1. CLASS OF 2013 College & Post High School Planning

2. Why are we here? Focus is on college planning 92% of PCH students attend 2 or 4 year colleges/universities Cover the basics now Make an appointment with your counselor to discuss your specific needs

3. 266 Ranked Students CLASS OF 2013 266 Ranked Students RankGPA Top 50% 1333.333 Top 33.3% 893.630 Top 25% 663.726 Top 20% 533.804 Top 10% 264.026 Top 5% 134.267 Competitiveness Reputation of PCH Scholarships often include rank in criteria

4. Where should I apply? mid-October Should have a good idea by mid-October Steps to take if you’re struggling: Make an appointment with your counselor Family Connection – college searches On-campus college visits PCH college rep visits Attend college fairs

5. Counselor Contact Our role: YOU Provide resources to help YOU make the best decision Submit transcripts and school forms Make appointments through Ms. Reynolds Communicate via e-mail

6. What do colleges look for? Academic record (Rank/GPA) Rigor of coursework Test scores (ACT/SAT) Extracurricular activities Special talents (music, art, athletics, etc.) Leadership, community service, unique qualities

7. Selectivity Highly selective May admit only 1-2 students from PCH Open admissions Require high school diploma Everything in between Terms we often use: “Stretch” or “Reach” “Safety”

8. On-Campus Visits You can’t really tell what a college is like until you’ve been Things to look for on a visit: Academics (class sizes, TAs or professors, etc.) Location/size of town Housing Student Life Security

9. College Rep Visits Shows interest and allows you to meet with an admissions representative FAMILY CONNECTION Check FAMILY CONNECTION for a listing of all college rep visits Register on-line and print a pass Have questions ready - - you might even get a one-on-one appointment

10. Upcoming College Fairs September 27 – Parkway College Fair @ Parkway North High (6:30-8 p.m.) October 21 – National College Fair @ St. Louis University (12-3 p.m.)

11. Types of Admissions Rolling Rolling – notification once application is processed Early action Early action – early deadline; early notification; non-binding Early decision Early decision – binding agreement if admitted; usually prohibited from applying to any other schools Special programs – may require separate applications

12. Admissions Decisions Admit – You’re in (contingent upon final transcript) Deny – You’re not in (may still send updated transcripts or test scores) Wait list – You’re not in yet, but you’re on a list if an opening becomes available Deferred – You still don’t know…the decision is being moved to a later date (may still send updated transcripts, resume, additional rec letter) Update your status in Family Connection

13. Applications and Fees Majority of applications are now completed and submitted online Pay application fees online with credit card Students on Free/Reduced Lunch may be eligible for fee waivers for college applications – see your counselor

14. Financial Aid Grants – based on need; do not repay Loans – must be repaid, with interest Work Study – based on need; part-time employment during school FAFSA – used to apply for all need-based aid Apply after January 1, 2013 PIN creation (www.pin.ed.gov)www.pin.ed.gov FAFSA4caster

15. Scholarships FAMILY CONNECTION Check FAMILY CONNECTION and listen to announcements for scholarships Searching for additional scholarships: www.fastweb.com www.scholarship.com School specific (may require separate application) Never pay for scholarship searches

16. Senior Year Senior year counts Acceptance is conditional until final transcript Entering college on probation ACT/SAT Do you need to take/retake? Do you need Plus Writing or Subject Tests? Caution: e-mail addresses; social networking

17. A Few Tips DO some self-study and investigation to find out what fits you best Career searches and personality inventories on Family Connection DO visit colleges DO keep counselors informed (deadlines, decisions, etc.) DON’T procrastinate

18. Family Connection

19. Transcripts Must have Authorization to Release Records on file (green form) Transcript and test score requests must be made in Family Connection It is your responsibility to ensure everything has been received by the college

20. Forms Common App SSR, MYR, FR – done electronically Teacher Evaluation Forms – electronically or mailed, depending on letter writer College Specific Forms Counselor/School Reports (i.e., Indiana, Tulane, Truman, SLU) must be printed and given to your counselor and/or letter writers

21. Letters of Recommendation Only request letters if necessary Give 2-3 weeks notice Ask core teachers from 11 th or 12 th grade Provide addressed, stamped envelope if letter writer prefers mailing If letter writer prefers submitting electronically, send them a request through Family Connection (after discussing with them!) See counselor for specific requirements/forms Be aware of deadlines and keep everyone informed!

22. DEMO http://connection.naviance.com/pkwyctrl