1. Post Secondary Planning
Life After Hamden High School

2. TODAY WE WILL LEARN ABOUT:
What you need to know to finalize your post secondary plans
Forms / Applications / processes / timelines
Related items: Financial Aid, Scholarships, NCAA

3. But first – a quick look back. what we should already KNOW

4. Post Secondary Options
Four-Year Colleges & Universities
Two-Year Junior/Community Colleges
Technical Schools & Colleges
Specialty Schools
Military Academies & Programs
Gap year
Employment

5. Have you started to narrow Ideally apply to 4-7 schools
DO YOU HAVE A LIST??
Have you started to narrow
Ideally apply to 4-7 schools
1-2 Reach Schools
2-3 50/50 schools
1-2 Safe schools (Merit Money $$$ possible)
Have you considered academics and finances when developing your list.

6. What you need to be doing this Fall

7. Continue to look for Post Secondary Options
Naviance
College Representative Visits
Scores of schools come into HHS every fall

8. HHS 2nd Annual College Fair
Thursday, October 5th
8:15 am – 11:45 am
HHS Gymnasium
90+ Colleges and Universities will be here
Parents are welcome to attend

9. Getting the Application Together
Application (online or paper)
Application Fee
Transcript
Colleges may also require:
Test Scores
Letter(s) of Recommendation
Secondary School Reports
Student Essay
List of Student Activities/Resume
Interview

10. Admissions Options Regular Admissions Rolling Admissions
An admissions decision is given as soon as possible after an application is completed and does not specify a notification deadline
Early Admissions
SEOP
Most of the CT state schools have programs for promising students whose record does not reflect their ability

11. What is Early Admissions?
An option that allows you to apply early (usually in November) and get a decision from the college well in advance of the usual spring notification date
If you find a college that you’re sure is right for you, consider applying early!

12. Early Decision vs. Early Action
Early Decision (ED) = binding agreement
Attendance is expected regardless of financial aid
Use only when your heart is set on a particular school
APPLY TO ONE ED SCHOOL ONLY!
Early Action (EA) = non-binding agreement
Use when interest level is high
Financial aid can be a factor in your decision

13. What is the Common Application?
Fill out once and send to multiple colleges- A great time saver!
An admissions application accepted by over 500 colleges and universities in place of their own without any penalty
Visit for a complete list of institutions accepting the common application
Complete online
Be sure to complete all parts of the application, including any supplements

14. SAT/ACT Information
Register and prepare for the SAT/ACT if needed. See your counselor if you qualify for fee waivers.
Check with schools to see if they require SAT Subject Tests.
Send your official SAT/ACT scores to each college/university through the testing service- It is your responsibility.
College Board will send 4 score reports FREE when you sign up to take the SATs (additions/changes can be made up to 9 days after the test). College Board charges a fee for each additional college.

15. Recommendation Letters
You typically need two teacher recommendation letters
Try to get one from a subject that pertains to your major
You likely will also need a School Counselor letter
FERPA WAIVER: Do you waive your right to view your letters?
Thank You note

16. College Essay How many essays do you need?
How many of your schools take the Common Application?
If a school doesn’t take the Common App, they may have their own essay topic.
At least one person should proofread your essay
Most likely your English teacher or guidance counselor
Word Count is Important

17. Common App Essay Prompts
1. Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
 2. The lessons we take from failure can be fundamental to later success. Recount an incident or time when you experienced failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
3. Reflect on a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?
4. Describe a problem you've solved or a problem you'd like to solve. It can be an intellectual challenge, a research query, an ethical dilemma - anything that is of personal importance, no matter the scale. Explain its significance to you and what steps you took or could be taken to identify a solution.
5. Discuss an accomplishment or event, formal or informal, that marked your transition from childhood to adulthood within your culture, community, or family.

18. Transcript Request Procedures
Obtain the appropriate (Common App-CA and/or Non-Common App) Transcript Release Form in the Counseling Office at the end of September.
Obtain parental signature if you are under 18
Bring all materials to the clerks in the Counseling Office. The first 6 schools are free; after that there is a fee of $2.00 per college
Your transcripts will not be processed until guidance receives the Release Form.

19. Access Naviance Account. I’m Applying to” section.
Transcript Request Release Process
Common Application
Schools
Register at
Non-Common App
Paper Application
Access Naviance Account.
Complete “Colleges
I’m Applying to” section.
Complete FERPA
waiver (blue box) and
link to
Naviance
Electronic Applications
Turn in Request Release form to the Counseling Office
Submit all required
Materials to guidance
office (#3 on release
form) along with 1
stamped and
addressed envelope

20. IMPORTANT!!! When using the Common Application, you will need to link your CA account to your Naviance account. There will be instructions in the Naviance account. Be sure to use the same address for both of your accounts!!!!!

23. Deadlines For Transcripts
All requests for transcripts only must be submitted 10 SCHOOL DAYS prior to the deadline
For Common App and schools that require additional forms and/or recommendations, requests must be submitted 15 SCHOOL DAYS prior to the deadline

24. Community College www.ct.edu Most programs are 2 year associate degree
Process for applying is different than 4 year colleges
Send application to individual community college
Do not need to send test scores, rec letters or essay

25. Visit www.ncaa.org to learn more.
NCAA Clearinghouse
Student athletes intending to play NCAA Division I or II sports must register with the NCAA
It is important to learn about the NCAA requirements early and understand the NCAA rules.
Typically, students register in their Junior year
Visit to learn more.

26. Financial Aid Resources
Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)- You may submit this beginning October 1st.
Complete the CSS Profile if applicable (used by some schools)
Reminder: All young men are required to register for selective service ( or at the post office) at age 18. Federal financial aid will not be given until you do so.
Apply for local and regional scholarships
View listing on Naviance
Search for scholarships on the web-
Beware of scholarship scams!
Attend Financial Aid Night October 30th at 6:30 PM!!

27. Financial Aid
Grants- money received from the federal and state governments and from individual colleges that does not have to be repaid
Scholarships- gift aid usually awarded based on merit and achievements
Loans- aid that must be repaid
Work Study- a federal program providing students with part-time employment

28. What Should Students Be Doing Now?
Finalize list of schools/programs
Organize applications and their requirements
Read applications carefully and follow directions
Check Naviance website and/or the Counseling Office to see what colleges are coming to HHS
5. Attend the Senior College Exploration Day on October 11th

29. Advice
Make an appointment with your counselor ASAP and visit frequently
Don’t procrastinate
Do well in your classes
Try not to stress out

30. Questions?