1. Junior Guidance Seminars

2. Junior Guidance Seminar Dates
Group A
Group B
January 19th am
January 19th am
January 26th Flex block
February 2nd Flex block
March 2nd Flex Block
March 9th Flex block

3. DO NOT STRESS!
This is the start of the post-secondary planning process. The best part about this process is that you get to own it, drive it, and make it exactly what you want it to be. The most important thing is that you focus on the best fit for YOU. All of the details of this process will be laid out for you every step of the way. Your job is to find a place and a plan that will make you happy!

4. What are the options? Post Graduate programs Gap Year Technical School
Military
Work
2 or 4 year college/university

5. There is a college out there for everyone
94% of RMHS students attend a 2 or 4 year college right after high school

6. Individual Session with Counselor
Meetings start in February/March
I will send an letting everyone know that I am starting individual meetings. If you know you have trips planned to visit schools let me know through or remind.
Discussion centers around what YOU are looking for and what you are interested in.
Together, we generate a list of colleges
Create a To-do list

7. Where do I find Information?
College Websites
College Handbooks
Guidance Counselors
Visit Colleges
Naviance
Talk to family, friends, neighbors, teachers
College Fairs
Meet with college reps visiting RMHS in the fall

8. Things to consider- What’s your criteria?
Size: Small—1,000 to 2,500; medium—2,500 to 10,000; and large—over 10,000 students
Location: Section of the U.S. (Massachusetts, New England, Northeast, etc.) or other country
Setting: Urban, small town, rural
Majors: Does it have the majors you are considering?
Type of college: liberal arts, business, technical
Cost: tuition, room & board, fees, financial aid options

9. How Many Colleges? Research 15 - 20 schools during junior year
Narrow search down during summer of junior year
Average # of applications 6-10

10. College Search Process
REACH Colleges whose standards are slightly above your credentials but where you may have a chance 
REALISTIC Colleges whose standards correspond with your credentials
LIKELY Colleges whose standards are slightly below your credentials and your acceptance is fairly secure. Make sure the likely college is one with which you would be satisfied because it may be the school you attend.
FINANCIAL SAFETY: Good academic school that is less competitive to get into but may provide more scholarships/financial assistance to you

11. What are colleges looking for in an applicant?
Active Learner
Transcript/grades/GPA
Standardized tests
Extra-curricular activities
Essay
Recommendations
How they compare to other students
Interviews, auditions, portfolio’s

12. 2018 Graduation Requirements
90 credits
Required courses
8 English, 6 Math, 6 History, 6 Science, 4 Foreign Language, 1 Decisions, 2 Fine Arts, 2 Business/Technology, 4 Physical Education, 1 Health
MCAS

13. Senior Year Courses Course selection
Highest level of classes a student can handle while maintaining balance in their life
Minimum 5 Academic Subjects
25 credits

14. 4 Year College Requirements
Highest level of classes a student can handle while maintaining balance in their life
4 years English
3-4 years of Math (state colleges 4 yrs math)
3-4 years history
3-4 years science (min.2 years lab science)
2-4 years same foreign language

15. Standardized Testing SAT I Test Dates
March RMHS (subject tests not offered; register by Feb 10th)
May RMHS (register by April 7)
June 3rd (register by May 9)
SAT II (Subject Tests) same test dates
American History, Biology, Chemistry, French, Literature, Math Level 1 & 2, Physics, Spanish, World History, Latin
Register
Burlington and Stoneham are testing sites for June

16. Standardized Testing ACT April 8 Register by March 3rd June 10
register by May 5th
Also offered September, Oct and Dec senior year
RMHS is not a test center
Register at

17. Standardized Testing AP Exams – Junior or Senior year
Administered early RMHS
Calculus, Chemistry, European History, French, Physics, Spanish, Statistics, English, Biology, AP Studio Art, US History
Other options – see counselor
Register at Guidance Department later this month

18. TEST PREP Research various options
Guidance website has list of options
“Khan Academy” and other practice options
PSAT score reports provide valuable information

19. Recommendations Formal: 2, or as directed by college
Junior Year teachers that know you and can speak about your performance in their class, citing examples of their work or providing anecdotes related to class.
Ask teachers by April 14th
Informal: 2-3
Yellow Reference Form, to be returned to guidance for guidance rec.
Coach, employer, advisor,etc

20. Visiting Schools Make appointment for tour Sleep over
See schools while in session

21. Interviews Usually relaxed Engaged Excited about activities
Why do they want to attend college

22. Academic Absences Total of 4, junior and/or senior year
The day before, bring signed note from parent to guidance counselor for signature
Student then submits note to assistant principal’s office

23. Application Deadlines
Early Decision / Early Action
Oct 15, Nov 1, Nov 15, Dec 1, Dec 15
Regular Admission
Jan 1, Jan 15, Feb 1, Feb 15, March 1
Rolling Admission
Anytime - The earlier, the better
Application materials must be received by guidance department 3 weeks prior to application deadline

24. College Essay
All junior English classes will be reviewing college essay by end of junior year
Students should continue to work on draft this summer!
Look at Common App and individual applications and to get idea of essay each college requires
Answer question asked by college
Often requires some soul searching
Data vs Voice

25. Athletics Register with NCAA for Division I and II
Transcript release form to guidance office
Specific requirements for Division I and II are outlined in student packet
Certain courses can not be counted as core courses per NCAA, e.g., computer courses, business courses, art and music

26. Stanley Koplik Certificate of Mastery
Tuition assistance at Mass public colleges or universities.
MCAS Scores
Advanced on one
Advanced or Proficient on the other
Second qualifying score
SAT II AP

27. Adams Scholarship Program
Tuition credit for students whose MCAS scores are in the top 25%
Notified senior year

28. Financial Aid Financial Aid Night
September/October next year
FAFSA (new parents will file in October next year)
CSS Profile
Funding Your Education
publication by Federal government
Download at
Click on “funding” icon

29. Coming Attractions College Fair –
Boston Convention & Exhibition Center Sunday, May 7th: 2pm -5pm Monday, May 8th: 8:30am - 12:30pm
North Reading High School – Monday, March 28th 2017, 6:30-8pm
College Fair - October
Financial Aid Night – September/October