Wilmington High School

1. Wilmington High School College Information Night

2. Agenda GETTING READY Course Selection Types of Schools What Colleges Consider Testing Information CHOOSING A COLLEGE College Search Process & Resources Considering the Options Comparing Schools Types of Admissions Application Materials and Process Application Checklist FINANCIAL AID 101

3. Course Selection Graduation requirements A balance of requirements and challenges It is recommended that students take additional courses in math, science, social sciences and languages. Colleges encourage students to continue to prepare themselves. Courses that include interests and/or build skills for a future college major are encouraged.

4. Types of Schools Liberal Arts Colleges Universities Community Colleges Specialized Colleges Public vs. Private Colleges Academies Prep Schools

5. What Do Colleges Consider? Academics Types of courses Patterns of performance Test Results What The Student Does With His/Her Time Extracurricular Activities Work Experience Volunteer Experience Awards and Other Recognition Academic and Non-academic Other Individual Factors What can the student add to our campus community? Is this student a �good fit� for our institution? Major Some programs are more competitive than others

6. Testing Information College Board Customer Service # 866.756.7346 SAT Reasoning Exam Required for almost all colleges except for community colleges Generally taken in the spring of junior year and fall of senior; should be taken no later than December of senior year WHS a test site in May and November each year Remaining Spring Dates: May 1st (register by 3/31) and June 5th (register by 5/5) Register at www.collegeboard.com; save User Name and Password Test scaled on 2400 points Critical reading, writing and math sections Colleges may elect to review essay written by students

7. Testing Information Continued� Score Reporting Now using Score Choice Students select which test scores to send � all test dates, one test date Check each college�s website for how each college uses test scores (best score for a section from all test dates, best scores overall from one test date) Scores can be sent to four colleges for free at registration; additional score reports can be sent for a fee Student responsible for sending scores; WHS will no longer send Students MUST send their scores to each college by the college�s application deadline

8. Testing Information Continued� SAT Subject Tests Preferred by many selective colleges (two to three exams) One hour subject exams Students can take up to three exams in one day; WHS a test site in May and November Register and send scores same way as the SAT Reasoning Exam (and by the college�s application deadline) Test dates and registration deadlines are the same as the ones for the SAT Reasoning Exam

9. Testing Information Continued� ACT Achievement test Measures actual learning in English, math, reading and science Students should take the test with writing as many schools want to see a writing sample Register at www.actstudent.org Spring Dates: April 10th (register by 3/5) and June 12th (register by 5/7) - Andover High, Woburn High are closest test centers Some selective colleges will accept ACT in place of SAT Subject Test Scores to be sent to the colleges by the student by the college�s admission deadline

10. College Search Process NARROWING YOUR OPTIONS Programs (Major, Internships, Honors, etc.) Location (Commute, Distance, Urban, Suburban, etc.) Cost Size (Small <3000, Medium 3-7000, Large 7-10,000) Campus Life (Dorms, Activities, Sports, Religion, Diversity, etc.) Special Programs (Study Abroad, Athletics, Co-Op, etc.)

11. Resources for Selecting Colleges Connect! � www.connectedu.net/members Students can use this site to: Plan college and career paths Build an activities profile (AKA resume) Track college admission activity for the schools applied to Communicate with guidance and the college regarding applications Use tools to explore career interests and options

12. Resources for Selecting Colleges (con�t) The College Board � www.collegeboard.com Use the free services (college and career searches) My College Quickstart A �one-stop-shopping� site for the college and career exploration and planning Program also includes SAT preparation and �EZ-SAT Registration� for every SAT exam Free to PSAT test takers WHS has a paid membership for non-PSAT test takers; see your Guidance Counselor for access information

13. Resources for Selecting Colleges (con�t) Career Cruising � www.careercruising.com Service provided to WHS students at no cost Access via WHS user name and password and then create own portfolio user name and password to save searches and other pertinent information Explore career interests, college and other educational options Build a resume from this site via the Resume Builder (this resume can be uploaded to a student�s Connect! account) Princeton Review � www.review.com Use the Counselor-O-Matic to search for colleges Books (i.e. Barron�s, Rugg�s Recommendations, Index to College Majors) and other publications at the Guidance Office and the local library

14. The List � Considering The Options REACH REALISTIC SAFETY FINANCIAL � REACH, REALISTIC, SAFETY

15. College Comparison

16. Types of Admission Early Decision Binding! Early Action Non-binding Can apply to more than one school with a few exceptions Regular Decision Watch deadlines � they vary Hear by April 1st Rolling Admission �Apply anytime, hear anytime� It is recommended students apply as early as possible to be sure space is still available Watch for priority deadlines

17. College Application Materials GPA/Rank Resume Letters of Recommendation Essay Transcript Test Scores (WHS CEEB Code 222420)