Post-Secondary Planning- Life Beyond High School November 28, 2018

POST- SECONDARY OPTIONS Employment Career/Technical School Military College 4 year 2 year Gap Year

TIMELINE- JUNIOR YEAR Research Colleges & Careers Complete course requests for senior year- February Register for and take SAT (collegeboard.org) and/or ACT (act.org) Visit colleges and Attend college fairs- PV March 28th Individual Meetings with School Counselor- Review Selectivity Ladder Start asking for Teacher Recommendations Work on Senior Profile If interested in Division I/II Athletics- Register with the NCAA

NEVER TOO EARLY TO APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS Naviance Fastweb RaiseMe Scholarships.com CollegeNet.com FinAid.org CollegeBoard SurveyMonkey.com Zinch This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-ND

TIMELINE- SENIOR YEAR September-October November to March Get Organized Teacher Recommendation Forms Senior Profile for Counselor Recommendation Review Transcript and Complete Transcript Authorization Finish taking Standardized Tests- SAT/ACT Begin Applications & FAFSA (opens Oct. 1st) November to March Submit Applications Midyear Transcripts Released- February December to April Evaluate Admissions Decisions and Financial Packages May- June National College Decision Day- May 1st Graduation- June 21st Final Transcripts Released

HOW TO BE SUCCESSFUL Keep the process in perspective Work together as a family Students must take ownership Discuss finances openly Start early and meet all deadlines Meet often with your counselor & be in contact with Admissions Reps- Questions are Good!

WHERE DO I START? Research Contact Speak to current students Begin Research on College Board or Naviance Visit school’s websites for General Information, Requirements & Deadlines Attend Open houses and tours College Fairs March 28th- Passaic Valley April 3rd- NACAC in Secaucus Contact Speak to current students Contact admissions with questions WHERE DO I START?

EVERY STUDENT IS DIFFERENT FINALIZING YOUR LIST EVERY STUDENT IS DIFFERENT Choose Approx. 4-8 schools Balance Safety Target Reach Organize Know what is needed to apply to each school Decide on intended admissions type/ deadlines

TYPES OF ADMISSION/DEADLINES Early Decision (Binding) Early Action (Non-Binding) Variations: Restrictive EA, Single Choice EA Priority Deadline Rolling Admission Regular Admission

EVALUATING AN APPLICANT Transcript GPA, Courses & Grades (includes grades 9 to 11 and senior courses in progress) SAT or ACT Scores- some schools are test optional SAT Subject Tests (if required) Essay(s) Resume (extracurricular activities) Letters of Recommendation Supplemental Materials Demonstrated Interest

UPCOMING SAT/ACT DATES Test Date Registration Late Registration March 9, 2019 February 8, 2019 February 22, 2019 May 4, 2019 April 5, 2019 April 19, 2019 June 1, 2019 May 3, 2019 May 17, 2019 August 24, 2019 October 5, 2019 November 2, 2019 Test Date Registration Late Registration February 9, 2019 January 11, 2019 January 18, 2019 April 13, 2019 March 8, 2019 March 25, 2019 June 8, 2019 May 3, 2019 May 20, 2019 July 13, 2019 June 14, 2019 June 24, 2019 September 14, 2019 October 26, 2019

COMMON MYTHS Test scores are the most important criterion in college admission There is only one perfect college for me Wait until you get accepted to visit If I’m getting a C in an Honors or AP course, it’s ok because colleges will be impressed with my determination I need to decide on my career before I can choose a college If I haven’t heard of a college or university, it can’t be very good I should attend the most prestigious college that accepts me

NAVIANCE STUDENT https://student.naviance. com/pvhs Contact your child’s counselor directly if you do not already have access

QUESTIONS?