THE ROAD TO COLLEGE

1. THE ROAD TO COLLEGE Presented by The BHS Counseling Department

2. Today You Will Learn About: • BHS Graduation Requirements • Post Secondary Options • Factors to consider when researching colleges • Factors involved in the admission decisions of colleges. • Other things to consider, ie financial aid, scholarships, NCAA.

3. BHS Graduation Requirements–Class of 2018 • 4 credits of English • 4 credits of Math (through algebra II & including a credit of math senior year) • 3 credits of history (World, US I and US II) • 3 credits of science (all lab-based) • 22 credits total • Passing ELA, math and science MCAS

4. Post Secondary Options • College • 4 year college Bachelors • 2 year college Associate • Employment • Career / Technical School • Military • Gap Year Programs

5. Finding a College • Public and Private College • Size • Location • Campus Culture • Majors • Selectivity • Cost • Extracurricular Activities • Special Programs

6. Developing A List • Be OPEN MINDED to schools • Start with a larger list then narrow it when it is time to apply • Ideally apply to 6-8 schools • 1-2 Reach Schools • 2-3 Probable schools • 1-2 Best Chance schools • Consider academics and finances when developing your list. • Should include a financially feasible option

7. Resources to Build a List • Attend open houses and tours • Use February and April Vacations • College Rep visits at BHS/College Fairs • Speak to current students • Schedule interview (if offered) • College websites

8. Factors Colleges Consider • Transcript - Most Important • GPA, Courses (Levels and Subjects), & Grades • ACT and SAT • Essay(s) • Extracurricular Activities/ Leadership/ Work • Letters of Recommendation

9. Standing Out in the Admissions Process • Challenge yourself in course selection • Go beyond the minimum requirements • Take the ACT/SAT more than once • Trending upward • Rigorous senior year • Demonstrate interest – tours, interviews

10. ACT and/or SAT • Preparing is absolutely essential to success on these tests. • Junior year: • ACT in April or June • SAT in May or June (Subject test for SAT may be required for competitive colleges) • Senior year: • Students should retake the test on which they did their best • More than 880 colleges are Test Optional – www.fairtest.org

11. NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) • Student athletes intending to play NCAA Division I or II sports must register with the NCAA • Regardless of what Division you want to play, it is important to learn about the NCAA requirements early and understand the NCAA rules. • Visit www.ncaa.org to learn more.

12. Student Timeline • Fall/Winter of Junior Year • Attend group meetings with counselor in computer labs • Utilize Naviance to research colleges and careers • Focus on Grades! • Spring/Summer of Junior Year • Visit Colleges – February/April vacations • Add Colleges to “Colleges I’m Thinking About” in Naviance • Take the ACT • Autobiographical Statement – English classes • College Essay – English classes • Junior Group meeting in June • Thoughtfully select senior year courses with counselor • Focus on Grades!

13. Student Timeline • Fall Senior Year • Small group senior meetings in computer labs in September • Retake ACTs or SATs • Continue to visit schools • Finalize list of colleges in Naviance - “Colleges I’m Applying To”

14. Valuable Resources • Use Naviance for: • General Information about Colleges and Careers • Admission Requirements • Deadlines (verify with websites) • Compare your profile to previous graduates • BHS School Counseling Website

15. CLOSING THOUGHTS • Keep the process in perspective • Work together as a family • Students must take ownership • Discuss finances openly • Start early and meet all deadlines • Communicate!!!!