1. CLASS OF 2018 PLANNING FOR COLLEGE

2. YOU SHOULD BEGIN THE COLLEGE SEARCH PROCESS THE SPRING OF YOUR JUNIOR YEAR
THERE IS A LOT TO DO!

3. DOUBLE CHECK THAT COURSES TAKEN MEET GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS, COLLEGE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND IF APPLICABLE NCAA REQUIREMENTS

4. Advanced Regents Diploma with Honor
An AVERAGE of 90% or Higher on the following
Regents Exams:
ELA
Global History
US History
Algebra
Geometry
Alg II
Top 2 Science
LOTE (for students with LOTE sequence)

5. SENIOR YEAR COURSES AND GRADES COUNT!!
-When you plan your schedule, choose courses wisely. Colleges look at the amount and types of classes you are taking.
-Consider taking a CAP course or AP course which are college courses where you can earn college credit.
-Did you know most four year colleges require you to take foreign language in college? Consider taking the 4th and or 5th level of foreign language for college credit.
-Colleges request your senior mid year and final grades, so make sure you are continuing to work hard.
-Early dismissals are only placed in your schedule if it fits. Not everyone will get an early dismissal, even if you request it.

6. Courses where you can Earn College Credit
Listed below are classes offered here at N-W where students can earn college credit from NCCC. Credits are transferrable to most 2 and 4 year colleges. Course Credits Grade Calculus 4 Credits – NCCC 12 Precalculus 4 Credits – NCCC 11,12 College Composition I 3Credits – NCCC 12 College Composition II 3 Credits – NCCC 12 Intro/Adv. Marketing 3 Credits – NCCC (for Business Majors only) 10, 11, 12 French 4 3 Credits –NCCC 11,12 French 5 3 Credits – NCCC 12 Spanish 4 3 Credits – NCCC 11,12 Spanish 5 3 Credits –NCCC 12 NCCC Approx. $65/Credit Hour Advanced Placement (AP) Courses College Level Classes at NW Students may earn college credits in AP courses based on their scores on the AP exam. Scores range from 1-5. Credits earned vary by individual colleges. AP English (12th) AP Studio Art (11th,12th) AP World History (10th) AP Physics (11th,12th) AP US History (11th) AP Biology (11th,12th) AP Macroeconomics (12th) AP Chemistry (11th,12th) AP Government and Politics (12th) AP Stats (11th,12th) AP Calculus (12th) NCCC/Niagara University Seniors who are approved for Early Dismissals, may take courses at Niagara University or NCCC. Students will take regular college courses with college students. The cost to take courses at NU is $60 per credit hour which is significantly reduced from the regular tuition rate. The cost for NCCC courses is at the regular NCCC tuition rate which is approximately $130/credit hour. Students should talk with their school counselor if they are interested in taking a course at a college campus.

7. Standardized College Admission Exams
SAT –– This SAT is a three-hour, primarily multiple-choice test that measures verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities that develop over time. Most colleges require SAT scores for admission.
Subject Tests – Subject Tests are one-hour, primarily multiple-choice tests that measure your knowledge of particular subjects and your ability to apply that knowledge. Check the requirements of the colleges you are considering. More selective colleges may require or recommend one or more Subject Tests for admission or placement.
ACT – Assessment Test – A group of tests administered by ACT and required or recommended by many colleges. The tests measure educational development in English, mathematics, reading, and science reasoning and are given at specified test centers throughout the year.

8. When do I take the exams and how often?
“Rule of thumb”
SAT : Spring of junior year AND
Fall of senior year
ACT: Spring of junior yearAND/ OR
SAT Subject Tests: Spring of junior year AND/OR
Fall of senior year IF REQUIRED

9. Why take both SAT and ACT?
Colleges accept SAT and ACT scores equally.
They accept the higher of the two
Colleges will take the highest COMBINED SAT score if a student takes them more than once

10. What’s the difference? ACT English (1-36) Mathematics (1-36)
Science (1-36)
Reading (1-36)
** Writing
Composite (1-36)
No penalty for wrong answers
**Writing is Optional
SAT
*Evidence Based Reading and Writing ( )
*Math ( )
**Writing ( )
Overall ( )
No Penalty for wrong answers
** Writing is Optional
*Students should combine Critical Reading and Math Scores for total SAT Score.

