The Kingsway Regional High School Guidance Department Presents COLLEGE INFORMATION NIGHT FOR JUNIORS Fall 2014

The Kingsway Regional High School Guidance Department John Cappolina Vivian Cassidy Keith Clark Owen McBride Nancy McCloskey Lisa Yourison

Presentation Goals Identify steps to start college selection process Explain college admission criteria Review topics related to Special Needs, scholarships & NCAA Provide ways to prepare during the spring of your Junior year

Charting your Course Timeline

What can we do to start the college selection process

What is Family Connections Family Connections / Naviance is a comprehensive website used to facilitate the career/college search process. https://connection.naviance.com/family-connection/auth/login/?hsid=Kingsway

PSAT Test date - Wednesday October 15th Second opportunity National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test Scores distributed in December My College QuickStart

Regular Registration Deadline Late Registration Deadline SAT Testing Dates 2014-2015 Test Dates *offered at KRHS Test Regular Registration Deadline (postmark/submit by) Late Registration Deadline (fee applies) October 11, 2014* SAT & Subject Tests September 12, 2014 September 30, 2014 November 8, 2014 October 9, 2014 October 28, 2014 December 6, 2014* November 6, 2014 November 24, 2014 January 24, 2015* December 29, 2014 January 13, 2015 March 14, 2015 SAT only February 13, 2015 March 3, 2015 May 2, 2015 April 6, 2015 April 21, 2015 June 6, 2015* May 8, 2015 May 27, 2015

How do we obtain information about various colleges Family/Friends Printed Materials Internet College Visits @ KRHS Guidance Counselors Websites College Admission Counselors Family Connections Enrichment during SMART

Local College Fairs October 16, 2014 - GCPCA College Fair Gloucester County College Gymnasium 6:00pm to 8:00 pm October 26, 2014 - NACAC National College Fair Pennsylvania Convention Center 11:00am - 3:00pm November 13, 2014 - NACAC National College Fair Atlantic City Convention Center 9:00am - 12:00pm & 6:00pm - 9:00pm

2 Year College Options Transfer – to 4 year institution Career – preparation for the workplace Certificate – enhances resume

Selecting a College or University

Factors to Consider Major Size Location Cost State vs. Private Selectivity Student life Activities

What factors are used to evaluate students for College Admission

Factors used to evaluate students include GPA Class Rank Standardized Tests Transcript Recommendation/ Evaluations Essays Activities

Standardized Tests

What about students with Special Needs

College Programs for Students with Special Needs Students are evaluated for admission based on the same academic criteria as all other students. Know what program accommodations your student needs to succeed at the college level (e.g. Note Taking, Small classes). There are different levels of services offered by schools.

Is there an athlete in your house What Sport? At what level are you looking to compete? Division I, II or III Financial assistance based on athletics vs. “Walk On” NCAA Eligibility & College Admissions http://web1.ncaa.org/ECWR2/NCAA_EMS/NCAA.jsp

Where do we find Scholarships The college’s Financial Aid Office Family Connections The Scholarship Newsletter published by the Guidance Office (*Request Form) Private affiliations Places of employment Local businesses and organizations Websites

Scholarship Scams The Kingsway Guidance Department strongly recommends that you pay careful attention to protect yourself and your family against scholarship scams.

What can we do in the spring of Junior year to prepare for the college application process Sign the Transcript Release form Create Resume in Family Connection Complete Student Profile Form Request letters of evaluation Have list of colleges in “colleges I’m thinking about” on Family Connections Take SAT/ACT and send scores to prospective colleges Attend College Open Houses in spring Plan for summer college visits Explore Admissions’ websites Continue Guidance Enrichment MAKE A PLAN!

Rowan College of Gloucester County (RCGC) Megan Ruttler On Campus once a month Meet with students and/or parents Discuss programming, admissions, scholarships and partnerships with Rowan and other 4 year colleges HSOP – High School Options Program

Career Speakers & Career Related Programs Allied Heath Law and Justice Business & Leadership More to come…

Parents are important part of this process We want to work closely with you to ensure the best possible outcome

Future Plans of the Class of 2014 Higher Education - 83% Four Year College - 57% Two Year College - 24% Employment / Other - 17% Proprietary School - 2%

Presentation Goals Identify steps to start college selection process Explain college admission criteria Review topics related to Special Needs, scholarships & NCAA Provide ways to prepare during the spring of your Junior year

Junior Year . . . Take that big step and let it begin today!

Questions http://www.kingsway.k12.nj.us/guidance-department/home/