1. Get Set for College Admissions Parkland Magnet High School

2. “ Your future depends on many things, but mostly you.” --Frank Tyger

3. First and Foremost Graduate Be on a path to Graduate!!! classes grades attendance knowledge

4. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Class of 2016 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS Class of 2016 15 credits to be a Senior 22 credits to graduate 4 English 4 Math (must include a math above Algebra 2) 4 Science (Biology, Earth/Environmental, a Physical science & an elective science) 4 Social Studies (World History, Civics, American History 1 & 2) PE 1 & 2 or Dance 1A & 1B Health & Life Management Skills CPR Pass 2 courses in a Foreign Language (4 year college)

5. What’s Next? “When it comes to the future, there are three kinds of people: those who let it happen, those who make it happen, and those who wonder what just happened.” --John M. Richardson, Jr.

6. Research College Options There are over 4,100 colleges and universities in the US and 110 in North Carolina alone. Websites for college searches include... www.collegeboard.com www.CFNC.org www.cappex.com www.collegenet.com www.Petersons.com

7. College Fit – One size does NOT fit all Location Weather Geography Majors Academic reputation Size (class size/ college size) Dorm life Cost Financial Aid Clubs/Sports Graduation Rate Career Services Coop/Internship Opportunities

8. Components of the College Application: Application SAT/ACT Scores ( FTCC uses Accuplacer scores ) Official High School Transcript Essay (1 or more) Letters of Recommendation School Profile

9. Where do I get an application? Where do I get an application? Apply online!! The Common Application (www.commonapp.org)www.commonapp.org College Foundation (www.cfnc.org )www.cfnc.org Individual College Websites

11. Admissions Terms to know Early Decision: apply early, get accepted early, binding decision Early Action: same as early decision but is not binding Pooled Admissions: all applications are analyzed during the same general time Rolling Admissions: applications are reviewed as they are received

12. SAT/ACT SAT/ACT First fall test for the SAT is in OctoberOctober Register online at www.collegeboard.comwww.collegeboard.com First fall test for the ACT is in SeptemberSeptember Your Scores from school test in March? Register online at www.actstudent.orgwww.actstudent.org Differences between the ACT and SAT

13. SAT Subject Tests SAT Subject Tests Hour long, content based tests in specific subject areas 20 tests across these areas: English, History, Languages, Mathematics, Science – students can take up to 3 subject tests at one testing session Colleges may use them for course placement or admission purposes

14. SAT Subject Tests at Duke University Students must take either the SAT and two SAT Subject Tests, or the ACT plus writing School of Engineering applicants who take the SAT must take one of their two Subject Tests in Mathematics Students applying to the Trinity College program are encouraged to take the foreign language SAT Subject Test.

15. Testing Fees SAT = $52.50 and ACT = $54.50 plus writing (2014-15) SAT Subject Tests have a $26 base fee per test date plus $16 for each Subject Test on that date ($26 for Language Listening Tests). Late registration fees apply Request a fee waiver in guidance (2) provide child nutrition letter SAT fee waivers entitle a student to 4 college application fee waivers Make sure you have your scores sent to colleges!!

16. Test Preparation Test Preparation Free test prep courses & questions at: www.cfnc.org www.collegeboard.com www.actstudent.org Review previously learned math concepts READ to increase your vocabulary

17. How do I send my SAT/ACT scores ? High Schools do NOT send SAT or ACT scores to colleges. Scores are not included on your transcript. ***When you register for a test, you must choose which schools you want your scores sent to. You may request additional scores later directly from the testing companies, but normally an additional fee is required.

18. How do I get a transcript? All college applications will require an OFFICIAL high school transcript. **Send an electronic transcript to any NC college or university immediately via your CFNC.org portfolio If using the Common App, submit your counselors email address and we will upload an electronic transcript to your portfolio Fill out a Transcript Request Card in the Guidance Office. Mrs. Lucas will return an official transcript to you or will mail it directly to a college. Do not request a transcript until you have completed and submitted each college application !

19. Letters of recommendation Make good choices when requesting letters! Check applications for recommendation forms or required Counselor Statements Give adequate time for completing a recommendation Provide the recommender with a resume or brag sheet (email your electronic version!) Do not open or re-use recommendations once they are sealed!

20. Your Personal Resume Start building your resume now! Work on completing your senior brag sheet What sets you apart? (complete worksheet) You don’t have to be great at everything! Colleges want students who will bring something unique to their campus. Focus on something you love and be great at that!

21. The College Essay PROOFREAD! PROOFREAD! PROOFREAD! Then have someone else PROOFREAD it for you. Your essay should be a good reflection of your personality. Ask friends and family to read it, and if it “sounds like you” then you’re on the right track!

22. Don’t let this be you...

23. Paying Application Fees Fee waivers are available if you’ve used an SAT or ACT fee waiver You may get a total of 4 application fee waivers – they will be available in your College Board portfolio (online only) College Application Week in November 2015 If you do not qualify for a fee waiver, you can still request one from a college if you have extenuating circumstances. Contact the college Admissions Office.

24. NCAA Clearinghouse NCAA Clearinghouse If you plan to play sports in college you must register with the NCAA Clearinghouse. Visit http://www.ncaa.org/student- athletes/future/eligibility-centerhttp://www.ncaa.org/student- athletes/future/eligibility-center See your coach or Mrs. Tuttle for assistance.

25. Pay attention to deadlines!! Failure to plan on your part does not constitute an emergency on our part!

26. Common Mistakes to avoid... Failure to read application directions Incomplete applications Errors and typos (SS#, names, easy stuff) Missed deadlines Applying to only 1 college Lack of rigorous courses senior year Waiting too late for recommendations Not proofreading essays Not including your name at the top of EVERY page

27. Financial Aid Types: Scholarships, Grants, Loans, Work-Study Check individual college websites as well as websites such as www.fastweb.com and www.wsfoundation.org. www.fastweb.comwww.wsfoundation.org Many large scholarship deadlines come early in the fall! (Questbridge and Dean Prim) Some schools require the CSS PROFILE – a pre-financial aid form with your application or soon after submission! Check out the Scholarship Newsletter – emailed to your SCHOOL EMAIL ADDRESS Complete the FAFSA anytime after January 1 st, 2016 www.FAFSA.gov

28. Research College options Schedule College Visits Prepare for the SAT/ACT Develop a personal statement/college essay Work on your Brag Sheet/Resume What can you do this ?

29. College Visits! Nothing compares to seeing a school for yourself! (Use the College Visit Checklist and Choosing College Priorities to help you prepare for a visit)

30. What’s next? Senior Meetings with Counselors Register for SAT/ACT testing College Fair in October Organize college materials by deadline Visit the PMHS Guidance website regularly Scholarship & Financial Aid Workshops

31. We’re here to help! Counselors Shirley Davis (last names A - Da) Kendra Britto (last names De- How) Amy Samek (last names Hu-Mb) Karrie Tuttle (last names Mc-Roj) Katy Wogatzke (last names Rok-Z) IB Coordinator Melissa Moore

32. “I’m a great believer in luck, and I find the harder I work, the more I have of it.” --Thomas Jefferson