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CLASS OF 2013. College & Post High School Planning. Why are we here?. Focus is on college planning 92% of PCH students attend 2 or 4 year colleges/universities Cover the basics now Make an appointment with your counselor to discuss your specific needs. CLASS OF 2013 266 Ranked Students.
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CLASS OF 2013 College &Post High School Planning
Why are we here? • Focus is on college planning • 92% of PCH students attend 2 or 4 year colleges/universities • Cover the basics now • Make an appointment with your counselor to discuss your specific needs
CLASS OF 2013266 Ranked Students • Competitiveness • Reputation of PCH • Scholarships often include rank in criteria
Where should I apply? • Should have a good idea by mid-October • Steps to take if you’re struggling: • Make an appointment with your counselor • Family Connection – college searches • On-campus college visits • PCH college rep visits • Attend college fairs
Counselor Contact • Our role: • Provide resources to help YOUmake the best decision • Submit transcripts and school forms • Make appointments through Ms. Reynolds • Communicate via e-mail
What do colleges look for? • Academic record (Rank/GPA) • Rigor of coursework • Test scores (ACT/SAT) • Extracurricular activities • Special talents (music, art, athletics, etc.) • Leadership, community service, unique qualities
Selectivity • Highly selective • May admit only 1-2 students from PCH • Open admissions • Require high school diploma • Everything in between • Terms we often use: • “Stretch” or “Reach” • “Safety”
On-Campus Visits • You can’t really tell what a college is like until you’ve been • Things to look for on a visit: • Academics (class sizes, TAs or professors, etc.) • Location/size of town • Housing • Student Life • Security
College Rep Visits • Shows interest and allows you to meet with an admissions representative • Check FAMILY CONNECTION for a listing of all college rep visits • Register on-line and print a pass • Have questions ready - - you might even get a one-on-one appointment
Upcoming College Fairs • September 27 – Parkway College Fair • @ Parkway North High (6:30-8 p.m.) • October 21 – National College Fair • @ St. Louis University (12-3 p.m.)
Types of Admissions • Rolling – notification once application is processed • Early action – early deadline; early notification; non-binding • Early decision – binding agreement if admitted; usually prohibited from applying to any other schools • Special programs – may require separate applications
Admissions Decisions • Admit – You’re in (contingent upon final transcript) • Deny – You’re not in (may still send updated transcripts or test scores) • Wait list – You’re not in yet, but you’re on a list if an opening becomes available • Deferred – You still don’t know…the decision is being moved to a later date (may still send updated transcripts, resume, additional rec letter) Update your status in Family Connection
Applications and Fees • Majority of applications are now completed and submitted online • Pay application fees online with credit card • Students on Free/Reduced Lunch may be eligible for fee waivers for college applications – see your counselor
Financial Aid • Grants – based on need; do not repay • Loans – must be repaid, with interest • Work Study – based on need; part-time employment during school • FAFSA – used to apply for all need-based aid • Apply after January 1, 2013 • PIN creation (www.pin.ed.gov) • FAFSA4caster
Scholarships • Check FAMILY CONNECTION and listen to announcements for scholarships • Searching for additional scholarships: • www.fastweb.com • www.scholarship.com • School specific (may require separate application) • Never pay for scholarship searches
Senior Year • Senior year counts • Acceptance is conditional until final transcript • Entering college on probation • ACT/SAT • Do you need to take/retake? Do you need Plus Writing or Subject Tests? • Caution: e-mail addresses; social networking
A Few Tips • DO some self-study and investigation to find out what fits you best • Career searches and personality inventories on Family Connection • DO visit colleges • DO keep counselors informed (deadlines, decisions, etc.) • DON’T procrastinate
Transcripts • Must have Authorization to Release Records on file (green form) • Transcript and test score requests must be made in Family Connection • It is your responsibility to ensure everything has been received by the college
Forms • Common App • SSR, MYR, FR – done electronically • Teacher Evaluation Forms – electronically or mailed, depending on letter writer • College Specific Forms • Counselor/School Reports (i.e., Indiana, Tulane, Truman, SLU) must be printed and given to your counselor and/or letter writers
Letters of Recommendation • Only request letters if necessary • Give 2-3 weeks notice • Ask core teachers from 11th or 12th grade • Provide addressed, stamped envelope if letter writer prefers mailing • If letter writer prefers submitting electronically, send them a request through Family Connection (after discussing with them!) • See counselor for specific requirements/forms • Be aware of deadlines and keep everyone informed!
DEMO http://connection.naviance.com/pkwyctrl