Educational Journey to the Future Planning for Your student’s Future Success Presented by the BHS Counseling Department

Berlin High School’s Graduation Requirements  4 credits of English  4 credits of Mathematics  3.5 credits of Social Studies (incl..5 cr. Civics and 1 cr. US History)  4 credits of Science (incl. 1 cr. Biology)  2 credits of PE (incl..25 cr. Health)  9.5 Elective credits (including one credit in either art or vocational education)  Capstone project – counts as a credit  State performance standards: Mathematics, Reading, Writing, and Science  Total Credits for Graduation: 27

There are over 4,000 two and four year colleges in the United States

What Options Do I Have?

4 Year Schools College vs. University – College College offers fewer programs of study Major emphasis is on undergraduate education – University Contains several schools or colleges and offers more majors Offers both graduate and undergraduate degrees *May be a better option for the undecided student

4 Year Schools Public vs. Private – Public (UCONN, CCSU, UMASS, UNH) Public funding = lower tuition (even if you go out of state) Required to accept a large percent of in-state students – Private (UHart, Fairfield,Quinnipiac, Boston College) Program money is more available (so, private schools are NOT always more expensive) Able to respond to student’s curricular needs and interests faster

Specialized Colleges These schools concentrate offerings in one or two areas…..so students who enroll should have a specific idea of what they want to study – Business Schools (Bryant, Babson, Bentley) Majors in accounting, administration, economics, finance, marketing, etc. – Military Academies (West Point, U.S. Naval Academy, etc.) Graduates serve six years active duty in the military – Art Colleges (R.I. School of Design, Mass College of Art,) Majors in painting, cartooning, art therapy, interior design, photography, etc. – Music Colleges (Berkley College, N.E. Conservatory of Music) Majors in Performance, Theory, Voice, Music History/Composition, Music Education

Two Year Schools Community College (Tunxis Community College) – Prepares students for associate’s degree or to transfer to 4 year college – Lower cost – Open Admissions Junior Colleges (Bay Path College, Dean College) – Prepares students for associate’s degree or to transfer to 4 year college – Small student population and some on campus housing Two Year Branch Campus (UCONN West Hartford) – Prepares students that may not be prepared academically or financially for a four year school

Early Action vs. Early Decision Early Decision – Students who have a clear first choice – Binding Contract – Agree to withdraw all other applications if accepted – Can only apply early decision to ONE college Early Action – Apply earlier, but do not have a binding contract – May apply to multiple schools Regular Decision Rolling Admissions ***Important Note: Watch the deadlines*** Applications should be submitted 2 weeks before the deadline!

Where to start? What is the Right Fit? Self Assessment and Reflection – Academically, vocationally, socially/personally Strengths Interests Weaknesses Skills Athletics Special talents

Additional Characteristics to Consider Particular Majors Resident or Commuter? Selectivity? Competitive Level? Where? Distance from home/geographical location? Do you require special services? Size of enrollment? Under 3000 – small, over 15,000 – extra large? Co-ed or single gender? Environment? Urban, Rural, Suburban? Athletics/Activities Financial $ Aid?

Questions to ask before applying early Am I 100 percent sure I want to attend college ______? Have I thoroughly researched _____ and other colleges that may interest me? Have I visited ______ while classes are in session and met with someone at the admission office? Have I explored my academic, extracurricular and social options at ________? Have I talked to a financial aid officer to get an estimate of college costs at _______ to find out how Early Decision could affect my aid package? Have I discussed this decision with my family and/or school counselor? Is this a true first choice, or do other colleges still interest me?

NCAA Freshman-Eligibility Standards Division I only core courses – new requirements for athletes enrolling into college or university on or after Aug. 1, 2016 – see handout 4 years of English 3 years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher) 2 years of natural/physical science (one must be a lab science) 1 year of additional English, math or science 2 years of social studies 4 years of additional core courses (from any area listed above, or from foreign language, non-doctrinal religion or philosophy) Division II core courses (2013 and after) – see handouts For more information: or Toll-Free # www.ncaaclearinghouse.net

Financial Direct Costs – Tuition – Fees – Room/board Indirect Costs – Room/board – Travel – Personal costs – Books/supplies

Financial – cont. Gift Assistance – Grants – Scholarships – Local awards Self-Help – Loans – Work study Financial Aid Evening – January 2015, date TBA 7:00 pm

Naviance Family Connection Family Connection Scattergrams Previous BHS college data Internet accessibility Student accounts – First name.Last name bhs+student ID #

Common Application Most colleges/universities require students to submit their applications through Common App. You will need to set up an account by going to You will enter all your application information for the schools that subscribe to Common App on this site.

Junior Calendar February - Begin college searches on Naviance during guidance lesson - Visit colleges over vacation - Check deadlines for Advanced Placement Tests - Register for SAT I or II which is given at BHS in May and June - Register for Senior Year Courses with Counselor (Starting Feb. 27th) March - Attend College Planning Evening – Attend NACAC Spring College Fair (Connecticut Convention Center April 4th) – Take SAT I or SAT II – Register for May SAT or SAT II; register for April ACT

Junior Calendar April – Develop preliminary list of colleges – Visit colleges during vacation – Explore Early Decision/Early Action options – File service academy & ROTC scholarship applications – Register with the NCAA Clearinghouse if you are looking to play intercollegiate sports: -Take the ACT at Berlin HS – April 12th May – Identify teachers for recommendations – Take SAT’s or SAT Subject Test – May 3rd – Take Advanced Placement exams

Junior Calendar June – Continue college search – Take SAT I or SAT II and register online for the fall SATs offered at BHS – October, November, and Decemberwww.collegeboard.com – Plan summer visits – File with NCAA Clearinghouse if not already completed – Work or volunteer

Senior Calendar September – Attend Senior class meeting – Finalize college list – Attend college representative visits – Begin draft of college essay and college resume – Ask teachers for recommendations – Register for the SAT I or SAT II – Get started on Early Decision/Early Action applications – Make sure to update information on Naviance Family Connection

Senior Calendar October – Take SAT or SAT Subject tests – Continue with essay and resume – Complete college applications – Fill out College Application Checklist – Submit Early Decision/Early Action Applications – Attend College Open Houses – Attend BHS College Fair – October 2013 date TBA – Begin checking scholarship information in guidance on a regular basis

Senior Calendar November – Take SAT I or SAT II Tests – Follow up with teachers on recommendations – Check application deadlines December – Take SAT I or SAT II Tests – Complete applications and submit to Naviance, as well as notify your school counselor at least 2 weeks in advance.

Senior Calendar January – Attend Financial Aid Evening – Date/Time TBA – File FAFSA forms: and the CSS Profile (if appropriate) February – Submit Mid-year grade reports to colleges/universities – Continue to watch for scholarships and their deadlines – Check deadlines for Advanced Placement Tests March – June – Wait for decisions – Apply for scholarships – Don’t get Senioritis – Colleges/Universities will look at final grades and transcripts – Graduation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

College Panelists Karen Booth – University of Connecticut Dr. Donna DeCarlo– Central Connecticut State University Nakia Letang - Fairfield University Pete McCluskey – Tunxis Community college