1. West Essex Regional High School November 14, 2012

2.  Welcome  Counselor Introduction  Overview  Presentation by Counselor

3.  Ms. Clarke – Director of Guidance  Mrs. Grancagnolo – (A-D, R-Sc ) Cafeteria  Dr. Cieremans – (Li-Rom, Se-To) Cafeteria  Mrs. Van Syckle – (E-Le, Tr-Z) Library  Mrs. Cherny – (R-Z)  Ms. Goudreau – (Freshmen)  Mrs. Dailey – Guidance Secretary  Mrs. La Riccia – Guidance Secretary

4.  Complete your Release Form, brag sheet and have your parents complete their brag sheet. Submit completed forms a.s.a.p. to your counselor.  Work on college essays  Identify teachers/coaches, etc. for letters of recommendation  Register for and take SAT or ACT  Register for NCAA ( Athletes)  Research and visit colleges & use NAVIANCE Family Connection!  Develop a preliminary list of colleges/universities  Meet with your counselor  Participate in community service

5.  Attend college fairs - West Essex College Fair in the Fall  Sign up for College Visits  THIS YEAR COUNTS! Continue to do your best. Your first semester senior year grades will be sent to colleges.

6.  Sign up for college visits at West Essex via Naviance  Meet with your counselor

9.  Once you know what colleges you are interested in attending, create a list of those schools. Selection Process Reach Schools – Less than 30% chance of gaining admission Target Schools – 30%-60% chance of gaining admission Most Likely Schools – 60%-90% chance of gaining admission

10.  Transcripts and/or counselor recommendations will be sent only after the student submits a transcript release form to his/her counselor.  Allow at least three (3) weeks for the processing of the transcript and counselor recommendation letter. Please be mindful that some early decision deadlines are as soon as the beginning of October.  If you are applying to colleges with December 15 through mid- January deadlines, you MUST complete all requests in Naviance/Family Connections no later than December 1st!

11.  Information you may need for your applications: School address:West Essex Regional High School 65 West Greenbrook Road North Caldwell, NJ 07006 School phone Number:(973)228-1200 School Fax Number:(973) 228-5774 West Essex CEEB Code:311579

12.  Request in writing the recommendation letter at least three weeks before the due date  Give the following to the teacher:  The recommendation form, if applicable  The due date for each school  A stamped, business size envelope addressed to the Admission’s Office of each school, if applicable  Most schools allow teacher recommendations to be sent electronically. Discuss with your counselor.

13.  Transcript : Colleges recommend that you take the most challenging courses your school offers in which you can be successful.  GPA  Standardized Tests: SAT I or SAT II/ACT scores  Interview  Portfolio  Essay  Extra-curricular Activities  Recommendations

14.  Some college applications ask for a personal statement while other colleges have specific questions they want you to answer.  One topic for your college essay may be a story that captures a moment in time-- a day in your life, a turning point, or a brief encounter that had a significant effect.  A good essay makes an applicant come alive for the evaluator!

15.  Weigh the pros/cons of your admissions’ offers  Visit schools again to help make your final decisions  Continue to use resources  Continue to work hard in your classes  Communicate your final decision to your counselor!!!!!!!

16.  There are more than 3,600 colleges to choose from. You are bound to find more than a handful of schools you would be interested in attending.  The statement that says, “the harder it is to get into a school, the better the school” is a myth. It is not true! The college application process is about finding a good match for you. There are many factors to consider when choosing a college. “College is a match to be made, not a prize to be won.” (Colleges That Change Lives)

17.  Mrs. Grancagnolo - (A-D, Ra-Sc ) Cafeteria  Dr. Cieremans – (Li-Rom, Se-To) Cafeteria  Mrs. Van Syckle – (E-Le, Tr-Z) Library