1. Presented by The BHS Counseling Department
THE ROAD TO COLLEGE
Presented by
The BHS Counseling Department

2. Today You Will Learn About:
BHS Graduation Requirements
Post Secondary Options
Factors to consider when researching colleges
Factors involved in the admission decisions of colleges.
Other things to consider, ie financial aid, scholarships, NCAA.

3. BHS Graduation Requirements–Class of 2018
4 credits of English
4 credits of Math (through algebra II & including a credit of math senior year)
3 credits of history (World, US I and US II)
3 credits of science (all lab-based)
22 credits total
Passing ELA, math and science MCAS
These are the minimum BHS grad requirements – most colleges require more including world languages

4. Post Secondary Options
College
4 year college Bachelors
2 year college Associate
Employment
Career / Technical School
Military
Gap Year Programs

5. Finding a College Public and Private College Size Location
Campus Culture
Majors
Selectivity
Cost
Extracurricular Activities
Special Programs
Cost – don’t let it stop you from applying – talk about it

6. Developing A List Be OPEN MINDED to schools
Start with a larger list then narrow it when it is time to apply
Ideally apply to 6-8 schools
1-2 Reach Schools
2-3 Probable schools
1-2 Best Chance schools
Consider academics and finances when developing your list.
Should include a financially feasible option
You may need more schools if your list is reach heavy or less schools if your list has more probables. There is no magic number. Each and every students list is very different .

7. Resources to Build a List
Attend open houses and tours
Use February and April Vacations
College Rep visits at BHS/College Fairs
Speak to current students
Schedule interview (if offered)
College websites
Three excused absences in junior and three in senior years
NEACAC college fair in Boston – Sunday, May 7,2:00-5:00; May 8, 8:30-12:30

8. Factors Colleges Consider
Transcript - Most Important
GPA, Courses (Levels and Subjects), & Grades
ACT and SAT
Essay(s)
Extracurricular Activities/ Leadership/ Work
Letters of Recommendation
Transcript – Final grades most important, Midterm/final exam grades not on transcript
Letter of rec should be from a junior or senior year teacher – all are confidential – colleges expect this to maintain the integrity of the process

9. Standing Out in the Admissions Process
Challenge yourself in course selection
Go beyond the minimum requirements
Take the ACT/SAT more than once
Trending upward
Rigorous senior year
Demonstrate interest – tours, interviews
Going beyond - You know your school may require only three years of science/history, but you took four!

10. ACT and/or SAT
Preparing is absolutely essential to success on these tests.
Junior year:
ACT in April or June
SAT in May or June (Subject test for SAT may be required for competitive colleges)
Senior year:
Students should retake the test on which they did their best
More than 880 colleges are Test Optional –
Show website for ACT/SAT comparison

11. NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association)
Student athletes intending to play NCAA Division I or II sports must register with the NCAA
Regardless of what Division you want to play, it is important to learn about the NCAA requirements early and understand the NCAA rules.
Visit to learn more.

12. Student Timeline Fall/Winter of Junior Year
Attend group meetings with counselor in computer labs
Utilize Naviance to research colleges and careers
Focus on Grades!
Spring/Summer of Junior Year
Visit Colleges – February/April vacations
Add Colleges to “Colleges I’m Thinking About” in Naviance
Take the ACT
Autobiographical Statement – English classes
College Essay – English classes
Junior Group meeting in June
Thoughtfully select senior year courses with counselor

13. Student Timeline Fall Senior Year
Small group senior meetings in computer labs in September
Retake ACTs or SATs
Continue to visit schools
Finalize list of colleges in Naviance - “Colleges I’m Applying To”

14. Valuable Resources Use Naviance for:
General Information about Colleges and Careers
Admission Requirements
Deadlines (verify with websites)
Compare your profile to previous graduates
BHS School Counseling Website
Naviance demo here
Address how parents and student get their user names and passwords?
Students also get three excused absences Junior year and three senior year
NEACAC college fair in Boston – Sunday, May 22nd

15. CLOSING THOUGHTS Keep the process in perspective
Work together as a family
Students must take ownership
Discuss finances openly
Start early and meet all deadlines
Communicate!!!!