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SPA Junior Parent Night: College Prep Essentials

Join Mrs. Sterner and Mrs. Fletcher for Scottsdale Preparatory Academy's College Counseling event. Topics include what colleges look for, GPA insights, application types, financial aid, and timelines for juniors. Learn about college admissions criteria, testing strategies, the role of parents, and the next steps for success. Gain valuable information on GPA weighting, course selection, and the application process, including early decision/action, financial aid options, and senior year wrap-up. Discover key factors colleges consider, such as academic rigor, extracurricular involvement, volunteer experience, and testing performance. Explore timelines, resources, and tips for juniors and seniors, covering curriculum, standardized testing, college visits, and interview preparation. Don't miss out on Naviance resources, standardized test prep advice, and guidance on parent involvement in the college application process. Prepare for a smooth transition to college with expert insights and practical guidance.

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SPA Junior Parent Night: College Prep Essentials

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  1. Scottsdale Preparatory AcademyJunior Parent Night Thursday, September 6, 2018 Mrs. Sterner and Mrs. Fletcher SPA College Counseling

  2. Tonight’s Topics • What do colleges look for? • A closer look at the GPA • Types of applications • Applying for financial aid • Timeline for juniors • College Admissions 101 • Testing • Parent’s role • Next Steps

  3. What do colleges look for? • Academic Rigor (Course Selection) • Academic Record (GPA) • Standardized Testing (SAT,ACT, SAT Subject Test) • Extracurricular Involvement (sports, clubs, interests) • Volunteer Experience (depth not breadth) • Demonstrated Interest (sometimes) • Recommendations (teacher & counselor) • Alumni Connections (sometimes) • Student Contribution, Compatibility

  4. The GPA 1) Weighted 2) Unweighted 3) Recalculated • English - 4 years • Math - 4 years • Laboratory Science - 3 years • Social Science - 2 years • Foreign Language - 2 (same language) • Fine Arts - 1 year

  5. Applications Early Decision- binding Early Action- non binding Restrictive Early Action-varies by school Regular Decision- last deadline Rolling Admissions-reviewed as received

  6. Applying for Financial Aid - Types of Aid- Institutional & External Scholarships, Grants, Loans - College Depot through Phoenix Public Library - Financial Aid Calculator on College Website - FAFSA & CSS Profile

  7. Timelines for Juniors and Seniors • Senior Year – Finances • October to March • FAFSA & CSS Profile in October • Search for scholarships • Know your deadlines! • Senior Year – Wrap-Up • April & May • Select college • Notify (by May 1st) • Fill out college paperwork • Junior Year - Exploration • Utilize PSAT (Oct. 24) to prepare for SAT (April 9) • Symposium October 20 • Browse books and the internet • College tests SAT/ACT/Subject Tests • Visit schools • Develop College List • Naviance/CollegeBoard Big Future • Summer Programs/Tours • Senior Year – Application • July to October • Study instructions • Work on essays • Get recommendations • File applications

  8. The Junior Year Curriculum • College Admissions 101 • 6-8 classes during the school day • Broad overview of College Admissions 101 • Naviance • Resumes • Personal Statements • Testing • Khan Academy • Common Application • Admissions procedures (Timelines, Essays, etc.) • Paying for college • Interviews/College Visits

  9. NAVIANCE • Our college counseling site is NAVIANCE at www.connection.naviance.com/scottsdaleprep • Students will complete: • Junior Planning Survey • Prospective College List • Resume • Use your parent account to see what your student is doing. Username is your email & temporary passwords were sent today!

  10. Standardized Testing • Students need to study Prep Courses (in-person, online, Khan Academy) Prep Books • Take the PSAT on 10/24 - Pay on Configio • Take the ACT and the *SAT in the spring (can re-take preferred test again if needed) • *SAT School Day - SPA will administer a SAT on our campus Tues, 4/9 No registration or fee required. • While researching schools, see which require/recommend SAT Subject Tests (SAT II) • Test Optional Colleges- www.fairtest.org • SPA CEEB Code: 030-661

  11. Parent’s Role • Support your student. Attend evening programs • Speak to them NOW about all restrictions • Communicate with the college counselor • Encourage your student to take the lead in all meetings, phone calls, and emails to colleges • Don’t become “that” parent in the admissions office • Keep asking questions for clarification

  12. Next Steps • Define 6-8 target schools that are a fit. • Be realistic about the student profile. • Research colleges (visit some if possible) • Register and take SAT/ACT; possibly Subject Tests • Family discussions about qualities in a school • Go to college fairs, evening meetings, etc. • Student starts making personal contact with colleges • Utilize Naviance!

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