1. 1 Post-Secondary Planning Valley Regional High School School Counseling Department January 8, 2013 VRHS Auditorium 7:00pm

2. 2 The School Counselors Current grade 11 counselor distribution by student last name:  Ms. Sarah McKinney: A-Hol  Mr. Yves Noiset: Hos-O  Ms. Lorraine Duffy: P-Z

3. 3 The College Search  Junior U.S. History classroom presentations.  Online college search programs 1. www.collegeboard.comwww.collegeboard.com click on “Find Your Match” 2. www.connection.naviance.com/valleyrhswww.connection.naviance.com/valleyrhs Students will have password  College Fair: Hartford Expo Center (April 11th - 6:30-8:30)  College Representatives Visits  Library resources: College Handbook/Book of Majors

4. 4 College Admission Requirements Four Year College/University  High School transcript  Rigor of courses  Test scores (SAT/ACT/SAT II)  Letters of Recommendation  College Essay  Portfolio/Auditions if applying to a fine arts program

5. 5 College Admission Requirements 2 year Community College  SAT/ACT not required  Placement test will be given at the community college  Less expensive option  Associates Degree or Certificate programs  Transfer options/agreements

6. 6 College Admission Requirements Technical School/Career  Trade programs/Certificate programs  Valley Post-Secondary EXPO (April 4)  School-to-Career (Mrs. Hambor) can help students with job shadowing and career internship opportunities.

7. 7 Testing Requirements The SAT  Comprised of 3 sections (Critical Reading, Math and Writing)  A student can score a possible score of 800 on each section  2400 is the highest SAT score possible  Spring of junior year and fall of senior year

8. 8 Testing Requirements The SAT II Subject Tests:  SAT II’s are offered in a variety of subjects  Colleges and universities that are more competitive may want to see 2-3 subject tests  Plan testing dates in advance

9. 9 Testing Requirements  All registration info and testing dates for both the SAT I and SAT II can be found on the College Board website www.collegeboard.comwww.collegeboard.com  Registration packets also available in School Counseling Dept.

10. 10 Testing Requirements The ACT  Alternative test to the SAT  Math, Reading, Science and optional Writing section  Registration and testing dates can be found at: www.actstudent.org www.actstudent.org

11. 11 The Application Process How do I get an application?  Apply online  Request an application from a college admissions office  Common application  Counseling Dept. Resource Room

12. 12 The Application Process What is the Common Application?  The Common Application allows students to apply to multiple colleges and universities using a single application form.

13. 13 The Application Process Different ways to apply:  Early Decision  Early Action  Regular Admissions  Rolling Admissions

14. 14 The Application Process Application: who sends what? Students send:  Application fee  Application  College essay  SAT/ACT scores  Portfolio/Auditions (if necessary for program) **Will also need to turn in Transcript Request Form to Counseling Dept**

15. 15 The Application Process Counseling Department sends:  High School Transcript  School Report Form  Counselor Letter of Recommendation  School Profile Students MUST fill out the Transcript Request Form to have these materials sent.

16. 16 The Application Process Teachers send:  Teacher Letter of Recommendation. Student should provide teachers with stamped and addressed envelopes. Common Application has an online form. Ask Teachers EARLY!!!

17. 17 Visiting Colleges  School vacation weeks  During the summer  Talk to college admissions office to schedule a tour, interview, overnight, etc.

18. 18 Athletics NCAA Eligibility Center  www.eligibilitycenter.orgwww.eligibilitycenter.org Need to register if interested in Division I & II athletic programs. Do not need to register for Division III.

19. 19 Summer Mailing  Look for information on the college application process in the first newsletter that goes out in August  Parent brag sheets, student brag sheets/ resume

20. 20 Financial Aid  Financial Aid Night at Valley. For Parents of Seniors Held each December  FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)  CSS Profile  Scholarships

21. 21 Financial Aid Helpful Financial Aid websites : www.fafsa.ed.govwww.fafsa.ed.gov (federal student aid) www.collegeboard.comwww.collegeboard.com (testing, test prep, search) www.fastweb.comwww.fastweb.com (scholarships) www.finaid.orgwww.finaid.org (guide to financial aid) www.salliemae.comwww.salliemae.com (loans, 529 plans) http://www.cslf.com/http://www.cslf.com/ (CT Student Loan Foundation)

22. 22 Additional Resources www.commonapp.orgwww.commonapp.org (Common Application) www.rotc.comwww.rotc.com (ROTC programs) www.nationalappcenter.com (college search/financial aid) www.kaplan.comwww.kaplan.com (test prep) www.careerplanner.comwww.careerplanner.com (career search) www.careers.orgwww.careers.org (career search and info) www.gap-year.comwww.gap-year.com (year between h.s./college programs) www.commnet.eduwww.commnet.edu (CT Community Colleges) www.fairtest.orgwww.fairtest.org (listing of colleges that don’t need SAT) www.collegeweeklive.comwww.collegeweeklive.com (online college fairs) www.cappex.comwww.cappex.com (search engine, scholarships)

23. 23 School Counseling Website www.region4schools.com Click on “Our Schools” Click on “Valley Regional H.S.” Click on Valley Counseling

24. 24 Q&A Remember: organization and following timelines are key—keep deadlines in mind! We’re here to help as you embark on the post secondary planning process! Thank you for attending!