1. Presented by Paradise Honors High School Counseling Department

2.  Importance of Junior Year  College Admissions Tests  The College Search  College Application Preparation  Next Steps  Senior Year  Miscellaneous Information  Q & A

4. Arizona Christian University Point Loma Nazarene University Arizona State University San Diego State University Baylor University Scottsdale Community College Colorado Christian University Tennessee State University Colorado State University United States Air Force Academy DeVry University United States Coast Guard Academy Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University University of California- Berkeley Estrella Mountain Community College University of California- Los Angeles Fisk University University of California-San Diego Fort Lewis College University of California-Santa Barbara Glendale Community College University of Missouri-Kansas City Grand Canyon University University of the Philippines Harvard University University of Washington Massachusetts Institute of Technology Western Carolina University North Central College West Virginia University Oregon State University Wittenberg University

5. Academy of Art University Amherst College Arizona State University Aurora University Azuza Pacific University Baylor University Benedictine College Boise State University Boston College Boston University California Lutheran University California Polytechnic State University, Pomona California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo California State University, Bakersfield California State University, Channel Islands California State University, Chico California State University, Dominguez Hills California State University, East Bay California State University, Fresno California State University, Fullerton California State University, Humboldt California State University, Long Beach California State University, Los Angeles California State University, Monterey Bay California State University, Northridge California State University, Sacramento California State University, San Jose California State University, San Marcos California State University, Stanislaus Canisius College Carroll College Chaminade University of Honolulu Chapman University College of the Holy Cross Colorado Mesa University Colorado State University Concordia University Creighton University Dominican University of California Florida State University Fordham University Gonzaga University Grand Canyon University Indiana University at Bloomington Lindenwood University Loyola Marymount University Marist College Marquette University Marymount California University New Jersey Institute of Technology

6. Northern Arizona University Northwestern University Ohio University Penn State University Point Loma Nazarene University Purdue University Regis University Saint Louis University Saint Martin’s University San Diego State University San Francisco State University Santa Clara University Seattle University Seton Hall University Seton Hill University Sonoma State University St. John’s University St. Mary’s College of California Southern Methodist University Syracuse University Texas Christian University The Catholic University The George Washington University The Ohio State University Tulane University University of Arizona University of British Columbia University of California, Berkeley University of California, Davis University of California, Irvine University of California, Los Angeles University of California, Merced University of California, Riverside University of California, San Diego University of California, Santa Barbara University of California, Santa Cruz University of Colorado at Boulder University of Conneticut University of Dayton University of Florida University of Kansas University of LaVerne University of Nevada, Las Vegas University of Oklahoma University of Oregon University of the Pacific University of Portland University of Puget Sound University of Redlands University of San Diego University of San Francisco University of South Carolina University of Southern California University of Tehran University of Utah University of Washington U.S. Air Force Academy U.S. Military Academy U.S. Naval Academy Villanova University Washington State University Whittier College

7.  When students apply to college in the fall of senior year, the last grades that will be present on the transcript are from junior year.  Colleges look at grade trends – hopefully upward trends! How a student does in 11th grade is more important than how a student did in 9 th grade.

8.  Regular, pro-active tutoring -student should show up with a plan  Organization and goal setting  Negotiated PowerSchool monitoring between parent and student  Distraction-free studying every night – even if ‘no homework’

9.  We encourage students to be meaningfully involved – and develop leadership roles – in at least one extracurricular.  PHHS clubs and sports  Community organizations  Community service  Faith-based groups  Consider part-time employment for students who have the time.  Find balance and joy in what you do!

11.  The PSAT scores are not sent to colleges, but the test is important as a practice SAT and to qualify juniors for the National Merit Scholarship competition.  Students should carefully investigate their PSAT scores (sent in the mail in December) using their individual log-in code!

