1. Anticipating College Planning
May 17, 2017
William Morrison, Ph.D.
College Counselor

2. Agenda Courses / GPA College Entrance Testing
Letters of Recommendation
Summer
Calendars/Timelines
Web Resources
Outside Resources

3. Important Factors in Selecting Students
IMPORTANCE
FACTOR Considerable Moderate Limited No
Grades in College Prep Courses 79.2% 13.0% 6.9% 0.9%
Grades in All Courses —
Strength of Curriculum
Admission Test Scores (SAT, ACT)
Essay or Writing Sample
Counselor Recommendation
Student’s Demonstrated Interest
Teacher Recommendation
Class Rank
Subject Test Scores (AP, IB)
Portfolio
Extracurricular Activities
SAT II Scores
Interview
SOURCE: 2015 NACAC State of College Admissions

4. Courses Junior year schedule Senior year schedule
Honors vs. College Prep
Balance in coursework

5. HPHS Graduation vs. College Admission Req.
Most Colleges Highly Selective Community HPHS & Universities Schools Colleges English 4 Years 4 Years 4 Years 4 Years Math 3 Years 3-4 Years 4 Years 2 Years Science 2 Year 3 Years 4 Years 1-2 Years Soc. Science 2 Years 3 Years 4 Years 2 Years Foreign Lang. None 2 Years* 4 Years None Fine Arts One year of same Fine Art for California state schools

6. Grade Point Averages (GPA)
Weighted vs. Unweighted GPA GPA Distribution

7. Grade Point Average Distribution Class of 2018
Weighted Unweighted
Highest
Median
Lowest
For colleges that require additional information for scholarship consideration, the weighted and unweighted grade point averages for the top 10% and 25% are:
Top 10%
Top 25%

8. College Entrance Testing
ACT
SAT
SAT Subject Tests
Score reporting

9. ACT – www.act.org Total possible score is 36 (average of the 4 scores)
Optional writing test
Allows students to choose which test(s) to report
Given 6x per year September and October are recommended for seniors
December is recommended for juniors wanting to review their answers to prepare for spring tests (extra fee required)
February, April and June are recommended for juniors

10. ACT Cont. Optional Writing Test
Comprised of a rhetorical essay written from a paragraph prompt and three distinct perspectives of the issue
Students’ Writing Tests are available on-line for colleges to review
Score Report includes a separate Writing Score and a STEM and English/Language Arts (ELA) Score
Composite score comprised of four main sections

11. ACT Score Report

12. SAT – www.collegeboard.org
Total possible score is 1600 (800 per section; English/Reading & Math)
Writing section is now optional & reported separately (Change!); written from available prompt
Writing section uses an essay and multiple choice questions to test standard English
Writing samples also available on-line for colleges to review
Largely multiple choice questions; no longer penalizes guessing (Change!)
Given 8x per year (new August administration)

13. SAT – Khan Academy Khan Academy offers free test prep for all students
Students who have taken the SAT can download their results into Khan and get customized test prep
Set up your free account at

14. SAT Subject Tests
One hour, content based exam, primarily multiple choice
5 areas: English, history, math, science, language
Tend to be required/recommended by highly selective schools only; only 12 actually require. Pick and choose which to send
Typically students take 2 exams (1 is usually math) immediately after course is completed
Appropriate for Honors level students in that area, supplemental studying may be required
-Chemistry Honors and Math Honors may be appropriate now; June or August administration
Visit Compass Prep for good info on Subject Tests:
recommendations/

15. ACT vs SAT All colleges accept both
For most colleges you can pick and choose which to send, a few highly selective schools require all
ACT can get you out of taking Subject Tests at some highly selective colleges & universities
Some colleges will “superscore” ACT, most will combine SAT from multiple sittings

16. Testing Reminders Utilize practice exams/PSAT!
Practice ACT given by HPHS end of September
PSAT/NMSQT given on alternate day second week of October during school (practice SAT also used as a qualifier for National Merit consideration)
We recommend trying hand at both and focusing on one with better results (concordance charts available online)
State administered SAT in April

17. Testing Reminders – PSAT 10
All sophomores took the PSAT 10 this spring, scores are now available
To access scores set up an account at
When setting up your account use your proper name as it is reflected in Infinite Campus to ensure that records are matched
If you have problems matching records contact Counseling Dept. for your registration code

18. Letters of Recommendations
You are going to need letters of recommendation for college applications, use your junior year to develop relationships.
-Teachers
-Counselors
-Activity sponsors, Coaches, etc.

19. Summer
College Visits - Make sure visits are “official”; don’t just self-tour, interest counts!
Summer school
Summer programs
Work
Be productive!

20. Calendars/Timelines Make good use of your summer-visit!
Review your academic plan with your counselor
Map out a standardized testing calendar
Formal college counseling program begins in November; individual appointments with college counselors in January
Start utilizing Naviance

21. Junior Programming Kick-off to College Planning Rumbo a la Universidad
Financial Planning for College
College Planning 101 & 102
Exploring College Options
Navigating the Process

22. Contact Rob Becker for assistance
Naviance
College search
College visits/contacts
College admissions
Scholarships
Contact Rob Becker for assistance

23. College Counseling Website
Upcoming programs
Student Outcomes
Useful links
College Counseling Handbook
hphs.dist113.org/cc

24. College Counseling Website www.hphs.dist113.org/cc

25. “Thinking About College?” Section
Affordability
Net Price Calculator
-visit college websites
-may include need-based and merit possibilities
EFC Estimator:
“Thinking About College?” Section

26. Outside Services
Start with us! HPHS offers myriad services and programs:
assist with developing college list and assessing chances for admission
provide application and essay support
offer mock interviews
share financial aid and scholarship information; assist with FAFSA completion
Know the background of the individual in regard to training and experience in college counseling
Think about student/family needs versus services provided
Outside parties cannot communicate with colleges due to federal privacy laws; are not versed in the HP curriculum
No one can get a student into college except the student him/herself

27. Like us on Facebook at HPHS College Counseling
Thank you!
Questions?
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