College Planning For Juniors

1. The First Step….. 2011 College Planning For Juniors

2. WELCOME • The purpose of tonight’s “First Step” program is to present you with a timeline and overview for beginning the college search process

3. Getting Started… • Every student and family will be in a different place at a different time during the process • Do not get caught up in the frenzy of what others are saying and doing • Research information and utilize reliable sources

4. Junior Timeline • “The Admissions Game” with Peter Van Buskirk • Wednesday, November 30 7:00pm @ Ramsey HS • PSAT results in December • Junior Conferences in January/February • Standardized Testing Game Plan • SAT / SAT Subject Tests / ACT • College Admissions Directors’ Program • Tuesday, February 28 7:00pm NH Auditorium • Naviance Exploration • College Visits

5. Junior Conferences • Student and parent conference with counselor • Letters go out in December for appointments beginning in January • Meeting topics include: • Senior year course selection • Review of senior packet • Naviance/college and career goals

6. SAT vs. ACT What testing does your college require? Which is right for you?

7. SAT vs. ACT SAT • Math: basic geometry and algebra II • Critical Reading: sentence completions, short/long passages, reading comprehension • Writing: essay and grammar ACT • Math: up to trigonometry • Science: charts, experiments • Reading: four passages, one each of prose fiction, social sciences, humanities, natural science • English: stresses grammar • Writing: essay

8. SAT vs. ACT Test Scoring SAT • 200-800 per section, added together for combined score • 2400 highest possible combined score ACT • 1-36 for each subject, averaged together for a composite score • 36 is the highest possible composite score

9. SAT-ACT Concordance Table • Estimates of SAT-ACT score equivalents, based on data from the freshman class enrolled in 2008-10 • You can find the concordance tables at www.act.org/aap/concordance

10. SAT: Subject Tests • 1-hour tests in particular subject areas • Can take multiple Subject Tests on same day • Required or recommended by highly selective colleges • Check individual college’s admissions requirements • Take at completion of coursework in May or June (Honors or AP recommended) • Cannot take SAT and SAT Subject Test(s) on same day – so plan accordingly

11. Reporting Your Scores to Colleges • ACT: Option to choose your best test date (must report the “composite” score) • SAT-Score Choice Policy: Option to choose your best test date (scores from entire SAT test date will be sent) • SAT Subject Tests: Students can select which scores to send by individual test • You must check each college’s reporting policy • If you do not choose to use Score Choice, ALL SAT tests will automatically be sent

12. Important Websites • www.collegeboard.com • www.ACTStudent.org • www.fairtest.org • List of over 800 schools that are “test optional”

13. SAT Test Dates for 2012 • January 28: SAT and Subject Tests • March 10: SAT only • May 5: SAT and Subject Tests • June 2: SAT and Subject Tests * • Oct. tbd: SAT and Subject Tests * • Nov. tbd: SAT and Subject Tests * • Dec. tbd: SAT and Subject Tests * *at NHRHS, based on 2011 test dates

14. ACT Test Dates for 2012 • February 11 • April 14 • June 9 • September 8 • October 27 • December 8 Some colleges will accept ACT with Writing in lieu of SAT + SAT Subject Test scores—check with individual colleges

15. A comprehensive web-based program designed to help in making decisions about post-secondary plans • A tool for managing and organizing your college search and application process • Contains admissions data for recent NH graduating classes • Statistical comparisons using GPA and SAT and/or ACT scores

16. Students were introduced to Naviance in their ninth grade CBT classes • Parent registration codes were mailed home in the fall of the student’s freshmen year • If you misplaced your user name or password, please contact the guidance office • Access Naviance through the quick links on the NH website • For more information attend the Naviance info session tonight

18. Visiting Colleges is Essential • Be sure to make campus visits to schools that are being considered • Call colleges or check websites for “Open House” dates • Make appointments for information sessions, campus tours, and interviews • Spring of junior year & early fall of senior year are great times to visit

19. Each fall 150 college admissions reps visit NH A calendar of visits is listed in Naviance NH hosted 100 college “lunch visits” this fall NH hosted over 50 “private visits” this fall Students must sign-up in Naviance for “private visits” Students “Meet & Greet” College Reps

20. College Fairs • National College Fair in New Jersey • Wednesday, April 25 • New Jersey Convention Center, Edison www.njexpocenter.com • Fall 2012 • FDU-Teaneck usually the 3rd Thursday of September • William Paterson University usually the last week in September

21. http://www.commonapp.org

22. What is it? • One application that can be submitted on-line or in print to any of the 456 member colleges • It saves time and duplication of effort for students, teachers and counselors

23. Is it Widely Used and Is It Treated Fairly? • YES! Member colleges sign a contract in order to use the application and must abide by all rules and regulations set up by The Common Application board • Many schools use the Common Application as their only application

24. Admissions Jargon Binding Early Decision Non- Binding Early Action Single-Choice Early Action (“Restrictive”) Priority Admission Rolling Admission Deferred Wait List

25. A prospective student-athlete is someone who is looking to participate in intercollegiate athletics Prospective student-athletes must access the NCAA “Eligibility Center” at www.eligibilitycenter.org For more information attend the NCAA information session after this program NCAA Eligibility

26. Special Interests • ART – Visit www.portfolioday.net for information about National Portfolio Day. Talk with your art teacher regarding portfolio requirements • MUSIC/THEATER – Talk with the appropriate teacher regarding auditions and/or supplementary materials • Research your college’s requirements and admissions process regarding applications to special programs

27. Myths about College Admissions • The more extracurricular activities I have the better… • The January SAT is easier… • Senior grades don’t count… • If I haven’t heard of a college or university, it can’t be very good… • College Admissions is a science… • There’s only one right college for me; my life will be ruined if I don’t get admitted to my first choice school…

28. Final thoughts… • Do your research and discovery now • Use Naviance • Visit college campuses • Meet the college reps • Narrow your list of potential schools • “Find the Fit” • Remember you can only attend ONE school

29. Invest your time now and alleviate senior year stress!

30. Elective Program Locations: Your Teen’s World – Auditorium Naviance “Family Connection”- Middle Caf. School & Community Resources- Room 140 Pursuing Athletics at the Collegiate Level- Cultural Arts Center (near back of main cafeteria) College Support Services for Students with Learning Disabilities- Room 125/126