1. College Information Night for Junior Parents
St. Vincent Pallotti High School
Robin Marton, College Counselor

2. Tonight’s Topics Overview of The College Counseling Process
Applications
Standardized Testing
Decision Plans
Financial Overview
Resources
Robin Marton, College Counselor

3. Why Are We Here? Junior Year is important
For the Class of 2018, the college process begins right now and it is not too soon to get started.
The Junior year is the last chance to show colleges completed work
There is still time to improve the “package” you present to colleges next year
Robin Marton, College Counselor

4. The Right College What is the Right College?
Your friends’ first choice?
US News & World Report’s #1?
An affordable college?
The answer will be different for everyone
Robin Marton, College Counselor

5. Finding your “Match”
It is not about the “best” college, it is about finding the right College.
The right college is where a student can be happy and successful.
Successful students are happy and happy students are successful.
There are many colleges where each student can be happy and successful.
Robin Marton, College Counselor

6. What do you do first? Who are you? What do you want to do?
Self Assessment:
Who are you?
What do you want to do?
What have you done so far?
How hard have you worked in high school?
How involved are you in the life of the school?
What makes you special?
College Assessment: Where do you want to be?
Narrowing the field
Creating a working list and a final list
Robin Marton, College Counselor

7. College Selection
There are more than 3300 colleges and universities in the United States alone.
PHS students generally apply to between 4 and 8 colleges.
Research and guidance helps students narrow their lists of prospective schools.
Robin Marton, College Counselor

8. The Big Picture
Keep your options open. There are excellent colleges everywhere.
Big colleges in small places
Small colleges in big places.
Most colleges are in the Northeast and so are most of the students
Don’t get fixated on one name brand.
Robin Marton, College Counselor

9. Public or Private? Public Schools generally have lower tuition
Private Schools often give out more financial aid
With scholarship money it can be more cost effective to attend the private school
It is getting harder to get into Maryland State Schools and a little easier to get into the private schools due to
the economy
Robin Marton, College Counselor

10. University or Community College
Universities offer a wide variety of majors and extra curricular activities, plus living/learning communities.
Community Colleges offer the chance to take pre-requisites and General Education Requirements in a smaller more intimate environment at a discount.
We have excellent community colleges in our area, especially Anne Arundel, and Howard

11. Do Your Research On
Naviance Family Connection allows family and school to work together to
Keep information in one place
Search for Colleges
Create a list of schools student is interested in
Do a resume, create a personality profile, research careers
Monitor progress of applications

12. What Makes a Good List Great?
A student’s final college list will likely contain 4-8 colleges and universities
Each college or university will be classified as a “Reach”, “Fit”, or “Safety”
The bulk of the student’s list should be Fit. For example, if student applies to 8 schools, 4 should be Fit, 1 or 2 Reach and 1 or 2 Safety
Every college on the list should be a school the student would happily attend. There are more than choices in the U.S., so there is no reason to apply to a school you don’t want to attend.
Robin Marton, College Counselor

13. Factors to Consider
Geographic location: area of the country, weather and lifestyle
Size and diversity: student body, average class size, and dorm life
Academic Opportunities: what and how you will study
Personal Opportunities: activities, jobs, internships, study abroad, friends
Reputation
Student Profile: do you have what they want?
Robin Marton, College Counselor

14. What will you do there? Do you have a career in mind?
Are there specific majors that interest you?
Is there depth and diversity within the academic programs?
Can you change your major if you change your mind?
Remember: College is a place to learn,
explore and grow as a scholar and as an individual.
Robin Marton, College Counselor

15. The Student Body What do you want the student body to be like? Big?
Small?
Conservative?
Liberal?
Diverse?
Like you?
From all over or just from Maryland?
Robin Marton, College Counselor

16. The Faculty Who teaches undergraduates?
Do professors hold regular office hours?
Which is the driving force – teaching or research?
Will your instructors know your name?
Faculty:student ratios appear in all college and university publications and on their websites
Pallotti’s faculty student ratio is 14:1
Robin Marton, College Counselor

17. What do you want?
Anonymity or personal relationships with the faculty?
Commuting or dorm life?
Urban or Suburban or Rural location?
Driving distance or flying distance from home?
Every student should apply to at least one school as a resident. The idea of commuting may be less desirable a year from now. Remember – you are not going to college. The student you will be in a year and a half from now is.

