1. COLLEGE INFORMATION NIGHT September 2017

2. COUNSELOR ASSIGNMENTS
Terry Freeman A – D
John Carbone E – K
Gail Bassett L – Q
Julie Houghmaster R – Z

3. Where do I start? Importance of rigorous academics
Involvement in and out of the classroom
PSAT’s~fall SAT/ACT’s~spring
Higher Education JCC – Monday, Oct. 2nd , 5-7pm
Think and plan ahead

4. College Search Guidance Direct College Search Database
College Home Pages

5. How do I select a college?
Admissions Criteria
Potential Majors
Size/Location/Community
Extra-curricular Activities
Visit Colleges

6. How do I narrow the field?
College visit/Open House
Talk to students/faculty
See facilities
Sit in on a class
Think realistically

7. Also…
Residential life
Personal factors
Is it a good fit?

8. When do I apply? Generally, Fall of Senior year Types of Admission:
*Open Admission
*Early Decision
*Early Action
*Rolling Admission
*Regular Admission
Be very aware of deadlines!

9. How do I apply? Applications online Common Application
SUNY Application (possible supplemental info)
College Specific Application (online & paper)
Jefferson online (FREE!)

10. What will the college look at?
Transcript (Official & self-reported)
*GPA
*Rank
*Rigor
Counselor & Teacher recommendations
Standardized Test Scores (SAT/ACT or test optional)

11. Also… Essay/Personal Statement Extra curricular involvement
12th grade mid-year report
Final high school transcript

12. What happens when I’m accepted?
ED applicants notified by Dec. 15th and must withdraw other applications
Regular Admission decisions by April 1st
Compare Financial Aid packages (SAR)
Make final decision and mail deposit

13. How will I pay for college?
$ Federal and State Financial Aid
~Financial Aid Night-Oct. 6:30pm (LGI)
~Higher Ed. Night Session-Oct. (JCC)
$ Institutional Aid – College specific/usually inherent by applying
$ Scholarships
~monthly bulletin
~WHS scholarships awarded at Graduation
~employer/civic affiliation

14. Also… Loans (Parent and Student) Valuable website—www.HESC.ny.gov
College Calculators

15. Now what? Remain focused on academics
Notify Guidance Office of final college choice
If plans change, we are here to help

16. Valuable Websites WHS GUIDANCE WEBSITE:
JEFFERSON COMMUNITY COLLEGE Research programs and apply online for free.
COLLEGE BOARD Click above to find information about the SAT's, PSAT's, AP, CLEP, college search process, parent information.
FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA) Families can either file the FAFSA with the paper application or file electronically by this website.
NYS HIGHER EDUCATION SERVICES CORPORATION This state agency administers NYS's grant and scholarship awards and the Federal Family Education Loan Programs.
STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW YORK Learn more about the State University of New York college system and apply online.
NEW YORK MENTOR Click above to find out about a free service designed to help students learn about college in NY State.  This program also helps students and their parents make plans for the future.
COMMON APPLICATION Click above to download Common Application or complete online.
GUIDANCE DIRECT Students can explore career, college and scholarship information.  Enter school lD: and school password: W85S2770.
NCAA CLEARINGHOUSE Student athletes that want to participate in Division I or II athletics must register in the Spring of their Junior Year.
 COLLEGE NAVIGATOR Research colleges nationally.
GO COLLEGE NEW YORK Develop a high school plan, explore careers, research colleges, financial planning.
KNOW HOW 2 GO Steps to college, high school planning, military and veterans information.
New York State's Private Colleges and Universities Guide to NYS Private Colleges

17. Questions?