Junior Classroom Presentation September 2014 Silver Creek Central Guidance Department

College & Career Tests Timeline PSAT- October ASVAB- November SAT- May/June

PSAT.. Preliminary SAT Wednesday October 15, 2014 Cost $14 Register with Mrs. Cole before 10/8 Measures critical reading, math and writing skills developed over many years

PSAT Cont. Why take it? Get feedback about academic skills Prepare for SAT Start getting ready for college Personalized score report Critical Reading Sentence completion (13 questions) Passage based (35 questions)

PSAT Cont. Math Concepts covered: Number & operations % Algebra & Functions % Geometry & measurement % Data analysis, statistics, and probability 10-15% Calculator use- a scientific or graphing calculator is recommended but not required

ASVAB Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery ASVAB Measures APTITUDE – your ability to learn new skills multiple-aptitude battery that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military. The ASVAB is offered to high school and post-secondary students as part of the ASVAB Career Exploration Program. The program provides tools to help students learn more about career exploration and planning, in both the civilian and military worlds of work. General Science A 25-item test measuring knowledge of life science, earth and space science, and physical science Arithmetic Reasoning A 30-item test measuring ability to solve basic arithmetic word problems Word Knowledge A 35-item test measuring ability to understand the meaning of words through synonyms Paragraph Comprehension A 15-item test measuring ability to obtain information from written material Mathematics Knowledge A 25-item test measuring knowledge of mathematical concepts and applications Electronics Information A 20-item test measuring knowledge of electrical current, circuits, devices, and electronic systems Auto and Shop Information A 25-item test measuring knowledge of automotive maintenance and repair, and wood and metal shop practices Mechanical Comprehension A 25-item test measuring knowledge of the principles of mechanical devices, structural support, and properties of materials

SAT.. Scholastic Aptitude Test The SAT is a globally recognized college admission test that lets you show colleges what you know and how well you can apply that knowledge. It tests your knowledge of reading, writing and math — subjects that are taught every day in high school classrooms. The SAT doesn’t test logic or abstract reasoning. It tests the skills you’re learning in school: reading, writing and math. Your knowledge and skills in these subjects are important for success in college and throughout your life. The critical reading section includes reading passages and sentence completions. The writing section includes a short essay and multiple-choice questions on identifying errors and improving grammar and usage. The mathematics section includes questions on arithmetic operations, algebra, geometry, statistics and probability.

SAT Cont. Scoring Each section of your SAT (critical reading, mathematics and writing) will be scored on a 200- to 800-point scale, for a possible total of Scoring Most Colleges will look at your Math and Critical Reading scores when determining your acceptance into their school. So, most schools are looking for your score based on 1600 points.

College Admissions When Applying to a college or colleges the admissions process will vary. Some colleges will require a simple application and a copy of your high school transcript. Some colleges will ask for recommendations, possibly an essay and an activities resume. Whatever the case, you should read the application completely prior to filling it out. Keep in mind the deadline date of when the application is due!

College Admissions Criteria College Admissions Counselors will use most if not all of the criteria below in making a decision on your application (Criteria are in NO specific order) 1.Grade Point Average 2.Quality of Academic Program 3.Class Rank 4.Standardized Test Scores (SAT or ACT) 5.Activities, Awards and Leadership Positions 6.Letters of Recommendation 7.Personal Essays 8.Interviews

Types of Admissions There are several different types of admissions:  Rolling Admissions -The college accepts applications continuously; there is no deadline date (mainly community colleges).  Open Admissions - The college accepts most of the students that apply.  Specific Date Admissions - The college will accept an application until a specific deadline date (most 4 year college or universities).  Early Decision Admissions - The college accepts you in October or November (BE CAREFUL, THIS MAY BE A BINDING AGREEMENT).  Early Acceptance - The college accepts you in October or November (Usually not Binding).

Online Applications Students now have the option of applying online to almost all colleges. This way of applying is highly recommended by both the colleges & our guidance department. It speeds up the process. Not only will your application be received much quicker, but your response will also be much quicker. There are very few colleges left that have paper applications.

