1. Junior Parent Night 2/04/2016 Brett Levine, Director of Guidance Sarah Mazak, Counselor Nancy O’Brien, Counselor

2. Tonight’s Program 60-75 minutes PPT on Web site Information rather than advice Financial Aid not covered Scholarships Covered at Sr. Parent night Informal Q/ A up front at the end.

3. Milestone Dates Winter of Jr Year-Jr. 11 th Grade Parent Night Winter of Jr Year-Jr Conference-Individual College planning conference Spring Jr. Year: Junior Group Guidance: Teacher Recs Summer bet 11-12 grade- Mailing from Guidance (nuts and bolts), Register on Commonapp.org Fall of Sr. Year-Sr. Parent-Application Processing info Fall of Sr. Year-Sr. Group Guidance Fall of Sr. Year-Sr.Conference-Individual Conference

4. Non-College Options Handled individually Year off resources Ranges from military to gap year Check e-mail Update: (Vo-tech, ASVAB, Substation Electrician, Military Visits) Advise to apply then defer (GPA Binder)

5. Most popular schools from class of 2015 Matriculations 3 to Cornell, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Moravian, NJIT, NYU, Scranton, Boston College, Quinnipiac, College of Charleston, University of Connecticut 4 to Lehigh, Villanova, Penn State, Rider, Rutgers 5 to Montclair State, University of Delaware 21 to CCM

6. Where the class of 2016 is applying: Schools with over 18 applications from MHS class of 2016: Providence, St. Joseph, UMD, BC, Rowan, Marist, Penn State, UVM, Quinnipiac, Loyola, Northeastern, Fordham, U of Delaware, Fairfield, Rutgers Approximately 7.2 applications per student.

7. The State of College Admissions: ( From the 2014 State of College Admissions, State of 2015 NA) ) Online applications are the norm Grades, HS curriculum, and test scores top factors in admissions. Demonstrated interest is a considerable factor. More important than recommendation letters, interview etc. In 2013 32% of students applying to college submitted 7 or more applications, in 1990 it was 9% Application Growth Continues: For 10 of the past 15 years, more than 70 percent of colleges reported year- to-year increases in the number of applications they received. Colleges Accept Nearly Two-Thirds of Applicants: The average selectivity rate at four-year colleges for Fall 2013 was 64.7 percent, reversing a slight but steady decline from 69.6 percent in 2003 to 63.9 percent in fall 2012. Source: NACAC

8. What’s new in College Admissions?,….but this junior class is absolutely being put through the ringer with change. First to use Coalition Application, first to use new SAT, first for prior prior year, and now first to potentially be judged under an entirely new lens. "Is my locker good enough? Is there really no concordance to see what my SAT would be in ACT? Which APs can I drop and do you know of any impressive sounding service?" These poor kids… David Rion Director of College Counseling Sonoma Academy.

9. What exactly is Rion referring to? Coalition for Access, Affordability and Access The New SAT (March 2016) Prior Prior Year on the FAFSA Turning the Tide: Inspiring Concern for others and the Common Good through College Admissions (HGSE- Position Paper) Refer to “The Poisonous Reach of the College Admission Process” New Yorker, Matt Feeney 1/28/16

10. How we stay informed Counselors attend conferences, college tours and local receptions to stay current and to network with college representatives.

11. Upcoming Guidance Events 2/17: CWC: College Admissions for First Timers, 5pm Media Center 3/15: CWC: Understanding Family Connections: 5pm, Media Center 3/21: CTCL Presentation at Randolph High School 5/15: CTCL: College Fair, Hilton-Midtown (NYC) College Fairs: 4/20,21 NJ (NACAC) 4/24 NYC (NACAC) Stay tuned for emails about upcoming college fairs.

12. Scheduling update for next year Done at the Jr Conference Course rec day (yesterday) on Wednesday, February 3 5 core classes Don’t forget 4 th year of science is possible (Ecology, Astronomy, Forensics, Env Science) New electives: Engineering Design, Programming, Technical Theater, Ceramics Financial Literacy Requirement (summer school) Humanities and (PS or CW or SF) Curriculum guide on web site. (Upcoming) Resolve changes before end of the year. (IMPORTANT) Summer assignments

13. Important Scheduling Update The override period will be from May 13th to June 10th. After June 10th override requests will not be granted. Please make sure you know exactly which courses your child was recommended for.

