1. WELCOME to Coffee with Counselors Oct. 13, 2016

2. WE ARE HERE TO HELP!
College planning can be overwhelming for students and parents, but we are available to help all along the way!
There are no stupid questions!
We approach each student as an individual with unique interests and needs.

3. Senior Families
The time is upon us to apply. Some questions to answer are…
Is my son/daughter taking all the proper steps at this point?
What is the general timeline?
What are the steps in the application process?
What about financial aid?

4. POST HIGH SCHOOL OPTIONS
4 year college
2 + 2 college
2 year college / community college
Technical / Vocational School
Military academy
Military
Work
Prep school
Gap Year Programs

5. Counselor’s Responsibilities
Meet with student 2-3 times during fall of senior year and hold weekly workshops
Assist student in determining college readiness, developing a college list, and communicating with parent(s) as appropriate
Assist student as necessary with completion of forms and decision making process

6. Student’s Responsibilities
Make & keep appointments to speak with counselor about post high school / college plans
Involve parents in the conversation about post high school plans
Do his / her own research on college choices
Put forth the best academic effort possible
Keep track of deadlines / timelines

7. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
4 years of English
4 years of Math
4 years of Science
3 years of History
3 years of the same foreign language
1 year of art, technology, and PE/Health

8. ADMISSION FACTORS THAT COLLEGES CONSIDER
GPA and Class Rank
SAT / ACT scores
Junior and Senior year performance
Extracurricular activities
College Essay
Recommendations
Interview (maybe) and Campus Visit
“Demonstrated Interest”

9. FACTORS STUDENTS SHOULD CONSIDER
Location
Admission selectivity
“Fit” or “match” with student interests and personality (college visit is critically important)
Academic programs
Size
Public vs. Private
Cost & Financial Aid Offer
Other…specific clubs, sports teams, etc.

10. Same college essay can be used for all common app schools
One online application ( that can be used for many colleges, so it streamlines the process
BUT many schools also require a supplement
Same college essay can be used for all common app schools

11. One stop shop for students, families, and guidance counselors
Students can search colleges & learn about different career paths
Guidance counselors will send all school documents through Naviance (profile, letter of rec, transcript, secondary school reports, & fee waivers)
Teachers will upload recommendations

12. EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Looking for evidence of leadership & commitment
Community involvement is important, and sustained involvement over time that shows commitment
It’s important to also show work experience

13. DECIDING WHERE TO ATTEND
May 1 is national decision date
Admitted student campus visits
can help to clarify decision
Fight senioritis! Acceptance conditional on completing senior year at same level of performance
If you receive good news, be thoughtful of fellow students that may not have

14. PAYING FOR COLLEGE
$ FAFSA & CSS Profile opened UAspire Representative: LiliBeth Tapia $ Scholarships are ed out & will be posted to the O’B Website $ search engine for scholarships

15. Options for Students Not Going to College
Post Grad Year / Prep School
Technical Schools / Trade Schools
Military
GAP Year or Deferred Enrollment
Employment

16. Senior Activities Senior Dues = $80 Prom = $0??? Miscellaneous
Graduation cap & gown
Senior Reception
Prom = $0???
Miscellaneous
Senior sweatshirt = $40

17. Guidance Caseloads Ms. Azar: students A-G
Ms. Fontanez-Pilon: Engineering & Health Science Pathway students
Dr. Irizarry: students H-Og
Ms. Martinez: students Oh-Z

18. Ms. Martinez’s Transition
12th grade caseload: see handout
College Applications: Ms. Rainey
Recommendation letters before : Ms. Martinez
9th, 10th, 11th grade students
O-R: Dr. Irizarry
S-TO: Ms. Azar
TR-Z: Ms. Fontanez-Pilon

19. 617-635-9932 razar@bostonpublicschools.org

20. THANK YOU FOR COMING THIS MORNING!