College information night

1. Informational Meeting for Sophomore and Freshman Families College information night

2. My Contact Information: • Stephanie Krosnosky • Ph. 614.231.4591 Ext. 4192 • Email: stephanie.krosnosky@bexleyschools.org

3. Early College Preparation • College Admissions Testing • College Research • Financial Preparation-awareness • Academics

4. WHAT TESTS ARE HELPFUL? • PLAN: A pre- ACT test • PSAT: A pre- SAT test

5. WHAT TESTS ARE NECESSARY? • ACT • SAT • SAT II (ONLY IF REQUIRED/RECOMMENDED BY YOUR COLLEGE OF CHOICE)

6. PLAN • Has no bearing on college admissions • Pre-ACT • Gives an indicator of career interest.

7. ACT World of Work Map: Regions of reported interest are “highlighted” on the Plan Test Score Report.

8. Click on the outer circle to investigate area.

9. PSAT • Taken Sophomore and Junior years • Sophomore year: introduces student to the test. • Junior year: National Merit qualifying test. • Pre-SAT

13. National Merit Information:

14. ACT • www.act.org (to register) • 5 Section test: English, math, reading, science and an optional writing test • Score range: 1-36 • No score penalty for guessing

15. SAT/SAT II • SAT • www.collegeboard.org (to register) • Bexley High School is a test center • 3 section test: Critical Reading, Math, Writing • Score range 200-800 (for each section) • Scoring penalty for guessing • Writing test is not optional

16. SAT • Begin taking in January of JUNIOR year. • The Writing test is not optional • Some colleges and universities require the writing for admissions but do not use it in the admissions decision. (some schools do, though)

17. SAT II • Subject Test • 3 Hour Sections • Up to 3 subject tests can be taken on any Saturday. • Offered during the same time as the SAT • Required of some competitive colleges

18. Should I take the ACT or the SAT? • A General Rule: Take each one once, take one of the tests twice.

19. SAT II Subject Tests • Should I take them? • If the test is in an area of high proficiency for you, then TAKE IT!

20. SAT II Subject Tests • When should I take them? • Directly following an AP course: • Ex. A sophomore taking AP US History should take the SAT II in US History in May or June at the end of Sophomore year. • Please refer to the handout regarding when to take the other subject tests.

21. College Research • Take advantage of family vacations • Campus Characteristics • Large, state institution • Small, private institution • Rural, Suburban, Urban setting

22. Online Tours • www.universitytv.com • www.campustours.com

23. Specialty searches: • Bexley City Schools website • Bexley High School link • College Counseling link

25. Financial Preparation • Complete the FAFSA 4caster to determine your need eligibility. • Use cost estimators on college websites, when available

26. The Basic Idea of Financial Aid • FAFSA = EFC (Estimated Family Contribution) • Cost of Attendance (Tuition/Room and Board) • Cost of Attendance – EFC = Demonstrated Need • **The goal of Financial Aid is to finance the demonstrated need amount. • **The EFC does NOT change depending on school cost.

27. Estimating College Cost… • New federal law requires colleges to put a college cost estimator on their website by October 2011. • US Department of Education—College Navigator • Gives a ballpark (average net cost) for all colleges

28. Academics • Course Rigor • Focusing on behaviors vs. outcomes: • Paying attention in class • Asking for help when needed • Going to see the teacher for help when needed • Completing homework, even if it isn’t graded • Reviewing tests for incorrect answers/areas of difficulty