1. Rochester Academy (RACS)
Life After High School
THE JOURNEY BEGINS
Thursday, September 22, 2016

2. Road to your Future AGENDA
Review and discuss various post-secondary educational & vocational options.
Determine what factors will influence your decisions.
Review procedures for processing college applications.

3. Post-Secondary Options
Four year Institutions
Two year Community Colleges
Vocational Schools
Arts Institutions
The World of Work
Military
“Gap” Year
AmeriCorps, Study Abroad, Outward Bound

4. No matter what road you take…
Make your
“Counselor Appointment”

5. Research your Schools Resource Books & Catalogs Computer Searches
Call or Admissions Offices
College Fairs
College Reps RACS Workshops
College Campus Visits
College Fair

6. Search using College Board web-site
School Type (2 or 4 yr)
Location
Student Body - Enrollment Size
Majors & Minors
Athletics
Cost + Financial Aid
Special Programs (clubs, newspaper, band, ROTC, etc)

7. How Many Colleges Should I Apply To?
Identify
Colleges
Apply to
Colleges
Target
Safe
Reach

8. Admission Policy Vocabulary
Early Decision
Early Action or Priority
Early Notification
Rolling Admission
Regular Admission
Open Admission

9. Components College Application
Application Form – Biographical Data
Common Application (
Application Fee – ranges from $0 - $75
Transcript – GPA & Courses
Test Scores – SAT/ACT
– Test optional colleges
Essay – Check prompts carefully
Audition/Portfolio/Interview – specific to certain colleges
Letter of Recommendations – teacher and counselor

10. How to Request a Recommendation
Ask Early.
Ask at a Convenient Time for the Teacher.
Use the “Request for Recommendation Letter” Memo/Form with deadlines.
Present the following materials to your Teacher in an organized way:
A copy of your resume
Teacher Recommendation form (if required)
Addressed envelopes

11. What did the Admissions Director learn about you?

12. How are Admission Decisions made?
Highly Selective
Academic Rigor
Non-Academic Factors
Essay
Letters: Acceptance, Denial, Early Decision, Waitlist, Spring Admit, Summer Pre-College Programs

13. LET’S REVIEW Your Application Packet
YOU SUBMIT:
RACS MAILS:
Online Application
Transcript
SAT/ACT Scores
(Transcript Request Form)
Application Fee
Secondary School Report
Letter of Recommendation
(Brag Sheets)
RACS School Profile
Resume
Did your teacher send the recommendation letter?

14. It’s Really All About Fit
Be Confident – Take responsibility for your own college admissions search.
Be Deliberate – Do thoughtful research about programs and opportunities
Be Realistic and trust your instincts
Be Honest and be yourself
“College is a match to be made, not a prize to be won.”
– Martha O’Connell with NPR

15. Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial Aid Workshop
In October
6:00 pm
Bring your Parents/Guardians
Scholarships link on the School webpage

16. Financial Aid and Scholarships
Don’t Forget to
APPLY NY STATE TAP
(Tuition Assistant Program)

17. Upcoming College Fairs (FREE field trips)
REOC
COLLEGE FAIR
Tuesday, Sept. 20
Riverside Convention Center
Rochester , NY
6 pm – 8 pm
RACS
COLLEGE FAIR
Tuesday, Oct. 11
Wednesday, Nov. 2
Bring a bag lunch for the bus & dress appropriately.

18. Too Much Information? Check out the bulletin board outside the Guidance Office