2. JUNIOR PARENT CONFERENCE This power point will provide an introduction to post secondary options. Please take notes and be ready to ask questions when we have our individual meeting.

3. Career Choices First, carefully consider what you want to pursue as a career as this will determine the amount of education or training needed. Not everyone needs to attend a four-year college. Although four-year schools get all of the media hype, many high school graduates head right to a two-year college or vocational program. Looking at the facts, it’s no surprise why. Cheaper, quicker, and highly vocational, two- year/vocational schools offer students the chance to start their careers sooner and with less (or no) debt. You can also use a two-year school as a launching point to start earning your bachelor’s degree.

4. Career Exploration  Think about what excites and energizes you  Consider what you are good at – what are your strengths and what are your weaknesses  Take a career assessment (websites on next slide)  Engage in an internship or volunteer work  Explore unconventional careers  Ask people  Use the G + P + V formula – Gifts + Passions + Values

5. Resources Websites Bureau of Labor Statistics - http://www.bls.gov/home.htm http://www.bls.gov/home.htm Virginia Wizard - https://www.vawizard.org/vccs/Main.action https://www.vawizard.org/vccs/Main.action O*Net Online - http://www.onetonline.org http://www.onetonline.org Career One Stop - http://www.careeronestop.org http://www.careeronestop.org I am the One - http://www.i-am-the-one.com http://www.i-am-the-one.com PSAT Quick Start – http://collegeboard.org http://collegeboard.org

6. CHOICES Which option will you choose? ◆ Trade/Career and Technical school ◆ Community college – associates degree or certifications ◆ Community college - 2 + 2 guaranteed admissions ◆ Apprenticeship ◆ Military ◆ Work ◆ Gap Year ◆ Four-year school

7. Trade and Vocational Schools When you know what you want but just need a way to get there, vocational schools are the answer! Earn your degree in less time (and usually a lot less money) than your typical four-year college while learning skills in the specific field that you want! It’s hands-on and, in many cases, in-demand! While students at four-year schools have a varied list of core subjects to complete before college graduation, at a vocational school, you won’t just read out of your college textbook, you will get in there and get dirty. You will take classes that are directly related to your field of study. Vocational careers have become increasingly popular over the past years for a series of reasons: most of them only require completing a two year (or less) college course, the pay is, often times, better than expected, and many more industries are increasing their demand for vocational workers, meaning that there are numerous opportunities for growth. Bookkeeper Dental hygienistComputer Repair

8. COMMUNITY COLLEGE Reasons to a consider a community college: ▪Reduced cost for the first two years ▪Student has been denied admission to college of choice. Instead, student attempts to get into college of choice through Guaranteed Admissions (discussed on next slide) ▪Student’s career choice only requires two years of community college work ▪Undecided about program of study ▪Not ready to leave home

9. VIRGINIA’S COMMUNITY COLLEGES OFFER STUDENTS MORE THAN THE OPPORTUNITY TO EARN A DEGREE OR CERTIFICATE. THEY PROVIDE A GATEWAY TO THE COMMONWEALTH’S FOUR-YEAR COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES. THROUGH SYSTEM-WIDE AGREEMENTS, STUDENTS WHO GRADUATE FROM ONE OF VIRGINIA'S 23 COMMUNITY COLLEGES WITH AN ASSOCIATE'S DEGREE AND A MINIMUM GRADE POINT AVERAGE MAY OBTAIN GUARANTEED ADMISSION TO MORE THAN 20 OF THE COMMONWEALTH'S COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES. IN ADDITION, INDIVIDUAL COLLEGES HAVE EVEN MORE TRANSFER AGREEMENTS TO CHOOSE FROM, SO CHECK WITH YOUR COLLEGE GUIDANCE OFFICE, OR HTTPS://WWW.VAWIZARD.ORG/VCCS/TRANSFER.ACTI ON 2 + 2 Guaranteed Admissions

10. Apprenticeship  It’s a job and school.  Mostly, it’s a great career opportunity. Apprenticeship training is an excellent way to prepare yourself for the future with on- the-job training in high demand jobs. An apprenticeship is a paid job. Someone who is new to the field (the apprentice) learns the skills needed for the job. Apprentices are trained by journeymen and master craftsmen who are experts in their field. They share their skills and knowledge to help the apprentice become an expert too.  An apprenticeship is also school. Apprenticeships include classroom lessons to make sure the apprentice masters all aspects of the job.

11. Military Army Navy Air Force Marines Coast Guard The U.S. Military consists of five active-duty service branches and their respective Guard and Reserve units. Together, they offer a broad variety of ways to serve with an extensive selection of careers. http://todaysmilitary.com

12. Concurrent Admission with US Army The Concurrent Admissions Program is a program for Army enlistees. This program aims to link future soldiers to a college when they enlist in the army or army reserve. The army and army reserve recruiters refer the future soldiers to ConAP colleges in the places where they live. This program has created a partnership between over 1,975 participating colleges, Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) and the army recruiting command. It is devised to encourage future soldiers to receive a college education http://www.usarec.army.mil/hq/apa/conap.htm Please check with recruiters to determine if this program or similar programs are offered in other branches of the military.

