WELCOME PARENTS CLASS OF 2018

Senior Year of High School Transition year for children and parents Emotional time Changing roles Recognizing and accepting child’s goals Communication is vital Openly discuss fears or concerns

Graduation Requirements Minimum 140 credits English I, II, III, IV World History, US History I, US History II Earth/Space Science, Biology, Chemistry or Environmental Science, 4th science class of choice Algebra I or Geometry, Geometry or Algebra II, Algebra II or approved third math course PE/Health 9, 10, 11, 12 (Students must take 5 credits during each year of enrollment) 1 Fine/Performing Arts class 1 Career Education class 1 World Language class 1 Financial Literacy class Electives Pass State Assessment Requirement

Post Secondary Options Four year colleges Public Private Two year colleges Technical Schools Military Workforce

What is your child looking for in a college? Higher Education What is your child looking for in a college? Major Location Size Diversity of student population Sports, clubs, other activities Public/Private Cost/Financial Aid

Researching Colleges Establish a list of appropriate prospective colleges/schools Research on Naviance College Fairs Visit colleges with your child Create a collegeboard.org profile

College Entrance Exams SAT - next test is Nov 4th, deadline to register is Oct. 5th Critical Reading Math Writing SAT Subject Tests ACT – next test is Dec. 9th, deadline to register is Nov. 3rd English Reading Science Optional Writing Test

Four-Year Institutions More selective & based on: High school GPA & coursework (transcript) SAT or ACT scores Letters of recommendation Admissions essays Extracurricular activities Service Special Skills or Talents Selectivity levels vary

Four Year College Curriculum Liberal arts and sciences, Preparation for professional degrees such as law or medicine, and Preparation for other graduate level education. Bachelor’s degree

Community Colleges Excellent Low Cost Option Open admission policies Placement tests Comprehensive curriculum plus vocational and technical training for direct entry into the workforce Professional Certifications Two Year Associate’s Degree Transfer to four year college to complete last two years of Bachelor’s Degree studies Improve weak academic record

NJ STARS May be eligible if top 15% of class Covers tuition at 19 NJ community colleges NJ STARS II NJ STARS student Earn Associate’s degree with 3.25 GPA or better Eligible for $6,000-7,000 per year scholarship at a NJ public four-year college or university www.njstars.net

Dual Admission Agreement Complete a two-year degree at a community college and also be guaranteed admission to a four-year college. Must follow a specific course of study and graduate from an eligible program of study at the community college with the required GPA. MCCC has agreements with: La Salle, Montclair, NJIT, Penn State Abington, Rider, Rutgers, Saint Peter’s College, The College of New Jersey & Wilmington University

Technical Schools Provide training for specific job-related skills Automotive Computer Technology Medical/Health Care Cosmetology Building Trades Most Offer Programs that are two years or less Certification programs May be able to transfer earned credits to four year college

Financial Considerations Cost Financial Aid Merit vs.Need FAFSA – opens October 1st Scholarships Loans EHS Financial Aid Night - October 4th, 6:30PM HESAA – financial aid info – www.hesaa.org

Military Research different branches Explore what each has to offer Technical training ASVAB

Workforce Students can create a resume in Naviance to assist in employment search Apprenticeships – contact trade union for information specific to trade Transition plans for students with IEP’s – contact EHS Transition Coordinator, Mike Mattle

Common App The Common App provides an application that can be sent to more than 500 colleges. Apply to multiple colleges using the same application. A link to the Common App is located in Naviance in the “Colleges I’m Applying To” tab. Common App sections: personal information, high school activities, and personal essay options.

College Application Process Complete application online Request transcripts SAT/ACT scores – send from collegeboard.org or actstudent.org Fee Waivers Letters of recommendation Some require essays and/or resume Deadlines - Rolling Admissions Early Admission/Early Action Common App

College Application Process 1. Fill Out Application commonapp.org OR school’s own application 2. Add School to Naviance College Tab Colleges I’m applying to 3. “Transcript Request Form” Give to Guidance Counselor 4. Send SAT’s and/or ACT’s SAT: collegeboard.org ACT: actstudent.org

Scholarships Posted in the Guidance Office and Naviance Fastweb.com Awarded for different reasons: Financial Need Academic Excellence Leadership Special skills and talents May require transcript, letter of recommendation, resume and/or essay

Naviance Family Connection EHS students are now required to use Naviance for the college application process Every student and parent should have an active account and check it regularly for vital information Students must complete the Student Brag Sheet and Resume Parents are encouraged to complete the Parent Brag Sheet

Applying to College Add schools to “Colleges I’m Applying To” list on Naviance Check each college’s website for deadlines and requirements Check off on Naviance that you have applied Submit Transcript Release Form once with parent signature Submit Transcript Request Form at least 10 days in advance for each college.

Letters of Recommendation Ask teachers and counselor for letter of recommendation at least 2 weeks in advance of deadline Send teacher recommendation request on Naviance Complete Student Brag Sheet, Resume, and Parent Brag Sheet on Naviance to assist in writing a comprehensive letter

Visit Colleges See Naviance “Researching Colleges for Visits” handout