2. Welcome to College Information Night Sponsored by Yarmouth High School Guidance Department March 18, 2009 Sponsored by Yarmouth High School Guidance Department March 18, 2009

3. Parent Concerns They don’t know how or when to get started in the process They want the best for their child They are concerned that their child can’t get into the college of their choice They need financial assistance and don’t know where to start

4. Student Concerns Can I really go to college? Where can I get in? Can I get into a “good” school, one my friends will recognize? I have no idea what I want to do or study I want to be totally on my own…I think? I want to go far away from home…or do I? If I can get into college can I make it?

5. Helpful Hints The more you know about the process the more you can help. Explore the possibilities and have fun doing it. Just remember it’s your son or daughter and not you who is going to college. Try to see things through their eyes. Use tonight’s presentation to help you through this process.

6. Distinguished Panel Wendy Thompson, Asst. Dean of Admissions –Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME Julie Cairns,Assoc. Director of Admissions –Salve Regina University, Newport, RI Reis Hagerman, Dean of Enrollment –St. Joseph’s College, Standish, ME Dee Gardiner, Sr. Assoc. Dir. of Admissions –University of Maine, Orono, ME

7. Campus Visit Spring of the junior year or early fall of the senior year are good times to visit colleges. How do you schedule a campus visit? What is the role of the student? What is the role of the parent?

8. “If you don’t know where you’re going You might end up someplace else.” -Dean of Admissions-BU

9. The Interview Two types of on-campus interviews: -Group and Personal Types of off-campus interviews: -Alumni or Admissions Representative

10. The Transcript Do colleges really look at the level of the course as well as the grade? How do you look at the Transcript vs. SAT’s? What should the senior transcript look like?

11. The Essay Through the essay, the student has the opportunity to convey the things that are most important to the student. The best essays are not only well- written, but present what are often ordinary events from an unusual perspective.

12. Activities How do you spend your time outside of the classroom? How do you look at Semester or Study Abroad Programs? Schools are looking for “Human Beings” not necessarily “Human Doings.”

13. Recommendations Students’ responsibility to ask the teacher and guidance counselor for recommendations. Who should they ask?

14. The Application How many schools should I apply to? Do you prefer on-line or paper? The Common Application www.commonapp.org

15. Always keep in mind that the best college for your sons and daughters may not be the most selective one, but one that best matches their desires, goals, objectives and abilities. -The College Advisor

16. Application Options Regular Decision Early Decision (Binding) Early Action (Non-Binding) Rolling Admissions …and even VIP! How do you select?

17. Transcript Request Process You need to give us permission to send your transcript and supporting material Guidance needs a 2 week notice Included is your transcript, recommendation and school profile …and the ever important postcard

18. Financial Aid & Scholarships YHS Guidance sponsors a Financial Aid Night in late November/early December Go to http://hs.yarmouth.k12.me.ushttp://hs.yarmouth.k12.me.us Click on the National link; Userid = yarmouth. Password = yarmouth (all lower case) Click on local link for local scholarships

19. This is a process, not an event!

20. Decision Time You’re accepted You’re denied You’re waitlisted “There are more colleges that would accept you than would deny you.” -Dir. Of Admissions-Smith

21. Ending Advice There is a college for everyone who is willing to study and put forth the effort. The college that is right for your son or daughter is the best college. -The Best College for You, by TIME, Inc.

22. Thank you for attending tonight’s presentation! Beth Doane and Brenda Michaelsen Yarmouth H.S. Guidance Counselors Beth_Doane@yarmouth.k12.me.us Brenda_Michaelsend@yarmouth.k12.me.us Beth Doane and Brenda Michaelsen Yarmouth H.S. Guidance Counselors Beth_Doane@yarmouth.k12.me.us Brenda_Michaelsend@yarmouth.k12.me.us