1. Oliver Ames Junior Orientation
Class of 2016
March 2015

2. Agenda What’s Your Plan? 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. How do you make a plan? Talk with your Guidance Counselor
Talk to your parents/guardians
Check out the Guidance Website for career exploration tools
Use Naviance and College Board

5. Naviance http://connection.naviance.com/oliverames
Click ‘I need to register’

6. Complete and save one College Search
Click on ‘SuperMatch College Search’

7. College Board also offers a College Search

8. What About SATs? SAT Reasoning Test SAT Subject Tests
3 Sections
Writing
Critical Reading
Math
Next Test Dates are May 2nd and Jun 6th
SAT Subject Tests
One hour in length
Required by the most competitive colleges
Check admissions requirements for the colleges you are considering

10. 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
Next test dates are April 18th and June 13th. To find out more, go to

12. SAT & ACT Test Prep College Board on-line course for SAT:
Cost is $69.95
Khan Academy on-line videos and tutorials for SAT:
FREE
ACT on-line course:
$24.95
Bridgewater State University
$275.00

13. 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

14. 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

15. Researching Educational Options
Naviance – SuperMatch College Search
College Board – Matchmaker
The school’s direct website
Request materials from the college
National College Fair – April 9 & 10 in Boston
Technical/Trade Schools – see guidance
Connect with schools via Facebook or Twitter

16. Applications Electronic Applications via the school’s website
May offer a waiver or discount for the application fee
Paper copies
Found on the school’s website, print out and mail
Common Application
Used by 415 schools across the country. One application for multiple schools

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

19. College Questionnaire
Must be completed by all seniors