1. The Future is NOW! It is never too early to start preparing for college High School Guidance Office: Mrs. Muller, Mrs. Holton, Mr. Sullivan, Mrs. Bauer, Mrs. Iannello All the information in tonight’s presentation is available on the Guidance website http://www.vvsschools.org/webpages/amuller/index.cfm

2. Where do I start? Preparing for college It starts with you - interests, skills and values What do you want to major in? What careers are you interested in? Use Family Connection to explore careers, take self assessments, and research colleges Having an “easy senior year” is a false notion Do your very best to get good grades so you have more options Get involved – join a club or volunteer, run for office in the groups you are already involved in

3. Family Connection – Self Assessments, Career research tools, College research Online tools- College Websites, College Board, application sites like Common App and SUNY App The Career Center - College Reps, computers, college booklets College Fairs College Visits –Official or unofficial Factors to consider: Academics, location, cost, size, atmosphere (athletics, clubs, etc) The College Search Finding the right fit for you

4. The College Visit Visit colleges between Spring of the Junior year and Fall of the Senior year Visit the college when classes are in session Visit local colleges to get a feel for what you might like Visit 2 yr, SUNY schools and private schools Request an unofficial transcript from the guidance office to take with you Interview with admissions and instructional staff Possible questions to ask on a campus visit are in the planning booklet

5. SAT/ACT - College entrance exams Preparation for the exam Prep Me/Family Connection - This free online course will take you through a diagnostic test and then direct you to test prep units that will help you improve your score. PSAT results – every junior took the exam, use the results and My College Quickstart to identify your strengths and weaknesses Career Center - take practice SAT/ACT exams March 2 Success - Free site. There are full length practice tests and other practice tools such as flashcards. Fee Based Classes - MVCC, Pat Gildersleeve, Manlius Pebble Hill, Delta Educational Services

6. Financial Aid Terms – FAFSA, TAP, grants, loans Financial Aid night – at VVS, every November College Aid – school specific grants and scholarships Junior scholarships – school specific scholarships Local scholarships – seniors in March or April of senior year Fastweb.com – free scholarship search Collegeboard.com – scholarship search Check out this website for a list of scholarships offered by New York State colleges http://studentcollegescholarships.com/newyork.html

7. The College Application Completing the college application does not have to be difficult… as long as you have all the tools in place. College essay- It is called a personal essay for a reason, write about you. Common Application- accepted by over 500 private and public colleges. Complete the application one time and send it to several colleges with a fee for each college. SUNY Application- accepted by SUNY schools. $50.00 per school. Many two year schools often have a free application on their website. We will review college application process in the fall of senior year.

8. Helpful hints Be organized Start exploring Strong personal essay Demonstrated Interest - Let the colleges know who you are by going on an interviews, visits, college fairs, phone calls, emails, meeting with college reps at VVS, etc. Do not wait until the last minute Ask questions – make an educated decision