1. Introduction to College Counseling
Scottsdale Preparatory Academy
Mrs. Sterner & Mrs. Fletcher
A Great Hearts Academy

2. Why Are We Here Tonight? Discuss SPA College Counseling Philosophy
Review Class of 2017 Profile
Identify our role & your role
Review High School Timeline
Introduce Naviance
Discuss College Admissions 101

3. College Counseling Philosophy
SPA – A Great Hearts Academy
“rigorous core curriculum designed for the college-bound student.”
We encourage this decision to be made in the context of the entire family and for both parents and students to take full advantage of all the college counseling resources provided for you here at SPA

4. SPA Profile 2016-2017 Class of 2017 Facts Class size: 77
Since 2012, SPA has graduated 225 students and will be graduating 77 more this spring
Class of 2017 Facts
Class size: 77
% Planning to attend 4 year colleges: 85%
% Planning to attend 2-year colleges: 10%
National Merit Semi-Finalists: 3
National Merit “Commended” Students: 9

5. SPA Profile Class of 2017 Test Scores Test Median Range Mean National
Average
SAT (CR + M)
1280
1006/1600
(2015)
ACT (Comp)
25-29
26.9
20.8/36
(2016)

6. Scottsdale Prep Profile
2017 Acceptances (sampling)
University of Alabama
Northwestern
Chapman
University of Colorado
George Fox
Baylor
Tulane
Point Loma Nazarene
Case Western
Northeastern
Colorado State
Fordham
Rose Hulman
Rutgers
Texas A & M
Williams
Rice
Colorado School of Mines

7. Role of the College Counselor
Work with students to research, discern, and find the “right fit”
Individual meetings, workshops, Admissions101
Assist with applications, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements
Coordinated over 60 college visits this fall
Foster relationships with colleges, explain school curriculum
Meet with families individually by appointment or during conference week

8. Role of the Student
The student is primarily responsible for initiating and engaging the college process
Research Colleges
Set up visits and interviews with colleges
Get to know your college admissions counselor
Register for PSAT, SAT, & ACT tests
Complete college applications
Writing Personal Statements
Financial forms and Scholarship Applications

9. Role of the Parent Attend college events that SPA & GH offers
Symposium, Financial Aid Nights, Junior Parent Night
Help student set realistic expectations and goals
Expose student to college campuses & college fairs
Reach out to SPA college counseling
Begin communicating about family’s ability to help pay
Help complete CSS Profile & FAFSA during senior year

10. During 9th & 10th Grade- Focus on curriculum and learning
Record all activities and awards on Naviance
Tool to guide student’s academic and career goals
PSAT
PSAT – October for 9th, 10th, & 11th grades
College Visits
May happen any time during high school
Great Hearts Sixth Annual College Tour June, Philadelphia 2016, Southern CA 2015, Boston 2014, Southern CA 2013 & 2012

11. Junior Year – College Admissions 101
Work with students to discover their interests, their dreams, their desires
Encourage students to discover what’s important to them
Develop a prospective college list
Narrow down this list to 8-10 before summer break
Likely, Possible, Reach
Help identify summer enrichment programs
Assist with the Common Application & essay
Help create a resume

12. Holistic Review Rigor of Curriculum GPA Test Scores: SAT, ACT, or both
SAT Subject Tests
Personal Statement / Essays
Recommendations, Special Considerations
Extracurricular – sports, interests, volunteering, clubs, competitions

13. Holistic Review
Suggest thinking of yourself as an applicant, and highlight where weaknesses might be
Parents – “How does my student stand out?”
Remember depth, not breadth
Explore interests, do something ‘valuable’ this summer,
Make sure student and college are a good fit for each other

14. Naviance Family Connection
Primary tool Great Hearts has chosen to help simplify, organize and help structure the college search and application process
Start by registering at your Family Connection
Student accounts
Parent accounts

15. Naviance Family Connection

16. Final Thoughts: Family Encouragement
Over and above Naviance and SPA’s College Counseling Department, parents are the best source of encouragement for students…
Encourage study habits
Learning before grades, but pay attention to evals and conferences
Help students take initiative
Get students involved, but stay in balance

17. Final Thoughts
Please remember, this is a pressure filled situation for both student and family.
In most situations, students have been told what to do their entire life and are now faced with this decision and constantly being asked the question from friends and family…
“So, where are you going to college?”
Get to know us. We are here to support you during the journey.

18. Questions?