“College is a match to be made, not a prize to be won.” - Frank Sachs,

1. “College is a match to be made, not a prize to be won.” - Frank Sachs, Dir. Of College Counseling, The Blake School

2. Junior College Planning Night Immaculate High School February 8, 2012

3. Methods of Communication Email (blue form) Wednesday Envelope Naviance (see your activation codes on green paper)

4. Senior Course Registration Where will you find course registration materials? www.immaculatehs.org AcademicsCurriculum Course Registration Materials

5. Senior Course Registration What materials will you find? 2012-2013 Course Description Guide Course Selection Form Please list two alternative electives Course Prerequisite Guide

6. Senior Course Registration When will these materials become available on the website? February 13th , 2012

7. Senior Course Registration What do you need to do with these materials? Review Graduation Requirements

8. Graduation Requirements In order to graduate, a student must have earned 23.5 credits, including the following requirements: Religion 4 credits English 4 credits Science 3 credits Mathematics 3 credits World Language 2 credits Social Studies 3 credits including 1 credit in American History and .5 credit in American Government Physical Education 1.5 credits Fine or Performing Arts 1 credit Community Service 25 hours per year

9. Senior Course Registration What do you need to do with these materials? Review Graduation Requirements Make your course selections Only select courses in which you have achieved the course prerequisite with your first semester grade If at the end of the year, you achieve the course prerequisite, you can request the course be added to your schedule at the Guidance Office Bring your course selection sheet to your JUNIOR COLLEGE PLANNING MEETING – Appointment Slip

10. Now on with the show!!!!

11. From among the thousands of colleges in the country, how do you go about choosing just a handful to apply to?

12. How much time to you have to select those colleges? Now through September 2012

13. Self-Evaluation / Family Discussion Location In what geographic area do you want to attend school? Type of institution Liberal arts college, business school, technical college, large university Finances How much money can you afford? School size Do you want a small college with 2000 students or a large university with 15,000? Campus Setting Do you prefer a urban, suburban or rural setting? Special Areas of Interest Particular sport, study abroad, ROTC program or co-op program Major Do you have a tentative major?

14. Start Your Research Internet Naviance Websites with college search engines Individual college websites College Fairs Campus Visits

15. Start Your Research Internet Naviance

20. Start Your Research Internet Naviance Websites with college search engines

21. Internet Research Websites with College Search Engines Naviance (will demo at your individual Conference) www.collegeboard.com Home of the SAT/PSAT & AP Tests A great college match maker, also great information on college majors and careers www.princetonreview.com You need to set up a free account, not as in-depth but worth investigating www.collegeview.com A more simple search engine but can produce some interesting results www.fastweb.com The famous scholarship search website is also pretty good for college searching. You need to set up free account. There is a lot of advertising on the site, just say no to their offers. www.studentsreview.com Provides a lot of information from students about their schools. Students grade their schools in a variety of different areas and write reviews.

28. Start Your Research Internet Naviance Websites with college search engines Individual college websites

36. Start Your Research Internet Naviance Websites with college search engines Individual college websites College Fairs

37. College Fairs Admission representatives from a variety of colleges are all gathered in one place, just waiting to answer your questions. National Assoc. for College Admission Counseling National College Fairs Performing & Visual Arts College Fairs www.nacacnet.org Events & Training College Fairs

38. National College FairsSpring 2012 Schedule Springfield, MA Eastern States Exposition Sunday, March 4 1 - 4 pm Monday, March 5 9 – 11:30 pm New York, NY Jacob Javits Convention CTR Sunday, April 22 11 - 4 pm Hartford, CT Connecticut Expo Center Tuesday, April 3 9 – 11:30 am & 6:30 – 8:30 pm

39. Performing & Visual ArtsCollege Fairs Designed for students interested in pursuing undergraduate & graduate study in the areas of music, dance, theater, visual arts, graphic design & other related disciplines. Attendees learn about educational opportunities, admission & financial aid and portfolio days.

40. Performing & Visual ArtsCollege Fairs Boston, MA -- Boston Center for the Arts Not available yet, usually in the fall New York, NY – Jacob Javits Center Not available yet, usually in the fall

41. Virtual College Fair College Week Live presents a virtual college fair on March 21 and 22 at www.collegeweeklive.com

42. Tips for Attending A College Fair Make a list of colleges to visit Try to research the schools before the fair Write up a short list of questions – not easily found in standard college materials Talk person-to-person with the representative – the same person that makes the admission decisions Fill out a reply card Bring a tote bag for materials

43. Start Your Research Internet Naviance Websites with college search engines Individual college websites College Fairs Campus Visits

44. The Campus Visit The absolute best way to find out what a college is all about. THE COLLEGE SEARCH PROCESS IS A TWO WAY STREET This is AN INVESTMENT IN YOUR FUTURE – Think about what is most important to you in selecting a college

45. The Campus Visit Try to go when school is in session SPRING BREAK IN APRIL - GREAT TIME! Many colleges can accommodate weekend visits If you plan a road trip – don’t plan to visit more than two schools in one day.

46. Advance planning with the Admissions Office makes all the difference Meet with someone in the Admissions Office Attend an information session Tour the Campus Talk with as many students as you can Have a meal in the cafeteria Pick up copies of the student newspaper

47. The Campus Visit If possible, Sit in on a class Ask if you can talk with someone in one of your interest areas: professor, coach or Director of a musical group

48. Some possible questions to ask How did you get involved in student activities? What goes on during the weekends and do a lot of students go home? How accessible are faculty members? How is the food? Are the athletic facilities open to all students or just athletes?

49. More Questions How are you challenged academically? What do you like most about the college, what do you like the least? If you had to do again, would you still choose this college AND WHY?

50. If you meet with an Admissions Counselor, ask them for their business card and make sure you follow up with an email or a note.