1. Kenmore West College Planning Night
Kenmore West College Night
April 29, 2019
Kenmore West College Planning Night
October 4, 2017

2. Many decisions are necessary when planning for college
Two or four year college?
Local school or go away?
What do I want to major in?
How will I afford college?
What kind of career am I thinking about?
How much money do I want to make?
Where do I see myself in 5-10 years?

3. What are colleges looking for?
Kenmore West College Night
April 29, 2019
What are colleges looking for?
GPA
Strong transcript
Standardized test scores (SAT, SAT Subject test, ACT)
College essay
Letters of recommendation
Community service, clubs and activities
Involvement in athletics, arts, music, etc.

4. Grade Point Average
Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated in the fall of senior year. The GPA includes all grades for any high school class for which the student earned credit in grades 8 – 11
Courses of higher levels (IB, AP, Honors) carry weighting with them for the purpose of computing GPA. IB = 1.10, AP = 1.10, Honors = 1.05, Regents = 1.0
Students receive their GPA/rank in fall of their senior year

5. Strength of Transcript
Colleges have “recommended” minimum academic requirements for applicants. Look at college websites under the Admissions section for requirements or Naviance college page
Students are always encouraged to achieve more than the minimum required high school requirements.
We recommend challenging yourself as much
as possible in order to stay competitive:
Honors & AP courses
Articulated courses
Other advanced courses
Challenging electives
Full high school schedule

6. Standardized Tests Register for SAT and/or ACT tests
SAT – To register:
ACT – To register:
**If you are a special education student with testing accommodations planning to take either of these tests, you MUST see your IEP teacher and counselor before you register
Standardized tests are NOT required for
admission to two-year community colleges

7. ACT Four parts to the test: English, Math, Reading, Science
writing section is optional
Each section is scored separately,
with a total composite score of 36.
The cost of the ACT is $46, with writing section is $62.50
Both include sending scores to 4 schools at no additional cost.
Next test date: December 9
Registration deadline: November 3
(October 28 test – registration deadline passed)
Fee waivers are available to students
who receive free or reduced lunch
Check the ACT website or KW Counseling Center website
for dates & information

8. SAT Three parts to the test: Reading, Math, Writing & Language
optional essay
Each section is scored out of 800 points
The cost of the SAT with Essay is $60
The cost without the Essay is $46
(this includes sending scores to 4 schools at no additional cost)
Next test dates: November 4 – October 5 deadline
December 2* – November 2 deadline
(December 2 at Kenmore East, not West)
Fee waivers are available for students
who receive free or reduced lunch
Check the College Board website or KW Counseling Center website
for test dates & information

9. SAT Subject tests
SAT subject tests are one hour long, content-based tests which allow you to showcase achievement in specific subjects. Students choose the test(s) that best show achievement & interest.
Certain schools will require a SAT subject test
for specific majors
Subject tests are offered in the following areas:
Literature, US History, World History, Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, French, Spanish, Latin, Italian, German, Latin, and modern Hebrew
Recommended that students take these in June
of junior year (after AP exams)
Cost of a subject test is $26, each additional test is $21
Please check with college of interest to see
if these are required.

10. Sending your scores
Many colleges prefer you send your SAT and/or ACT scores directly from the testing company
(for security purposes)
When you register for either test, you can send
your scores to FOUR colleges for free
ACT and College Board will charge a fee to
have your scores sent to additional colleges
SAT & ACT score report fee: $12 per school

11. Gathering Information
Look at college and university websites
under Admissions or Prospective Students
Use Naviance, the S.U.N.Y. website,
& Common Application website
for information on colleges
(admission requirements, financial aid, etc.)
Attend college fairs this Fall & Spring
Meet with college representatives
in Career Center this Fall
Visit schools - you won’t know if it’s a good fit
for you until you step foot on campus

12. Information about Careers
Use online resources such as:
Naviance – website for career and college information
Bureau of Labor Statistics
U.S. Department of Labor
N.Y. Department of Labor
Look for more resources on the
KW Counseling webpage → Career Planning

13. Naviance
Naviance is a website used by KW for all students to research college information & careers, manage applications,
create a resume, & more
Students log in by using their
KW username and password
Parents can also access their own account.
Please contact your student’s counselor for a registration code.
All current students are
registered for Naviance.

