Welcome Seniors

1. Welcome Seniors Bear Creek High School Class of 2018

2. BCHS Counseling dept • Kristen Kofoed (A-C) • Matt Schacht (D-I) • Gretchen Slaughter (J-M) • Joy Pearson (N-Sc) • Valerie Smrt (Sd-Z) • Interns: • Jess Bennett • Erin Noonan • Ann Wygle

3. What are you going to do after high school? Based on survey of 2017 Senior Class • 4 year college 54% • 2 year college 32% • Military 1% • Work 13%

4. Of those who continued their education: • 92% planned to stay in CO to further their education • Based on Survey of 2017 graduating seniors

5. Colorado has 34 two and four year colleges • 19 Four year colleges & universities • 15 public/4 private • 15 Two year community & junior colleges • 29 are governed by the CO Commission on Higher Education (CCHE) What’s the difference?

6. four year colleges Examples: Metropolitan State University, Colorado College, University of Colorado, Colorado State University, University of Denver

7. Two year colleges Examples: Red Rocks Community College, Northwestern Junior College

8. Career and technical education • Warren Tech Adult Programs: • Auto Collision Repair • Auto Customization • Automotive Technology • Cosmetology: Esthetics, Nail Tech, Hairstyling • Dental Assisting • Power Equipment/Motorcycle Technology • Welding • Adult students please contact the Warren Tech/Red Rocks Community College liaison at 303-982-0695 for information.

9. Other options • Military:The military can offer benefits such as college fund assistance. ASVAB, 10/19/17- Sign up with Mrs. Slaughter. • Job Corps:Free education and training program that helps young people learn a career, earn a high school diploma or GED, and find and keep a good job. • Get a Job: http://www.jeffcoyouthworks.org • Apprenticeship: provide structure, on-the-job training under the supervision of a qualified member of that profession. • Apprenticeship options: Construction skilled trades, Cosmetology, Dental Assistant, Fire Medic, Law Enforcement Agent, Pharmacy Tech, etc. • For more information visit: https://www.dol.gov/featured/apprenticeship or www.coworkforce.com

10. Explore career options • Log on to Naviance– Do What you Are survey, Career Interest Profiler • O*NET: www.onetonline.org • OOH- Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/ooh/ • College In Colorado: www.collegeincolorado.org • See your counselor!

11. COLLEGE

12. Choosing your College priorities What is important to you? • Location • Total Cost- including aid • Academics • Size • Support Services • Majors Offered • Admission Requirements • Clubs & Activities • Housing Options

13. College visits • Check Naviance for current list • Students sign up on Naviance for the visit • Students must PRINT the Naviance College Visit Page for a pass

14. College fairs

15. Quick review! • What type of degree do you earn at a four year college or university? • Bachelors degree • Name an option for after graduation besides a two or four year school. • Career, military, Job Corps, Apprenticeship • Name 3 of our school counselors. • Kofoed • Schacht • Slaughter • Pearson • Smrt

17. What really matters in college admissions? Many factors influence admissions decisions including: • Grades in All Courses • Strength of Curriculum • Admission Test Scores (SAT, ACT) • Essay • Student’s Demonstrated Interest • Counselor and Teacher Recommendations • Subject Test Scores (AP, IB) • Extracurricular Activities

20. SAT retakes

21. ACT

22. 6 steps for applying to college • Apply online on college website. • Determine if letter of recommendation is required. • Confirm college is on YOUR list in Naviance. • Pick up a transcript request form from counseling office. • Return completed form with all signatures and $3 per application. • Confirm with college that application is complete.

23. Recommendation Letters (Send ONLY if required) • Speak to your counselor to discuss the need for a letter of recommendation. • Ask for recommendations in person. Do not email or drop the request in a mailbox or on a desk. • Choose people who will give you a strong recommendation– if a teacher, preferably in the subject area of your college major. • Log in to Naviance and complete “Letter of Recommendation Questionnaire.” • Allow a minimum of two weeks for the completion of the letter. • Write a ‘Thank You’ note to the person who completed a letter of recommendation.

24. FAFSA.gov

25. Next steps for seniors • In School • Stay focused on academics • Meet with your school counselor early to discuss college plans • Talk with teachers regarding letters of recommendation • Standardized Testing • Prepare, register, and retake SAT/ACT if necessary • College Applications • Meet with college representatives • Attend College Night– Sept 18th, 6-8 pm @ BCHS!! • Narrow college choices and apply • Complete applications by October 31 • Complete the FAFSA- Opens October 1 • Visit colleges

26. Combating “senioritis” Your senior year MATTERS! • Maintain a challenging course load • Enjoy your senior experience responsibly • Commit to an internship, career-focused job, or volunteer • Keep a calendar of activities and deadlines (tests, college applications, senior year events, etc.) • Don’t obsess over the admissions process. Just get started and keep moving.

27. BCHS Counseling dept • Kristen Kofoed (A-C) • Matt Schacht (D-I) • Gretchen Slaughter (J-M) • Joy Pearson (N-Sc) • Valerie Smrt (Sd-Z) • Interns: • Jess Bennett • Erin Noonan • Ann Wygle

28. Coming up… • BCHS College Night • September 18, 2017 • 6:00- 8:00 pm • Starts in the Auditorium • College Application Workshop • During parent-teacher conferences 9/27, 9/28 • Optional Financial Aid meeting • November 9 • During Connections

29. What have you learned? • Where can you sign up for college visits? • Naviance • What is the application you fill out for financial aid? • FAFSA- Free Application for Federal Student Aid • Where can you find a BCHS transcript request form? • The counseling office or the counseling website