Junior/Parent College Planning Meeting Thursday, Feb. 7, 2008

1. Junior/Parent College Planning MeetingThursday, Feb. 7, 2008 Welcome to the College Selection Process

2. Introduction Thanks for coming! • What the Seniors are doing now. • What JUNIORS have done and will do this year. Junior year is time for identifying specific colleges that match your abilities, talents, personality and family preferences. Have a list of 5–15 by the end of the year.

3. MYTHS about COLLEGE SELECTION (See handout)

4. Myths: 1. Investigating colleges is an unpleasant chore. 2. There is a PERFECT college for everyone. 3. I’ve never heard of this college, so it can’t be any good.

5. Myths: (cont.) 4. I heard that a student from another high school got into College X with lower GPA & test scores than mine. How can that be? 5. There is no way my family can afford an expensive college.

6. Myths: (cont.) 6. To find the right college, you must first decide on a major or career. 7. The most important factor in admissions is SAT/ACT test scores. 8. Go for the easy “A” in a less difficult class.

7. Rankings & Ratings See Handout

8. Rankings & Ratings • Most Competitive • Highly Competitive See Handout for Examples of Colleges in each area. • Very Competitive • Moderately Competitive • Less Competitive • Non-Competitive

9. Resources & Tools … to help families in the College Selection Process

10. 1. The Chaminade Portal College Selection Process Link The Junior Year Timeline

11. # 2 Resource: Introducing A GREAT tool to help you with the Selection Process & the Application Process COLLEGE FAMILY CONNECTION

12. What can FAMILY CONNECTION do??? 1.Do a thorough COLLEGE SEARCH by preferences 2. Keep track of your COLLEGE LIST and APPLICATIONS 3. Compare your personal data with those of past CCP alumni who applied to colleges that are on your list 4. Quickly obtain data on any college in the country And much, much, much, much more. Stay tuned for future updates on this powerful tool!!!

13. Here is what you will see when you log in to Naviance FAMILY CONNECTION “HOW TO” Access

14. Other Resources: • People (family, friends, college reps, etc.) • Print media (mailings, guide books, etc.) • Internet (Google, etc.)

15. What colleges look for in students (See Handout) Objective Data: Subjective Data: • Academic Record • Personal Qualities • Essays • Strength of curriculum • Teacher recommendations • Test Scores • Interviews

16. What colleges look for in students (cont.) Supplemental Data: • School Profile • Secondary School Report • Special talents • Athletics • Legacy

17. Standardized Tests used in College Admissions • 1. The “PSAT”: (Preliminary SAT Test) • A shortened version of the SAT, mainly used for practice for the real SAT • Given in the 10th & 11th grades in Oct. • Will provide a rough estimate of what student will get on the real SAT taken late in Jr. year • Jr. year results used to determine National Merit honors • A great test preparation tool

19. 2. The “PLAN” (Preliminary ACT Test) • A shortened version of the ACT, mainly used for practice for the real ACT • Given only in the 10th grade in Oct. • Will provide a rough estimate of what student will get on the real ACT taken late in Jr. year • A great test preparation tool N.B.No PLAN test is given in the JR. year

20. How are students prepared for these tests and how are the results utilized? • Students are given sample practice test booklets and proper testing techniques are discussed before each test date. • Students are encouraged to use previous test results to prepare for upcoming tests. • Results are returned and thoroughly explained. • Test question booklets and right & wrong answers are returned so students can learn from their mistakes. N.B. Colleges do NOT get these scores!!!

21. 3. The SAT & ACT Recommendations & Sequence: • All Juniors should take BOTH SAT & ACT. • Most will take them for the first time early or late Spring (dates are on calendar and website). • In December, all Juniors were given registration forms and instructions on how to register, but they must complete the process on their own.

22. The SAT & ACT Recommended Sequence: (cont.) • Most colleges will take the student’s best scores over several testing sessions. • Students should have these scores forwarded to the colleges they are interested in. • Most students will retake one or both of these tests in the Fall of their Senior year.

23. A word about Test Preparation Methods

24. Types of Test Prep • Commercial Test Prep Courses & Individualized Tutoring (consult counselors for recommendations) • Self-Help Materials • In school (Jr. Yr English Class) • CD roms, Manuals, Practice Tests (old PSAT’s & PLAN)

25. Who needs EXTRA Test Prep & How much?

26. Meeting with college Reps • at CCP • at Fairs • at hotel programs • via phone & internet Visiting Colleges (See Web Page) • See webpage

27. A few other items

28. Next School Year’s Course Registration Information • Sign up process starts in early Jan. • Talk over course selection with your son. • Make realistic choices based on: 1. Your past performance 2. Your ability 3. Your anticipated extra-curricular involvements 4. Possible College choices and major • Get teacher approval for all advanced courses. • Complete the online process by the deadline.

29. College & Athletics (see web)

30. Consider Valuable Summer Opportunities • Make good use of your time. • Will improve you resume for college. • Makes students more well-rounded. • See Portal for listing for opportunities.

31. Schedule a family conference. Call for an appointment.

32. Concluding Remarks before the Student & Parent Panel • Get familiar with Chaminade’sThe College Information Web Page. It has a wealth of information on everything related to theCollege Selection Process. • Best of luck with your College Search!

33. Now for a short break followed by: A STUDENT & PARENT PANEL Don’t go away!!!

34. Will you SURVIVE the College Process?

35. Get those college applications turned in!

36. Thanks for coming!