1. Welcome to Cinnaminson High School Junior Parent Night March 2013

2. The college admission process can be complicated and complex! ! ! We are here to support your efforts in navigating through the process...

3. Which college is right for you? Things to think about...   Size of school   Location   Distance from home   Activities/Athletics   Public/Private   Coed/Single sex   Entrance requirements   Entrance difficulty   Reputation of School   Majors available   Commitment to major by school   Cost   Campus personality

4. College Admission Factors   Strength of Curriculum68%   Admission Test Scores ACT/SAT59%   Essay or Writing Sample25%   Counselor Recommendation Letter19%   Class Rank19%   Teacher Recommendation Letter17%   Subject Test Scores (AP) 7%   Portfolio and/or Interview 6%   SAT Subject Test 5%   Extra Curricular Activities 5%   Work/Volunteer or Community Service 2%

5. There are over 4,000 colleges in the U.S.... What are the options?   Community Colleges (Associates Degree)   Two Year Private Colleges (Associates Degree)   Public Colleges/Universities   Private Colleges/Universities   Liberal Arts Schools   Ivy League Schools   Specialized Institutions (art, music, culinary arts, etc.)   Technical Schools

6. How to search for the right college?   connection.naviance.com/cinnaminsonhs   www.collegeboard.com/quickstart   College rep visits during lunches in Fall   Attend campus tours   Recommendations from former seniors, parents, relatives, etc. who attended   Attend College Fairs   Counselor conferences   Internet searches

7. Applying to College: Where to begin?   Please refer to the Junior Planning Calendar   Juniors will receive their “ Senior Packet ” in June   Prepare to take SAT or ACT this spring and next fall   Think about which two teachers your son/daughter will ask to write recommendation letters   Begin researching colleges and plan summer visits to colleges (refer to College Visit Checklist )   Every student will be scheduled to meet with his/her school counselor to discuss post-secondary plans beginning in October (Parents are encouraged to attend the “Senior Meeting”.)   Refer to the Senior Parent Tip Sheet for ideas on how to support your child through the college admission process

8. Get Organized & Apply So now what?   There is no magic number, but narrowing your college search to five will simplify the process   Categorize your choices: “Reach”, “Realistic”, & “Safety” schools   Review scholarship & financial aid requirements   Visit www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov for an estimate of your federal financial aid eligibilitywww.fafsa4caster.ed.gov   Share draft essays with teachers and/or family to edit   Ask teachers (no more than two) to write recommendation letters   Set firm dates for completion of recommendations (allow three weeks)   Log into Naviance Family Connection to submit Transcript Request and list Teacher Recommenders

9. Application Process   Review Senior Packet information with child   Log into Naviance to complete the following surveys: 1. 1.Counselor Letter of Recommendation Student Survey 2. 2.Counselor Letter of Recommendation Parent Survey 3. 3.Teacher Letter of Recommendation Survey   Make sure to add Teacher Recommenders and Counselor through Naviance so they will receive your surveys.   Complete applications online   After student hits “send” button log into Naviance and click on the “colleges” tab and “colleges I am applying to”   Refer to Naviance hand-outs for complete instructions

10. Common Application   When using the Common Application please be mindful of the correct spelling of teachers and counselor’s email addresses (misspellings will delay the application process).   All Common Applications are submitted online   After student hits “send” button log into Naviance and click on the “colleges” tab and “colleges I am applying to”, add the college and click on “applied through Common App”

11. College Responses: What are the decision options?  Regular Decision  Check each college for deadline  Rolling Admission  Will be reviewed as received  Early Decision  Requires early application, commitment & contract  Early Action  Requires early application & no commitment

12. Making a Decision... How do I decide where to go?   Visit, visit, visit!   Compare financial aid packages   Ultimately a personal decision...  Encourage your child to seek advice from those who know him/her well  Consider location, size, academics, activities, & facilities

13. College Planning Summary   College opportunities exist for everyone!   Simplify the planning process  Understand admission factors  Explore your options early  Develop a financial plan  Visit, visit, visit!

14. Questions & Comments Alexis Mancinelli A-Ha mancinellia@cinnaminson.com Crystal Widmann He-P widmannc@cinnaminson.com Donna Lobascio Q-Z lobasciod@cinnaminson.com