1. COLLEGE NIGHT March 18,2015

2. AGENDA  Starting your search  ACT vs SAT/New SAT  College Visits  Application (#’s, Types, Process)  Naviance  Letters of Recommendation  Financial Aid  Final Reminders

3. What are you looking for in a college?  Academic Programs / Major  Location – rural, suburban, urban  Size – small: 1,000-3,000; Medium: 3,000-8,000; Large: 8,000-20,000  Facilities  Religion  Student Body  Athletic / Talent Programs  FIT ! Does it “feel” like a good fit?

4. What are colleges looking for in a student?  Academic Achievement (GPA)  SAT/ACT scores  Rigor of classes  Senior Class Schedule (Maintain Rigor/Attendance)  Extracurricular Activities-Commitment, Leadership, Consistency  Community Service  Essays/Supplements  Recommendation Letter(s)  Interview (for some private colleges)  Legacy  Special Talents

5. What matters to colleges?

6. “Scholastic Assessment Test”Formerly “American College Testing” 3 Sections Critical Reading Math Writing 5 Sections English Math Reading Science Reasoning Writing (Optional, but not really) Scores range from 200 – 800 in each section Scores range from 1 – 36 in each section but COMPOSITE SCORE is average of all sections 1/4 –point penalty for wrong answers No penalty for wrong answers “Reasoning” based questions“Curriculum” based questions www.collegeboard.comwww.act.org

7. NEW SAT Critical Reading Writing Mathematics Essay Most colleges will acknowledge the student’s highest verbal score, highest math score and highest writing score, even if they were not taken on the same test date LAUNCH Spring 2016 3 SECTIONS: Evidence-Based Reading/Writing Writing (reading Test/Writing & Language Test) Math Essay OPTIONAL One point for each correct answer Zero points for unanswered items Zero points for wrong answers AT THIS TIME: SCORE CHOICE REMAINS THE SAME for Old and New SCORES.

9. EXAMPLE SAT * CHANGING 2016 March, 2015 650 Math, 590 Critical Reading, 640 Writing January, 2015 620 Math, 640 Critical Reading, 650 Writing October, 2014 590 Math, 590 Critical Reading, 600 Writing * About ½ of colleges take the writing score into consideration * SAT changing Class of 2016 * Some colleges SCORE CHOICE

10. EXAMPLE ACT  February, 2015April, 2015 English – 28English - 31 Math – 24Math - 27 Reading – 32Reading - 32 Science – 24Science - 27 English/Writing – 28English/Writing - 30 Composite – 27Composite – 29

11. Testing - SAT  Some colleges will require that you send ALL of your scores  When you start to send your scores, you will be able to see what each college requires.

12. Testing – SAT Subject Tests  Not all colleges require these tests, but those that do normally require 2 or 3  Research your prospective schools to see what they require  Test in areas in which you will do well

13. SATACT May 2, 2015April 18, 2015 June 6, 2015June 13, 2015  ACT Upcoming Test Dates

14. Importance of Visiting Colleges  Spring Break is a great time to visit colleges- students will be on campus  If possible, sign up for a tour– let the school know that you are there!  “Demonstrate Interest” – schools keep track of any visits, tours, communication, etc. that you have with the school

16. Number of Applications  4-8 applications is reasonable  Applications should include at least one reach school, one safety school, and two target schools  To determine safety, target and reach, the student should compare her grade point average and SAT scores to the average statistics in the college’s “Freshman Class Profile” (information available on Naviance)

17. Number of Applications  Applying to too many colleges can complicate the final decision in April and May  College applications can also get very expensive ($25-$75 per application)  Doing research, being realistic and VISITING colleges can help narrow down your college list

18. Application Types  Every college has it’s own criteria and application requirements – BE SURE TO FIND OUT EACH SCHOOL’S REQUIREMENTS!  Different applications, supplements, deadlines, testing requirements, financial aid requirements, etc.  Supplements are VERY IMPORTANT - Trying to differentiate applicants.

19. Application Types  Regular Decision  Early Decision I (Usually Nov. 1 or Nov. 15)  Binding  May only apply to ONE  RESTRICTIVE EARLY ACTION  Early Action (Usually Nov. 1 or Nov. 15)  Non-binding  Most allow more than one – check each schools rules  Rolling Admission  Apply Early!!

20. Application Types  Common Application vs. School-specific Application  Over 500 colleges and universities use the Common App  www.commonapp.org www.commonapp.org  One application can be sent to multiple schools  Supplements to Common Application

21. Application Process  About 99% of colleges accept the application online  About 90% of colleges will accept transcript and recommendations online, through Naviance  The other 10% will need to be mailed via USPS or completed through their own website. (PENNSTATE, RUTGERS, GEORGETOWN)

22.  On-line Guidance program used for researching career options, exploring colleges, organizing applications, and sending information.  Statistics are from Villa students and graduates from the Class of 2011, 2012, 2013,2014  www.connection.naviance.com/villawalsh www.connection.naviance.com/villawalsh

25. Common Application  Why should you considering waiving your right of access?  Waiving your right lets colleges know that you will never try to read your recommendations.  If you do not waive your right, it can be perceived as though you have something to hide.

26. Letters of Recommendations  Most colleges require 2 letters of recommendations from teachers and 1 from a guidance counselor  Letters DO NOT have to be from teachers of Junior year classes, but should be recent  Make sure the teacher knows you and can speak to your strengths to how you perform in their class  NEW THIS YEAR Some colleges limited the amount of recommendations that can be sent (1 TEACHER)

27. TRANSCRIPT REQUEST  Submit a GREEN TRANSCRIPT form to GUIDANCE for each college you are applying to. You will need to include:  Deadline of Application  Applying Early Action, Early Decision  FORMS NEED TO BE SUBMITTED at least 2 weeks prior to deadline !

28. My Letter of Recommendation  Brag Sheet  Student Resume  For now, begin thinking about who you would like to write these letters for you

29. FINANCIAL AID  Most private colleges require you to fill out both the FAFSA and the PROFILE.  Public colleges only require the FAFSA.  Each college sets a deadline by which you must file each of the forms- please check these deadlines over the summer to make sure you get them done on time!

30. Varsity Athletes  If anyone is considering playing a varsity sport in college, you must register and be cleared by the NCAA  www.ncaaeligibilitycenter.org www.ncaaeligibilitycenter.org  Being cleared takes time, so if you think you might want to play, begin the process now

31. WHAT SHOULD WE DO NOW?  Research and visit colleges  Take SAT/ACT/Subject Tests  Begin thinking about who you would like to write your teacher letters of recommendations  Continue working hard without stressing.

32. Final Thought  The best school for a student is one that meets all of her academic, social and emotional needs-not the one that is the most competitive.  A student’s success in college is determined by how happy they are on campus and with the program. Your daughter will get accepted into college!!

33. THANK YOU FOR COMING! ? QUESTIONS?