PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS TOWN HALL MEETING OCTOBER 27 th, 2011 Presented by: Katherine Beck, Admissions Counselor Virginia Commonwealth University

 There are a lot of options out there.  During the year, 4,495 accredited institutions award degrees at the associates level or above What kind of school appeals to you? Think about size, location, programs offered, cost, student activities, etc. The early you start planning and preparing for life after high school, the more opportunities available.

 Course Selection  Review your schedule with your counselor to ensure you’re enrolled in the most challenging classes in which you will succeed.  Take at least FIVE academic courses/semester Courses selected now can open/close doors later English, Math, Science, Social Studies and Foreign Language

 Start to or continue engaging in activities/organizations that interest you  Begin researching colleges via college search websites   *Parent Tip: find ways to integrate campus visits with vacations, day trips, etc.

 Continue working with counselor to ensure high school coursework aligns with educational goals  Sign up for the PSAT (usually given in October)  *Tip: Take PSAT seriously – test results are used to qualify for National Merit Scholarships

 Request information/materials from schools that you’ve researched  Talk to counselors, friends, your parents and their friends about their college/university experience  Attend college fairs

 Review course selections/activities to make sure they reflect the impression you want to make on college admissions offices *Tip: Junior year is often the last grades available on a transcript before admission review. Make it a strong year.

 Register and begin studying for the SAT and ACT  Material to prepare for the SAT and ACT are included in the test registration materials and on the SAT/ACT websites.  

 Continue to take rigorous courses – remember that minimum standards to graduate do not always align with competitive college admission goals  Not the time to slack! College admissions offices still review both mid-year and final senior grades

 If have not taken them already, make sure to sign up for the SAT or ACT.  Most schools encourage (and sometimes require) students to have taken these by December testing date.  Letting dates slip for registration/test taking can delay the college admissions process

Application  Does the school have their own application? Common App? Electronic?  Is there a personal statement? Essay?  Prepare for these early on! Stick to the prompt given. *Tip: Read and follow directions on the application. Be thorough and proof-read before submitting. Use the exact same name on the application that you used to register for SAT/ACT and that’s on your high school transcripts. No nicknames! It is extremely important to provide an address that you check regularly. With that said, be mindful of the name you select – try not to select something that may be considered offensive or would raise any eyebrows.

 High School Transcripts  Have you challenged yourself in the coursework you’ve selected? How well have you done in your courses?  Not just about GPA, though statistical information can offer some guidance/help align with college options  *Admissions Tip: Looking for strong foundation of learning that can be built upon – we consider it a blueprint for academic success.

 Test Scores  SAT or ACT preferred?  Super-score? Are all sections reviewed?  Subject tests?

 Recommendation letters  Demonstrated interest  Admissions interviews?  Any extras? Ex. Art portfolio

 Early Decision: if offered admission, decision is binding - can only apply to one school early decision.  Early Action: similar to early decision, but not binding  Rolling Admission: large window for applying with recommended deadline, applications accepted until class is full

 Pay attention to deadlines and follow directions. Stay organized.  Do your research! Know the specifics application requirements of each school you are applying to  If you aren’t sure, ASK. All institutions have offices you can call for guidance/questions.