18. Special Programs
Is there a different learning opportunity that appeals to you?..
Connecticut College’s honor code
Sarah Lawrence’s seminar system
St. John’s College Great Books curriculum
Northeastern’s co-op program
Special 5-year Master’s programs available in some fields

19. Student Life What are the dorms like? Do most students live on campus?
Are there programs that you want or need, such as learning support?
Does the college have living/learning communities
What is the social/political climate?
Club lists can tell you a lot about life on campus. Look for those that are important to you.
Robin Marton, College Counselor

20. College Profiles 300-500 is a small freshman class
is a large freshman English class
Look for the following:
-What is the average GPA of accepted Freshmen
-What percentage of applicants are accepted
-What are the average SAT scores
Robin Marton, College Counselor

21. How Do Colleges Choose Students?
Admissions officers review student files and make selections based on standards and needs of the college. They look for students who are:
Varied in terms of demographics and diversity
Outstanding based on academics and scores
Special Admits (legacy, athletes, special talent, etc.)
Previously underrepresented students
Nice kids from Maryland
The object is to get out of the last pile…
Robin Marton, College Counselor

22. What is in the Admission File?
Transcript: a record of final marks for grades and mid year 12th grade marks
High School Profile
SAT, ACT, Subject Tests, and AP scores
Teacher and counselor letters
Personal statement/essay
Application; personal information, high school information, details of extracurricular activities
Additional letter of recommendation (if allowed)
Notes from campus/alumni interview
Record of student contact
Robin Marton, College Counselor

23. The Transcript
Colleges look at the transcript as the best indicator of past performance and future potential. It includes: 1. Student information including name, address and date of birth. 2. A complete record of the courses taken in grades 9-12 and grades received, including summer school coursework. Colleges evaluate not only the grades received but also the courses taken and hope to see that a student has selected a challenging course load.
Robin Marton, College Counselor

24. About Grades
Having all great grades is best, but colleges also appreciate a steady improvement.
Colleges look beyond grades to the courses taken and hope to see a rigorous course load.
The grade point average (GPA) is computed at the end of the junior year and includes all grades received in academic subjects in grades
Junior year grades are extremely important.
A mid-year transcript with first semester senior year grades will be sent to all colleges to which the student applies.
Robin Marton, College Counselor

25. What Is The High School Profile
Summary of St. Vincent Pallotti High School
Explanation of the grading system
SVPHS mission and policies
Course offerings
Grading Scale Information
List of past college acceptances
Robin Marton, College Counselor

26. About Standardized Tests
Standardized tests are the great equalizer because, unlike class work, every applicant has had the same test
SAT and Subject Tests become part of a cumulative record, so colleges can opt to see all results from all test dates (or use Score Choice)
Colleges and universities are interested in your best work, so they will generally use your best scores in the evaluation process even if they do not use Score Choice.
Students will receive PSAT results in mid- December. Use these to focus on SAT preparation. Talk with teachers and counselors and get help.
Robin Marton, College Counselor

27. Standardized Testing
Test dates are available at and
Prepare for SAT and/or ACT
Be systematic
Set aside a specific time a few days each week
Get a book or computer program to help your student
Consider a private tutor or a prep course
Be aware of testing dates and deadlines so you can register for your tests on time. Take the SAT at Pallotti.
Evaluate your need for Subject Tests
If you will be applying to very competitive schools you will need 1-3 Subject Tests. Many colleges and universities do not require any subject tests. Look on the college page in Naviance and on the school’s website for that information.
Robin Marton, College Counselor

28. SAT/ACT Prep ACT has an online www.actstudent.org/
and Khan Academy are sites that offer comprehensive, free prep
Peterson’s has both ACT and SAT practice tests online
College Board has a free Practice App and Personalized free study from Khan Academy at
Princeton Review and Certified Learning Center offer courses leading up to the test date

