College Information Night

Getting Connected to the

College Application Process

Presented by SHS Counseling

Mrs. Finley, Mrs. Vander Veen, Ms. Cheatum-Wilson

Where should I be now?!?

Juniors:Take the PSAT (10/14)Researching potential

majors and schools.Attend JR. ConferenceCompiling a short list of

schools. Research requirements

for school and major. Go on College Visits.Attend JR. Seminar (Q3)Prepare for ACT/SAT. Strong Junior year!

Seniors:Sr. SeminarComplete application

process. Go on College Visits. Take or retake ACT/SAT. Request Transcripts. Arrange for Letters of

Recommendation.Apply for Scholarships

and Financial Aid. STAY ACADEMICALLY

RIGOROUS!

After High School Education Options

Public vs. Private Four-year Colleges –

offers programs leading to a bachelor’s degree but have few (if any) programs at the graduate level. Typically smaller than a university.

Universities – usually have separate colleges or schools within their system and will offer degrees at both undergrad and grad level.

Two-year Colleges- known as junior college or community colleges, offering programs requiring one to two years of study. Usually less expensive.

Military Academies – highly selective, have the special purpose of educating career officers for service in the armed forces. No cost to students

Technical/Trade Colleges

Self Assessment

What school subjects do I enjoy?What are my interests? Skills?

Passions? Achievements? Talents? Abilities?

How do I make use of my time outside of school?

What are my study habits?How do I learn best?

General College Admission Criteria

High School RigorHigh School GPA ACT / SAT scores Insights from written essays Community Service involvement Well Rounded Student Recommendations from

Teacher/Counselor

Video #1

Video 1:https://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AB-5dCFQrs

College Admission Tests

Practice Tests:ASPIRE – gives indicator score for ACT. Also helps with

Career Planning. Maybe given in the Spring.PSAT – gives indicator score for SAT. Also enters

students into NMSQT. Optional test for 11th graders. (10/15)

Both Tests Predict outcomes, Identify strengths/weaknesses, Match interests and Provide database for colleges.

College Admissions Testing

Admission Tests:ACT – Measures student achievement in 4

subject areas – Reading, English, Math & Science.

SAT - Critical reasoning, measures your potential to learn in Reading, Writing and Math. National testing dates. (Redesigned for 2016)

SAT Subject Tests – required by elite level schools in addition to the SAT or ACT.

Most colleges accept both ACT or SAT; check with the schools to which you are applying to see if

there is a test preference. We recommend students prepare to take both.

College Admission Test Scoring

ACT Scored on a scale of 1 to 36 National Composite Average in 2015: 21Colorado Composite Average in 2015: 20.6SHS in 2015: 21.5No penalty for wrong answers

SATScored in sections: Math and Critical Reasoning on

a scale of 200 to 800 per section for a combined score of 400 to 1600. (Redesigned for 2016)

Colorado Mean Scores: CR 502, Math 515

No penalty for wrong answers

ACT vs. SAT

ACT is required for Juniors in the state of Colorado.

State test is TBDStudents need to register

on-line for nat’l datesSHS is not a nat’l testing

site.Possibly state test in

Spring Retakes: Colleges look at

your best scores

SAT and SAT Subject tests are held on national test dates only.

SAT scoring is a little more rigorous than ACT.

Must register online.

Admission Test Resources

ACT : http://www.actstudent.orgSAT and SAT Subject :

http://www.collegeboard.org

Preparation for tests can be found online in Naviance (free – Prep Me) or through testing facilities in the county.

(Club Z, CLC, Sage etc.)

College Considerations

LocationCostSize of CollegePrestigeAcademic ProgramsAdmission

Requirements

SportsSocial AtmosphereReligious OrientationStudent BodyExtra-curricular

OpportunitiesFraternities/SororitiesSafety

Compare, List and Visit

THE List: Picking schools can be difficult! Dream Schools vs. Reality Schools

Reach

Attainable

SafetyUtilize the Colorado Higher Education

Eligibility Index

List, Compare and Visit

Resources for College Search

Naviancehttp://www.connection/naviance.com/SummitHSCO

College in Coloradohttp://www.collegeincolorado.org

US News Ranking

College Websites

Campus VisitsCall the admissions office 2 weeks before your visit.

Research and gather questions!General campus appearanceDetails about the admission process Information related to financial aidResidence hall life & facilitiesOpportunities to participate in my interest areasClassroom experienceWould you be happy with this college as your home for

the next 4 years?Go to as many campus ‘events’ as you can at your top

choice schools.TIP FACTOR: Let the Admissions office know that you’ve visited

their campus; make a point to meet with admissions representatives when they visit your school.

College Applications

Types of Applications

• Online – Virtually 100% of Colorado colleges offer an online application

• Paper – Most schools have limited access to paper applications

• Common Application – 1 application for over 600 schools. Holistic approach.

• http://www.commonapp.org

College Application Options

• Non Restrictive ApplicationsRolling Decision – review applications as they are submitted.Regular Decision – applications are submitted by a specified date.Early Action – apply early and receive a decision quickly.

• Restrictive ApplicationsEarly Decision – commitment is made to a first choice school, where, if admitted, they will definitely enroll.Restrictive Early Decision –Same as ED but they are restricted from applying to other universities early.

College Application Timeline

First semester of senior year students decide on the colleges they want to attend.

Application due dates (Nov. 1 to Feb. 15) College considerations vary most respond by

April or earlierDeposit deadline or “No thank you” response

due: May 1.Colleges tally returns and adjust the size of their

incoming class by accepting students on the wait list.

Financial Aid Facts

Check college scholarship deadline.Local Scholarships workshop for seniors in

December, applications due end of January.FAFSA opens up January 2, online only,

based upon 2015 taxes. www.fafsa.govExplore scholarship websites

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z50sQYvrCuk

Questions?

Kelly Finley (A-F) 970-368-1127

kfinley@summit.k12.co.usErin Vander Veen (G-M) 970-368-1129

evanderveen@summit.k12.co.usJody Cheatum-Wilson 970-368-1131

wilsonj@summit.k12.co.us

Thanks for Coming!

Keep in Touch!

‘Like’ SHS Counseling on Facebook

Tiger Times

Counseling Department WebsiteBe sure to attend the Financial Aid

Presentation and College Fair on Thursday September 18th!