1. Welcome to Junior Night Simsbury High School Class of 2013

2. Tonight’s Topics  Getting Started  Post H.S. Options  Selecting a College  Gaining Admission to College  Post H.S./College Trends  Guidance Website  Dates to Remember  Next Steps  Tips for Students  Tips for Parents

3. Getting Started  Develop list of options  Gather information  Visit schools, gap year fairs, work options  View applications online  Read college essay questions, brainstorm/begin answers  Request recommendations

4. Post H.S. Options Four–Year College Bachelors Degree + Bachelors Degree + Public and Private Public and Private Selective Admissions Selective Admissions $15,000 – 50,000+ $15,000 – 50,000+ Two-Year College Associates Degree Associates Degree Open Admissions Open Admissions $4000 $4000 Credit Transferable Credit TransferableGap-Year Study Abroad Study Abroad Community Service Community Service Work Experience Work ExperienceMilitary Army/Navy/Air Force/Marines Army/Navy/Air Force/Marines ASVAB Jan. 24th ASVAB Jan. 24th ROTC Programs ROTC Programs School to Career

5. Selecting a College Questions to Ask  Am I ready?  Is this the best option for me?  What elements comprise the best fit for me?  Major  Location  Type of school  Size  Cost  Student Body  Social and cultural  % students on campus

6. Gaining Admission to College  High school record  Strength of Course Selections  SAT or ACT  Activities  Recommendations  Essay  Interest Level  Special Talents  Interview  Legacies

7. Post H.S./College Trends  Increased competition  Gap Year Options  Military/Career choices  Early Action increasing  Emphasis on “likely” schools  Need may be considered  Economy factoring in  Interest level considered  ACT interest increasing  Applying to more schools  Electronic submissions

8. Guidance Website Naviance www.simsbury.k12.ct.us https://connection.naviance.com/simsbury

9. Ithaca College

10. Dates to Remember  Jan 24 - ASVAB SHS  Feb 8 – GAP Year Fair Bristow M.S., Hartford  Mar 10 - SAT  Mar 21 - Athletes in College Admission  Apr 2 - College Fair @Hartford Ins. Co.  Apr 14 - ACT  May 7th – 18th AP Testing  May 23 - Mock Admissions  June 2 - SAT

11. Next Steps  Individual Planning Meetings Jan-Feb  Parents invited to attend 1 st meeting  Meeting date/time sent home to parent email address from Guidance – please inform your child  1 st Meeting date/time unable to be re – scheduled; can occur with student only  Email notification to begin week of Jan 17  Please complete and return linked questionnaire prior to first meeting  Individual planning ongoing throughout spring semester - SAT registration process, resume building, essays, etc.

12. Tips for Students  Self-reflect; know yourself  What do you value?  Future Goals/Interests  Academic Strengths  Personal Achievements/Standout Talents  Keep an open mind  Explore all of your options  Don’t procrastinate  Keep your parents in the loop; communicate!  Take ownership of the process  Visit your counselor often  Relax, have fun; everything will work out

13. Tips for Parents  Understand that it’s a Process  Be realistic and non-judgmental  Don’t compare your child with classmates  Encourage students to do the work – be in the ‘back seat’ and not the ‘driver’  Be open to dialogue and responsive to ?’s  Help students keep deadlines  Help students initiate contact with colleges, gap yr programs, military offices, and career opportunities  Stay calm, breathe often, and smile!  Enjoy the journey together