29. Teacher Letters Colleges generally ask for teacher recommendations.
Students select teachers from either 11th or 12th grade who know them best, so impress your teachers now. The teacher should be from an academic subject. SVPHS students need one letter from an academic teacher, (2nd letter is optional)
The letters provide a confidential picture of the student’s life in high school. Letters will address classroom personality, academic strength, peer relationships.
Some colleges limit the number of recommendations, so students should be aware of any such limitations before requesting any extra letters.
Robin Marton, College Counselor

30. Counselor Letter
The counselor letter provides a global view of the student in the classroom and in the school community
The letter will generally include comments from teachers who are not writing letters
The counselor will also fill out any requested school reports for colleges
Students must supply the counselor with a resume.
Robin Marton, College Counselor

31. Building a Resume
Many colleges ask for a resume as part of the application process
Writing a resume is a good way to consolidate activities and experiences for reference when completing applications
Counselors use the student’s resume to fill in details.
Robin Marton, College Counselor

32. Activities Co-Curricular Activities (take place in school)
Sports, Clubs, Community Service Projects
Extra-Curricular Activities (take place outside of school)
Jobs (including summer jobs), Athletic Leagues/Lessons, Art/Music Lessons and Performances, Independent Community Service, Responsibilities at home
Activities become valuable through an on-going commitment in which students develop skills and attain leadership positions.
If you are not involved, get involved!
Robin Marton, College Counselor

33. Honors and Awards Honor Roll National Honor Society
National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test
Academic contests
College or University awards and medals
Distinctions
Athletic Awards
Robin Marton, College Counselor

34. What is Testing Optional? www.Fairtest.org
Some colleges do not require standardized test sores
Academic strength is determined by the transcript and the GPA
Test-optional colleges will often require additional materials, such as a graded paper, extra letter of recommendation, or an extra essay, for students who do not submit test scores
If a student’s standardized test scores are not in line with his or her GPA, test-optional applications remove them from consideration.
One word of caution: some schools put a grade qualification on who can apply test optional
Robin Marton, College Counselor

35. Decision Plans Regular Decision: ADMIT, DENY OR WAITLIST
Early Decision:
Apply by Nov. 1 or Nov. 15, ADMIT, DENY OR DEFER
decision by mid-December
BINDING if admitted
Early Action: ADMIT, DENY OR DEFER
Apply by Nov.1 or Nov. 11, decision by
mid-December. Non-Binding
Early Decision II: ADMIT, DENY OR DEFER
Apply by Jan. 1, decision by Feb 1
Binding, if admitted
Regular Decision: ADMIT, DENY OR WAITLIST
Deadlines can be as early as January 1,
many colleges and universities don’t use application deadlines at all
Check each school for correct date
Robin Marton, College Counselor

36. Spring 2016
Have a conference with college counselor and come up with a preliminary list of colleges.
Attend at least one college fair
Take the SAT or ACT (twice this year)
Take any needed Subject Tests in June
Identify and plan an effective summer activity, such as a job, sustained volunteer position or college coursework.
Attend Spring Open Houses; call colleges to schedule summer tours and interviews
Robin Marton, College Counselor

37. Summer 2016 Use the summer wisely and effectively
Use Naviance Family Connection to review and adjust the college list through research and campus visits
Call colleges to schedule fall tours and interviews
Revise and finalize a general college essay
Search for Scholarships
Robin Marton, College Counselor

38. Fall 2016 Register for the online Common Application
Submit your Teacher Recommendation Request Form(s) to faculty members
Attend in-school college visits
Meet with your College Counselor as many times as you need
Finalize your list of colleges
Process applications through the college counseling office
Make sure your applications are submitted before the stated deadlines.
Robin Marton, College Counselor

39. What Can I Do Now?
1. Register on Naviance with the registration code you receive and explore the site.
2. Encourage your child to work hard this year. Junior Year is critical.
3. Decide which teachers to ask for recommendation letters.
4. Make sure your junior takes the SAT and/or ACT
5. Talk to your child about college. Discuss finances for college
6. Make sure your junior meets with a college counselor this year
7. Encourage your junior to start a resume and start a scholarship search.