13. Gap Year A gap year is an opportunity to gain professional or personal experience, accomplish goals, and/or explore one’s interests in the year or two following high school graduation. Gap years can range from a number of different experiences, including a career-oriented position within a company to expand career development, a year of travel abroad to build cultural knowledge, or a financed research project of one’s own design. Gap year programs typically include work in the U.S. or abroad in a wide variety of fields such as teaching, advocacy, community development, health care, immigrant services, social work, or sustainable development. Programs frequently emphasize philosophies of service to others, peace and justice, enhancing international relationships, and/or “the road less traveled.” http://www.americangap.org/about.php

14. Who should go to a four-year college/university Four-year colleges allow you to study an array of subjects while still preparing you for a career. Four-year colleges are schools where you earn a bachelor's degree. However, it may take more or less than four years to complete your degree depending on your course load, major, and other factors. Most of these colleges also offer some type of advanced degree such as a master's or doctoral degree. By earning a bachelor's degree, you will be more likely to get paid more than people who have not earned their bachelor's degree. You will also have the opportunity to be prepared for a wide variety of careers.

16. CONSIDERATIONS FOR CHOOSING A COLLEGE degrees offered location (rural or urban setting)/distance from home size of the student population (from small at 1,000 tolarge at 35,000+) public vs. private costs (tuition, room and board, etc.) financial assistance packages campus resources (labs, libraries, computer access, etc.) placement success/internship and co-op programs accreditation class size faculty contact/classes taught by full-time doctoralqualified faculty degree of pressure to excel safety (campus, community) student body (diversity, gender, etc.) social life (Greek organizations, sports, school spirit, etc.) religious affiliation/independent housing options (dorms, apartments, living at home) realistic entry expectations (based on typical studentadmitted)

17. COLLEGE VISITS College visits are important – like test driving a new car. If possible, set up an overnight visit. While on campus, talk to as many people as possible. Speak with college admission staff, professors and students. Tour the whole campus including dining hall, bookstore, fitness center, etc. Ask lots of questions.

18. WHAT ARE MY CHANCES? Safety Schools – apply to 1-2 of these School where your academic credentials fall above the school's range for the average freshman. You can be reasonably certain that you will be admitted to your safety schools. Match Schools – apply to 1-3 of these School where your academic credentials fall well within (or even exceed) the school's range for the average freshman. There are no guarantees, but it's not unreasonable to be accepted to several of your match schools. Match Schools – apply to 1-3 of these School where your academic credentials fall well within (or even exceed) the school's range for the average freshman. There are no guarantees, but it's not unreasonable to be accepted to several of your match schools. Reach Schools – apply to 1-2 of these School where your academic credentials fall below the school's range for the average freshman. Reach schools are long–shots, but they should still be possible Please don’t be upset with School Counselor if it is suggested that one of your choices is a reach or maybe even a dream.

19. WHAT ARE COLLEGES LOOKING FOR? THE FIVE P’s: Program – How challenging is the coursework? Performance – How well has the student done? Potential – Indicated by standardized test scores. Participation – What commitments outside the classroom? Job? Activities? Community service? Personality – Essay and teacher/counselor recommendations. Interviews. Can explain a bad year.

20. KEEP THE FAITH. There is a place for every student after high school. Need to look for “Best Fit” not “Best School” – a place where your child can be successful both academically and socially. ▪Admissions committees have your child’s interests at heart. ▪College admissions can be unpredictable – situations and needs change yearly.

21. Resume/Activities List Prepare a resume/activities list prior to your senior year. This resume/activities list is what needs to be given to your guidance counselor and any teachers you will ask to write you a letter of recommendation. To be included:  All school activities – clubs, sports, positions held  Any honors and awards received  Any volunteer work at a church or in the community  Any programs attended such as HOBY or Boy’s or Girl’s State  Employment

22. PARENT ROLE As parents you have many roles in the college admissions process: Listener Advocate Advisor of deadlines Assistant time manager College trip organizer Researcher Cheerleader Open, honest communication between you and your child is critical to the success of the process.

23. EARLY DECISION – Binding: if accepted, you must attend that college. You will be informed of admissions status (usually) by December. If deferred to regular admissions – you are released from contract to attend. EARLY ACTION – Not binding, but you will receive an early response (Jan/Feb). You typically have until May 1 st to commit. ROLLING ADMISSIONS – You will be informed of admission status 4-6 weeks after materials are received. REGULAR ADMISSIONS – You will be informed of admissions status in April. Types of College Applications

24. THE COLLEGE APPLICATION Be perfect. Everything you need to know about the application process can be found on the college website under admissions. Please read this information in detail to ensure your application has all the necessary components. Colleges may ask for essays, teacher recommendations, test scores, transcripts, and application fee.

