Navigating the College Search Navigating the College Search & Application Process& Application Process

Ms. Jessica AustinMs. Karen Esempio

Ms. Sara Vatore

Outline College Search Application Process Recommendations College Essay College Admissions

Testing Additional

Information

Welcome Juniors and FamiliesWelcome Juniors and Families

Minimum College Requirements 4 units of English 4 units of Math

Alg I & II, Geometry 3 units of Science (2 lab sciences) 2 units of Social Science 2 units of Foreign Language 2 college preparatory electives

State colleges - 3.0 GPA or sliding scale for SAT

What are colleges looking for?What are colleges looking for?

Online Research collegeboard.com college web sites

College Literature Visit Campus Attend College Fairs College Rep Visits at SHHS

Ask Questions Alumni, Friends & Family,

Guidance and College Admissions Offices

Investigating SchoolsInvestigating Schools

What to ConsiderWhat to Consider

Compatibility with Admissions Requirements Programs & Majors Student/Teacher Ratios Cost of Attendance Location Campus Culture Placement After Graduation

Refining your College ListRefining your College List

Average of 6-8 schools

Reach (Long shot) Realistic

(Even chance) Safety (Highly Likely)

Include at least one financial safety school (state schools)

The College ApplicationThe College Application

Most Schools Prefer Online Applications Common Application

Accepted by 456 schools (2.5 Million Submitted)

www.commonapp.org Institution Specific Application Unique to that school

Community College Applications can be downloaded from the college web site

Types of ApplicationsTypes of Applications

Early Decision Binding Cannot apply early to

other colleges Can apply to other

colleges under regular admissions

Make appointment with counselor in September!

Early Action Not binding Can apply early to

other colleges Can apply to other

colleges under regular admissions

Make appointment with counselor in September!

Early ApplicationsEarly Applications

Ask early End of this school year

Ask teachers who you know well (Junior Year)

Two Teacher Recommendations 1 English/Social Studies 1 Math/Science

One Guidance recommendation

Waiving right to see letters

Send thank you notes! (Please!!!)

Letters of RecommendationLetters of Recommendation

Colleges see you as individual

Research essay questions over summer

Early decision or early action applicants start writing this summer!

Revise essay with Writing Center, teachers, guidance counselors, etc.

College EssayCollege Essay

Not all schools require interviews

Show school who you are

Explain inconsistencies in transcript

Prepare before going to interview

Ask questions Is school good fit for

you?

InterviewsInterviews

Standardized TestingStandardized Testing

Most Four Year Schools Require Used for:

Admissions Evens the “Playing Field”

Merit Scholarships Placement Test (Math Especially)

Test Optional Schools www.fairtest.org May need to submit for special majors or if you do not

meet minimum admissions requirements

SAT Registration

www.collegeboard.com Online registration Fee waivers for

qualified students Focuses on critical

thinking skills Penalized for wrong

answers

ACT Registration

www.actstudent.org Online registration Fee waivers for

qualified students More content driven

than analytical/critical thinking

Science section Register for Writing

portion

SAT vs. ACTSAT vs. ACT

From http://www.collegeboard.com

More to know… TestingMore to know… Testing

You may need to take SAT Subject Tests Selective colleges may require subject tests You must check the college admissions

office web sites to know! ACT

Some colleges will accept the ACT in lieu of subject tests

Must take ACT writing portion!

From http://www.collegeboard.com

Score ReportingScore Reporting

At Time of Test Administration Four Free Reports Must know where you want to send them You do not get to review first

Later from Test Company Web Site College board (SAT) or ACT Can select specific test date Pay for all reports Must allow several weeks for delivery

Test Date Test Regular Registration Deadline

May 5 SAT & Subject April 6

June 2 SAT & Subject May 8

June 9* ACT & Writing May 4

*SHHS

From http://www.collegeboard.com

SAT & SAT Dates & DeadlinesSAT & SAT Dates & Deadlines

START STUDYING NOW! Read a lot and take challenging classes Collegeboard.com question of day or ACT.org

practice section Practice problems Prep Courses Study guides (at local bookstores or in guidance

office) PSAT My College Quickstart

Individualized Study Plan Full Practice Tests

Test Prep Test Prep

AP Exams Opportunity to get

college credit MCAS

John and Abigail Adams Scholarship

Koplik Scholarship

Other TestingOther Testing

Merit Aid vs. Need Based Aid

Forms: FAFSA CSS Profile School Specific

Financial Aid Form Net Price

Calculator

Financial AidFinancial Aid

Scholarship InformationScholarship Information

Mr. Ciciretti is SHHS Scholarship Chair Local scholarships posted in January of

Sr. Year Scholarships posted on Tiger Times www.fastweb.com scholarship database

Financial Aid Night November/December

Help from Community Partners (MEFA, Valley Opportunity Council)

Student athletes (NCAA.org)

Special Education

Additional InformationAdditional Information

Parent SupportParent Support

Make an appointment to meet with your student’s guidance counselor

Accompany your student on campus visits Help refine college list (realistic) Be ready to do your taxes early next year Be honest about what you can or are

willing to contribute financially

Parent SupportParent Support

Create a master calendar for visits, tours, fairs, deadlines, and financial aid

Have a weekly meeting with your student to check in about progress/status

Be engaged in the process and emotionally supportive

Thank you!Thank you!

Sara Vatore Last names A – G svatore@shschools.com (413) 538-5063 ext. 1107

Jessica Austin Last names H – M jaustin@shschools.com (413) 538-5063 ext. 1108

Karen Esempio Last names N – Z kesempio@shschools.com (413) 538-5063 ext. 1103

South Hadley

School Counselors

Working for all students!