1. College/Career Planning Night
January 19, 2016

2. Examples of factors to consider when choosing a college…
Location
Do I want to stay close to home?
Do I want to live in a city?
Size
Can range from just a few hundred students to more than 40,000!
Academics
Do they offer my major?
Which school has the best program for me?
Admissions
How do my grades and test scores compare to what they are looking for?
Housing
Is this a guarantee?
Who else would be living in my dorm?
Financial Aid
Can I afford to attend this school?
What scholarships may be available to me?
Culture and Diversity
Greek life
Multicultural student body and clubs
Do they have extracurricular activities that fit my interests?

3. What Colleges Consider
Transcript Rigor – Grades, Level and number of core courses (min. 4 or more core classes each year of high school)
GPA
3. Standardized test scores SAT or ACT
Some schools optional
- School/Community Involvement
Depth of activities, not breadth
- Letters of Recommendation
2 teacher, 1 counselor
- Essay
- Unknown factors (diversity, sports, music, etc.)

4. 4-Year MA State College Requirements:
English – 4 courses
Math – 4 courses (through Alg. II)
Science – 3 courses (2 with lab work)
History/Social Science – 2 courses (including US History)
Foreign Language- 2 courses (single language)
2 other courses from core requirements or Arts/Humanities
Private college requirements will vary
*More selective schools will require more core courses

5. Standardized Tests New SAT begins March 2016
SATII or Subject Test are to be taken for more competitive schools in May or June of junior year
ACT an alternative option
Register for the SAT on CollegeBoard.org
Register for the ACT on ACTStudent.org

6. College Lists Average number of schools is 6-8
Should include a balance of safety, competitive and reach schools
Safety
GPA above accepted average range
Test scores above average range (middle 50%)
Taken more core classes then required or recommended
Admission is likely

7. College Lists Competitive Reach GPA is inside accepted average range
Test scores inside average range (middle 50%)
Taken the amount of core classes required or recommended
Admission is possible
Reach
GPA is below average range
Test scores in average range (middle 50%)
Taken less than or the minimum of core classes required
Admission is doubtful

8. College Visits
Important to tour schools in person to learn likes and dislikes
Feb break, April break, summer
Admissions does note school visits as demonstrated interest.
Interviews are more common at smaller schools
See as much as possible of campus. (cafeteria, dorms, etc.)
Ask questions!!

9. Letters of Recommendation
Ask 2 teachers that know you well
The teacher you ask may align to your college major
Think of asking teachers in core courses
Ask before summer break (if possible)
School counselors will write letters for each student

10. Essay Make it personal & interesting
Have others proof read it (parent, teacher, counselor)
Common App or school will often give guidance on the topic

11. Student Athletes Potential Division I or Division II Athletes
Must Register with the NCAA

12. 2 Year Schools
No standardized tests, essay or letters of recommendation
Application, transcript and proof of graduation
Transfer to 4 year college after freshman or sophomore year
Good way to save money $$
Deadline is usually in the summer
Guidance hosts “Decision Days”

13. Technical Schools
Should have core courses focused in math and science.
Test scores optional but good to send for math achievement
Interview helpful
Usually rolling deadlines, but better to apply early.
Letters of recommendation and essay not necessary

14. Military Can be combined with ROTC at 4 year schools
Scholarship opportunities
Speak to branch specific enrollment officer
Students should take ASVAB at PHS in December.
Military branches require a high school diploma
Military academies very competitive