25. The College Application Recommendations – Ask two teachers/counselor for recommendations. If you want the teacher/counselor to write a solid, well thought out recommendation, ask three weeks in advance. DO NOT ask at the last minute. For transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, counselor report, allow at least one week when requesting information be sent. If you have “things” due over Christmas break or the beginning of January, it must be given to the appropriate person by the first week in December. If requests are submitted at this time, they may not be completed on time.

26. KEEP INFORMED!  Read e-mail at least three times a week.  Visit Smithfield High School’s GUIDANCE website to keep updated on events such as scholarships, college visits, college nights, reminders, etc.

27. THE ACT IS AN ACHIEVEMENT TEST, MEASURING WHAT A STUDENT HAS LEARNED IN SCHOOL. THE SAT IS MORE OF AN APTITUDE TEST, TESTING REASONING AND VERBAL ABILITIES. THE TESTS DO ASSESS DIFFERENT INFORMATION AND PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS, SO IT'S NOT UNUSUAL TO DO BETTER ON ONE EXAM THAN THE OTHER. MOST COLLEGES WILL ACCEPT EITHER TEST FOR ADMISSIONS. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, A HANDOUT IS AVAILABLE IN THE GUIDANCE OFFICE WHICH OUTLINES THE DIFFERENCES WITH THE TESTS. SATand/orACT

28. SAT/ACT These tests are not the determining factor for admissions – just part of the package. These tests do not measure creativity, motivation, imagination, intellectual curiosity. Grades in rigorous courses are better predictors of success in college than SATs… but together they improve that prediction. Online prep tools are available on the SAT and ACT websites.

29. SAT/ACT FEE WAIVERS Fee waivers to take the SAT or ACT are available for low income students. This is typically determined by students receiving free or reduced lunch. Once the test has been taken with a fee waiver, the student can receive up to four fee waivers for college applications. Not every college accepts the waiver, but most do.

30. SAT TEST DATES Registration is online at collegeboard.org. SAT Test Date Registration Deadline Jan. 24, 2015Dec. 29, 2014 Mar. 14, 2015 Feb. 13, 2015 May 2, 2015April 6, 2015 June 6, 2015May 8, 2015

31. ACT Test DateRegistration Deadline February 7, 2015January 9, 2015 April 18, 2015March 13, 2015 June 13, 2015May 8, 2015 ACT TEST DATES Registration is online at act.org.

32. NCAA NCAA Clearinghouse ▪If your child plans on participating in NCAA athletics at the Division I (VT, UVA, Radford, VMI, Liberty, etc.) or Division II (VUU, VSU, UVA – Wise, etc.) level – they must be cleared as eligible by the NCAA. ▪Go to NCAA clearinghouse website and register.

33. FINANCIAL AID Financial Aid Information Program will be offered in November or December of your child’s senior year ▪Financial Aid is based on MERIT and NEED. What can you do now?  Get tax information together as soon as possible.  Get FAFSA pin number – apply at www.pin.ed.gov.  Can use 2014 tax return info – but will need to update your FAFSA financial aid pages once you have filed your 2015 taxes..  Look at College Cost Calculators online at each school’s website. This will give you a rough estimate of what it will cost to attend this school.

34. FINANCIAL AID All students must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to determine their eligibility for all federal student aid. Virtually every student is eligible for at least one type of federal student aid. Most states have financial aid programs, and many of these programs use the data from the FAFSA to determine if you are eligible for state aid. Many colleges use the data from FAFSA to determine if you are eligible for financial aid the college may offer – typically known as institutional aid.

35. FINANCIAL AID Complete the FAFSA on-line as soon as you can, starting January 1 st of the senior year. Most colleges encourage you to have it completed by February 15th to maximize the amount of your award. The FAFSA must be completed every year. The FAFSA does not include space for you to explain special financial circumstances unique to your family. If you need to communicate special circumstances, contact the financial aid office of the colleges in which you are seeking assistance. www.fafsa.gov

36. HONOR GRADUATES SELECTION OF HONOR GRADUATES Grade Point Average (GPA) at the completion of the first semester of the senior year will be used to determine honor graduates. A student with a minimum 3.5 average is considered an honor graduate. GPAs will not be recalculated to determine honor graduate status based on second semester senior year grades.

37. CIVICS SEAL The * Board of Education’s Seal for Excellence in Civics Education will be awarded to students who earn either a Standard Diploma or Advanced Studies Diploma: (i) complete Virginia and United States History and Virginia and United States Government courses with agrade of "B" or higher; and, (ii) have good attendance and no disciplinary infractions as determined by local school board policies and, (iii) complete 50 hours of voluntary participation in community service or extracurricular activities. (*Mustcomplete the IWCS Board of Education’s Excellence inCivics Education Seal form to document 50 hours ofservice.) Form to document volunteer work available in counseling office