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

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

3. Post Secondary Planning

4. Post Secondary Options College  4 year college  2 year college Career / Technical School Employment Military Gap Year

5. About the College Process Work together as a family Students must take ownership Discuss finances openly http://www.finaid.org/calculators/loanpay ments.phtml http://www.finaid.org/calculators/loanpay ments.phtml Start early and meet all deadlines Create a calendar / spreadsheet to help you keep track

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

7. Components of the Application It is recommended you apply electronically! Instant submission & confirmation Application Components: Student & Demographic Data Academic Information Essay(s) Extracurricular Activities Check for Completed Signatures

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

9. 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.

10. 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

11. Fee Waivers Fee waivers are available: SAT ACT NCAA registration Up to 4 college fee waivers if you have SAT/ACT fee wavier Please see Ms. Hull for details

12. College Application Process The materials for the college application process can be found: In the handouts you have received On the Counseling Office Home Page: http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/schools/rmh s/guidance  Make sure to complete the Student & Parent Brag Sheet, linked on the home page referenced above.

13. 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

14. 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

15. Naviance’s “Family Connection”

16. 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

17. 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 Enrichment Programs Resume Builder and Journal

18. 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  Click on Counseling, then Career Center  Click on the Family Connections link in box on right Returning users sign in using their e-mail & password. To set up your student account, contact our CCIC (Ms. Hull) or your counselor for your registration code. Parents can access Family Connection by emailing Ms. Hull only after their child has set up an account. CCIC: Mary _F_Hull@mcpsmd.org

19. Financial Aid Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) www.fafsa.ed.gov www.fafsa.ed.gov  Submit ASAP after January 1 st, 2013 CSS Profile - used by some colleges to determine eligibility for non-federal student aid funds. https://profileonline.collegeboard.com/prf/inde x.jsp  Contact individual school for deadlines  List of participating schools linked on website Financial Aid Workshop at RM – Fall 2012

20. Scholarships Scholarships are available for many students based on:  Academic Achievement  Parents’ Employer  Ethnic / Religious Background  First Generation College Students Many scholarships can be found through the Internet at sites such as:  www.finaid.org and www.fastweb.com www.finaid.orgwww.fastweb.com Local and national scholarships are posted in Family Connection.

21. 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

22. Next Steps: Turn in: Transcript Release form College Fair field trip form Students: make an appointment with your counselor if you need a recommendation letter. Please complete the Junior Survey under the ‘About Me’ Tab in Family Connection by the end of March.

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