14.  Nearly all colleges require the SAT or ACT with most colleges accepting either the SAT and ACT  Register online at least 6 weeks in advance (collegeboard.org or actstudent.org)  Tests administered on Saturday mornings  Fee ($43 - $55 SAT; $40 - $57 ACT) or waiver from Counseling Office  Score reporting: 4 free – approx. $12.00 additional

15. ACT  An achievement test based largely on what students have learned in their classes.  Four Subjects: English, Math, Reading, and Science.  Writing is optional  Length of test: about 3 hours, plus an additional 30 minutes for writing.  Penalty for wrong answers: NO  Scoring Method: 1-36 for each subject, which is averaged for the highest possible score of 36. SAT  A reasoning test assessing general ability.  Three Parts: Critical Reading, Math, Writing.  Length of Test: about 4 hours  Penalty for Wrong answers: Yes  Scoring Method: 200-800 per section with 2400 the highest possible score.  *New SAT’s begin in March

16.  11th graders should plan to test during the second semester allowing them to best utilize PSAT scores.  Some may have already tested / will test in the coming months – great!  Investigate the need to take SAT II Tests

17. The SAT/ACT Testing Plan for Students  Plan A: Take both tests Junior year ; compare; study; retake strongest test  Plan B: Take SAT or ACT Junior year ; review scores; study; retake (double check test preference for colleges/universities of choice)  We strongly suggest students take the SAT or ACT in their 11th grade year!  Students sign up with their parents / guardians online for a date and location most convenient

18. Why take the test again?  Broaden the scope of college acceptances  Possible higher scholarship category  Most colleges will superscore the SAT Apr CR 500 Math 580 Writing 510 [1590] Oct CR 510 Math 560 Writing 520 [1590] *Superscore will be 1610

19.  Enroll in a prep class.  Study independently.  Utilize practice tests on SAT and ACT websites and books at library/bookstores.  Read, read, read!!!  Review PSAT and SAT scores. Preparation is the key to being successful

21.  In the Junior Year, it is time for students to compile the list of schools to which they might apply. This is not a final application list. The more options, the better!  To find schools to add to their lists, students should explore their own preferences, make-or- break criteria, and their academic data.

22. 1) Anticipated College Major/Minor - Career Assessments (ASVAB 12/2/15) - Online research (AzCIS) - Job Shadowing - Favorite classes / subject areas / hobbies / passions / talents - Mymajors.com 2) College Type - Public / Private - Not-for-profit / For profit - Liberal Arts and Sciences - Technical or Vocational - 4-year or 2-year

23. 3) Location - In-state / Out-of-state ($$) - Urban / Suburban / Rural - Distance from home 4) Size - Small schools - Medium schools - Large schools 5) Cost - In-state / Out-of-state - Scholarships, Grants, Loans

24. 6) Campus Characteristics - Class size - Professors / TAs - Research focus - Campus activities / extracurriculars / athletics 7) Demographics - Religious Affiliation - Diversity - Gender ratios 8) Housing Options – On campus / commuter - Dorms

25.  College Navigator websites such as AzCIS  College Board Book of Majors; Fiske’s Guide; Ruggs  College visits, college fairs, preview days, student fly- ins, summer programs, and scholarships  Individual college/university websites and admissions blogs…Twitter, Facebook  College representatives that visit PHHS  Google Earth and Campus Tour Thursday  Western Undergraduate Exchange (See Webpage)  Most importantly, know your school and program of choice (admission statistics and TheUniversity of Miami)

26.  Visit school’s websites  General Information  Admission Requirements  Deadlines  Academic programs  Attend open houses and tours  Speak to current students  Schedule interview (if offered)

27.  1 Dream School  A school where you may fall below the average GPA and SAT Scores.  1-3 Reach or 50/50 Schools  Schools that you meet the GPA and SAT averages, but there are no guarantees  1-2 Safe Schools  Schools where you are above the average GPA and SAT’s. BE OPEN MINDED

28.  Military Academies in the United States offer an excellent option for students who are interested in serving their country and receiving a quality education at no cost. All five of the undergraduate military academies have selective admissions, and all require at least five years of service upon graduation.  Coast Guard Academy is only academy that does not require congressional nomination.  START THIS PROCESS EARLY!!!

