1. Class of 2014

2. Spring Prepare for and take the ACT or SAT. Begin or continue to visit college campuses. Prepare for AP exams – you could receive credit or placement at most colleges for doing well. Review your transcript and options for senior year courses with the Counselor. Apply for a summer job, internship, volunteer position, community service opportunity, and/or academic program/camp. Begin to search for scholarships, as some can be applied for during your junior year. Also, ensure you receive a College Newsletter from Guidance each month through email by having an updated email address registered in NetClassroom. Check to see if the colleges that interest you require the SAT II Subject Test for admission. This is in addition to the SAT I test. Planning Schedule

3. Planning Schedule (continued) Summer Continue or begin involvement in community and/or extracurricular activities. The key here is to think quality, not quantity. It is better to be consistently and continually involved in one area where your passion leads you, allowing for leadership opportunities and meaningful experiences. Prayerfully consider where God would have you serve. Start reviewing college application requirements and working on admissions essays. Visit colleges – take campus tours and even schedule interviews with admissions counselors. You can find out more about doing so at each individual college by visiting their website. Start making a list of potential colleges to apply to. Make a list of who you can ask for recommendation letters. If planning to play sports for Division I or II colleges, register with the NCAA Clearinghouse.

4. Ideal College Search Discuss ideal college (use worksheet #1) and evaluate the following: 4 year vs. 2 year college Secular vs. Christian Size Location Campus Culture Majors Academic Credentials Dormitories Cost Extracurricular Activities Special Programs

5. College Research Search for colleges on Naviance: Supermatch college search allows students to input specific criteria, which then generates a list of colleges. Research/compare choices: Visit school’s websites to obtain - general information, admission requirements, deadlines, majors offered, tuition. Attend open houses and tours Speak to current students Schedule interview (if offered)

6. Main Components of the College Application Transcript - Course Choices (compared to our offerings), Grades SAT I, SAT II or ACT Scores Essay(s) Resume Extracurricular Activities Letters of Recommendation

7. College Admissions Testing Students must register to take the SAT I and/or ACT. SAT II’s are required for some colleges, usually more competitive schools (check with each school) Norfolk Christian High School CEEB Code: 471618 Take the ACT or SAT in spring of Junior year and/or fall of Senior year These test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency to the colleges the student applies to and must be requested by the student/parent.

8. College Application Essay Students should start working on the essay(s) in early summer. Pay attention to word count requirements. Check with each college to find out if this is required and what the question is (there may be more than one). Some examples of questions/topics are: Evaluate a significant experience, achievement, risk you have taken, or ethical dilemma you have faced and its impact on you. Describe a character in fiction, a historical figure, or a creative work (as in art, music, science, etc.) that has had an influence on you, and explain that influence.

9. Student Resume This document should include accomplishments, school/church/community activities, athletics, honors and awards, clubs, leadership positions, work experience, etc. Some colleges will specifically ask for this, others will make it optional. This can be easily created in Naviance.

10. Letters of Recommendation Students only need to request letters from one to two teachers (unless the college/scholarship requires more). Students should know which teachers they plan to ask by the end of summer. Requests should be made at least two weeks before deadline. Request the recommendation in person, then follow-up by requesting it through Naviance. Send a thank-you note once the letter has been written.

11. Naviance Overview Naviance’s Family Connection is a comprehensive tool created to assist students and parents with the following: Career Planning/Personality Testing College Planning College Application Process

12. How Do I Access Naviance? Go to https://connection.naviance.com/nchsva. Register (first time users) – using the code assigned by guidance Login (returning visitors) – using email address and password

13. Naviance Expectations Naviance is required for Norfolk Christian students applying to college. Students and Parents must: Update profile and other data Complete Game Plan, Parent Brag Sheet, Resume Complete Personality Test, Career Interest Inventory Update College Information, applications, progress Update Prospective & Active Applications

14. Guidance Office We are here to help! Please feel free to contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment. Mrs. Jolley, Registrar djolley@norfolkchristian.org Mrs. Bantay, Director of Guidance tbantay@norfolkchristian.org 423-5770