1. Oliver Ames Junior Parent Orientation
Class of 2019
January 18, 2018

2. Agenda What’s Your Plan? SAT’s & ACT’s Common Application Deadlines
How To Conduct a College Search
SAT’s & ACT’s
Common Application
Deadlines
College Questionnaire

3. You Need A Plan for Life After High School
What Plan Is Right For You?
Post-
Secondary
Training
4 Year
College
2 Year
College
Military

4. Where to Start? Students will meet with their Guidance Counselor
Have a family conversation
Check out the Guidance Website for career exploration tools
Use Naviance and College Board

5. Choosing a College Things to think about:
2 year, 4 year, technical/trade school
Public vs. private school
Size of school
Fewer than 2,000 (Regis College)
2,000-15,000 (Bentley University)
More than 15,000 (UMass Amherst)
Setting
Rural, suburban or urban
Location
New England, East Coast, West Coast, etc.
Cost and financial aid

6. Choosing a College Things to think about: Majors Offered
Do they offer what you are looking for?
Are there specific admissions criteria for specific majors?
Admissions Criteria
Look at the profile (average GPA, SAT scores, specific course requirements)
Housing Options
Sports and Activities
Specialized Options
Co-ed or single sex school, fraternities/sororities, religious affiliations, disability support

7. Researching Educational Options
Naviance – SuperMatch College Search
College Board – Matchmaker
The school’s direct website
Request materials from the college
National College Fair – Providence on April 10, Boston on April 12 & or Brockton H.S. (date TBD)
Technical/Trade Schools – see guidance
Connect with schools via Facebook or Twitter

8. Naviance Home Page http://connection.naviance.com/oliverames

9. Super Match College Search

10. College Questionnaire
Must be completed by all seniors

11. College Board also offers a College Search

13. What About the SAT’s? – Big Changes
Old Format
New Format
Three sections: Critical Reading, Writing and Math (all mandatory)
Score range: per section for potential score of 2400
Penalized for incorrect answers
Abstract format
Calculator allowed on all math sections
Two sections: Reading & Writing (now combined into 1 section) and Math. The Essay is now an OPTIONAL section
Score range: for potential score of 1600
No longer penalized for errors
Calculator not allowed on 1 math section

14. SAT’s cont’d Upcoming test dates:
-March 10th (registration deadline Feb 9th)
-May 5th ( registration deadline April 6th)
-June 2nd (registration deadline May 3rd)
Cost: $46.00 ($ with essay)
Subject Tests:
-One hour in length
-Can take up to three in one sitting
-Required only by some competitive colleges or schools with competitive majors
Cost: $26.00

15. New SAT Test Date August 25, 2018
Good for those considering early action
Allows you to prep over the summer
Allows you to focus on academics and applications once school starts in September
Anticipated score release date September 24, 2018

16. What about the ACT?
The ACT assesses students ability to complete college-level work
The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science
The Writing Test is optional HOWEVER check the requirements of your college

17. ACT Test Dates -February 10th (late registration deadline Jan 19th)
-April 14th (registration deadline March 9th)
-June 9th (registration deadline May 4th)
-July 14th (registration deadline June 15th)
Cost: $46.00 ($62.50 with essay)
To find out more, go to

19. SAT & ACT Test Prep Khan Academy on-line videos and tutorials for SAT:
FREE
ACT on-line course:
$39.95
Bridgewater State University
$300.00
Princeton Review and Kaplan Test Prep
Prices vary

20. Applications Electronic Applications via the college’s website
May offer a waiver or discount for the application fee
Paper copies
Found on the college’s website, print out and mail
Common Application
Used by 700 schools across the country. One application for multiple schools

22. Common App Workshop Available at OA August 2018
FREE two-day workshop to help students create and start their Common Application
Two sessions available
Stay tuned for sign-ups!

23. Decision, Decision
Early Decision
Early Action
Regular Decision
Rolling Admissions

24. FAFSA – Updates FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid
Available as of October 2018 which better aligns with college application process
-will now collect income information from an earlier tax year
Financial Aid Night – November 2018 – stay tuned for details!