1. Maximizing High School Night http://www.hopkinsschools.org Preparing for College in High School Preparing for College in High School November 10, 2015

2. Maximizing High School Night http://www.hopkinsschools.org Topics for Today Maximizing A High School Schedule Naviance/Family Connection: Putting it to Use ACT, SAT and Prep Options What Colleges Look For in a Perspective Student High School Timeline

3. Maximizing High School Night http://www.hopkinsschools.org Preparing for College: Schedule, Activities and More Build a rigorous schedule that plays to a student’s strengths, challenges him/her in positive ways and is balanced. Students should participate in activities/clubs about which they are passionate-less is more in this case! Real world experience is valued as well (volunteer experience, part time job, etc.). Have a strong junior AND senior year.

4. Earning College Credit in HS AP CLEP CIS HTC PSEO Maximizing High School Night http://www.hopkinsschools.org Take the class, pass a test. Some colleges may give credit. Take the class, pass the class. Credit good at that specific college. Might be transferable.

5. Maximizing High School Night http://www.hopkinsschools.org Factors for Admission PRIMARY FACTORS: –Grades –Difficulty of Courses –ACT/SAT Scores SECONDARY FACTORS: –Activities/Involvement –Letters of Recommendation –Connection to the College (“Legacy”)

6. ACT vs SAT ACT has five components: English, math, reading, science and an optional writing. SAT has three: critical reasoning, math and writing (not optional). ACT questions tend to be more straightforward, while SAT has a stronger emphasis on vocabulary. ACT tests more advanced math concepts-aside from algebra I & II and geometry, some trigonometry is included (this doesn’t necessarily make the test harder, as the ACT is more straightforward). Takers are not penalized for incorrect answers on either the ACT or the SAT (this is new this year). ACT has more of an emphasis on the “bigger picture”. College admissions officers look at the composite score. With SAT, they are looking at section scores. All colleges now accept the ACT, but some elite East Coast schools may want a specific subject test from the SAT. Maximizing High School Night http://www.hopkinsschools.org

7. ACT/SAT: How to Prep Register for ACT prep classes offered by the high school (ACT/SAT Math Prep & ACT/SAT Reading Prep) Register for ACT prep classes run through Community Ed (information can be found on the HHS Community Education page) Go to a private institution (Kaplan, Huntington, College Nannies and Tutors, etc.) Visit www.actstudent.org for study materials and practice tests opportunities (as well as their counselor)www.actstudent.org

8. Counseling Website Maximizing High School Night http://www.hopkinsschools.org

9. Family Connection Online college/career planning site Click Here for Family Connection Log-In The College Search Scattergrams/Admissions Data College Match Resume Tools Career Planning

10. Tasks for High School Take ACT or SAT –HHS offering all 6 test dates next year (including Sept) –Register online –Take SAT II Subject Tests (if necessary) Meet with your counselor Go to a college fair/visit reps at HHS Visit some college campuses Do some online college searches –Family Connection –College Board Maximizing High School Night http://www.hopkinsschools.org

11. Counselor Assignments Denise Nohlquist (A-Ch) Shanna Jadwin (Ci-G) Xeev Xmn Vang (H-K) Nate Schoch (L-N) Jeff Matchette (O-Sh) Serena Schmidt (Si-Z) Maximizing High School Night http://www.hopkinsschools.org