The Common Application The Common App is an online application used by more than 400 colleges or universities. It is an in-depth application that looks into a students whole high school experience. It is a lengthy application but saves you time by not having to fill out individual applications for every school a student is interested in. Several sections including: Grades, Rank, GPA, Extra- Curricular Activities, Letters of Recommendation, Essays, etc. Website -

Find A College That Matches Your Needs Figure out what you want out of a college then find out which colleges match your needs. Here are some important aspects to consider: Majors offeredCost LocationReputation CompetitivenessAthletic Programs SizeCampus Facilities COLLEGE VISITS One of the most important aspects of college selection is the visitation. Stepping foot on a college campus can help you make a decision on whether or not it is the right fit for you. COLLEGE FAIRS college Fairs can also be extremely helpful in making decisions. Parents and students can ask admissions counselors all the questions the may have about their institution.

Letters of Recommendation 1.Explain to the individual what the letter is for; scholarship, college admission, etc. 2.Indicate the deadline date. 3.Allow sufficient time for the individual to write the recommendation. ASKING AT THE LAST MINUTE IS NOT ADVISABLE. 4.Ask the teacher to print 5 copies and give them directly to Ms. Ward. 5.If more than 1 recommendation is required, it is a good idea to select teachers from 2 different academic areas. 6.If you are applying to a specific major, for example biology, make sure that a recommendation is submitted from a science teacher. 7.An activities resume needs to be completed to assist the person willing to write your recommendation (write legibly). (Activities resume forms can be located in the guidance office). 8.A thank you is appropriate after the letter of recommendation is completed, either written or verbally. ***ALL LETTERS ARE CONFIDENTIAL*** PLEASE DO NOT ASK FOR A COPY OF YOUR LETTER-TEACHERS ARE INSTRUCTED NOT TO GIVE COPIES TO STUDENTS !! DON’T WORRY-IF A TEACHER CANNOT WRITE A FAVORABLE LETTER ON YOUR BEHALF THEY WILL INSTRUCT YOU TO ASK ANOTHER TEACHER

Financial Aid Grants – Federal Pell, NYS TAP, & FSEOG Loans – Federal Perkins & Stafford Loans Scholarships – Organizational based & school based Work Study Programs – Federal programs providing part-time jobs to help defer the cost of tuition

NCAA Clearinghouse Any student planning on playing Division I or II athletics has to register with the NCAA Clearing house. Failure to register will result in ineligibility for Fall athletics at the institution they’re applying to.

Activities Resume When a student applies to a college, an official transcript of the student’s academic record is included with the college application. The transcript lists such vital information as courses taken, grades received, cumulative weighted grade point average, class rank and standardized test scores. It is then up to the student to transcend the possibility of being categorized sheerly by numbers. Students should create a resume of their activities and involvements both in and out of school. This can and should include awards received, leadership positions, participation in sports teams, clubs, volunteer work, community service, internships and employment experience. It is up to the student to not only become involved, but furthermore to create and gather credible documentation supportive of such.

Internet Access Try these Web sites to help you in your college search, financial aid and college admission testing. – Comprehensive college breakdownwww.collegeview.com– – All things College! College Application-Informationwww.collegelink.com (Financial Aid) (Financial Aid) (NYS Higher Education Services) (over 500,000 scholarships) (Athletics) (careers) – click on Career Zonewww.labor.state.NY.US/ (driving directions to colleges) (Princeton Review Online) (Occupational Outlook Handbook) (majors-what can you do with certain college majors) (college search, college info; schol. Search) (scholarship search; SAT/ACT test help; college tours, college admissions) (FAFSA on the web) (scholarship search, college info.) (scholarship search)

Military If you are under 18 years of age, you will need a parent at the initial meeting with recruiter. If you have not taken the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) you will schedule to take one at the military recruiting office. Anyone entering the military will need to have a physical as well. Please note – Recruiters will check your grades every quarter. Remember, you need a minimum of a high school diploma to enlist in the military. The military no longer accepts GED’s.

Questions ?