College Application Timeline & Tips for Class of 2012

1. Class of 2012 The College Application Process Hull High School March 15, 2011

2. Jamie Vaughan Students: A – J Days: M – F Phone: 925-3000 ext. 1122 Email: jvaughan@town.hull.ma.us Kate LaVigne Students: K – Z Days: M, W, Th Phone: 925-3000 ext. 1121 Email: klavigne@town.hull.ma.us Class of 2012 Guidance Counselors

3. College Planning Night Agenda • Standardized Tests • Timeline of Application Process • Application Deadlines • Family Connection • Counselor’s Role • Guest Speaker: Kelly Montrym, Boston College

4. Standardized Tests

5. ACT Achievement Test 5 Sections – English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing (optional) 3 hours and 25 minutes (with optional writing) SAT Reasoning Test Aptitude Test 10 Sections – 3 Critical Reading, 3 Math, 3 Writing, 1 Variable (not scored) 3 hours and 45 minutes Standardized Tests ACT vs. SAT

6. Standardized Tests SAT Subject Tests • Students take the SAT Subject Tests to demonstrate to colleges their mastery of specific subjects. • 5 general areas: English, History, Math, Science, and Languages • Specific test descriptions can be found on www.collegeboard.com • Take a Language exam after at least two years of study • Not all colleges require the Subject Tests but an increasing number of schools are beginning to • Local examples: Boston College and Boston University require 2 subject tests each • Check the admissions requirements at any school you may be interested in

7. SAT May 7, 2011 Reg. Deadline: April 8th June 4, 2011 Reg. Deadline: May 6th ACT April 9, 2011 Late Reg. Deadline: March 18th June 11, 2011 Reg. Deadline: May 6th Standardized Tests Dates & Registration Register online at: www.actstudent.org Register online at: www.collegeboard.com

8. Standardized Tests Sample Testing Schedule • Junior Year April/June: ACT (if student wishes to) • Junior Year May: SAT Reasoning • Junior Year June: SAT Subject Tests • Senior Year Fall: Re-take SAT Reasoning, Subject Tests, and/or ACT • We will inform students of dates and registration deadlines as they become available

9. Timeline of the Application Process

10. Timeline Spring – Junior Year • Begin/Continue the discussion at home: • Finances • Geography • Idealistic vs. Realistic • Visit Schools • Public and Private • Small and Large • In-State and Out-of-State

11. Timeline Spring – Junior Year • Come up with a tentative list of Schools • Check admissions requirements for each school • Required high school coursework • SAT Reasoning Test, ACT, SAT Subject Tests • Interview/art portfolio/audition • Check Application Deadlines • Take the SAT Reasoning Test, ACT, and SAT Subject Tests

12. Timeline Summer 2010 • Continue to visit colleges • Begin to narrow your list • If you are planning to play a sport in college register with the NCAA Clearinghouse (www.clearinghouse.net) • Let your counselor know when you’ve registered • Study for the fall SAT and/or ACT • Consider a job/internship related to major/career interests

13. Timeline Senior Year – Sept./Oct. • Narrow and finalize your list • Ask 2 teachers to write you a letter of recommendation • Provide each teacher with an addressed and stamped envelope for each college’s admissions office • Meet with your counselor • Fill out applications and write college essays • Re-take the SAT and/or ACT – send scores electronically to each school • Attend Senior Parent Evening at HHS

14. Timeline Senior Year – Nov./Dec. • Finish and mail applications • Counselor mails transcript and other school materials • Student sends test scores electronically • Attend HHS Financial Aid Evening • Do well in school – colleges will see your first and second term report cards (grades, comments, and attendance)

15. Timeline Senior Year – Jan./Feb. • Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) • Send to each school you applied to • Wait for acceptance letters and financial aid packages • Check with the colleges to make sure all materials were received • No senioritis – colleges will see all of your grades! • Apply for scholarships

16. Application Deadlines

17. Rolling Deadline Colleges will accept and review application materials at any time in the fall and winter The sooner the better! Regular Deadline Most schools have a January 1st or January 15th deadline All student materials must be submitted by this date Application Deadlines ***Check with individual schools for official deadlines

18. Early Action Typically around November 15th Non-binding early deadline Students will know if they have been accepted in Dec/Jan Early Decision Typically around November 15th Binding contract Students will know if they have been accepted in Dec/Jan Application Deadlines ***Check with individual schools for official deadlines

19. Family Connection http://connection.naviance.com/hull • College searches • Graphs • Update application status

20. Counselor’s Role

21. Counselor’s Role • Offer guidance on college choices to both students and parents • Advise students on the application process • Write your Counselor Recommendation • Send in official school documents (transcript, school form, school profile, senior report cards, etc.)

22. Student’s Role • Request Recommendations • Complete applications • Send SAT/ACT scores • Interview • See counselor • Submit applications • Submit financial aid forms • Notify counselor of admissions decisions

23. Parent’s Role • Try to keep communicating • Provide support and encouragement • Financial support • Stressful time

24. We will be taking a group of students to the Boston National College Fair at the World Trade Center in Boston. Wednesday, April, 13th B – F periods Return your permission slip to the guidance office Space is limited and participants will be decided on a first come first serve basis Cost: $15.00 Why Should I go? Meet admissions counselors from hundreds of local, national, and international colleges and universities A great way to make contact with a school and get information prior to applying Admissions counselors will often waive application fees for students they meet on college visits or at a fair Field Trip Boston National College Fair ***If you would like to be a part of this experience with your child, the fair also runs from 6:00-9:00 pm on Tuesday, April 12th.

25. Questions ???