1. Bear Creek High School Class of 2018
Welcome Seniors
Bear Creek High School Class of 2018

2. BCHS Counseling dept Kristen Kofoed (A-C) Matt Schacht (D-I)
Gretchen Slaughter (J-M)
Joy Pearson (N-Sc)
Valerie Smrt (Sd-Z)
Interns:
Jess Bennett
Erin Noonan
Ann Wygle

3. What are you going to do after high school?
Based on survey of 2017 Senior Class
4 year college 54%
2 year college 32%
Military 1%
Work %

4. Of those who continued their education:
92% planned to stay in CO to further their education
Based on Survey of 2017 graduating seniors

5. Colorado has 34 two and four year colleges
19 Four year colleges & universities
15 public/4 private
15 Two year community & junior colleges
29 are governed by the CO Commission on Higher Education (CCHE)
What’s the difference?

6. four year colleges Degrees Offered Description Tuition
Admissions Requirements
Bachelors and beyond
Provides a well-rounded college experience that includes an academic area of study
Public: Typically under $15,000/year
Private: Typically more than $20,000/year
SAT or ACT
GPA
Coursework
Class rank
Essay
Extracurricular activities
Letters of recommendation
Examples: Metropolitan State University, Colorado College, University of Colorado, Colorado State University, University of Denver

7. Two year colleges Degrees Offered Description Tuition
Admissions Requirements
Associates and certificates
A way to ease into college/take general college classes for credit. Typically have agreements with four year colleges to transfer credits
Typically under $7,000/year
Open door admissions policy
May vary for: Nursing, allied health, law enforcement, engineering technology, computer technology
Examples: Red Rocks Community College, Northwestern Junior College

8. Career and technical education
Warren Tech Adult Programs:
Auto Collision Repair
Auto Customization
Automotive Technology
Cosmetology: Esthetics, Nail Tech, Hairstyling
Dental Assisting
Power Equipment/Motorcycle Technology
Welding
Adult students please contact the Warren Tech/Red Rocks Community College liaison at for information.

9. Other options
Military: The military can offer benefits such as college fund assistance. ASVAB, 10/19/17- Sign up with Mrs. Slaughter.
Job Corps: Free education and training program that helps young people learn a career, earn a high school diploma or GED, and find and keep a good job.
Get a Job:
Apprenticeship: provide structure, on-the-job training under the supervision of a qualified member of that profession.
Apprenticeship options: Construction skilled trades, Cosmetology, Dental Assistant, Fire Medic, Law Enforcement Agent, Pharmacy Tech, etc.
For more information visit: or

10. Explore career options
Log on to Naviance– Do What you Are survey, Career Interest Profiler
O*NET:
OOH- Occupational Outlook Handbook:
College In Colorado:
See your counselor!

11. COLLEGE

12. Choosing your College priorities
What is important to you?
Location
Total Cost- including aid
Academics
Size
Support Services
Majors Offered
Admission Requirements
Clubs & Activities
Housing Options

13. College visits Check Naviance for current list
Students sign up on Naviance for the visit
Students must PRINT the Naviance College Visit Page for a pass

14. College fairs Thursday, Sept. 28, 2017 Lakewood High School
6:30- 8:00 pm
Sunday, Sept. 24, 2017
Nat’l College Denver Mart
1:00-4:00 pm
Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017
Standley Lake High School
6:30-7:30 pm
Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2017
Alameda High School
6:00- 7:30 pm
Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2017
Columbine High School

15. Quick review!
What type of degree do you earn at a four year college or university?
Bachelors degree
Name an option for after graduation besides a two or four year school.
Career, military, Job Corps, Apprenticeship
Name 3 of our school counselors.
Kofoed
Schacht
Slaughter
Pearson
Smrt

17. What really matters in college admissions?
Many factors influence admissions decisions including:
Grades in All Courses
Strength of Curriculum
Admission Test Scores (SAT, ACT)
Essay
Student’s Demonstrated Interest
Counselor and Teacher Recommendations
Subject Test Scores (AP, IB)
Extracurricular Activities

20. SAT retakes SAT TEST DATES REGISTRATION DEADLINES ‘LATE’ REGISTRATION
October 7, 2017
September 8, 2017
September 9-27, 2017
November 4, 2017
October 5, 2017
October 6-25, 2017
December 2, 2017
November 2, 2017
November 3-21, 2017
March 10, 2018
February 9, 2018
February 10-28, 2018
May 5, 2018
April 6, 2018
April 7-25, 2018
June 2, 2018
May 3, 2018
May 4-23, 2018

21. ACT ACT TEST DATES REGISTRATION DEADLINES ‘LATE’ REGISTRATION
October 28, 2017
September 22, 2017
Sept 23- Oct 6 ,2017
December 9, 2017
November 3, 2017
November 4-17, 2017
February 10, 2018
January 12, 2018
January 13-19, 2018
April 14, 2018
March 9, 2018
March 10-23, 2018

22. 6 steps for applying to college
Apply online on college website.
Determine if letter of recommendation is required.
Confirm college is on YOUR list in Naviance.
Pick up a transcript request form from counseling office.
Return completed form with all signatures and $3 per application.
Confirm with college that application is complete.

23. Recommendation Letters
(Send ONLY if required)
Speak to your counselor to discuss the need for a letter of recommendation.
Ask for recommendations in person. Do not or drop the request in a mailbox or on a desk.
Choose people who will give you a strong recommendation– if a teacher, preferably in the subject area of your college major.
Log in to Naviance and complete “Letter of Recommendation Questionnaire.”
Allow a minimum of two weeks for the completion of the letter.
Write a ‘Thank You’ note to the person who completed a letter of recommendation.

24. FAFSA.gov

25. Next steps for seniors In School Standardized Testing
Stay focused on academics
Meet with your school counselor early to discuss college plans
Talk with teachers regarding letters of recommendation
Standardized Testing
Prepare, register, and retake SAT/ACT if necessary
College Applications
Meet with college representatives
Attend College Night– Sept 18th, 6-8 BCHS!!
Narrow college choices and apply
Complete applications by October 31
Complete the FAFSA- Opens October 1
Visit colleges

26. Combating “senioritis”
Your senior year MATTERS!
Maintain a challenging course load
Enjoy your senior experience responsibly
Commit to an internship, career-focused job, or volunteer
Keep a calendar of activities and deadlines (tests, college applications, senior year events, etc.)
Don’t obsess over the admissions process. Just get started and keep moving.

27. BCHS Counseling dept Kristen Kofoed (A-C) Matt Schacht (D-I)
Gretchen Slaughter (J-M)
Joy Pearson (N-Sc)
Valerie Smrt (Sd-Z)
Interns:
Jess Bennett
Erin Noonan
Ann Wygle

28. Coming up… BCHS College Night College Application Workshop
September 18, 2017
6:00- 8:00 pm
Starts in the Auditorium
College Application Workshop
During parent-teacher conferences 9/27, 9/28
Optional Financial Aid meeting
November 9
During Connections

29. What have you learned? Where can you sign up for college visits?
Naviance
What is the application you fill out for financial aid?
FAFSA- Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Where can you find a BCHS transcript request form?
The counseling office or the counseling website