Looking to the Future

1. Looking to the Future A Presentation on the College Process for Parents

2. Overview • Who is the process about? • Why go through it in such an involved manner? • What is the process about? • Where does one start? • How does one go about the process? • Where does one go for resources?

3. Who is the process about? • Students • Adolescents in the “Millennial Generation” • Who must discover who they are and what they hope for and how to achieve it. • They need to convince parents—of the “Gen-X Generation”—that they are capable of undertaking this task and making good decisions.

4. A word about Millenial students… • Born between 1982 and 2002 • Millennials…& Technology • Interactive TV • Streaming and MP3 • DVD, laptops • Cell phones, BlackBerrys, I-Phone, Skype

5. A word about Gen-X Parents… • Born between 1961-1981 • Gen-Xers…& Electronics • Cable TV and VCRs • Cassettes and CDs • Calculators & Microwaves & AC • Moon launches, ICBMs, telecom satellites • First cell phones were “bag phones”

6. Millenial students & Gen-X parents… • Students, who often don’t know what day it is, what is due in the next class, or what state the city of Chicago is in, need to go through the “college process.” • Students need to convince their Gen-X parents—of that they are capable of undertaking this task and making good decisions.

7. Why go through it in such an involved manner? • Students are at a crossroads in their development • They are learning who they really are • They are learning to become adults • The larger world—the media, our culture—makes the college process out to be a huge ordeal • For students, it is a “rite of passage.”

8. What is the process about? • Self discovery • Personal strengths, talents, gifts • Self acknowledgement • Personal weaknesses, fears, misconceptions • Building a file of credentials • transcripts, test scores, resume • Research and fact finding about colleges

9. What is the process about?(continued) • Building a balanced list of colleges • Applying • Getting Results • Making Decisions

10. Where does one start? • Recognize the advantages of attending New Hampton School • Foundations of Learning • The Academic Requirements & Program • Experiential Learning, Community Service • Excellent Teachers, Mentors, and Tutors

11. Where does one start? (continued) • Daily life in a small, caring educational community • Diversity of students, learning styles • A College Counseling Office

12. How does one go about the process? • Take advantage of all New Hampton School has to offer! • Encourage the development of the “habits of mind”—the F.O.L. • Fulfilling requirements for a NHS diploma • Taking courses in the major disciplines for as many years as possible-English, History, Math, Science, Language

13. How does one go about the process?(continued) • Explore new things-the arts, co-curricular, athletics— “Go Beyond” • Go from participant to leader • Start to identify “passions” • Make connections with people • With diversity of peers from around the Globe • With adults who mentor, cajole and guide

14. How does one go about the process?(continued) • Use the summer, use vacations • Get a job • Find an internship in a career interest • Volunteer in the community—near home or around the Globe • Step out of the “comfort zone”-NOLS, Experiment in International Living

15. Know about the TESTS • Two accepted standardized tests: the SAT and the ACT • SAT is actually two separate tests taken at two different dates—an aptitude test (called SAT REASONING--and then there are subject specific tests—SAT SUBJECT tests. • The ACT is a single test and combines some aptitude and some subject-specific knowledge.

16. Know about the TESTS, continued • SAT—3 hours, 45 mins; ACT 3 hours, 25 mins • SAT-10 sections; ACT 4 sections (5-optional writing) • SAT-Critical reading, Math, Writing • ACT-English, Math, Reading, Science

17. Know about APPLYING • The process is increasingly electronic • Most colleges either use the COMMON APPLICATION or have a web-based application link • Students set up an account, complete the application, and upload essays • Gone are the days of paper, self-addressed envelopes, and stamps!

18. Know about APPLYING, continued • Students submit their own applications via computer • The School submits transcripts, School Statement, School report and all teacher recommendations on-line • Applications are read by 2-3 admissions staffers; clear admit, committee admit, defer/wait list, or deny

19. NAVIANCE • A web-based college computer system that helps students and parents manage the college process • A powerful tool for college counseling offices to manage the information, data, and process. • Links to resources, colleges; • provides information to help guide students.

