Senior Parent College Information Seminar

Agenda Welcome/Overview The List The Application Process Nuts and Bolts Financial Aid Senior Internships Questions and discussion

Words of Advice Objectives: good fit & realistic list Early Decision (ED) is binding – not an admissions “strategy” Over 3,500 undergraduate colleges and universities in USA. There is a right fit for every student. Enjoy your child’s senior year. Parents can set the tone and reduce stress. Don’t compare your student to siblings or peers. Don’t make colleges the only topic of conversation! Not a prize to be won, but a match to be made.

Naviance: “Reach” School

Naviance: “Target” School

Naviance: “Likely” School

Resources Naviance Online resources College Board / ACT College website  very important! Every college’s requirements are different Fiske Guide books available in the guidance office College visits/College fairs Weston info sessions: Arts, Athletics

Terminology Early Decision (ED) Early Decision 2 Early Action (EA) Early Action Single Choice/Restricted EA Rolling Regular Decision Decisions from Colleges (Defer, Waitlist)

Nuts and Bolts Activating the student’s application at WHS The counselor’s packet Teacher letters of recommendations Standardized test scores

Activating Applications In order to document and track the application process for our students, the Guidance department uses the following forms. All are available on our website, either through the Quick Links to Forms or through the Guidance Seminar 12 curriculum page. The Application Checklist is a helpful tool to help your student stay on track. Checklist Transcript Request Form Transcript Addendum Guidance Letter Option IEP & 504 Information Release Form These forms are completed only once; students add to the transcript request form held by the counselor. Counselors move applications from “prospective” to “active” in Naviance.

Naviance: Prospective Colleges

Naviance: Active Applications

The Application Packet Transcript GPA Distribution Chart Counselor Statement Secondary School Report School Profile Curriculum Notes

Sample Transcript

GPA Distribution Chart This histogram represents the most recent distribution of weighted academic grade point averages which includes all semester and year academic courses taken through the end of junior year. The individual student’s weighted GPA is printed on the transcript. Only courses taken at Weston High School factor into the GPA. Weston High School does not rank students. Profile for Class of 2013 at the end of grade 11. Number in Class: 177 Number included in Chart: 161

Counselor Statement Based on the counselor’s personal relationship with the student, as well as: – Introspective Survey – Resume/Activity list (important to be current!) – Parent Brag Sheet – Peer Feedback Form Discuss concerns with counselor Letter is holistic

Other Pieces Weston has its own form School Report Form which is sent in addition to the Common Application SSR (or paper college form)School Report Form School Profile Curriculum Notes (a narrative explanation of our course sequences, levels and electives)

Teacher Recommendations Generally one to two academic teachers from junior or senior year (check the college website) – Balanced: 1 humanities, 1 math/science – Engineering: 1 math, 1 science Additional only if different “take” such as coach, theater, job Letter is subject/academic or activity specific Importance of advance notice Protocol, including thank you and notification of decisions Most teachers submitting electronically

Financial Aid MEFA Financial Aid Night, Wednesday 10/10 FAFSA CSS Profile Financial aid “package” Scholarships

Senior Internships All seniors will be taking a senior internship course second semester which will prepare them for their upcoming internships. Internships will be from May 13 th – June 4 th Students are encouraged to pursue their own internship leads but can receive assistance from the internship advisors, Corey Guerra and Lee Marsh. All seniors must meet with Lee Marsh prior to internship approval. More detailed information can be found under the Schools to Careers section of the guidance website.

Thank you… Keep lines of communication open – With your student – With the counselor – With teachers Encourage your student to “stay the course” academically Have fun!