1. Words of Wisdom Relax… There is a program for you! 75% of colleges accept an average of 67% of their applicants. PW’s acceptance rate was 83.7% Class of 2014- Attending 70% to 4-year schools 23% to 2-year schools Accepted to colleges in 34 different states

2. APPLYING TO COLLEGE The application process needs to begin in your junior Go to college visits and take standardized tests Finish applications by THANKSGIVING of your senior year!

3. Types of Colleges TypeDescriptionTuitionAdmission Requirements Four year Profit Not-for- Profit Degrees offered: Bachelors and beyond Provides: A well-rounded college experience that includes an academic area of study. Selectivity- can range from a 95% DENIAL rate to a 100% acceptance rate State: PA $22,000/year Private: Typically more than $30,000/year Transcripts *a few self- reported GPA SAT or ACT Essay Extracurricular activities Letters of Recommendation

4. Types of Colleges TypeDescriptionTuitionAdmission Requirements Two year Trade/ Tech Certification Accreditation Degrees offered: Associates Provides: A way to ease into college / take general college classes for credit. Typically have agreements with four year colleges to transfer credits. Often less than one year Regional Career Public/typically around $4,000/year Private/typically above $20,000 Can be Open- door admission policy May have stated admission guidelines

5. Other Options Apprenticeship- skilled work on the job training Gap year/Volunteer programs United States Military

6. Did You Know There are many wonderful programs that are two years or less that can prepare you for a great paying career? Paramedic -Medical Coding Specialist- Licensed Practical Nurse- Security Management- HVAC- Engineering Technology- Phlebotomy- Surgical Technology- Automotive Technology- Plumbing- Surveying Technology- Renewable Technology-Heavy Construction Equipment- the list goes on!

7. Preparing for a College Search

8. College Choice is About FIT: Social- is it a good match? Will I be happy outside of class? Academic- Does it offer what I want? Do I meet admission requirements? Financial- Can I afford it? 8 Thinking Forward

9. Know Yourself Values Ambitions Achievements Academic Strengths Interests Your Standout Talents

10. WHERE DO I BEGIN?? There are over 4,000 colleges and universities in the United States Think about Yourself – What matters to you Size, Location, Cost, Sports or Activities, Major, Admissions Criteria, Faculty There is a college or post secondary program for everyone! Collegeboard.orgzinch.com Cappex.comprincetonreview

11. Narrowing Choices Payscale.com Collegenavigator.gov College Websites College Visits Academics http://www.today.com/video/today /50795355#50795355 http://www.today.com/video/today /50795355#50795355

12. What information do college admission officers review? Grades / Overall GPA Strength of high school course selections Admission Test Score Essay Teacher and counselor recommendations Class rank Student’s demonstrated interest Personal accomplishments Personality characteristics Courses in progress in Senior year

13. Admission Plans Regular decision- apply by a specified date and receive a decision at a specified date. Under Regular Decision you may see:  Early Decision- Apply by a stated date and if admitted must attend this school. A student can may apply to other schools but only one ED. (binding)  Early Action- Apply by a stated date and receive a decision well before the college’s regular response date. Not obligated to attend. (non-binding)  Restrictive Early Action- you may not simultaneously apply for Early Action or Early Decision to any other school.

14. Admissions Rolling Admission No stated deadline date. This really means First Come, First Served. Sometimes you will see a PRIORITY deadline date! Open Admissions- Students are accepted upon applying. Placement tests are used to select courses.

15. Admission Tests PSAT - Expect results in December – be sure to use www.collegeboard.org/quickstart. Students register on their own to take the SAT, SAT Subject tests or the ACT. www.collegeboard.org and www.actstudent.org SAT optional listing www.fairtest.org.

16. TESTING 1…2…3 SAT vs. ACT What are subject tests? Sending Scores – the “Cumulative Report” and “Official” test scores. What does Splitting Scores mean? Fee Waivers – Do you qualify? How do you get them? What does using a fee waiver mean?

17. SAT vs. ACT SAT Critical Reading, Math, and Writing. There is a penalty for wrong answers. Test is scored:200- 800 each section. Cumulative record but does have score choice. ACT English, Reading, Math, Science Reasoning and writing (says it is optional but take it). No guessing penalty so don’t leave blanks. Scored from 1 – 36. Each test date is separate.

18. SAT SUBJECT TESTS Are required at only about 29 schools (e.g. Carnegie Mellon, MIT, PENN ). Tests in specific subjects ( English Literature, Math Level 1 & 2, US History, World History, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and languages). Can not take SAT and SAT Subject on the same day. Check college websites- some accept ACT in lieu of SAT Subject tests.

19. Score Reporting Policies Score Choice offered by the College Board means that students can select what test DATES to send for the SAT and what individual test for the SAT Subject tests. Colleges really want students to send all of their scores because most “split” test dates. Students should take advantage of the “free” reports the last time they take a test! NOTE: Fee waivers if on free/reduced lunch

20. TO-DO List for Students Register for an SAT and an ACT test. Do college searches: collegeboard.org connection.naviance.com educationplanner.orgnacacnet.org cappex.comcollegeprowler youniversitytv.comcollegeconfidential Use PWHS website under “College Information” (scholarships, etc.) Get on college websites!!!!!!!!!!! Ask two teachers to write letters of recommendation- form is in College Counseling.

21. Save graded junior year paper. Facebook and email address-appropriate? Choose wisely when choosing senior year courses. Attend the College Information session on April 9 at 6:30pm. Attend the PACAC College Fair at Villanova University on April 29 from 6:30pm – 9:00pm. Div 1 & 2 athletes register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. Contact coaches, band directors, etc. this spring and over the summer. Visit colleges THIS YEAR! Know the school and the requirements for admission and/ your major.

22. HOW TO GET RECOMMENDATIONS Ask two teachers from junior year. Give them a Teacher Recommendation Form (found in College Counseling). Complete Student Profile/Brag sheet over the summer and return it to college Counseling when school begins. When completing Naviance add teacher/counselor requests as you list colleges “you’re Applying To”. All recommendations are CONFIDENTIAL !

23. What about a counselor recommendation? Counselors will write recommendations for students only when requested. Students MUST complete the Student Profile and MAY have parents complete the Parent Brag Sheet. Counselors use the information to give a better picture of the student to the college. The recommendations are CONFIDENTIAL!

24. COURSE SELECTION FOR SENIOR YEAR Colleges WILL see you senior year course selections! Courses should match your potential. Take the strongest classes you can without going crazy! Electives  Choose Pathway electives based on possible majors. Understand individual college requirements!!

25. Components of the Completed Application Student RESPONSIBILITIES: Application - on-line (usually) Possibly on the Common Application Essay Short Answer/Personal Statement Transcript Request Form to College Counseling Teacher Recommendation Give Student Profile/brag sheets Test Scores- send from testing company Colleges listed on Naviance Mid-Year Grade Report request Final Transcript request 25

26. Finally… In School Stay focused on academics Do not lighten your academic load for senior year Meet with your school counselor Stay involved in school activities Standardized Testing Prepare for and register for ACT / SAT tests College Exploration Explore colleges on the Web Visit colleges this year Meet with college representatives in the fall Attend college program on April 9at 6:30pm at PWHS