20. Naviance • Every student has an personalized account, given in the junior year • Allows parents access to the same information, research tools, and data • Communication between student, parent and College Counseling Office

21. FRESHMAN YEAR • Work hard in school and in all your activities. Be engaged, participate! • Plan your high school curriculum to include English, languages, mathematics, science, history and fine arts, to gain wide exposure. • Begin to discover the intellectual interests and passions you may have.

22. FRESHMAN YEAR, continued… • Explore extra curricular offerings in co-curricular, athletic and the arts. What do you love to do? • Actively pursue as many opportunities as you can at New Hampton School. • Try new things during the summer months--get a job, explore a profession in an internship or by volunteering

23. SOPHOMORE YEAR • Continue doing everything suggested for Freshman year to the very best of your ability. • If you are completing level 4 of a language or completing the Algebra 1, 2 and Geometry sequence, or a specific science (like Biology or Chemistry) consider taking an SAT II Subject Test in June at the end of the school year. • If you are an artist or an athlete, save examples of your work (for an art portfolio) or speak with your coach about the college recruitment process. Athletes often use the summer to attend showcases for their sports or assemble film clips for recruitment DVDs.

24. SOPHOMORE YEAR, continued… • If you need accommodations for PSAT/NMSQT, or ACT or SAT or APs, please speak go to the Academic Support Program office located in Berry Hall Third Floor. See Jennifer McMahon for more information. • Stop by the College Counseling Office and get acquainted with our resources and our counselors.

25. JUNIOR YEAR • Continue to pursue all opportunities available at New Hampton School--academically, artistically, athletically. • Try to be a stronger participant in your classes and activities; in fact, become a leader! • Take the PSAT/NMSQT Test in October. Start to organize your college process late in the Fall Semester.

26. JUNIOR YEAR, continued… • During the winter, consult with your College Counselor. Talk about what you are hoping for or looking for in a college experience and about the colleges you are beginning to consider. • In March, plan visits to campuses. Visit a cross-section of colleges; your College Counselor can offer many suggestions.

27. JUNIOR YEAR, continued… • Always remember that your junior year school record is extremely important. Stay active and involved. • Take the SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject tests and/ or the ACT (if needed) and AP exams in the winter/spring. International (Non-English speaking students) should take TOEFL (if needed). • Leave school in June having taken some standardized tests, and with a list of colleges you want to visit and explore during the the summer.

28. JUNIOR YEAR, continued… • In the summer, visit colleges, have interviews where possible, begin your applications (start the Common Application). • Look into summer enrichment or course credit courses, unique programs, trips, volunteer jobs, etc.

29. SENIOR / POSTGRADUATE YEAR • Return to (or enter) school in September with a solid list of colleges, your Common Application completed, and essay drafts in hand. (PG’s are welcome to communicate with the College Counseling Office during the summer). • As soon as possible, schedule a meeting with your college counselor to review your list and your progress. • Begin to plan your application strategy--will you apply to any college(s) early (by November 1st or 15th)? Apply regular admission?

30. SENIOR / POSTGRADUATE YEAR • By December 1st, complete all applications to the colleges you would really like to attend. At least two should be realistic acceptances or “likely" for you. • Check for scholarship information, if necessary. Be organized to file for financial aid--the federal forms are filed early in January! • Be an active leader in the school community--Work hard, role model good behavior and fully engage in all school and community activities.

31. SENIOR / POSTGRADUATE YEAR • Make sure your SAT Reasoning, SAT Subject test and / or ACT scores are sent to all colleges to which you will apply. Take any final SAT Reasoning, SAT Subject or ACT tests in the fall. • Talk with College Admissions Representatives who visit New Hampton School. • Apply to college, await results, make decisions and attend New Hampton School graduation ceremony!

32. Where does one go for resources? • The New Hampton School College Counseling Office • The New Hampton School Web Page • Click on “Academics” then “College Counseling” • This presentation will be posted on the NHS CCO page later today!