1. College Planning Night
“The Road Ahead”
January 4th, 2018
WELCOME!

2. Does thinking about college leave you feeling like this?

3. Or like this…

4. RELAX
BREATHE
We are here to help you.

5. To Begin
There are over 4,000 colleges in the country. If you want to go to college, you will get there.
The task is to gather information to find a
“good Fit.”
Understand there are a number of schools that will meet this expectation.

6. Take a Positive Approach to College Planning
STUDENTS OWN THE PROCESS
Colleges are looking for students to take ownership of the process
DEVELOP INDEPENDENCE IN YOUR CHILDREN
Know what has to be accomplished
Authenticity of the application is important
THIS IS AN INDIVIDUAL PROCESS
Be empowered to design your own path; respect privacy both your own and others; focus on your goals; see yourself as an individual
TAKE YOUR TIME
Approach this process as a thoughtful decision-making, self-reflecting process which evolves over time

7. Factors to Consider Location Size of school Cost / Financial Aid
Campus / Surroundings
Diversity
Curriculum / Educational Approach
Areas of Interest /Majors
Special Interests /Talents
Political Climate
Greek Life
Athletics
AND…
Admissions Selectivity- Is there a match between your qualifications AND what the college is looking for (GPA/Test scores).
Being realistic is a key factor

8. The College Search Process
Frequent communication with your counselor
Utilize Naviance
Explore college websites
College Visits / Demonstrated Interest
Be clear about your family’s parameters (Location, Cost, Culture)
Be sure to meet with admissions counselors that come to John Jay High School in the fall of senior year
And…
Keep an open mind about college options
Recognize that admissions standards and campus cultures continue to change
Use good judgment when listening to the opinions of others
Be mindful of social media sources that may not be credible

9. How to get the most out of a College Visit
Register on school website or call the undergraduate admissions office
to arrange for a tour and information session
- Best when classes are in session
- Ask if there is an option to sit in on a class or do an overnight
- Juniors and Seniors are allowed 4 legal absences for college visits
Consider visiting the Financial Aid office
Keep a journal of your impressions and distinguishing factors, take pictures
Pick up the college newspaper
Eat on campus
Do not overvalue or undervalue your tour guides
Do not judge a school by the weather on that day
Take a minute to read through the student activity bulletin boards
Explore the surrounding community
Ask thoughtful and specific questions (See the Step-by-Step guide for examples)

10. Sample Questions Is there any advantage to applying early action?
If I do not get accepted to the nursing/business/engineering program will I be considered for a second choice program?
If I do not apply directly to a program, would I be able to transfer into this program?
Do you superscore the ACT and/or SAT?
Are you a test optional school?
How important is demonstrated interest?
Do you offer merit scholarships and are there specific deadlines for them?

11. Factors Considered in the Application Process
Academic Data:
Transcript: Final Course Grades, 3-Year GPA, Course Selection, Level of Rigor
Senior year course selection
Senior Grades – 1st and 2nd quarter
Standardized Testing Requirements

12. Senior Year Course Selection
Select a level of rigor based on strengths and interests – keep consistency
Make good choices:
-Find a balance
-Speak with your counselor
-Consult with your teachers
-Discuss with parent(s)/guardian(s)
-Talk with other students who have taken the classes
Economics & Participation in Government must be a part of your schedule (NYS requirement)
Note – It is not recommended to drop a class after your transcript is sent to your colleges.

13. TESTING Make an individual testing schedule
Make a plan to prepare for tests
Register for the spring SAT w/writing and/or ACT w/writing
(collegeboard.com or ACTstudent.org)
Register for SAT Subject Tests (when applicable)
Be sure to check the individual college websites for undergraduate testing requirements
Test Optional Schools- Visit individual school websites and/or Fairtest.org . Please be sure to check if there are alternative requirements in lieu of test scores.

14. Additional Factors Considered in the Application Process
College Essay / Supplemental Essays
Letters of Recommendation (Counselor & Teachers)
Demonstrated Interest
Interviews (if required)
Extracurricular Activities (See About Me tab in Naviance)
Special Talents (Art, Athletics, Music, Theater, etc.)
Legacy
Institutional Goals

15. Developing a list Reach Schools Target / Range Schools
Probable Admit Schools
Number of Applications (balance of the above categories)

16. Types of Application Deadlines
Early Decision
Early Action
Rolling
Regular Decision
Priority Decision
The Common Application (Available online beginning August 1, 2018)

17. Special Considerations
Students with an IEP or 504 Plan:
- Be certain to apply for testing accommodations for both the SAT & ACT (They have separate approval processes)
*See your Counselor
Special Talents:
-Potential NCAA Division I & II Athletes will need to register with the NCAA Clearing House at ncaaeligibilitycenter.com
-Artists and Musicians- Begin to prepare portfolios & for auditions

18. Step-By-Step Guide A wealth of information containing:
- Timetables and Current Test Dates
- Financial Aid Information
- How to Research Colleges
- Information about college visits and
interview tips
- Glossary, helpful websites…
The guide can be accessed on the Counseling Center’s web page & on Naviance under ‘Document Library’

19. College Planning Night II:
Tuesday, March 7 PM
(Snow date: March 7 PM)
College Admissions Counselors will be present to answer questions and provide helpful guidance

20. Call to make a Junior College
Meeting with your Counselor