Welcome to College Night

1. Welcome to College Night

2. Agenda • Welcome • Financial Aid Presentation • Tom LeBeau University of Rochester SOTA Counselor Presentation • Q&A

3. Counselor Arrangement • Mrs. Sirianni A-E x3422 • Mr. Murphy F-L x1791 • Ms. Kasdin M-Sc x3492 Juniors M-Q • Mrs. Irizarry Se-Z x3491 Juniors R-Z

4. SOTA Website • www.sotarocheter.org • Counselor Corner • Newsletter • Counselor Contact Information • Scholarship Application Downloads • Important Web Links

5. College Application Process Nuts & Bolts…

6. Nuts & Bolts… • What do Admissions Counselors consider when reviewing applications? • Quality of the high school transcript • Level of course work • AP • Honors • Regents • Local • Grades • Senior schedule

7. Nuts and Bolts… • Standardized College Entrance Exams • SAT Reasoning Test * • ACT * • SAT Subject Tests * * College requirements vary. Most will accept the SAT Reasoning Test and/or the ACT. Some also require SAT Subject Tests. Check with an admissions representative or visit the college website for clarification.

8. Nuts and Bolts… • Recommendations • Generally 2 – 3, varies by institution • Extracurricular Activities • Consistent, substantive, demonstrations of talent and leadership • College Essay • Interviews • Most no longer require, but many encourage.

9. Nuts and Bolts… • Portfolios and Auditions • Very important for students continuing with art at the college level. Work very closely with your SOTA art teachers to ensure you are meeting all of the criteria for college admission.

10. The Admissions Process The Role of the Counseling Office

11. The Admissions Process… • Admissions Deadlines • Early Decision • Early Action • Rolling Admission • Regular Decision • College Application Fee Waivers

12. HEOP/EOP • Academic and Financial aid program at colleges within New York State • Standards vary by institution • Talk with your counselor about options when completing college applications

13. The Admissions Process… • Basic Student Application Form • Personal Information • Essay • Secondary School Report • Teacher Recommendations • Test Scores • Audition Tape / Art Portfolio • Supplemental Application Forms • Fee Waivers

14. The Admissions Process… • Paper Applications • Bring all application materials to your counselor • We will review applications & essays • We will complete the Secondary School Report • We will include an official transcript • We will keep a log and a copy of all applications *Please bring in addressed, stamped envelopes for each paper application

15. Online Applications • Most colleges and Universities prefer online applications • 2011-12: 98% of applicants to SUNY schools applied online • Please remember to inform your counselor when submitting applications online so that we can send transcripts and other relevant information necessary to completing your applications

16. The Admissions Process • Application Options • SUNY Application • www.suny.edu/student • Institutional Application • Common Application • www.commonapp.org • Common Black College Application • http://www.eduinconline.com/eduweb

17. What to Look for in a School Types of Schools, Size, Location, Religious Affiliation, Athletics…

18. Types of Schools • Two Year vs. Four Year • State Schools vs. Private Schools • SUNY • Other states • Liberal Arts Colleges • Technical & Art Institutes • Specialized programs

19. What to Look for… • Size • Large, Small, Anything in between • Religious Affiliation • Cost • Affordability of institution • Geographic Location • Distance from home • Campus Setting • Urban, Suburban, Rural

20. What to Look for… • Living Arrangements • Percentage of Residential Population • On Campus vs. Off Campus • Co Ed vs. Single Sex • Special Programs • Overseas Exchange Programs • Honors Programs • Internships, Co-Ops • School Year Breakdowns

21. What to Look for… • Athletics • Intramural • Intercollegiate • Division I & II • NCAA Eligibility Center • Division III • Clubs & Activities

22. What to Look for… • College Visit !!!!! • Most important part of the college search! • Make contacts • Meet faculty, students, admissions representatives • See the campus “in action” • Sit in on class • Visit dorms • Eat in the cafeteria

23. “Gap Year” • Graduating seniors may decide to delay college entrance for a period of time • The year between high school and college allows students to search for meaning in their education and to allow for greater connection to studies once enrolled in college

24. “Gap Year” • Questions to ask when considering a “Gap Year” • Why do you want to take time off? • What are your future plans for college? • What experiences thus far make this a good option? • What research have you done? • What will you give up by not going to college immediately? • Are you prepared to make a commitment? • How do your parents/family feel about the decision? • What financial resources are available to you? • Who can help you research your various options?

25. Pop Quiz • What is the most important part of the college search? • Name four things that colleges look for when making admissions decisions • What is the suggested number of teacher recommendations you should submit with your college applications?

26. Pop Quiz 4) Name five factors to consider when looking for a college 5) What is the name of the primary form used when applying for financial aid?

27. Thank You! • Any questions? • Have a safe trip home!