1. Junior Students & Parents Small Group Presentation Presented by: RMHS Counseling Department

2. Agenda Post Secondary Planning Family Connection Resources Collect Important Materials

3. Post Secondary Planning

4. Evaluating an Application Transcript  GPA, Courses & Grades Testing: SAT I, SAT II or ACT Scores Essay(s) Extracurricular Activities Letters of Recommendation

5. The Counseling Office Will Send the Following Electronically: Student Transcript Secondary School Report Form Counselor Letter of Recommendation  based on brag sheet and interview  Parent Brag sheet optional School Profile IB/MYP Credentials (If Applicable)

6. Teacher Recommendations One or Two Teacher Recommendations (on average) Ask your teachers this spring before leaving for summer break. In the Fall, request your teacher letter of recommendation through Family Connection. *Please give teachers at least one month’s notice.

7. College Admissions - Testing Register online to take the SAT I and/or ACT.  Scores are sent directly from the testing companies – NOT from RM  SAT I fee includes sending your scores to 4 colleges for free SAT II’s are required for some colleges. Check each school’s website. SAT Optional Schools: www.fairtest.orgwww.fairtest.org RMHS CEEB Code: 210910

8. National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Student athletes intending to play NCAA Division I or II sports must register with the NCAA  www.ncaa.org www.ncaa.org

9. College Visits 3 excused absences both junior and senior year (6 days total) See various types of schools: i.e. big vs. small, urban vs. rural, single-sex vs. co-ed

10. Naviance’s “Family Connection”

11. Family Connection Naviance’s “Family Connection” is a FREE, comprehensive, online program that assists students and parents with: College and Career Planning College Application Process Scholarship Searches

12. Family Connection Features College Search and Comparison Scattergrams Career Exploration Free online SAT, ACT, AP Tests Preparation Scholarship List College Visits to RMHS Electronic Tracking & Transcript Requests Resume Builder and Journal

13. How Do I Access Family Connection? www.connection.naviance.com/rmhs Or use the link on RMHS Home Page http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/rmhs http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/rmhs Parents can access Family Connection by emailing Ms. Hull only after their child has set up an account. CCIC: Mary _F_Hull@mcpsmd.org

14. Financial Aid Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) www.fafsa.ed.gov www.fafsa.ed.gov  Submit ASAP after January 1 st, 2015 Financial Aid Workshop at RM – January 2015

15. Resources for the College Process Where to Find Resources: Handouts Family Connection – Resources Link Make an appointment with Ms. Hull Career Center: open 7:00 – 3:30 M-F Most Frequently Used Resources: College Board - www.CollegeBoard.comwww.CollegeBoard.com FAFSA - www.fafsa.ed.govwww.fafsa.ed.gov Common Application www.commonapp.org www.commonapp.org

16. Next Steps: Turn in: Transcript Release form College Fair field trip form (and register online at www.gotomyncf.com)www.gotomyncf.com Students: make an appointment with your counselor if you need a recommendation letter.

17. Thank You for Attending!! RMHS School Counseling Office Phone: 301-610-8050 Fax: 301-279-4255 http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/school s/rmhs/guidance/