1. Welcome to College Planning Night 2013

2. Guest Speaker Matthew Clark Senior Assistant Director of Admission, University of Massachusetts at Amherst

3. Student Presenters Asmani Adhav Eric Burgess

4. Tips to Success in the College Search Process Be open-minded Be organized Be prepared Be informed

5. Help is here Although the application process and wealth of information can seem overwhelming, there are many resources in place to assist you Guidance Counselor Parent & student meeting Take the process step by step Be realistic The goal is to find the best fit

6. Resources Junior-Senior Planning Guide College Guidebooks College Websites College Fairs March 20 th, TEC Fair at WHS Junior Workshop Materials Guidance-Parent Talks Guidance Website Guidance Calendar Web-based search programs Naviance

7. Naviance Guidance tracks and sends application materials for each student Student features include: Career search College search Maintain a list of colleges Graphs to assist in developing well balanced list

8. Sample Student Search Amanda 3.1GPA 1610 projected SAT

12. First Steps: Preliminary Paperwork Student Descriptive Questionnaire (SDQ) Activity Resume Parent Information Form All forms due March 1 st all available online (Guidance Website, Naviance, Google Drive)

13. Next Steps: Now and through the Spring Register for SATs and ACTs Research schools Know individual college requirements Visit schools February & April vacations, Saturdays, short Wednesdays Request teacher letter of recommendation Confirm by June 1st

14. Standardized Tests Test Preparation SAT Register on www.collegeboard.org ACT with Writing Register on www.actstudent.org SAT Subject Tests Check individual college requirements Most colleges do not require Subject Tests

15. Application Process: On-line method is preferred Applications Common Application Accepted at almost 500 colleges Will be available in August Standardized Test Scores Students must send online Documents Sent From Guidance Transcript GPA Profile Chart School Profile Counselor letter of recommendation

16. Admission Plans Admission Plans Early Decision Early notification Binding agreement, must withdraw all other applications if accepted Early Action Early notification Non-binding, can consider other colleges Regular Admission Deadline Rolling

17. College Selectivity & Trends Barron s Guide College Admissions Selector Naviance Scattergrams Eligibility Rating Form List Reach, Realistic, Safety schools Increased competition Demographics Internet

18. Communication is Key Check in with your child throughout the process, making sure you are in agreement about the direction he or she is headed Have a conversation with your child early on about what is affordable for your family

19. Financial Aid Information Forms FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) FAFSA on the Web: fafsa.ed.gov CSS PROFILE collegeboard.com

20. Scholarships Guidance Website Scholarship Search Programs Westwood Community Scholarships

21. Students with Learning Disabilities Up to Date Documentation Extended Time Testing Stricter guidelines for accommodations Must apply for both SAT and ACT extended time Consider College Programs Programs versus support

22. Student Athletes Division I and II Athletes NCAA Clearinghouse ncaaclearinghouse.com Eligibility Guidelines

23. Some Final Tips for Parents Stay Calm Important in what can be a stressful experience Your child will take cues from you Be Understanding Be sensitive to your child s emotions, anxiety, insecurity, and uncertainty Be Supportive Many ways in which you can help your child stay organized Enjoy This can be a wonderful opportunity to bond with your child

24. Guidance Office, 781-326-7500 Mrs. Goodwin, x3312 wgoodwin@westwood.k12.ma.us Mrs. Medsker, x3138 lmedsker@westwood.k12.ma.us Mrs. Bowe, x3135 mbowe@westwood.k12.ma.us Mr. Fredrickson, x3120 dfredrickson@westwood.k12.ma.us Mrs. Higgins, x3134 chiggins@westwood.k12.ma.us