March 21, 2013 Further Education Planning Program for Parents

1. March 21, 2013Further Education Planning Program for Parents Presented by: Kim Knabb and Tony Lombardo SHS Guidance Counselors

2. College Planning for Juniors • Individual sessions with counselors are beginning • Students will receive the ABC’s of College Planning book • College search will be done online using College Search tool in Family Connection (through Naviance) • Counselors will help each student develop a list of colleges that matches their academic profile and other search criteria • After their initial sessions, students may seek out their counselors with any further questions about the college search process

3. Why Attend College? Analyze your interests and values: • Desire for learning or knowledge • Career interests • Future earning power • Attaining required credentials for desired career • Personal or family goals • Social aspects (meeting new people, developing new interests)

4. Consider College Characteristics • Type of School and Degrees Offered • Majors and Educational Programs • Location and Size • Admission Policy – Selectivity • Costs and Financial Aid • NJ Stars – top 15% • Campus Activities • Support Services

5. What Counts with AdmissionsWhen You Apply? • Grades in core curriculum courses • SAT and/or ACT scores • Strength of curriculum • Rigor of senior year courses • Cumulative GPA • Class rank • Essay and/or writing sample • Counselor & teacher recommendations • Extracurricular activities • Student’s demonstrated interest

6. Strong Preparation: • Most colleges require students to meet certain college preparatory curriculum standards. But just meeting the minimum is not necessarily the best way to prepare for college. Strong preparation means going beyond the minimum – taking a rigorous program of studies can enhance your chances.

7. Strength of Curriculum If a student is planning to go to college, it’s important to take the right classes in high school. Some universities may require fewer subjects than we’ve recommended here, but for strong preparation, students should plan to take the following: English 4 years of English are required. This will give students the skills they will need to understand literature and write effectively. Math3 years are required, but 4 years will give students the best possible preparation, as students who take 4 years in high school are generally more successful in college mathematics than students who take only 3 years

8. Strength of Curriculum(Continued) Science3 - 4 years of lab sciences are recommended—even if a student does not plan to pursue a science-related field. Social Studies3 years will give students the ability to understand and contribute to the world in which they live. World Language 2 - 3 years of the same language is recommended. Many universities require their students to study a world language. Most four year colleges require two consecutive years of the same world language.

9. Developing a Final List(by beginning of Senior Year) Reach Schools (1 or 2) *Schools that present an admission challenge – their average GPA and SAT scores are slightly higher than yours. Realistic Schools (2 to 4) *Schools whose admission criteria mmatch your credentials. Safety Schools (1 or 2) *Schools whose average GPA and SAT scores are slightly below yours.

11. Admission Trends Consider: Most who apply to 4-year U.S. colleges get into the more than 2,100 U.S. colleges and universities Easier to apply to college (Common Application and other online apps) Growing number of colleges do not require SAT/ACT scores (nearly 850 currently) • More students applying than ever before • Competition to get into selective colleges is more intense than ever before • Students are applying to more schools

12. Admissions Factors High School GPA’s are often recalculated by colleges Many colleges track students’ interest in attending and will use it as a factor in the admission decision Private colleges are more likely to give weight to factors like extracurricular activities or the essay • Top tier colleges report that fewer than 5% of students who apply gain admission • Merit scholarships have become more common as colleges award money to applicants for academic, artistic or athletic merit • Colleges are now using a more comprehensive admissions philosophy

13. Sources for Research • School Counselor • Computer Search Programs (Naviance) • College Guide Books, Catalogs, & Web Sites • College Fairs, Open Houses and Receptions • Visiting College Campuses

14. COLLEGE FAIRS SHS Mini College Fair Sparta High School Main Gym April 16th 10:17 - 12:00 PM National College Fair New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center April 24th 6:00 – 9:00 PM

15. SAT (Current Year) May 4th – deadline April 5th June 1st – deadline May 7th SAT (Next Year) October 5th November 2nd December 7th January 25th ACT (Current Year) April 13th—(late March 22nd) June 8th – deadline May 3rd ACT (Next Year) September 21st October 26th December 14th February 8th SAT & ACT Dateswww.collegeboard.orgwww.actstudent.org *Juniors should take at least one SAT this Spring

16. NCAA Eligibility Center(for athletes interested in Division I or II sports): www.eligibilitycenter.org

17. What’s Next? In September: Group Meetings: Go over the transcript request process Hand out transcripts for review Individual meetings: Review the application process as it pertains to each student

18. Program Summary • Individual sessions • ABC’s of College Planning book • College Search in Family Connection • Develop a list of colleges • Counselors assist with any further questions

19. Questions?

20. Thank You for Attending! Have a Safe Ride Home