1. Educational Pathway to the Future Planning for Your student’s Future Success Presented by the WLHS Counseling Department

2. WINDSOR LOCKS HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELING DEPARTMENT  Mrs. Ramirez – School Counseling Director  Mrs. Smith – School Counselor  Mrs. Theodoratos – School Counselor  Mrs. Nels on – Pathways Transition Coordinator  Mrs. Zaine – School Counseling Secretary

3. Windsor Locks High School’s Graduation Requirements  4 credits of English  3 credits of Mathematics  3 credits of Social Studies (incl. Civics and US History)  3 credits of Science (incl. 1 cr. Biology)  2 credits of PE (incl. Health)  1 credit of Applied Study  1 credit of Fine Arts  7 credits of electives  State performance standards: Mathematics, Reading, Writing, and Science  Performance standards: Technology Literacy, Cultural Awareness, Appreciation of the Arts, Social Responsibility  Total Credits for Graduation: 24

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

5. What Options Do I Have?

6. 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

7. 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 – Schools that concentrate in one or two major areas, ie: Art or Music Colleges

8. Two Year Schools Community College (Asnuntuck or Manchester Community College) – Prepares students for associate’s degree or to transfer to 4 year college – Lower cost – Open Admissions Lincoln Briarwood College – Southington, CT - Provides both 2 and 4 year degrees – Criminal Justice, Health Careers, Funeral Services, Dental Hygiene Goodwin College - Prepares students for associate and bachelors degrees - Provides students with Certificate Programs 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

9. Technical Schools Lincoln Technical School – several CT locations - Provides students with training in Automechanics, Trades, Health Sciences, Culinary, Cosmetology & Business Porter & Chester – several CT locations - Provides students with training in Automechanics, Health Services, Computers & Trades

10. 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

11. Where to start? What is the Right Fit? Self Assessment and Reflection – Academically, vocationally, socially/personally Strengths/skills Interests Areas to improve upon Athletics Special talents

12. 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?

13. NCAA Freshman-Eligibility Standards Division I only -- 16 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 -- 16 core courses (2013 and after) – see handouts For more information: www.ncaaclearinghouse.net or Toll-Free #877-262-1492www.ncaaclearinghouse.net

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

15. Financial – cont. Gift Assistance – Grants – Scholarships – Local awards Self-Help – Loans – Work study Financial Aid Evening – Dec. 2015 TBA

16. Naviance Family Connection https://connection.naviance.com/wlhs Family Connection Scattergrams Previous WLHS college data Internet accessibility Student accounts – Username=email Password=what you made the first time or come to school counselor to pick up a reset password

17. Naviance Login Page

18. Naviance College Search

19. College Visit Schedule a visit through admissions Take a tour of the campus Visit during February and April vacations or on weekends Bring a friend Eat lunch, visit the dorms, “sit in” on classes

20. 6/12/2016 College Testing What do I need to do to prepare for college testing? What tests should I take? When should I take them? How do I sign up? – CollegeBoard.com – ACT.org

21. Junior Year Itinerary Jr. January  Register for Spring SAT  Develop preliminary college list using PSAT results  Use Naviance and online college sights to research college  Plan extracurricular and community service opportunities Jr. February  Use February vacation to visit colleges  Research summer programs, opportunities at various colleges and universities, and summer job possibilities  Register for AP Exams Jr. March  Plan senior year courses  Register for Spring SAT & ACT  Discuss Spring SAT Subject Exams with your counselor  Attend National College Fair in Hartford Jr. April  Use April vacation to visit colleges  File application for Military Academy and ROTC

22. Junior Year Itinerary Cont. Jr. May  File NCAA Eligibility form  Take AP Exams  Take SAT Reasoning and/or SAT Subject Test  Register for UCONN ECE course Jr. June-August  Take SAT Reasoning and/or SAT Subject Test  Arrange college visits/interviews for summer  Draft college essay and resume

23. Where should I be in this process by the end of this year? A list of 6 to 10 schools for further research Have visited schools where you are applying Taken the SAT/ACT at least once Begin your resume Identify teachers to ask for letters of recommendation

24. Most importantly, maintain a balance!