14. Transcripts are now only sent electronically
Students must use their Naviance account to request transcripts be sent to the colleges they’ve applied to. From Naviance, their transcripts will be sent electronically to the colleges.
Transcripts are now only sent electronically
from Kenmore West to colleges.
Colleges do not notify us when an application is submitted online. Students must be sure their list of college applications in Naviance is accurate.
Colleges will NOT review a student’s application until
he/she has submitted all required documents
(transcript, SAT/ACT scores, letters of recommendation,
essay, etc.)
Counselors will hand out more specific information
about the college application process
during individual Senior Review meetings.

15. Common Application The Common Application is used by
over 700 colleges and universities
Complete one Common Application online,
and it can be sent to numerous member schools
Students must MATCH their Common Application account
with their Naviance account
There is a separate section in Common App for each individual school if they require different documents (essay or the number of required letters of recommendation)
An application fee is still required
for each school you apply to

17. College Acceptance Students should know whether they have been
accepted by early Spring
(every college has a different timeline)
Applicants may either be accepted,
wait listed or denied admission
Once all offers are on the table,
weigh the pros and cons of each school,
together with the financial packages offered
& make the best decision for you

18. Senior Review appointments
Your school counselor will make an appointment
for your Senior Review
in September or October.
During the Senior Review, students will review all credits earned & needed for graduation,
and diploma type.
Students will also discuss post-high school plans with their counselor and explain the college application process.
Counselors will follow up with Seniors
through the year as needed

19. Letters of Recommendation & Essay
Some colleges may require letters
of recommendation and an essay.
Ask 1-2 people to write a recommendation letter for college applications or scholarships and begin working on college application essay.
Be sure to give your recommenders enough time so the letter will get to the college on time. Complete the resume section on Naviance so recommenders
can write a quality letter.
You may be able to use a general essay you’ve already written, but some colleges may want you to write an essay on a specific topic. Ask your current English teacher for help with your essay.

20. Mid year report requests must be submitted to your counselor.
Mid Year Reports
Some colleges may require a mid year report to check on your 12th grade classes and grades.
Mid year report requests must be submitted to your counselor.
If the college requires these, KW will send a copy of your 2nd marking period report card.

21. Other application materials:
Some schools may require additional materials
(ie. art schools may require submitting a portfolio)
Check websites or contact admissions offices
for more information.
Students interested in a health or medical field must apply early because these programs are competitive and fill up quickly.

22. NCAA
If you plan on participating in Division I or Division II athletics during college,
you must register with NCAA Clearinghouse,
prior to senior year.
It is the student’s responsibility to register.

23. Scholarships
Check the Scholarship file on a regular basis in the Counseling Center. The Scholarship Bulletin is also available on the Kenmore West
Counseling Center website.
Talk to parents about scholarship opportunities
through their employers.
Look online for Scholarship opportunities. Obtain scholarship information through
Scholarships require most of the following: application, transcript, essay, or letter of recommendation
Pay attention to deadlines

24. Kenmore West College Night
April 29, 2019
Financial Aid
File FAFSA Form after October 1, 2017
*Do not let the tuition cost of a private college prevent you from applying. Private colleges often offer comparable financial aid & scholarship packages for students vs. public colleges

25. Please call or email us at any time with questions or concerns
Last name
Mr. Gourlay: A-De
Mrs. Sedita: Di - Hr
Mrs. Serio: Hu - Mol
Mr. Panepinto: Mom - Sci
Mrs. Handley: Se – Z
Mr. Lorentz 8th graders, A – Li
Mrs. Sullivan 8th graders, Lo - Z
Use our website for additional help:
Kenmore West → Services → Counseling & Career Ctr