance Counselor is key!
(in-person or via )

14. Common Application www.commonapp.org
One online application that can be submitted to over 500 schools including Miami University, OSU, Bowling Green, Cincinnati, Akron, and Dayton.
All recommendations, school reports and transcripts can be sent electronically.
You will need to “Invite” your Counselor and Teachers to complete their recommendations for you via Naviance/Family Connections.

15. Top College App Mistakes
Misspellings and grammatical errors.
Applying online, but the application isn't submitted
Not reading directions
Not submitting test scores or applications on time.
Giving too little notice to a teacher or counselor when needing a letter of recommendation
Listing extracurricular activities that you’ve never participated in.
Not telling your school counselor where you've applied
Using an address that friends might laugh about, but colleges will not
Not checking your regularly
Letting Mom or Dad help you fill out your application

16. Other Reminders
All public Ohio colleges must accept and issue credit for “3” on an AP test.
Please be prepared when College Reps visit.
Visit schools during College Open Houses.
Ensure the security of any website.
Don’t pay for a scholarship service or FAFSA Application.

17. Financial Aid New process beginning with the class of 2017
available beginning October 1 , 2017
Parents and students need to create and FSA ID, and have tax information for reference

18. Scholarships
Check out scholarships on NAVIANCE and our website for opportunities.
Register on for scholarship opportunities
The application for Strongsville Community Scholarships for Seniors is usually available in Jan - February of Senior Year.
on TWITTER

19. NCAA Eligibility Center
All students planning to pursue Collegiate Athletics will need to register with the NCAA and send transcripts to NCAA by the end of Junior Year .
Final Transcripts will need to be sent upon Graduation.
CLICK HERE

21. Guidance Contact Info
Megan Sislowski (A-Co)
Bethanty Hussong(Cr- Ha)
John Young (He – Lo)
Tracy Davidson (Lu-Pe)
Tara Brzuski (Pf –Sr)
Julia Williams (St – Z)
Phone:
Fax: PLEASE READ HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTERS SENT VIA .
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Strongsville High School Guidance @StrongGuidance @MustangMonies
(General Info) (Scholarship Info)