Planning for College

1. Planning for College What you need to know about the college admissions process

2. Simplify the College Planning Process College opportunities exist for everyone. These five steps can help simplify the planning process: • 1. Understand your situation • 2.Understand admissions factors • 3.Learn about College Admission Testing • 4.Explore college options • 5.Develop a financial plan

3. G.P.A. SAT/ACT Scores Course Background Extra-curricular activities to support major interest Chances of acceptance if I meet general criteria Financial Resources Athletic or special talent Important school qualities Learning Style What Do I Need To Know About Myself?

4. Primary Factors -Quality/Rigor of Academic Courses -Academic Performance/ Grades Grade Point Average -Test Scores (ACT, SAT, SAT Subject Test, AP, etc.) Additional Factors -Extracurricular Activities -Essays -Letters of Recommendation -Demonstrated Interest Factors colleges consider when looking at a student profile.

5. Explore College Options • Now that you know what colleges are looking for, it’s time to put them to the test. Which colleges are right for you?

6. What to Consider • Size and diversity of student body • Location • Academic programs • Campus life –athletics, activities, housing • Graduation and retention rates • Financial aid and scholarship opportunities. Above all, think about where you will be the most happy and successful in your college life.

7. Visit Campuses Get to know a school from the inside: • Take a campus tour. • Speak with an admissions counselor. • Ask about financial aid opportunities. • Sit in on a class of interest. • Read the student newspaper. • Talk to students and faculty. Get to know a school from the inside. • Explore College Options.

8. Get Organized and Apply Narrow and categorize your choices: • -“Safety” schools (1 or 2) • -“On Target” schools (3 to 4) • -“Reach” schools (1 or 2)

9. Get Organized and Apply • Know the deadlines for applications and application requirements. • Review scholarship and financial aid requirements. • Revise application essays and share drafts with a trusted teacher, advisor or family member. • Ask for recommendations and set firm dates for their completion. • Request transcripts and schedule interviews, if needed.

10. Community College18% of SBHS students attend Community Junior Colleges Reasons why Community College is a good fit for some students: • Cost • Grades • Readiness for College • Uncertain Study Path

11. FINANCIAL AID NIGHT DECEMBER 2, 2009 Presented by: Educational Funding Consultants Association 7:00 PM HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM

12. TESTING INFORMATION NIGHT JANUARY 20, 2010 PRESENTED BY REVOLUTION PREP 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM • Understanding the PSAT • SAT vs. ACT

13. Profile of SBHS Students Accepted Most Selective Very Selective Rutgers NJ State Schools (Ivy League) (EX: Duke, Tufts, Wellesley, TCNJ) (Main Campuses) (EX:Rowan, Ramapo, Montclair, Kean) Based on a sample of SBHS students who have been accepted to the above groups of colleges, here are the average statistics they presented - GPA 4.01 3.83 3.52 3.12 # ACAD. UNITS 22 21 21 18 # AP’s 9 6 3 0 # HON’s 11 9 6 1.5 SAT- V (CR) 750 670 550 480 SAT- M 780 700 620 530

14. Research and Resources • Naviance • Test Prep Programs • College Visits / Recruiting

15. NAVIANCE Powerful Web service for parents and students. • College and career planning activities • Dynamic college search and comparison tools • Multimedia college profiles, with your school’s data • Scattergrams of past applications from your school • Scheduled visits by college representatives • Scholarships and aid opportunities • News updates from your office or the school

16. NAVIANCE Students can: • Monitor college transcript requests • Create resumes of their accomplishments • Communicate with their counselor • Conduct custom online surveys including personality profiles and career interests

17. College Representatives and College Visits • College Representatives Students should meet with reps of prospective colleges here or at fairs Remember – every contact counts! • Visit the Colleges you are interested in - First-hand experiences: significantly helpful in decision-making

18. Making a Decision • Try to visit colleges where you’ve been accepted. • Compare financial aid packages. • Reply ON TIME and send your deposit. • Get ready to graduate!

19. College Planning Recap Remember: College opportunities exist for everyone! •Simplify the planning process: • -Understand admissions factors. • -Learn about College Admissions Testing. • -Explore college options. • -Develop a financial plan.

20. NOW WHAT? Your next steps should be to • Register for SAT or ACT and plan to take 2 tests before the end of this year. Plan for SAT II- Subj. Area Tests if needed. • Review your current grades and adjust your work level if needed. • Assess your academic record prior to making course selections for senior year. • Identify what about you makes you special (the “hook”).

21. Your next steps should be …… • Clarify what you are looking for in a college and discuss criteria and parameters at home. • Visit, visit, visit! • Decide which teachers to ask for recommendations and do this before the end of junior year. • Begin to develop resume of activities / honors – school and community. • Oh, yeah …. Did we mention VISIT, VISIT, VISIT ?

22. GOOD LUCK Remember – there is no perfect school, nor is there just one “right” school for a student. Look for good matches and go with the best fit