Five Things to Focus On: High School Session 1B Monday, July 20

Renee Norden, The Highland School (VA) Alice Robertson, Chantilly High School (VA)

What Do You Need to Know?

Rank from 1-12 the importance of the of the following components of a college application:

Admissions Test Scores Grades in College Prep Grades in all Courses Demonstrated Interest Counselor Recommendation AP/IB Test Scores Essay Extracurricular Activities Teacher Recommendation Interview Class Rank Strength of Curriculum

#1: Know What Matters

#1: Know What Matters

#1: Know What Matters

∗ Number of Colleges in US: 3,465 ∗ Number of Four-Year Colleges in US: Almost 2,000 ∗ Selectivity of Four-Year Colleges ∗ Accepting Less than 25%: 59 ∗ Accepting 25% to 50%: 280 ∗ Accepting 50% to 75%: 783 ∗ Accepting 75% to 100%: 471

** “Fast Apps” and In-State versus Out-of-State Admit Rates

#2: Know Your School History

• College going culture? •Administration support? •Faculty support? •Parent involvement?

• Number of classes graduated? • When do students typically apply?

•Early Action/Early Decision? •Regular? •Rolling?

#2: Know Your School History

•Where do students usually apply? •Nearby, In-state, or Out-of-state?

• What tests do students usually take?

#2: Know Your School History

Three Ways to Get Money for College

1) Need-Based Financial Aid 2) Merit-Based Scholarships from

Institution 3) Private Scholarships

#3: Know About Money

Need-Based Financial Aid *FAFSA – www.fafsa.gov No Cost to File File as early as January 1 of Senior Year rising seniors will file the 2016-17 FAFSA

Meet Priority Filing Date! Verification Process Beware of the “.com” website! File EVERY Year!

#3: Know About Money

Need-Based Financial Aid *CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE Available via www.collegeboard.org Required by some colleges (in addition to FAFSA) Fee-Based Form – available in October Deadlines will vary (ED/EA versus Regular) **Some colleges have their own institutional forms.

#3: Know About Money

Merit-Based Aid from Institution Deadline Specific (EA versus ED) Minimum Requirements – GPA, Test Score, Essays/Letters of Recommendation Talent-Based (Athletic, Artistic)

Private Organizations Some require nominations from the high school

#3: Know About Money

Crucial Conversation!

#3: Know About Money

#4: Know Your Tests!

Requirements and Deadlines Remember Students with Learning Differences have earlier deadlines to request accommodations

Test Optional Colleges and Universities Some schools require a certain GPA or additional information for test optional.

Types College Board: PSAT, SAT, SAT Subject Tests ACT TOEFL- International Students

#4: Know Your Tests!

Deadlines 2015-16 Test Date LD Deadline Deadline Late Deadline Score Release

ACT Sept 12, 2015 Aug 7, 2015 Aug 21, 2015 Sept 21, Oct 5, 2015

SAT Oct 3, 2015 Aug 14, 2015 Sept 3, 2015 Sept 22, 2015 Oct 22, 2015

ACT Oct 24, 2015 Sept 18, 2015 Oct 2, 2015 Nov 10, 17, 2015

SAT Nov 7, 2015 Sept 18, 2015 Oct 9, 2015 Oct 27, 2015 Nov 26, 2015 SAT Dec 5, 2015 Oct 16, 2015 Nov 5, 2015 Nov 23, 2015 Dec 24, 2015 ACT Dec 12, 2015 Nov 6, 2015 Nov 20, 2015 Dec 23, Jan 6, 15-16 SAT Jan 23, 2016 Dec 4, 2015 Dec 28, 2015 Jan 12, 2016 Feb 11, 2016 ACT Feb 6, 2016 Jan 8, 2016 Jan 15, 2016 Feb 16, 23, 2015

New SAT Mar 5, 2016 Jan 15, 2016 Feb 5, 2016 Feb 23, 2016 Mar 24, 2016

ACT Apr 9, 2016 Mar 4, 2016 Mar 18, 2016 Apr 27, May 11, 2016

New SAT May 7, 2016 Mar 18, 2016 Apr 8, 2016 Apr 26, 2016 May 26, 2016

New SAT June 4, 2016 April 15, 2016 May 5, 2016 May 25, 2016 June 23, 2016

ACT June 11, 2016 May 6, 2016 May 20, 2016 June 22, 29 2016

#4: Know Your Tests!

Test Optional Colleges and Universities www.fairtest.org

∗ Get Involved! ∗ Rep Visits to School, Local College Fairs ∗ Professional Development ∗ NACAC National Conference ∗ October 1-3, 2015 – San Diego, CA ∗ Sept 22-24, 2016 – Columbus, OH

∗ PCACAC Spring Conference ∗ April 17-19, 2016 – Ocean City, MD ∗ April 23-25, 2017 – Williamsburg, VA

#5: Know Your People