1. Class of 2018 College and Post-High School Planning
Melrose High School
Guidance Department 1

2. Junior Year Looking ahead to after high school
Focus on academics and GPA
Meet with counselor in the spring
Make a plan and register for SAT/ACT test dates
Visit colleges in the spring (book early)
Begin to develop a college list
Continue with extracurricular and summer activities

3. Naviance Program Linked with Guidance Office
Program to help with decisions about colleges and careers
Junior accounts have been activated
We use it to send out school documents to colleges

4. Individual Session with Counselor
Counselors will meet individually with every junior in the spring
Discussion centers around interests, grades, post-high school plans, and creating an initial college list
Students learn to research colleges using variables such as major, location, size, GPA averages, etc.
Counselor and student generate a list of colleges for further exploration
“To do” list created for student

5. Options 4 year college 2 + 2 school 2 year school
Technical/Trade School
Military
Work
Gap Year (rare)

6. Very Competitive Colleges
Math through Calculus
Biology, Chemistry and Physics
3-4 years of the same foreign language
Rigorous senior year schedule
Dedication to a few key activities
Leadership roles taken
Community Service
Unique qualities or achievements

7. SAT Standardized Testing
SAT Spring 2017 Test Dates
May 6th (register by April 7th)
June 3rd (register by May 9th)
SAT Subject Test Same Test Dates
US History, World History, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math Level 1 & 2, Literature, Spanish, Latin, French, Italian, and German
A word about the subject tests
Register

8. ACT Standardized Testing
ACT (With Writing) Spring Test Dates
June 10th (register by May 5th)
Register
* Differences Between SAT and ACT
See Handout

9. Test Prep Use with discretion
There are many companies that offer classes leading up to spring tests
Cost varies $200 - $700 for a class
Private Tutoring - more expensive
Free test prep online through Khan Academy
Books or other printed test prep materials
Tends to help students that are already motivated to do well

10. College Search Web Sites
clookup
college-search-websites

11. College Selection Process
Size
Location
Learning style match
Major offerings/specializations
Co-curricular activities
Entrance criteria
Facilities
Public vs. Private
Cost

12. College Selection Process
“Reach”
“Realistic”
“Likely
“Safety”

13. Reach for All Students
Examples: Harvard, Dartmouth, Princeton, Yale, Brown, Columbia, Georgetown, Bowdoin, MIT, Swarthmore, Cornell, U/Penn, Stanford
UVA, University of Michigan, Cal Berkeley

14. Reach for Most Students
Boston College, Connecticut College, Williams, NYU, Middlebury, Amherst, Brandeis, Colby, Hamilton, Tufts, Vassar, others

15. Test Optional Colleges
Assumption, Stonehill, Wheaton, Bowdoin, Holy Cross, Connecticut College, Providence, UMass Lowell, Salem State University, many more.

16. University of Massachusetts System
3.0 GPA required to even be considered
U.Mass/Amherst looking for 3.5 unweighted minimum
Commonwealth College – 3.8 minimum
School of Nursing – most competitive
U.Mass/Lowell - has become MUCH more competitive
U.Mass/Dartmouth
U.Mass/Boston
These are no longer safety schools for the majority of students

17. Massachusetts State University System
Bridgewater State
Fitchburg State
Framingham State
Salem State
Westfield State
Worcester State
Massachusetts College of Art
Mass College of Liberal Arts (MCLA)
Massachusetts Maritime Academy

18. Application Process Research 10-20 schools on average
Perhaps consider schools outside of our geographic region
Apply to approximately 5-10, but it varies by student and their intended major
Keep an open mind because once application is sent, it is out of our control
Look for the best fit, not necessarily the best brand name
Financial Aid is a separate process but must be considered

19. Application Deadlines
Early Decision (and Single Choice Early Action) / Early Action
Usually Nov 1, Nov 15, or Dec 1
Regular Admission
often Jan 1st
Rolling Admission
Anytime - The earlier, the better
Students must inform their guidance counselor they are applying at least 2 weeks prior to application deadline

20. Visiting Schools START NOW if possible
Check college websites for appointment schedules for tours and information sessions
Try to visit when school is in session
Some colleges offer overnight stays
Get the student perspective if possible
Remember to stay objective in conversations with your child: the student must be comfortable with the school

21. College Recommendations
1 – 2 teacher recommendations max, as directed by college
Student are encouraged to ask teachers in the spring of junior year and remind them in the fall of senior year
Supplemental recommendations okay, but no more than 4 total including guidance counselor recommendation
In fall of senior year, students complete a “self-assessment” form to give more information to teachers/counselors writing their recommendations

22. College Essay Good idea to start brainstorming ideas now
Often requires some assistance to help brainstorm ideas from parents, teachers, counselor
Parents can assist and review, but not write it
Have counselor or English teacher review
Will work on essay in senior year English class in Fall
Students should always ask their counselor to review their essay
The more competitive the college, the more scrutiny the essay will receive

23. Financial Aid Financial Aid Night Usually in early fall
FAFSA available Oct. 1
CSS Profile (College Board)
Use MEFA (Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority) as a resource
Mefacounselor.org
Melrose Permanent Scholarship Fund
Private Scholarships listed on Naviance
College Specific Scholarships

24. Scholarships
Colleges will give merit scholarship based on applicant’s profile
Melrose Permanent Scholarship Fund
Check with employers, unions, and any other organizations you may be affiliated with. AFL-CIO.
Follow the MHS Guidance blog
Private scholarships listed on Naviance site

25. Coming Attractions Senior Parent Breakfast Fall College Mini-Fair
October 2017 date TBA
Fall College Mini-Fair
Fall 2017 date TBA
Reading College Fair
Financial Aid Night
November or December 2017 date TBA

26. Contact Information
Nancy Arrington, Secretary