30.  There are several pieces of the application – allowing for a ‘holistic review’. Transcript / Diploma GPA Test Scores Honors / Awards Extra-curricular activities Leadership roles Community involvement / service Summer experiences Jobs / Internships Disciplinary / Attendance Concerns Letters of Recommendation

33.  The Application – 3 ways to submit it to the college 1) Use the Common Application for over 500 colleges 2) Complete the application online at the college website 3) Download the application from the college website, fill it out and mail it back to them (RARE!)

34.  Final grades in courses taken in grades 9-11  Unweighted/Weighted GPA  Unweighted/Weighted Class Rank  Not Calculated until beginning of Senior Year  Senior Courses  Community Service  Does NOT include SAT or ACT scores **All transcripts must be ordered through Parchment**

35.  Early Decision  Early deadline, early response, BINDING  Early Action  Early deadline, early response, NON-BINDING  Priority Deadline  Students apply by an earlier deadline, and receive priority over students who do not meet the deadline. Decisions are also made earlier  Rolling Admission  Students are accepted/denied as applications are received  Regular Admission  Apply by regular deadline (usually mid-January) and hear a response typically by the beginning of April

36.  Admit  You are admitted to the school for the fall semester  Wait List  You are put on a waiting list and will be notified after May 1 st of a decision based on the school’s enrollment  Deferred  You are not accepted or rejected. A decision about your application will be mate at a later time. This often occurs during early action or early decision deadlines  Spring Admit  You are admitted for the spring semester. Often students are permitted to restricted courses at the University  Rejection  You are not admitted to the University

38.  Stay focused on academics  Choose a challenging senior schedule  Stay involved in school activities  Take the ACT/SAT tests  Research and visit colleges  Review college applications and requirements  Get a head start on the essay  Apply for scholarships  Be sure to find out if college accepts DE credits  Learn if college has preferential admission for in- state students

39. Research Schools Online Register for SAT/ACT if you have not already taken Take SAT prep class or study independently November - February VISIT Schools over spring break Take SAT prep class or study independently Continue to research schools March- April Take SAT’s Concentrate on having a strong finish to school year May

40. Visit schools of interest Find a summer job or volunteer opportunity Start working on applications and essays June-July Senior Interviews with Counselors Submit recommendation for teachers Attend all workshops to help with applications August - September Complete applications and essays Meet all early action deadlines for applications Take October SAT (if necessary) October

41.  Read up on college admissions  Help your son/daughter get organized  Take a road trip – visit colleges!  Know the right questions to ask  Did you know that you can "test drive" the FAFSA? It's true! The US Department of Education has released a piece of software called the FAFSA4Caster, which allows you to plug different financial scenarios into the FAFSA and see rough estimates of what your Expected Family Contribution - EFC - would be. Try it out with the FAFSA4caster on studentaid.ed.gov.  Prior-Prior Year

43.  All PHHS students must be enrolled in a minimum of 4 courses.  Students may have the opportunity to leave early if they have been successful throughout their high school career.  Students are only granted early release if they are employed or enrolled in college courses.

44.  This is the last opportunity a student will have to prepare for post-high school plans.  We strongly encourage students to use the major maps from the college or universities they may attend to assist in scheduling senior year courses.  Also, students should be developing relationships with their admissions officer to ensure they are receiving accurate information.

45.  Find the right balance between a rigorous schedule and being successful  Colleges want to see that you’ve challenged yourself but maintained success  Apply to GCC and EMCC  They have excellent Honors programs AND scholarships  It is important to keep your options open  There is no such thing as the “perfect college”  There are over 3000 colleges in the U.S.  With effort and guidance you CAN find multiple colleges where you will be happy and successful

46.  Keep the process in perspective  Work together as a family  Students must take ownership  Discuss finances openly  Start early and meet all deadlines  Communicate!!!!  Communicate with your son/daughter, admission counselors, financial aid officers, teachers, and counselors.

47.  College Transfer Credits  Aztransfer.com  Pre-College Summer Programs  Usummer.com  College Research  AzCIS.intocareers.org  Cappex.com  Collegeweeklive.com  Mymajors.com

48. Have a great night!