1. Junior/Parent College Night
“Preparing you and your student for life after high school”
Presented by:
BMHS Guidance Department

2. Graduation Requirements
Minimum of 20 credits
4 credits of English 3 credits of Math 3 credits of Science including: one credit of lab Science 3 credits of Social Studies including: 1 credit of US History .5 credit Civics 1 credit of the Various Arts 1 credit of PE .5 credit of Health .5 credit of Computer Literacy 4 credits of Electives

3. The College Process: Naviance
A comprehensive tool that can be used to help students and parents through college and career planning.
Take surveys on learning style and career interests
Conduct a college search
Compare colleges
Track deadlines
Schedule visits with college reps at BMHS
Request Transcripts
Search for scholarships
Communications from Guidance Department

4. The College Process: Naviance
A comprehensive tool that can be used to help students and parents through college and career planning.

5. The College Process Making a list
Attend The College Fair April 9th at BMHS from 6:00pm-8:00pm
Figure out who you are. Look for colleges that interest you
The most selective college may not always be the best fit
Include interest of school (high, medium, and low). Categorize into likely, target, and reach
Know why you are applying to each school
Be realistic about the academic requirements for admission
Visit schools and attend open house meetings
Attend college rep visits in the fall at BMHS
Think about cost
Consider Sports

6. The College Process. The Student’s Role
The College Process The Student’s Role Take ownership of college process
Conduct college searches and research specific schools
Create “Colleges I’m Thinking About” list
Take College Entrance Exams
Begin your College Essay
Familiarize yourself with the Common Application
Check to see when supporting documents need to be sent
Be sure you have envelopes and stamps on hand
Ask 2 teachers to write formal recommendations
View which college representatives are visiting BMHS
Schedule Meetings with your School Counselor
Arrange to have official test scores sent directly to schools
KNOW YOUR DEADLINES! Sent by? Received by?

7. The College Process Common App
The Common Application
Online only-no more paper version available
Accepted by more than 450 schools including UCONN.
ESSAY
Length remains the same: words (WORD LIMIT ENFORCED)
Text-entry only - no uploads of Microsoft Word documents
New essay prompts announced every year in March (Topic of choice eliminated)
Supplements will be streamlined so they are accessible online earlier
Complete application will not be available until AUGUST 1, Do not register until the application is released

8. The College Process Required Information in Addition to the Application
Transcript:
Course selection , level of rigor and grades
Three-year GPA/Rank
First quarter senior grades
Mid-Year senior grades (Often required and sent by student request)
Counselor Recommendation (by request)
Teacher Recommendations (by request)
SAT/ACT scores*
AP Scores/Subject Tests*
Types of Applications:
Early Decision
Binding
Early Action I
Early Action II
Regular Decision
Rolling
*Sent to colleges by student

9. College Entrance Exams
SAT
Scholastic Aptitude Test
Measures : Critical Reading, Writing, and Math
Scoring Out of 2400
Maximum 800 per section Minimum 200 per section
ACT
American College Testing Measures: English, Science, Reading, Math and Writing (optional) Scoring Out of 36 Maximum and Minimum per section varies
SAT II
Scholastic Aptitude Test Subject Areas

10. College Entrance Exams: SAT www.sat.collegeboard.org

11. College Entrance Exams: ACT

12. Financial Aid/ Scholarships
FAFSA (WEB Based)
Free Application for Federal Student Aid
January 1st – March 1
Parents and Students must apply for FAFSA pin
Mrs. Blackwell
CSS Profile (WEB Based)
Not necessary for all colleges/
universities
Fee associated

13. Financial Aid/Scholarships
Get Motivated. Research early.
Check the Scholarship list and the BMHS Scholarship on NAVIANCE!
Some web sites on the BMHS Guidance Page:
Adventures In Education — Expected Family Contribution (EFC) Calculator -
Adventures In Education — Scholarship Search -
College Answer -
College Board — Scholarship Database
apps.collegeboard.com/cbsearch_ss/welcome.jsp -
College Goal Sunday -
CollegeToolkit.com -
FAFSA Made Easy -
FAFSA on the Web -
FastWeb — Scholarship Search -
Federal Trade Commission — Scholarship Scams -
Financial Aid Information -
Hispanic Scholarship Fund -
…. ……………………………many more!

14. Questions….?