Exploring Your Child’s Future Welcome Parents of Class of 2016/2017

The best college choices are made when students know themselves well…their strengths, goals, and personality type. started/know-yourself Go to Naviance/Family Connection to complete Personality and Career Profiles Self Reflection

My strengths & weaknesses Classes I’ve enjoyed My interests Career goals Activities I enjoy org/get-started/video- transcription/do-colleges-want- quality-or-a-quantity-of- activities Students should consider

College Characteristics to Consider Location – Urban/Rural Far from home? Campus/Class sizes Admission requirements

College Characteristics to Consider (Cont’d) Academic strengths Retention rates Degree Requirements Core Curriculum/flexibility Diversity Costs

Visit a variety of campus types and sizes Go when college is in session Take a campus tour Talk to students Be aware of each campus’ personality Stay overnight Talk to a faculty member in your area of interest Schedule an interview, if possible Visit College Campuses

Reach Schools (1 or 2) Target Schools (2-4) Likely Schools (1 or 2) Narrow Your List of Schools

This is not a competition to get into the “best college”… Keep Things in Perspective This is a process to find the college that is the “best fit.”

High school grades/rigor of courses SAT/ACT scores Recommendations Essays College needs Special talents Extracurricular activities Interview How Do Colleges Select Students started/video-transcription/what-kind- of-student-do-colleges-want

Priority Deadline: Univ. of MD, College Park - Nov. 1st Regular Admissions Early Decision Early Action Rolling Admissions Different Kinds of Admissions BE AWARE OF DEADLINES

March College Information Meeting for students April Visit colleges (spring break) College Admissions Night - 4/21 Montgomery Co. College Fair - 4/21 What's Next?

May/June SAT/ACT/SAT subject tests Schedule a College Meeting with Counselor Complete self reflection worksheet/resume’ Think about what teachers to select to write your recommendation letter June/July/August B-CC Summer Workshops for seniors What's Next?

*If you qualify for Free/Reduced lunch, sign up! This will give you reduced and free application fees, and SAT/ACT, AP/IB test fees. Think about and start researching Financial Aid/Scholarship Info. Financial Aid/Scholarships

B-CC Counselor Family Connection College and Career Center Mrs. Parmelee, CCIC at B-CC College Tracks – Ms. Jenni Adams, Ms. Patty Olszewski College Reps when they visit B- CC Scholarship searches B-CC Guide to College and Career Planning (link found on B-CC Counseling site) Counseling Dept: Counseling/Career Ctr: Where/How to Get Information at B-CC

Enjoy this College Process Journey!

College Application Quiz - Questions 1.A high GPA and strong test scores are the only thing that really matter in a college application. (True/False) 2.It’s important to participate in as many extracurricular activities as possible during high school. (True/False) 3.You may be eligible for in-state tuition at a public school outside of your state. (True/False) 4.College admissions staff prefer that students get recommendations from a principal or other well know staff member. (True/False) 5.It’s normal for students to transfer colleges during their freshman year. (True/False) 6.Since it’s a preliminary test, your score on the PSAT doesn’t matter. (True/False) 7.Applying Early Action/or Early Decision increases your chances of admission. (True/False) 8.Students should delete social media accounts to avoid making a bad impression when applying to college. (True/False) 9.Applying to colleges takes a lot of time so it’s ok to have a family member contact a college for you. (True/False) 10.Colleges appreciate students who are proactive and follow up about their application after submission. (True/False)

1.False – well rounded w/ diverse experiences 2.False – Focus on a couple of important activities for four years 3.True – Academic Common Market 4.False – prefer recs from teacher who knows student well 5.True – 13% of students finish at a college different from where they started 6.False – scores used to determine Nat’l Merit Scholarships 7.True – eager to accept students who are enthusiastic about attending and applying early 8.False – social media can be used to reach out to students and staff at prospective colleges 9.False – proofreading essays, etc., but not contacting colleges 10.True – always follow up to make sure colleges have your materials. College Application Quiz - Answers How Did YOU Do?