40. Hosting an Exchange Student?
Please advise your exchange student:
All grades received for any class from 9th grade through 12th grade must be on their transcript no matter where the credit was earned.
Many colleges are requiring an official sealed transcript from their home country if they attended any grade between 9&12. Students should get them while they are home for the summer.
Colleges are requiring exchange students to submit a bank statement that shows they have the money available to pay one year of tuition
Robin Marton, College Counselor

41. Service Academies
If your student is interested in attending a service academy – now is the time to start your application.
Check the Academy’s website for Summer Programs and application timelines.
It is highly recommended that any student interested in attending a service academy attend the summer program during the summer between junior and senior year.
Robin Marton, College Counselor

42. Academic Common Market
Maryland is a member of the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Academic Common Market, which includes 16 states.
If your major is not offered in Maryland other member states will give you instate tuition for that major.
Information available at:
Robin Marton, College Counselor

43. Completing Your Application
Most colleges want you to apply on-line.
Once you have submitted your application fill out a yellow Transcript Release Form and return it to Mrs. Marton with the $5.00 fee.
Once the College Counseling office has all the required paperwork your application will be submitted before the application deadline.
Robin Marton, College Counselor

44. Streamlines the process
Accepted by more than 600 colleges and universities in the U.S. and internationally
Available on-line
Streamlines the process
Links up with Naviance so teachers are able to do forms and letters electronically
Robin Marton, College Counselor

45. How the Common App Works
Students create an account on-line and:
enter school information
add colleges to their list (My Colleges)
see what supplements, if any are required by their colleges
Students complete their application once and save it to send to all their colleges
Student must complete the FERPA Waiver on the Common App giving the school permission to send documents and then link Common App with Naviance Account.
Each time a student submits an application, the transcript, profile and letters are sent once the student fills out a Transcript Release Form.
Robin Marton, College Counselor

46. Coalition for College Access
An unprecedented coalition of diverse public and private colleges and universities has come together to improve the college admission application process for all students. The Coalition has developed a free platform of online tools to streamline the experience of applying to college.
Introduction powerpoint at: dentintroduction.
Robin Marton, College Counselor

47. Raise.Me
Raise.Me is a site where students can earn micro scholarships during their high school career.
Student creates an account and follows colleges of interest then puts in achievements, (an A in Biology may earn $100 at one college)
Letter is included in your folder
Robin Marton, College Counselor

48. The Transcript Release Form
We require one Transcript Release Form for each application.
Information Requested on the form:
Your Name
School Name and City
Application Deadline
Name of Teacher(s) writing your letters
Is this a common application? (Yes or No)
Is there any extra paperwork required?
Any Special Requests?
Robin Marton, College Counselor

49. A Word About Financial Aid
All eligible families are encouraged to file a FAFSA form (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) in October of senior year. You should complete the FAFSA based on the income taxes filed in the previous year.
The federal government will determine your ability to pay and will send you a Student Aid Report (SAR) showing your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
The EFC information will be forwarded to colleges who will then determine a financial aid package which will be a combination of grants, loans, and/or work-study
The EFC is the same regardless of the cost of the college, but the packages received will vary.
Robin Marton, College Counselor

50. More on Financial Aid
The College Scholarship Search Profile (CSS) is required by approximately 200 colleges as a supplement to the FAFSA and can be completed in October of the Senior year.
SVPHS hosts a Financial Aid Night in the Fall
Many colleges and universities hold free financial aid nights. Families can get an estimate of the EFC at any time by completing the FAFSA 4Caster at
Robin Marton, College Counselor

51. Scholarship Searches Do not pay for a scholarship search
We have a page on our website with information about scholarships that we receive.
Many school scholarships are listed in Naviance
We have scholarship links on our school web page
Robin Marton, College Counselor

52. More Information
The College Counseling Guide for Juniors is available on the school webpage. Just click on “Academics” – “College Counseling”
Please use this guide as a reference, it contains information on helpful websites, reference books, visiting colleges, finding the right college, and much more.
There is another Guide for Senior Year
Robin Marton, College Counselor