Westford Academy Guidance Department Presents

Westford Academy Guidance Department

Guidance Department

Westford Academy Guidance Department

Counselor AssignmentsClass of 2015

Adams – Cardarelli Larry Guidetti

Casey - Downey Karen Halloran

Dudley - Heiman Susan Lynch

Hiremath – Livorsi Barbara Kutner

Locker - Neuhardt Jill Karatkewicz

Noble – Ryan Tracy McLaughlin

Sacco – Vavruska Heidi Hider

Valasco - Zhru Wendy Pechacek

Westford Academy Guidance Department

Collaboration

Westford Academy Guidance Department

a scene from MODERN FAMILY Phil takes Haley to his alma

mater

Westford Academy Guidance Department

Phil takes Haley to his alma mater

Program of Studies

Westford Academy Guidance Department

Westford Academy Guidance Department

Time ManagementActivity

Westford Academy Guidance Department

Westford Academy Guidance Department

Junior Year TimelineFebruary

2/7 deadline to register for SAT on March 8 @ WA - now closed

2/11 Jr. Parent Night

2/13 deadline to secure Jr. Job Shadow

2/14 deadline for Course Requests

2/14 deadline to register for AP Exams

After Feb vaca - Individual Student/Parent Meetings with your counselor begin

March

Continue College Meetings

April 4/4 deadline to register for SAT on May 3 @ area high schools April vaca – visit collegesMay 5/9 deadline to register for SAT on June 7 @ area high schools 5/5 AP exams begin 5/13 Junior Job Shadow DaySummer Essays, college visits & lists, etc.

Westford Academy Guidance Department

Post-Secondary Options

Westford Academy Guidance Department

Finding the BEST FIT College

Westford Academy Guidance Department

The college search is not about getting into the best college. We don't believe in a best college. There is no school that is best for ALL students.

• Size• Location• Programs• Majors available• Academic supports• Cost & Financial aid• Extracurricular Activities• Student life• Athletics

*Princeton Review, http://www.princetonreview.com/college/find-your-best-fit.aspx

What Colleges Want to See

Challenging HS curriculumGrades with strong effort or upward trendSAT/ACT Scores – required for most colleges

SAT/ACT scores that match your academic recordWell-written essayDedication to extra-curricular activities -

passionateStrong recommendation lettersWell prepared interview - if applicable

Westford Academy Guidance Department

Westford Academy Guidance Department

WA Transcript

WA Histogram

Westford Academy Guidance Department

SAT vs. ACTSATSubjects

Math Critical Reading Writing

March 8, May 3, June 7

Register at www.collegeboard.org

ACT Subjects

English Math Reading Science Reasoning Writing Section

recommended) April 14, June 14 Register at

www.actstudent.org

Westford Academy Guidance Department

NavianceUser ID and Password

Each student Each parent/guardian

Friday weekly emails Very important

information from the Guidance Department

Westford Academy Guidance Department

College Search

Westford Academy Guidance Department

Westford Academy Guidance Department

Westford Academy Guidance Department

Westford Academy Guidance Department

Westford Academy Guidance Department

Westford Academy Guidance Department

Westford Academy Guidance Department

Now… Let’s start THE LIST

Safety

Realistic

Reach

Westford Academy Guidance Department

Application OptionsEarly Decision Early Action Regular DecisionRolling Admission

Westford Academy Guidance Department

Averages for AcceptedWA Students

UMASS at Amherst

Average GPA 3.52 Average SAT 1327

(out of 1600 – Math & Reading)

Westfield State University

Average GPA 3.0 Average SAT 1076

(out of 1600 – Math & Reading)

Westford Academy Guidance Department

Mass Transfer

Westford Academy Guidance Department

• Enroll in a linked degree program at Middlesex Community College

• Upon completion of Associates Degree:• No application fee

• No application essay

• General Education Requirements satisfied

• Eligible for Full transfer of credit to a UMASS campus or MA state school

• Guaranteed admission with an incoming 2.5 GPA

• Tuition discount based on final GPA

• http://www.mass.edu/masstransfer/

Westford Academy Guidance Department

Student To Do ListBEFORE we process course selections, students must:• Submit the on-line course recommendation in iStudent by 2/14• Submit the Junior Job Shadow Agreement Form in Naviance by 2/13• Register for AP Exams by 2/14, if applicable

BEFORE we schedule your Junior/Parent Meeting, students must:• Submit the Junior Year Profile Survey in Naviance• Submit the Personality Survey (Do What You Are) in Naviance• Submit the Cluster Finder Survey in Naviance• Complete at least one College Search in Naviance and SAVE it• Begin adding colleges to “Colleges I’m thinking about” in Naviance

Naviance

Westford Academy Guidance Department

“College is a match to be made,

not a prize to be won.”ENJOY the process!