COLLEGE PLANNING for the CLASS OF 2015

1. COLLEGE PLANNINGfor theCLASS OF 2015 B G H S

2. Tonight’s Agenda Tonight’s Agenda AV Room • Roles of the Student, Parent, and Counselor in the process • College Handbook • Family Connection AV Room and Room 117 • Getting Started • Students Need To … • Testing • Getting There • What Colleges Look For • Application Process • Questions 1-6-2014

3. Roles In The Process • Students - this is their process • Parent – this is the student’s process • Counselor – support, encouragement, guidance for the student and family 1-6-2014

4. College Handbook • Facts about the Admission Process • General information • Timeline • Financial Aid and Scholarships Found on the BG Website under the Academics tab - then click on Counseling and Guidance. 1-6-2014

5. Family Connection • This is the “family” section of the Naviance program, and can only be accessed through the student’s account • Located on the BG website • Online college admission search, application portfolio, and the new electronic “Red Book” • The main source of communication with students about College Admissions 1-6-2013

6. Family Connection and the BG Website http://www.bghs.org/ 1-6-2014

7. Break Mr. Pare and Ms. Doucette’s parents to Room 117 Mr. Militello and Mrs. Poznanski’s parents stay in the AV Room 2-7-2011

8. Getting Started Be prepared: • This is an emotional roller coaster • Top 10 things from Middlebury 1-6-2014

9. Getting Started Visit with the counselor: • Develop a list of schools – • Reach, Target, Safety • Discuss the college process, recommendation • letters, where you are as a family in the process 1-6-2014

10. Student: Start Asking Questions • Questions such as: • What would be a good school for me (the best fit)? • Is there a “perfect” college? • What do I want to study? • Where do I want to live for the next four years? • -geography • -facilities • -social setting • 1-6-2014

11. Students Need To… • Register for Testing • Spring and Fall • May/June - be careful of potential conflicts • Get familiar with, and use Family Connection • Start building a list of schools • Meet with Counselor • Look over Timeline in College Handbook • Plan College Visits 1-6-2014

12. About Testing College Board www.collegeboard.org SAT -Critical Reasoning -Subject Tests Advanced Placement PSAT American College Testing www.act.org ACT PLAN 1-6-2014

13. SAT Testing Critical Reasoning and Subject Tests dates that remain in 2014 are: January 25th March 8th May 3rd June 7st Registration deadlines are: December 27th (late registration January 10th) February 7th April 4th May 9th www.sat.collegeboard.org/register Beware of scheduling conflicts with Spring sporting events!!!!! 1-6-2014

14. ACT Testing ACT Tests dates that remain in 2014 are: February 8th April 12th June 14th Registration deadlines are: January 10th March 7th May 9th www.actstudent.org/start Be sure to take the ACT test with writing Beware of scheduling conflicts with Spring sporting events!!!!! 1-6-2014

15. Testing Testing FAQ’s • Where are the tests held? • Once I register for the tests what happens? • What do I need to bring? • How long are the tests? • What are the tests like? • How do colleges review testing? • How is it used in the admission process? • What is “Score Choice”? • Is it better to send or not send scores to colleges? • Does it matter if I take the SAT or the ACT? • What is “Test Optional” ? www.fairtest.org 1-6-2014

16. Subject Tests Subject Tests • Sponsored by the College Board • Few colleges require them • Offered a bit less frequently than the SAT and cannot be taken on the same day as a Critical Reasoning test. • Can be taken in may subjects but colleges typically want certain tests 1-6-2014

17. AP Testing Advanced Placement Testing • How is it used in the college process • What do colleges require for credit • Building a curriculum with AP courses is the most important aspect of the AP program 1-6-2014

18. Testing Websites Helpful Websites: www.collegeboard.org www.act.org www.sat.collegeboard.org/register www.actstudentyt.org/start www.SATSubjectTests.org http://collegesearch.collegeboard.com/apcreditpolicy/index.jsp www.fairtest.org 1-6-2014

19. Getting There • Use Family Connection • Start with a BIG list then narrow down to MANAGEABLE • VISIT colleges – many and often • Be mindful of schedule of senior classes and activities • Pay close attention to College Admission Deadlines • LOR’s from Teachers and Counselor • Consider alternatives to 4 years of college 1-6-2014

20. Getting There… Spring 2014 Activities Destination College April 5 Southern NH University (registration through www.NHHEAF.org ) College Fairs Springfield National College Fair March 30 Providence National College Fair April 26 Boston National College Fair May 1 Pinkerton Academy Fair April 10 Merrimack College NEACAC Fair May 28 Assumption College NEACAC Fair May 29 1-6-2014

21. Getting There… Spring 2014 Activities BG Alumni Career Program March 28 Parent Coffee April 9 Summer Programs – enrichment, college programs Summer of Senior year – work, volunteer, enrichment Senior College SeminarAugust 21 Senior Visit Days - 5 throughout the year 1-6-2014

22. What Are Colleges Looking For? • 6 components of evaluating an applicant: • Grade Point Average • Quality of coursework • Test Scores • Recommendations • Extracurricular involvement • Essay 1-6-2014

23. BG Application Process • 3 week deadline • Transcript Request Sheet • Unofficial Transcript • CEEB Code = 300418 • Rank • Types of Applications • Common Application • College’s own application • VIP, Priority, Special, etc… 1-6-2014

24. General Information • NCAA Clearinghouse • Military Academies • Financial Aid • Scholarships • Senior College Day • Coaches 1-6-2014

25. Questions???? 1-6-2014