14. Process A series of actions or steps taken in order to achieve a particular end….. 8-9 month PROCESS of getting it done.

15. Preparing for the Jr. Conference Parent and student survey Remind your child Discuss courses ahead of time Discuss the big questions ahead of time

16. The college search: Where do I start? Start by asking yourself, “What are the most important criteria?” Variety of resources: Family Connections-web based service designed specifically for students and parents to help make decisions about colleges and careers, college books like Fiske Guide to College, school’s websites, MHS alum(huge resource available to us), etc. Open Houses Use spring break to visit. Set up apt online. Start narrowing things down for the Fall

17. 7 Components of the College Application Process Application Test scores Transcript Essay Recommendations HS Profile Supplemental Information

18. The Application On-line preferred by colleges Common app, school based app (Bucknell vs. Rutgers) Create an account on common app over the summer (after August 1, 2016) You send the application

19. Transcript Final Grades Reporting rank is optional The most important piece of the package Answers the most important questions Will have sr year schedule(currently enrolled classes) We send mid-year transcript We send (electronically)

20. Standardized Testing SAT v ACT When to take them SAT subject exams Score choice Register on your own (collegeboard.com or act.org) 3 rd greatest factor in admissions decisions. Test optional You send

21. The Essay Common app has generic essays for example Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what lessons did you learn? The essay matters at all schools that require an essay. Common sense editing, language Our English teachers are great with editing 5 th greatest factor in admission decisions. You send along with application, standardized test and supplemental information

22. Counselor Recommendation Counselor letter of recommendation. Answers the question, “Why you want this person as a member of the campus community?” Can explain gaps in performance (sickness, injury, etc.) Content should be discussed during the Jr./Sr. Conference Sent in with secondary school report form We send (electronically)

23. Teacher Recommendation Answers the question, “What has this student contributed in my class?” Most colleges want 1 but sometimes 2 or NONE Ask teachers, follow up w/ e-mail (nuts and bolts outlined in summer letter and sr. conference) Student should give teachers a short bio/resume We send (electronically)* – * In most cases

24. High School Profile 4-page standard high school document Tells about Madison HS and about Madison Gives colleges a snapshot of test scores, course offerings and college matriculations. Helps them compare apples to apples Take a look on-line (Guidance, Profile on Left) We send (electronically)

25. Supplemental Info Portfolio (Art Students and Performing Arts Audition) Additional letters of recommendations (community group, work experience, volunteerism) Eligibility Center (NCAA.ORG) contact Mr. Levine for more info Student is responsible for sending all of the above.

26. Counselor Role Encourage students to find the right post- secondary match Provide emotional AND practical support during the college process (keeping in mind the academic component) Keep you informed & maintain open communication (parents/teachers/students/college admission representatives) IT TAKES A VILLAGE

27. Parent Role Fill out Parent Brag Sheet and try to attend Jr Conference TAKE YOUR CHILD ON COLLEGE VISITS AND OPEN HOUSE TOURS Have an open and honest dialogue with your child about college (finances, location, public vs. private, etc.) Assist your child throughout the process Fill out appropriate financial aid forms Keep in contact with us about issues of concern “WATCH THEM FLY!”

28. What we need in order to do our part: 10 School days FERPA Release on Common app-then match to FC Transcript request form Reviewed in detail at Sr. Parent Night

29. Family Connections Family Connections is our web based college application program. If students need their password or log in they should see someone in guidance.

30. Public Service Announcement All male students, when they reach the age of 18, must register for the United States Selective Service. Information about this can be obtained by speaking to Mr. Levine or by visiting https://www.sss.govhttps://www.sss.gov Girl’s Career/ Girl’s State/ Boys State A reminder about Senior Privilege Sign up for email

31. State Testing Requirements

32. You know your children are growing up when they stop asking you where they came from and refuse to tell you where they’re going. -P.J. O’Rourke