College Planning for Juniors JKF High School 2016-2017

College Planning for Juniors What you can do Now… What can be done Later… What can be done your Senior Year…

What can be done Now… So much of what was once saved for Senior year is better completed (or at least) started your Junior Year.

Review your academic status •What is your current GPA? •Are you on track to graduate? •Do you know what credits are needed to graduate?

Examine your college options Types of Degrees • Bachelor’s degree Four year colleges/universities • Associate’s Degree Community colleges General education courses transfer to a 4 year school • Technical /Career Colleges Specific program degrees (Make sure credits will transfer if you choose to switch programs)

Find the right fit! • Major • Size of School • Location • Chances of being accepted • Cost & Potential Debt • Personality of the school GOAL: Have a list of colleges ready by August!

Additional Resources to Consider When Researching Colleges and Universities

Collegedata.com

College Navigator

Register for the ACT ACT testing is held at WHS High school Testing Dates (Saturdays) • Sept. 10 (register by Aug. 5, 2016) • oct. 22 (register by sept. 16, 2016) • dec. 10 (Register by nov. 4, 2016) • Feb. 11 (Register by Jan. 13, 2017) • April 8 (Register by March 3, 2017) • June 10 (Register by May 5, 2017) Act cost: $39.50 or $56.50 (for plus writing) Go to ACTstudent.org to register for the ACT

Register for the Sat/ Subject Tests SAT testing is held at JFK High School Testing Dates (Saturdays) • Oct. 1 (register by sept. 1, 2016) • nov. 5 (register by oct. 7, 2016) • dec. 3 (register by nov. 15, 2016) • jan. 21 (Register by dec. 21, 2016) • march 11 (register by feb. 10, 2017) • may 6 (register by April 7, 2017) • june 3 (register by may 9, 2017) SAT reasoning test cost: $ 45 Note $57 with essay SAT subject tests $26 per test Go to www.collegeboard.org to register

Expand your Involvement

What can be done Later… Second semester of your junior is an incredibly important time in the college preparation process!

College Visits • Visit the campus • Attend a class • Take part in a campus preview day • Talk with students, professors, etc. • What does the campus feel like? • Make a Pros and Cons List

Questions for Admissions Officers • Specific entrance requirements? • How many lecture classes do freshman take? Size of classes? • Is work study available? • How easy is it to change majors? • Do you have study abroad programs? • Ask about scholarships

Spring 2017 • new jersey expo center, meadowlands nj Fall 2016 • Attend a College Fair Spring 2017 • new jersey expo center, meadowlands nj Fall 2016 •

Register for College Fairs • Register for college fairs ahead of time at- gotocollegefair.com • Make a list of “must-see” colleges • Visit at least 3 colleges you haven’t heard of before. • Have a few questions ready!

Registering for College Fairs

Financial Considerations • April 2012, student loan debt surpassed credit debt for the first time in our history. • ‘Paying for college’ is often the last topic discussed by families when investigating colleges. • Student loan debt should be weighted with the same importance as other ‘fit’ factors when selecting a college.

Examine Net Price Calculators • As of November 2011, colleges and universities were required to provide a Net Price Calculator on their websites. • Net Price Calculators were mandated by the U.S. Government to provide families with a ‘Good Faith’ estimate of what the ‘COA’ would be for students. • Net Price Calculators now allow families to ‘shop’ for a financial fit.

What needs to be done your senior year? There is a myth that your senior year doesn’t really matter because colleges won’t see your senior grades. Nothing could be further from the truth! Please take your senior year seriously!

Work on your College Essay(s)

Complete College applications

College Application Options • Rolling admissions • Regular decision • Early action • Early decision

Search for college scholarships

11th Grade Recap • Investigate college options • Take February ACT (register by January 9th) • Take SAT Subject Tests (if necessary- May & June) • Visit college campuses • Attend Wednesday Morning Workshops • Expand your involvement at JKF • Examine Net Price Calculators

12th Grade Recap • Attend your Senior Conference • Work on your college essay • Complete your college application • File the FAFSA for financial aid • Search for scholarships • Stay involved at JKF • Pause from time to time! Graduation is just around the corner…