11. ADDITONAL TESTING INFORMATION
Where do I take the exams? Niagara Wheatfield offers the SAT exam four times during the school year and the ACT exam three times during the school year. If you are not available on those test dates, you may take them at a local area school that offers them on different dates.
How do I receive the test accommodations stated on my IEP or 504 Plan? You must fill out an additional application and have your accommodations approved in advance of taking the exams. See your counselor to pick up the accommodation form.
Score Reporting: When you register for the tests there is a section where you can write in the codes of the schools that you want your scores sent to. There are some colleges that require score reporting to come directly from the CollegeBoard. In addition, if you are planning on possibly playing Division 1 or Division 2 sports, you must put the code 9999 in the score report section , so your scores are sent to the NCAA Clearinghouse. This is required by the Clearinghouse. At a later date you may request that the CollegeBoard send your scores to a college or the Clearinghouse, but they will charge you a fee.

12. ACT Test Dates and Deadlines
REGISTRATION DATE
Fees
ACT w/Writing
*April
March 3,2017
$42.50
$58.50
June 10,2017
May 5,2017 12
*Offered at Niagara Wheatfield HS

13. SAT And Subject Test Dates and Deadlines
RESGISTRATION DATE
Fees
SAT Subject Tests
*March 11,2017
Feb. 10,2017
$45
$57 w/essay
*May 6, 2017(Subject Tests)
April 7,2017
varies
*June 3,2017
( Subject Tests)
May 9,2017
*Offered at Niagara Wheatfield HS

14. How to register?
Online
(ACT)
(SAT)
You can choose to have your scores sent to four colleges at no additional charge
If planning on playing D1 or D2 sports makes sure to have your SAT’s sent directly to NCAA by writing the code 9999 in the score report section.

15. Important Codes Niagara Wheatfield CEEB Code 335-028*
Niagara Wheatfield Test Center Code
ACT Exam –
SAT Exams –
* You must put the CEEB Code on SAT/ACT registration forms or Niagara Wheatfield will NOT receive your scores!

16. CCI Day What: College and Career Information Day WHERE: NCCC
WHY: Useful Information on Colleges and Careers
WHEN: Tuesday, March 7,2017.
HOW TO SIGN UP: Go online to
Click on CCI Day icon and follow instructions
AND
Turn in Permission Form to Career Center NO LATER THAN
February 16th 2:15 PM!!!!!!!!!

17. Buffalo Convention Center
National College Fair
National College Fair
Buffalo Convention Center
March 15, 9-10AM- Students only-PERMISSION SLIP REQUIRED
March 15,2017 from 6:00 pm- 8:30 pm- Students and Parents
Deadline to hand permission slip into Ms. Szegda is February 16th!!!!!!

18. College Information Night
February 2, PM
NWHS Auditorium
College Reps from UB, NU, NCCC, Buff State and Daemen will do transcript review and meet with parents and students
Presentation on NCAA Eligibility and playing sports in college
Presentation on Nuts and Bolts of Applying to college using Common Application and SUNY Application

19. WHAT WILL I DO AFTER GRADUATION?
-College?
-Trade school?
-Military?
-Military Academy?
-ROTC?
-Work?
HOW DO I DECIDE?
In order to be well informed, stress free and able to make the right
decision for you, you need to see your
School Counselor and visit the Career Center
NOW!!!!!!

21. SELECTING A COLLEGE WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU?
7 KEY FACTORS TO CONSIDER:
1. PROGRAMS: Does the college you are considering have your major?
If applicable does it have my choice of sport? Extracurriculars?
Study abroad? Good job placement?
2. COST: Can I afford it? Do they offer scholarships?
3. CHANCES: Can I get in? Do I have the grades?
4. LOCATION: Do I want a big city school or a small town school?
5. SIZE: Will I be able to learn in a class with 300 students?
Will I do better in a small class?
6. 2 or 4 year: What type of degree do you need?
If you are going to transfer to a four year school be careful about
which courses you take, so that the credits transfer.
7. Public/Private: Which is the best choice for you?

22. COLLEGE VISIT Tour classrooms and dorm rooms
Talk with students, faculty
Investigate your academic program
Meet with an admissions counselor
Verify admissions requirements
Inquire about a class visit
Discuss your chances of success: admission, graduation, placement, etc
Bring a copy of your transcript (request from Counseling Center 5 days prior to visit)
Ask thoughtful, mindful, active questions!

