Class of 2017 College Planning Evening November 12, 2015

TONIGHT’S TOPICS WHAT IS THE COLLEGE APPLICATION PROCESS DESIGNED TO DO? This process should 0 Be a reflection on who you are, how you learn, where you are now and where you want to be 0 Provide you with a variety of options designed to give you the best chance for finding the success you desire WHAT YOU SHOULD DO NOW TO BEGIN PREPARING 0 Utilize resources to explore your strengths and understand your weaknesses NUTS AND BOLTS 0 Transcript, Testing, and Course Selection 0 Summer Plans

You may not know where to start—we can help with that!

The College Application Process is DEVELOPMENTAL If you take the right steps and participate fully, YOU, the student, will understand: 0 Who you are and what is important to you 0 What you need in order to be a success 0 How to analyze colleges and their degree programs to assess their match to your needs 0 How to communicate all of this information to others THE END RESULT = Critical Thinking, Analytical, Synthesis and Communication Skills will be better developed

THIS IS ABOUT OPTIONS: 67% of Colleges and Universities have 3000 or fewer students 19% of Colleges and Universities have 3000 to 8000 students 14% of Colleges and Universities have 8000 or more students.

Or, Put Another Way...

SO, WHY DOES IT FEEL LIKE THERE IS SO MUCH PRESSURE??

Begin in the right place: by understanding YOURSELF! Assessment Tools -Strengths Explorer -Do What You Are -Learning Styles Inventory Communicate with us, your College Counselors -Complete STUDENT questionnaires (2) -Complete PARENT BRAG SHEET Develop your RESUME

SEEK GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT FROM THE PEOPLE AND RESOURCES DESIGNED TO HELP YOU Schedule Your 15 Minute Naviance Introduction with your College Counselor Complete your Resume and Questionnaires Set up your College Counseling Appointment—Before the end of February! Explore Naviance BEFORE CHRISTMAS

NUTS AND BOLTS

Transcripts 0 Review the transcript in your packet 0 Is your name spelled correctly? 0 Is this your full LEGAL name (no nicknames)? 0 Are your grades reported correctly? Clear up any errors NOW!

TESTING RECOMMENDATIONS 0 ACT with writing (writing has always been optional ) 0 Take ACT with writing ONCE 0 December (late) or February 0 *NEW* SAT with writing (now, an optional section) 0 Take the SAT with writing ONCE 0 March or May 0 RE-TEST on your preferred test in June ( make sure to include the optional writing )

2016 Testing Calendar DateTest January 23, 2016OLD SAT or Subject Tests February 6, 2016ACT w/ writing March 5, 2016NEW SAT only April 9, 2016ACT w/ writing April 28, 2016ACT w/writing at your local Public School May 7, 2016NEW SAT or Subject Tests June 4, 2016NEW SAT or Subject Tests June 11, 2016ACT w/ writing September 10, 2016ACT w/ writing October 1, 2016NEW SAT or Subject Tests October 22, 2016ACT w/ writing November 5, 2016*NEW SAT or Subject Tests December 3, 2016*NEW SAT or Subject Tests December 10, 2016ACT w/ writing *College Board has released these as anticipated test dates for 2016.

Course Selection 0 Review the handout in your packet 0 5 major academic courses each term plus Thesis in terms 1 and 2 0 This is the first time you are able to specialize— make the most of it! 0 You will have several free periods each week; use them wisely—fall, in particular, has a LOT of work!

How to Get Answers to Your Questions About Course Selection 0 COFFEE OPEN HOUSE on Thursday, January 14, 7:30 AM (Advisors will be available, too) 0 MEETINGS WITH COLLEGE COUNSELOR 0 Naviance meeting (15-min, student only) 0 Individual family appointments in January and February

MOVING FORWARD OR, WHERE DO YOU GO FROM HERE!?

0 What YOU focus on 0 Grades!! Most important! 0 Arranging your Naviance meeting with your Counselor 0 Arranging your family meeting with your Counselor 0 Completing testing 0 Visiting colleges 0 Events to HELP you 0 SUMMER OPPORTUNITIES FAIR 0 Sat, JAN. 30: 10 AM-3 JBS COLLEGE COLLOQUIUM 0 Th, FEB PM 0 Fri, FEB. 19 8:30AM-12:30PM Priory 0 MOACAC College Fair 0 Sun, APR. 24, 1-3 PM Maryville Univ WHAT’S NEXT THIS SCHOOL YEAR

Common application You may open an application this spring and it will remain available next year We will work with you in April on this Essays: more information about essay writing workshops over the summer to come COALITION APPLICATION AND “THE LOCKBOX” d. May launch in April Lockbox will be an option; not mandatory. SUMMER ENRICHMENT You can and should expect to engage in some kind of meaningful experience over the summer Find ways to really extend your learning opportunities or interests WHAT’S NEXT THIS SPRING AND SUMMER

??QUESTIONS?? SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT