College Admissions 101 JFK High School Guidance Department

JFK Seniors/2012   Recently accepted to:

 Work  Military  Trades  Two-year Colleges  Four-year Colleges

English4 Years Mathematics (Algebra I, Geometry3 Years Alg. II) Social Studies3 Years Science3 Years Foreign Language (same language)2 Years Colleges may also require additional courses in: Mathematics Science Fine and Performing Arts Computer Science  College Requirements

New Trend!!!   North Carolina and Florida State Colleges Require 4 years of Math! Alg. I, Geo., Alg. II, and One more year!! Pre-Calc. or Calc.

When Do I Apply For College?  October is considered Application Month.  Apply only to your top 3-5 choices.  Many schools have Priority Filing deadlines.  You are responsible to know the DEADLINES!!!!

The Application Process  Online applications are typically preferred and can be found under “Prospective Students” on the college website.  A limited number of paper applications are in the Guidance Office.  TAKE Advantage of the COMMON APPLICATION!!!!  PROOFREAD!!!!!!

Common Application   One application for Multiple Schools   On-line   Quick, Easy, and Efficient   450 Members

#1 The Program-What Will I Study? Factors to Consider  Favorite classes  Work experiences  Leisure activities  School activities  Dream careers  People admired

#2 The Place-Where Am I Going?  Distance from home  Residential life  Campus setting  Campus size  Campus safety/security  Health services  Sororities/fraternities  Study abroad programs  NYU  PENN STATE

#3 The Price - How Much Will It Cost?  Discuss the cost of attendance as a family  Community college & state university vs. private school costs  COA ( Cost of Attendance ) - EFC (Expected Family Contribution) - EFC (Expected Family Contribution) Financial Need Financial Need

What information do college admission officers review?  Grades / Overall GPA  Strength of high school course selections  Admission Test Score  Essay  Teacher and counselor recommendations  Class rank  Student’s demonstrated interest  Personal accomplishments  Personality characteristics  Courses in progress Junior and Senior year

SAT Dates   May 3 JFK *** Reg. deadline April 4 $51.00 $25.00 late fee   June 7 JFK***Reg. deadline May 9     Fee Waivers Available Free or Reduced Lunch

ACT DATES  June 14 Test Date, Reg. Deadline May 9

About College Admission Tests   ACT (American College Test) Predominantly used by schools in middle-U.S. states Consists of four tests: English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing Writing component is optional Top composite score is 36   SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) Predominantly used by east and west coast schools Consists of three tests: Verbal, Math, Writing Each test is scored on a scale of

What is a Transcript?  A complete record of your grades, rank in class and credits. (through the 6 th semester)  Your highest SAT OR ACT composite score will NOT be included on the transcript.  The Guidance Office will mail or your transcript and a school profile sheet.

What does it TAKE!!!  HARVARD

William Patterson

The Personal Resume  Your list of academic, athletic, and community activities.  Study examples  Make several copies  Begin immediately

The Teacher Recommendation  Best to write out a request.  Share where you are going.  Share what you want in the recommendation.  Share with the author the common link between the school and yourself.  Give the teacher a deadline.

NJ National College Fair Meadowlands Exposition Center (at Harmon Meadow), Secaucus, NJ   400 Colleges and Universities   Wed. April 23, :00 am – 12:00 noon 6:00 – 9:00 pm   Thurs. April 24, :00 – 12:00 noon   WE PREFER YOU GO AT NIGHT!!!   ***Register before you go ONLINE!!!!!

An Overview of Financial Aid  Seniors should apply for your PIN number now at  File the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1, 2015 at  Use a FAFSA worksheet to help complete the filing process.

Scholarships  Register at  Check WEBSITE for a complete listing of local scholarships – Wal-Mart, Iselin Memorial Scholarship, Woodbridge Rotary.  Check daily NEWSLETTER for Announcements

Questions please contact your school counselor

Stay Positive!!! The search for the right fit can be exhausting and stressful.