23. Top Factors in College Admissions Decisions (National Association of College Admissions Counseling, 2008)
Factors
Percentage
Factors
Percentage
Grades in College Prep Courses
80%
Strength of Curriculum
64%
Standardized Tests
58%
Grades in All Courses
52%
Essay/Writing Sample
26%
Demonstrated Interest
22%
Counselor Recommendation
21%
Teacher Recommendation
20%
Interview
11%
Student Activities 7%
Subject Tests (AP, etc)

24. NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse
Division 1 & 2 must meet eligibility
NCAA:
Fee
Request your transcript
When do I register?
You can register anytime after you compete 6 semesters of high school. Most students will register at the beginning of their senior year
How do I qualify to participate in sports at a D I or II school?
Complete minimum of 16 core courses
Take your SAT or ACT
Eligibility is determined by sliding scale
You MUST have your SAT or ACT scores sent to NCAA directly from Collegeboard or ACT. Scores on a high school transcript will NOT be accepted
NCAA code is 9999

25. Niagara County Community College
Must apply online
If you are interested in Nursing, Radiologic Tech or Animal Management you should apply in September as soon as the application is available online. They fill up fast. Also you must have earned at least a 75 on Chem. Regents in order to be eligible.
Must take a placement test if you did not score higher than a 75 on your Math or English Regents.
NCCC does not require SAT, however, if you score well on the SAT you will not have to take placement test.
They have a Dual Admission Program. You must tell your advisor at first meeting if interested.
Distinguished Student Scholarship

26. MILITARY OPTIONS ROTC -Start the process NOW
-Offered at over 1,000 colleges
-Very competitive
-In exchange for paid college tuition and a post college career you agree to serve in the military after graduation.
Military Academies
-VERY competitive
-Once you graduate you become an officer in the military
Enter the Military after graduation
-You should contact a recruiter
School Counseling Website has more information and website addresses

27. TRADE SCHOOLS
Are you interested in working in any of the trade areas such as Cosmetology, Plumbing, Auto, Heating and Cooling etc? If so: -Consider a trade school. Trade Schools are different from regular colleges because at most trade schools you take only the courses directly related to your field of choice. -Can go to BOCES after you graduate but must pay tuition. -Stop by the Career Center for more information

28. WORLD OF WORK AFTER GRADUATION
Civil Service Positions
-Employment through the federal, state, or city government
-Must take civil service exam to be considered
Check the want ads or attend Job Fairs
Contact the Employment Training Office through Niagara County. They can assist you in making a resume and finding employment.
Websites and additional info on our website

29. SENIOR YEAR SEPTEMBER -Visit Career Center to finalize College Choices
-Begin working on college applications or trade school applications which are due to the Counseling Center by October 31st.
-Register for the October ACT and/or November or December SAT’s.
-Register for the SAT subject test if required by your college of choice.
-Request Letters of Recommendation from teachers
OCTOBER
- College Applications into the Counseling Center by Oct. 31st
-Complete Trade School Applications
-If you are going into the military contact a recruiter
- If you are going into the work force immediately after graduation
begin making a plan. Visit the Career Center for Assistance.
Check out the Counseling Website for information on Agencies that can
assist you in finding employment

30. SENIOR YEAR OCTOBER 1st -Complete FAFSA application at fafsa.ed.gov
-Check with prospective colleges about any additional financial aid forms that may need to be completed.
NOVEMBER-DECEMBER
-Double check to make sure you application is complete
-Retake SAT and ACT exams
DECEMBER-MAY
Apply for private scholarships
MARCH/APRIL
-Acceptance letters and Financial Aid packages arrive
- Most schools ask for final decision and payments by May 1st.

31. SENIOR YEAR
MAY
-After you made your final decision, notify the other colleges to tell them that you will not be attending.
-Double check deadlines for housing, financial aid, etc.
JUNE
-Have final transcripts sent to college
GRADUATION!!!

32. COLLEGE ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
GPA
SAT
ACT
Alfred State University
80-90
9-25
SUNY Binghamton
91-96
27-32
SUNY Brockport
88-93
22-25
Buffalo State
84-90
20-24
Canisius College
86-94
22-27
Cornell University
95-98
30-34
SUNY Cortland
88-94
23-26
Daemen College
89-91
23-25
Duke University
98-100
29-34
SUNY Fredonia
87-92
22-26
SUNY Geneseo
28-30
Harvard
31-34
NCCC
High School Diploma
N/A
Niagara University
89-92
19-26
SUNY Oswego
85-91
21-25
SUNY Potsdam
84-92
19-21
RIT
93-96
24-28
St. Bonaventure
86-90
20-23
St. John Fisher
85-90
Syracuse University
92-95
26-28
University at Buffalo (UB)
89-95
25-29