1. Welcome Juniors! Attendance Return your yellow scheduling form!
These slides will be on our web site:
Click on “Guidance Department”

2. Remind Take out your phones Enter this number: 81010
Text this
Now put your phones away

3. Post High School Planning Options
4 Year College (83% of Class of 2018)
2 year College 12%
Career 4%
Military 1%

4. Naviance Go to www.connection.naviance.com/wantaghhs
Your username is your and your password is your student ID number.

5. Tell me about Naviance…
Online transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.
College Search Engine
Scattergrams
Check your regularly!

6. College Criteria for Student Selection
How do colleges evaluate you?

7. Grades Transcript Strength of program/academic rigor
Weighted and unweighted averages
Senior year grades can help…or hurt
We don’t rank our students

8. Test Scores ACT is April 13 (deadline to register is March 8…Friday!)
SAT/Subject tests is May 4 (deadline to register is April 5)
Score Choice
How will you prepare?
Method Test Prep (Wantagh Guidance Web page)
Tutor/course
Collegeboard.com (Khan Academy)

9. Letters of Recommendation
Counselor Letter
Counselor letter form/autobiography: due June 7, 2019
Teacher Comment Form (Green Sheets): Due June 7, 2019
Parent Brag Sheet: due June 7, 2019

10. Teacher Letters When to ask, whom to ask, and how to ask for a letter.
How many do I need?
Use the Teacher letter form to assist the teacher in writing a good letter.

11. Activities “Sincere” community service vs. club member
Depth of involvement vs. the “laundry list”
What can you initiate or coordinate that is worthwhile?
Summer programs/school year internships
Part time jobs
Community Service: check our web site for additional opportunities

12. The Essay Register with Common App to view essay topics
Journal your experiences
Your essay is judged on both content and writing ability
What makes you unique?
Stay away from over-done topics

13. Demonstrated Interest
When you visit a college, make sure you sign in.
Get contact information from the area rep.
If a college is your clear number one choice, consider Early Decision.
Does everyone know the difference between Early Decision and Early Action?

14. Student Criteria for College Selection
What factors are important to you in choosing a college?

15. Location Commute or Reside? What region? How far from home?
Rural, suburban or urban?
Local characteristics or attractions

16. Major
What is a major?
What is a minor?

17. Cost Public vs. private colleges
Your financial aid package may be the deciding factor in your college selection

18. Selectivity (Can I get in?)
What is a “safety school”?
A “reach school”?
A “school in my range”?
What about honors programs?

19. Student Body Large schools (over 15,000 students)
Medium (between 5,000 and 15,000)
Small (under 5,000)
Other characteristics?

20. Individual Considerations
Athletics
NCAA criteria for participation
Spectator sports on campus
Intramural opportunities
Art/Music
Portfolio or audition requirements
Cultural opportunities on campus

21. More Individual Considerations
Clubs and activities
School spirit
Do they accept my college credits?
Resource centers
LD Programs
Campus layout/walking distances
Campus appearance
Dorm options

22. The Junior Conference Your parent/guardian is invited to attend.
We go over these topics in greater depth.
We will talk more about Common App, Naviance and our application process.

23. Don’t Worry, Just Get Started
Log onto Family Connection (Naviance) often for updates and messages.
Check your timeline and do the tasks you need to do each step of the way.
I am here to assist.