1. College Selection Process How to navigate the often confusing world of college admissions

2. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? You are looking for the right fit Where a student is happy socially and academically Where they feel they belong

3. COLLEGE ADMISSION TRENDS Competition is increasing 80% - 20% Rule Hot Schools More Early Decision/Early Action/Waitlist Greater use of technology Tuition increases Financial Aid packages at expensive schools are improving Percentage of financial need met varies from school to school Federally funded Financial Aid Programs are intact The SAT has changed—More students are taking ACTs Colleges are looking for diversity and talent Increased enrollment in Community Colleges International students/Global brands

4. Admission Requirements Strength of Transcript G.P.A. Class Rank Extra Curricular Activities SAT/ACT Scores

5. Academic Requirements for College 4 years of English Three to Four years of Social Studies Three years of Math Algebra I Geometry Algebra II Two years of a lab science Two years of a World Language 16 Carnegie Units SAT and/or ACT Test

6. Types of Admissions Rolling Admissions Early Admissions Early Action Early Decision Regular

7. Admission Policy Open Less Competitive Competitive Very Competitive Highly Competitive Most Competitive

8. The Self Assessment Where am I & where am I headed? What do I need to do? What changes do I need to make? Sense of Direction Undecided is OK Achievement-where am I at academically Goals-short term, long term Values-what is important to me Interests-what do I like Abilities-what am I good at Career-what are the possibilities Use Naviance Career Assessment (Career Interest Profiler) Learning Style Inventory (My Learning Style) Personality Type Survey (Do What You Are)

9. Decisions/Decisions Major Geographic Location Setting Urban Suburban Rural Size Cost

10. Developing a list – A Research Project Use a search engine to develop a preliminary list Gather information: programs, facilities, dorms, services, security Identify schools that are a good match Safety - Target - Reach

11. The College Visit College website Off-site information sessions Open house programs Official/informal tours Online virtual tours Online chats College fairs Interviews Overnight stays

12. Discover Your Resources Get to Know Yourself Find Colleges that Match Communicate with your Counselor NAVIANCE SUCCEED

13. What can students do using Family Connection? View Guidance News/ Bulletins Complete Learning Styles Inventory Complete Personality Assessment Complete a Career Search Complete a College Search Compare Colleges Develop a Prospective College List Develop a Resume Access Scholarship Search Engines (Local & National) Select Links to Third Party Sites (Collegeboard, NCAA, FAFSA )

15. For Your Reference…

16. Resume

19. Career Search

20. College Match

21. College Look Up

22. Overlaps

23. College Compare

24. Prospective Colleges

25. College Testing Schedules PSAT SAT ACT

26. PSAT Excellent tool for SAT preparation Gives each student a comprehensive report outlining strengths and weaknesses Junior year PSAT scores enter students for the National Merit Scholarship program Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at MHS Every MHS 10 th and 11 th grade student will take the PSAT during the school day. The cost is FREE.

27. www.collegeboard.com TEST DATES October 11, 2014 November 8, 2014 December 6, 2014 January 24, 2015 March 14, 2015 May 2, 2015 June 6, 2015 Registration deadline September 12 October 9 November 6 December 29 February 13 April 6 May 8 REGISTER ONLINE NOW SAT

28. ACT testing dates www.actstudent.org TEST DATES October 25, 2014 December 13, 2014 February 7, 2015 April 18, 2015 June 13, 2015 Registration deadline September 19 November 7 January 9 March 13 May 8 REGISTER ONLINE NOW

29. www.fairtest.org REQUIRE TEST SCORES FOR ADMISSION CONSIDERATION SCHOOLS THAT DO NOT OVER 800 schools now accepting “test optional” applications….

31. WHO WANTS FREE MONEY? APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS!! www.manasquanschools.org Go to “HIGH SCHOOL” Go to “Students & Services” Go to “GUIDANCE”  Click on “SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES” OUTSIDE SITES FOR SCHOLARSHIPS: NAVIANCE National Database www.fastweb.com www.meritaid.com www.cappex.com

32. Thursday, December 4, 2014 7pm in the Auditorium FINANCIAL AID NIGHT

33. COLLEGE NIGHT Wednesday, October 8, 2014 6:30pm – 8:30pm MHS Gymnasium Over 100 Colleges and Universities Trade Schools Military/Service Academies

34. GOOD ADVICE College Admissions is a Process - A series of events over time Begin your planning NOW Self Assessment is a good place to start Do a Search Make a List-Reach, Target, Safe and Financially Safe Get out on the road and Visit Talk to the kids on the campus Revise your List Prepare for and take PSAT’s, SAT’s/ACT’s Keep your grades up Use Naviance to help you through the process Rely on your Guidance Counselor for help Relax, Don’t Panic, Stay Sane