1. Planning for After High School
Presented by the WHS
School Counseling Department
THE DREAM TEAM

2. Timeline February/March: Register/prepare for the SATs
Meet with counselor to begin discussing plans for post- graduation
Begin searching for colleges/universities/technical programs
Begin and/or edit your Activity Sheet

3. Timeline cont. Spring/Summer: Take the SAT or ACT
Start adding schools to “Colleges I’m Thinking About” list on Naviance
Visit college campuses/attend Open Houses
Ask for letters of recommendation

4. The College Search Naviance and/or Collegeboard.org
All juniors participated in a Naviance SuperMatch lesson
Develop a list of schools that you are interested in
What to consider when choosing a college:
- Location
- Majors
- Size
- Cost
- Profile of accepted students

5. The College Search Con’t.
Schedule college visits/tours with Admissions
Upcoming college field trip tour
Write down questions you want to ask
Attend College Fairs -
Hartford National College Fair
Wolcott HS College Fair – September Attend college rep visits in the Career Center during junior and senior year

6. Developing a List
Start with a larger list and narrow when it is time to apply
Ideally apply to 4–7 schools
1 – 2 Reach
2 -3 Reasonable
1 – 2 Safety

7. Factors Colleges Consider for Admissions
Common Application
Transcript
Rigor
GPA / Rank
Improvement over the years
Standardized Test Scores (Test Optional Schools)
You as a person
Essay
Extracurricular/community service
Letters of Recommendation

8. All About Me/Activity Sheet
Both colleges and scholarships will need one
It lists all the activities you were/are involved in during high school, including sports, clubs, work, community service, etc. in/or outside of school
The teachers and your counselor will use it as a reference when writing your recommendation letters.

9. Recommendation Letters
Each student will need at least two teacher recommendations
You may also need a letter from your counselor
You may get additional letters beyond that (ex. coach, boss)
Make sure your Activity Sheet is COMPLETED before asking for recommendation letters.

10. SAT Register for an SAT test at collegeboard.org
Fee waivers are available if you’re on Free/Reduced Lunch. See your counselor for more info.
Practice for the test – Khan Academy
ALL juniors take SAT School Day at WHS
SAT Subject Tests or ACT with Writing: Required by some colleges, usually more competitive institutions
Writing section is OPTIONAL
WHS is now a testing site for the November SAT

11. ACTs Colleges accept BOTH SAT and ACT
for test dates and to register for a test
ACT (with writing)
Pay attention to registration deadlines!

12. The College Essay
Allows the student to explain to the admissions committee who they are beyond their transcript
Do not plagiarize, they will know!
Make the essay personal, original, authentic
PROOF READ!
Have someone look over your essay before submitting it

13. Grades are Important
Make sure you are taking challenging courses in your senior year
Do not slack off!
Colleges will see grades up to the last semester of Senior year
Avoid Senioritis!!!!!!!!!

14. Early Action vs. Early Decision
Early Decision – Early deadline, early response, but is a BINDING agreement
Early Action – Early deadline, early response, but NON-binding agreement.
Check with each school to find out what application options they have and what the deadlines are.

15. Prospective Student Athletes
If you plan on applying to Division 1 or 2 schools, you MUST register with the NCAA Clearinghouse
Website:

16. Community Colleges Community Colleges Cost effective
Certificates and 2 year degrees
Transfer programs to 4 year colleges
Agreements with the CT State Schools, excluding UConn

17. Career Readiness Technical / Trade School
Trade training
(HVAC, Culinary, Hairdressing, Electrical, Automotive, Plumbing, etc)
Typically less than 2 years in length.
Speak with your counselor for more information

18. Military Military ASVAB Test every November at WHS
Local Military Recruiters visit the High School on a regular basis. Visit the Career Center for more information!

19. Next Steps…
Starting in March, students will make an appointment with their School Counselor to have a personalized planning meeting!