Junior/Parent College Night “Preparing you and your student for life after high school” Presented by: BMHS Guidance Department http://portal.norwalkps.org/schools/bmhs

Graduation Requirements Minimum of 20 credits 4 credits of English 3 credits of Math 3 credits of Science including: one credit of lab Science 3 credits of Social Studies including: 1 credit of US History .5 credit Civics 1 credit of the Various Arts 1 credit of PE .5 credit of Health .5 credit of Computer Literacy 4 credits of Electives

The College Process: Naviance A comprehensive tool that can be used to help students and parents through college and career planning. Take surveys on learning style and career interests Conduct a college search Compare colleges Track deadlines Schedule visits with college reps at BMHS Request Transcripts Search for scholarships Communications from Guidance Department

The College Process: Naviance A comprehensive tool that can be used to help students and parents through college and career planning.

The College Process Making a list Attend The College Fair April 9th at BMHS from 6:00pm-8:00pm Figure out who you are. Look for colleges that interest you The most selective college may not always be the best fit Include interest of school (high, medium, and low). Categorize into likely, target, and reach Know why you are applying to each school Be realistic about the academic requirements for admission Visit schools and attend open house meetings Attend college rep visits in the fall at BMHS Think about cost Consider Sports

The College Process. The Student’s Role The College Process The Student’s Role Take ownership of college process Conduct college searches and research specific schools Create “Colleges I’m Thinking About” list Take College Entrance Exams Begin your College Essay Familiarize yourself with the Common Application Check to see when supporting documents need to be sent Be sure you have envelopes and stamps on hand Ask 2 teachers to write formal recommendations View which college representatives are visiting BMHS Schedule Meetings with your School Counselor Arrange to have official test scores sent directly to schools KNOW YOUR DEADLINES! Sent by? Received by?

The College Process Common App The Common Application Online only-no more paper version available Accepted by more than 450 schools including UCONN. ESSAY Length remains the same: 250-500 words (WORD LIMIT ENFORCED) Text-entry only - no uploads of Microsoft Word documents New essay prompts announced every year in March (Topic of choice eliminated) Supplements will be streamlined so they are accessible online earlier Complete application will not be available until AUGUST 1, 2013. Do not register until the application is released www.commonapp.org

The College Process Required Information in Addition to the Application Transcript: Course selection , level of rigor and grades Three-year GPA/Rank First quarter senior grades Mid-Year senior grades (Often required and sent by student request) Counselor Recommendation (by request) Teacher Recommendations (by request) SAT/ACT scores* AP Scores/Subject Tests* Types of Applications: Early Decision Binding Early Action I Early Action II Regular Decision Rolling *Sent to colleges by student

College Entrance Exams SAT Scholastic Aptitude Test Measures : Critical Reading, Writing, and Math Scoring Out of 2400 Maximum 800 per section Minimum 200 per section ACT American College Testing Measures: English, Science, Reading, Math and Writing (optional) Scoring Out of 36 Maximum and Minimum per section varies SAT II Scholastic Aptitude Test Subject Areas

College Entrance Exams: SAT www.sat.collegeboard.org

College Entrance Exams: ACT www.actstudent.org

Financial Aid/ Scholarships FAFSA (WEB Based) Free Application for Federal Student Aid January 1st – March 1 Parents and Students must apply for FAFSA pin Mrs. Blackwell CSS Profile (WEB Based) Not necessary for all colleges/ universities Fee associated

Financial Aid/Scholarships Get Motivated. Research early. Check the Scholarship list and the BMHS Scholarship on NAVIANCE! Some web sites on the BMHS Guidance Page: Adventures In Education — Expected Family Contribution (EFC) Calculator www.AIE.org/Calculators/EFC/index.cfm - Adventures In Education — Scholarship Search www.AIE.org/sbase - College Answer www.collegeanswer.com - College Board — Scholarship Database apps.collegeboard.com/cbsearch_ss/welcome.jsp - College Goal Sunday www.collegegoalsundayusa.org - CollegeToolkit.com www.collegetoolkit.com - FAFSA Made Easy www.AIE.org/FAFSAMadeEasy - FAFSA on the Web www.fafsa.ed.gov - FastWeb — Scholarship Search www.studentservices.com/fastweb - Federal Trade Commission — Scholarship Scams www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/alerts/alt009.shtm - Financial Aid Information www.finaid.org - Hispanic Scholarship Fund www.hsf.net - …. ……………………………many more!

Questions….?