1. Welcome! Post Secondary /College Planning 2010 Workshop Presented by SHHS Guidance Department

2. Where to Start? “I have found the best way to give advice to my children is to find out what they want to do and advise them to do it.” Harry S. Truman

3. Options Available to Graduates Employment / full time Military Service Technical Training/ Apprenticeships 2 Year College Program 4 Year College Program PG Year – 5 th year of HS Gap Year

4. SHHS Graduate Profile Graduates of 2005 – 2009 4 year college 51 to 57% 2 year college 24 to 36% Employment 4 to 7% Military Service 0 to 5% Other/Gap Year 4 to 8%

5. Spring 2010 Conference with your counselor Register for SAT/ACT Participate in classroom workshops (4) Research careeer/college options Schedule college visits Attend Essay Writing Workshop

6. Testing College Admissions - SAT/ACT Military Service Tests - ASVAB

7. College Admissions Testing SAT Measures Critical Reading, Writing, and Math Score scale 200-800 Subject Test Measures knowledge in a particular content area Required at most selective colleges Score scale 200-800 ACT Measures English, Reading, Math, and Science Reasoning – writing (optional – we recommend it) Score scale 1 - 36

8. College Admissions Tests Offered 7 times per year Register for tests online Juniors should take at least one test Seniors should retake tests in early Fall. Fee Waivers available Saturday testing sessions Testing accommodations for documented students Scholarships Test preparation is important

9. Testing Schedule SAT March 13, 2010 May 1, 2010 June 5, 2010 Oct 9, 2010 Nov 6, 2010 Dec 4, 2010 Jan 22, 2011 www.collegeboard.com ACT April 10, 2010 June 12, 2010 Sept 11, 2010 Oct 23, 2010 Dec 11, 2010 www.actstudent.org

10. SAT / ACT Score Reporting Options SAT -Students can select which scores by test date to send to colleges. If students do not choose score choice all scores will be sent ACT-Students choose which scores by test date SAT / ACT Comparison Chart –http://professionals.collegeboard.com/profdow nload/act-sat-concordance-tables.pdf

11. Reporting SAT/ACT Scores Scores are not listed on HS transcript Send student’s official scores directly through SAT or ACT –www.collegeboard.comwww.collegeboard.com –www.actstudent.orgwww.actstudent.org Many schools are now SAT/ACT optional. Review list at www.fairtest.orgwww.fairtest.org

12. ASVAB Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Administered at SHHS – January Administered at recruiting stations by appointment Can be taken every 6 months

13. College Search How do I find the right school?

14. Things to Consider Academic Offerings / Majors Admission Criteria - What does it take to get in? Size Location – Distance from home? Cost Setting – Urban, rural, suburban? Lifestyle / Cultural Factors Special Programs

15. Where to get information? Online www.collegeboard.com www.princetonreview.com

16. College Visits Plan ahead Identify tour and informational session times by calling admissions office or searching college website Set up appointment for interview if possible Get driving directions to campus April and summer vacations are good times to visit.

17. Making the Most of Your Visit Prepare – Have some questions ready. Observe environment, lifestyle & tone Speak with someone from in your area of study Visit a dorm, library, & classrooms Visit the student union – ask students about life on campus Inquire about your areas of interests - academic & extracurricular Read the campus newspaper

18. College Interview Check with each school to determine if interviews are available Make an appointment through admissions office. Prepare – Students should prepare for interview by researching college. Two kinds of interviews: evaluative or informative.

19. College Visits - Debrief Keep a written record on your visit – what stood out, your positive and negative perceptions, and the perceptions of your parents. Send a thank you note to your interviewer.

20. Special Interests ART – Students should talk with their art teacher regarding portfolio requirements ATHLETICS – Students should talk with their coaches –Div I or Div II athletes must complete NCAA Eligibility Application –www.eligibilitycenter.orgwww.eligibilitycenter.org –www.ncaaclearinghouse.orgwww.ncaaclearinghouse.org

21. Special Interests cont… MUSIC/THEATRE – Students should talk with an appropriate teacher regarding auditions and/or supplementary materials.

22. Students with Special Needs If your child will be seeking accommodations at college, please be aware of the following: Student’s responsibility to self identify Student provides all required documentation. Documentation requirements may differ from college to college. Testing and documents must be current.

23. Fall Events PSP/College Confs. with students & parents – Sept. & Oct. Student Classroom Workshops (2) College Application Night – Fall Essay Writing Workshop - Fall Hampshire County College Fair – Oct. Financial Aid Workshop – Nov. SHHS Alumni Fair – Dec.

24. Summer & Fall To Do List! Finalizing post secondary options Identifying list of schools (likely-safety-reach) Review Early Action / Decision Options Retake SAT and or ACT Gather letters of recommendation Begin applications Finalize college essay Prepare art portfolio, music audition Visit additional schools

25. College Admissions What are schools looking for?

26. Criteria used for Admission Decisions Transcript – rigor of courses & grades (including 12 th grade) GPA – Grade Point Average Essay SAT / ACT Scores Recommendations Intended Major

27. Other Criteria … Geography location Special talent Alumni relationship Ethnicity Ability to pay (unless need blind) Extracurricular activities

28. Importance of Senior Year Take the most rigorous course load you can handle. Assume leadership positions in clubs, on sport teams, scouting, community service projects. Work hard and keep your grades up. Register for Fall SAT /ACT if needed. Review content on your Facebook. Create an appropriate e-mail address

29. Financial Aid How does it work?

30. Financial Aid Financial Aid = the CE (Cost of Education) minus the EFC (estimated family contribution) Example: Mount Holyoke College CE - $52,000 EFC - $10,000 FA - $42,000 To calculate your EFC www.mefacounselor.org click on link to EFC calculatorwww.mefacounselor.org

31. Financial Aid cont……. Types of financial aid available: Grants/Scholarships Loans Work Study Merit

32. Determining Financial Aid…. Application Process – separate from admissions process FAFSA – Federal Application for Free Student Aid (Jan.) CSS – CollegeBoard Scholarship Services (Fall) Specific institutional forms (Varies)

33. Parents How can you help? Spend time with your teen talking about their dreams. Schedule meeting with your teen’s counselor. Visit colleges with your teen. Help your teen stay organized. Set up calendar with test dates, college visits, etc

34. Parents What to watch out for? Stress – remember this is a major life transition for you and your teen. Taking over the college applications. Do not believe everything you hear about college admissions.

35. Questions?