1. T o p T e n C o l l e g e T i p s Class of 2013

2. C o l l e g e T i p # 1 Meet with your school counselor Be ready with questions and ideas about: –Classes –Attendance –Clubs & Activities –Volunteer work –Exams (regents, AP, SATs, ACTs) CREATE A PLAN!

3. Create a rigorous schedule next year! Do well in all classes! Monitor attendance! Avoid suspension! Build your college resume! Retake exams and/or courses! Take responsibility! C o l l e g e T i p # 2

4. SAT I Verbal, Math, Writing (approx 4 hours) Cost: $49.00 (late reg: +$26.00) FEE WAIVERS available 1 st come 1 st served Maximum score: Verbal: 800 Math: 800 Written: 800 =2400 Send scores to colleges Deadline: April 6 th for May 5 th exam Deadline: May 8 th for June 2 nd exam For more information visit www.collegeboard.org Tests, tests and more tests! C o l l e g e T i p # 3

5. FREE Online Test Prep! C o l l e g e T i p # 3 click then click Online prep

6. SAT II Competitive 4 year colleges require it 3 subject exams may be required Subjects include: Writing, US History, World History, Math Level IC, Math Level IIC, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Most languages Deadline: May 8 th for June 2 nd Exam Cost: $22.00 + $11.00 per subject (late fee: +$26.00) For more information visit www.collegeboard.org Tests, tests and more tests! C o l l e g e T i p # 3 Should I take SAT Subject Tests?

7. ACT English, Reading, Scientific Reasoning, Math, (Writing – optional) Cost: $34.00 (late reg: +$21.00) ACT plus Writing: $49.50 Fee waivers available first come first served Deadline: May 4 th for June 9 th exam For more information visit: www.actstudent.org Tests, tests and more tests! C o l l e g e T i p # 3

8. AHS uses Naviance exclusively to manage college applications –Update Prospective and Active Applications –Request Transcripts in Naviance –Request Transcripts to NCAA in Naviance –Request Letters of Recommendation in Naviance Email and Social Media –Check your email daily and respond! –Is your email address appropriate? –More colleges are checking facebook! C o l l e g e T i p # 4 Online College Applications

9. –2 yr college or 4 year college? –Public or private? –Liberal Arts or Specialized? –Large or Small? –Location???? Can I use Naviance for this search? Find the right college for you! C o l l e g e T i p # 5 Yes!

10. Use this to develop a game plan Not sure what you want to do? Complete an interest profiler ! Take advantage of your resources! C o l l e g e T i p # 6

11. Keep track of colleges you’re considering Torn between a couple of colleges? Compare them here! Great tool for searching for colleges Take advantage of your resources! C o l l e g e T i p # 6

12. C o l l e g e T i p # 6 Information at your fingertips!

13. Visit colleges! HVCC College Fair – May 2 nd McDonough Sports Complex 6pm-8pm C o l l e g e T i p # 7

14. Early Decision –Binding application –Withdraw all other applications if accepted –Turn decision down ONLY if financial aid package is unaffordable Early Action –Non-binding application –No firm commitment –Decision is made earlier than regular admission Rolling Admission Regular Admission Review College Deadlines C o l l e g e T i p # 7

15. Financial aid workshop (December, 2012) FAFSA TAP CSS profile (earlier date - private competitive colleges) Scholarships (merit, athletic, volunteer etc.) HEOP/EOP Never assume you can’t afford college! C o l l e g e T i p # 7

16. Recommendation letters (request through Naviance) Teachers will comment on your: Involvement in school activities Character Leadership Responsibility It’s your time to shine! C o l l e g e T i p # 8

17. Meet with your school counselor Develop a plan Create a timeline Ask lots of questions! User your Naviance/Family Connection Account Research colleges Complete Career and Interest Profilers Develop a Resume (through Naviance) Take advantage of your resources! C o l l e g e T i p # 9

18. Get college applications this summer Visit colleges Keep track of deadlines Begin your College Essay Meet with your Counselor in September Enjoy the process!!!! Enjoy the process! C o l l e g e T i p # 1 0

19. T o p T e n C o l l e g e T i p s Class of 2013