1. College Planning Workshop March 7, 2012 Glenelg High School Student Services

2. School Counselors Mrs. Allie McDonald, A – De Mrs. Mindy Hirsch, Df – I Mr. Rodney Williams, J – Mc Mr. Kareef Overton, Me – R Ms. Moira Baylog, S – Z

3. Agenda Introduction 7:00 – 7:25  Notes on preparing for the College Search and Application Process Choice of 3 Breakout Sessions:  7:30 – 7:55  8:00 – 8:25  8:30 – 8:55 Feedback Forms

4. Simple Ways to Prepare for College Take challenging courses Achieve the strongest possible grades Sample courses to help decide on academic major and careers Involve yourself in activities you enjoy Take the SAT & ACT Research colleges and visit schools

5. Why vs. Where? Ask WHY go to college? Don’t forget the why is more important than where …Emphasize education!

6. Not a competition… Resist attempts to turn the process into a status competition.

7. Concerned about price? Don’t allow the cost of a college education to cut short educational pursuits.

8. Who is in charge? Resist doing for your students what they are capable of doing themselves.

9. Where to start? The student should “know themselves” Values Ambitions Achievements Academic Strengths Interests Standout Talents Areas for Growth

10. What is Important? Size Setting Geographic Location Academic/Career Focus Learning Environment Cost – Including aid Reputation Family Considerations Other, i.e. Athletics, Study Abroad, Religious, etc.

11. Colleges Consider… Grades / Overall GPA Strength of high school course selections SAT/ACT Test Score Essay* Teacher and counselor recommendations Class rank Student’s demonstrated interest Extracurricular Activities/Personal Accomplishments Personality characteristics Courses in progress Junior and Senior year

12. High School Transcript Final Grades in Courses taken grades 9 – 11 Unweighted/Weighted GPA Unweighted/Weighted Rank Calculated October 1 Senior Courses Does NOT include SAT or ACT scores

13. High School Curriculum Curriculum should increase in level of challenge from 9 th to 12 th grade 4 years of English 4 years of mathematics 3 years of Social Studies 3 years of science 2 years of a foreign language Exceed the minimum requirements with Honors/AP courses A fourth year of mathematics and science is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

14. Extracurricular Activities Less is more Focus on doing what you love Find a healthy balance Race to Nowhere Leadership Volunteer opportunities Summer programs Athletics

15. College Admissions Testing Take at least one SAT and one ACT before senior year Usually in the spring Can retake tests fall of senior year Send all scores to colleges of interest – HCPSS policy prohibits GHS from sending scores on transcript Additional cost to send scores later Colleges take the Higher score Investigate the need to take SAT II Tests

16. SAT II Subject Tests Some colleges require – see list on Website Take in June after completion of related course See Course Registration Booklet p. 18 – 19 One hour multiple choice tests Take up to 3 on a test day

17. When & How to take SAT/ACT? SAT Register at www.collegeboard.com March 10, 2012 May 5, 2012 June 2, 2012* *Testing is available at Glenelg High School. Typically offered each: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, March, May & June ACT Register at www.actstudent.org April 14, 2012 June 9, 2012* Also offered next Sept, Oct, Dec, Feb, Apr, June

18. Preparation for SAT/ACT ACT and College Board Website : http://www.act.org/aap/pdf/preparing.pdf http://sat.collegeboard.com/practice/ Familiarization with test – practice, practice, practice Use of PSAT My College Quick Start

19. Counselors Can Help 11 th Grade English Classes Individual Student/Parent Conferences Schedule March through Summer Junior Folders Resources Website College Lists College Navigator September Evening Program College Application Process and Requesting Transcripts

20. College Counseling Website Link available at www.glenelghigh.comwww.glenelghigh.com Under Student Services link

21. College Research Resources College Navigator Website College Board Book of Majors, Fiske’s Guide, Ruggs College Visits/College Fairs/Preview Days Individual College/University Websites College admissions Blogs Academic Common Market Schools http://www.mhec.state.md.us/highered/acadaff/academiccommonmarket/co mmonmarket.asp http://www.mhec.state.md.us/highered/acadaff/academiccommonmarket/co mmonmarket.asp College representatives that visit Glenelg each fall Professional Organization websites Example – American Association of Physical Therapists

22. College Visits Students are allowed 3 excused days Discretionary absence form available on Website – must be approved by Mr. Schindler Contact University Admissions Office to arrange Ask to meet with professors and attend a class Go when academic term is in session Ask students (other than your tour guide) how they feel about the school

23. Questions to ask on campus What are the three most popular majors? What do you consider when deciding to admit an applicant? Do most students graduate in 4 years? What is your retention rate? Do you offer assistance in securing internships? What percentage of your students receive employment after graduation? Complete list of questions available on website

24. Next Steps for Juniors Stay focused on academics Choose challenging senior schedule Meet with your school counselor Stay involved in school activities Get a verbal commitment from teacher for letter of recommendation Take the ACT / SAT tests Register for AP tests as appropriate

25. Next Steps for Juniors Research & Visit Colleges Attend college fairs Review college applications and requirements Research schools, visit, visit, visit. Compile a list of 6 – 10 schools that you can SERIOUSLY see yourself attending Get a head start on the essay

26. Financial Aid & Scholarships Merit scholarships awarded with initial application in fall of Senior year EVERY family should apply for FAFSA Jan. 1 of Senior Year www.fafsa.ed.gov Investigate on website what scholarships are available HCPSS Search Database www.MeritAid.com

27. GHS Timeline March College Search Classroom Lessons Junior Interviews April – Summer Conferences with juniors and counselor Summer hours June Review transcript process in classrooms Students get verbal commitment from teachers for letter of recommendation

28. Next Steps for Parents Read up on College Admissions Help your student get organized Take a road trip – visit colleges! Know the right questions to ask Schedule conference with school counselor

29. Closing Remarks College is not about where you go, but rather what the student makes of the experience. Spend the time, and your child WILL find a school that “fits” Don’t hesitate to seek our help!

30. Questions? Counselors will be in hallways to answer any questions.

31. Move to Breakout Sessions