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Kenmore West College Planning presentation. September 26, 2013 6:30 pm. Many decisions are neccesary when planning for college. Two year or four college? Attend a local school or go away? What do I want to major in? How will I afford college? What kind of career am I thinking about?
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Kenmore WestCollege Planningpresentation September 26, 2013 6:30 pm
Many decisions are neccesary when planning for college Two year or four college? Attend a local school or go away? What do I want to major in? How will I afford college? What kind of career am I thinking about? How much money do I want to make? Where do I see myself in 5-10 years? How do you sort it all out? Careful planning is the key
What are colleges looking for? • GPA • Strength of transcript • Standardized test scores (SAT, SAT II, ACT) • College essay • Letters of recommendation • Community service, clubs and activities • Involvement in athletics, arts, music, etc • Interview
Grade Point Average • Grade Point Average (GPA) is calculated in the fall of senior year. The GPA includes all grades for any high school class the student took in grades 8 – 11. • Courses of higher levels (IB, AP, Honors, Articulated) carry weighting with them for the purpose of computing GPA. IB = 1.10, AP = 1.10, Honors = 1.05, Regents = 1.0 • Students receive GPA in fall of their senior year
Strength of transcript Colleges have “recommended” minimum academic requirements for applicants Look at college websitesunder their Admissions section for requirements
Students are always encouraged to achieve more than the minimum of the suggested requirements. We recommend challenging yourself as much as possible in order to stay competitive. Don’t forget: • AP courses • Articulated courses • Other advanced courses or independent studies These all help strengthen your transcript
Standardized Tests Register for SAT and/or ACT tests SAT – To register: www.collegeboard.com ACT – To register: www.actstudent.org **If you are a special education student planning to take either of these tests, you MUST see your IEP teacher and counselor before you register Standardized tests are not required for admission to a two-year community college
ACT Four parts to the test: English, Math, Reading, Science Reasoning There is also an optional writing section Each section is scored separately, with a total composite score of 36. The cost of the ACT is $36.50, with writing section is $52.50. Both include sending scores to 4 schools at no additional cost. Upcoming test date: October 26, 2013 Registration deadline: by September 27 ($23 late fee) See KW Counseling website or ACT website for additional 2013-14 dates
SAT Three parts to the test: Math, Critical Reading and Writing The Writing section is not optional Each section is 800 points, with a total possible score of 2400 The cost of the SAT is $51.00 (this includes sending scores to 4 schools at no additional cost) Dates & deadlines: Test date: November 2 Registration deadline: October 3 See the KW Counseling website or College Board website for additional 2013-14 test dates & information
SAT & ACT Fee waivers Students are eligible for a fee waiver for these exams if they receive a free or reduced lunch Students can ask for a waiver in the Counseling Center
SAT Subject tests SAT subject tests are hour long, content-based tests that allow you to showcase achievement in specific subjects where you excel. Students choose the test(s) that best show achievement & interest. Certain schools will require a SAT subject test for specific majors Subject tests are offered in the following areas: Literature, US History, World History, Math, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, French, Spanish, Latin, Italian, German and modern Hebrew Recommended that students take these in June of junior year (after for AP exams) Please check with college of interest to see if these are required.
SAT/ACT Test Prep Students can prepare for these tests in a variety of ways. Prep classes Websites Books For a full list of test prep opportunities, see the KW Counseling website.
Sending your scores Many colleges prefer you send your SAT and/or ACT scores directly from the testing company (for security purposes) When you register for either test, you can send your scores to FOUR colleges for free ACT and College Board will charge a fee to have your scores sent to additional colleges SAT & ACT score report fee: $12
Colleges & your scores When most colleges look at your SAT/ACT scores from different administrations, they will look at your top score for each section, or your “Super Score.” Example: May 2013 SAT scores: Writing – 500, Reading – 550, Math – 600 October 2013 SAT scores: Writing – 550, Reading – 500, Math 650 Colleges will use: 550 for Writing, 550 for Reading, and 650 for Math to determine acceptance or placement in a Math or English course
Information about Careers Use online resources such as: The Occupational Outlook Handbook www.bls.gov/oco NY Career Zone www.nycareerzone.org Naviance – website for career and college searches Look for more resources on the KW Counseling webpage – Career Planning
Naviance Family Connection Naviance is a website used by KW for all students to research college information & careers, manage applications, create a resume, and more Students log in by using their KW Novell username and password All current 11th & 12th graders are registered on Naviance. All current 9th and 10th graders will be registered this school year.
Gathering Information Gather information from the KW Career Center Look online at colleges and universities Attend college fairs and visit colleges of your interest this fall. Meet with college representatives in Career Center this fall(see website for complete listing) Visit schools – you won’t know if it’s a good fit for you until you step foot on campus
Senior Review appointments Your school counselor will make an appointment for you to discuss your Senior Review in September or October. During the Senior Review, students will review all credits earned and those that are required to graduate. Students will also review post-high school plans with their counselor and review the college application process. Counselors will follow up with students through the year as needed
Applications All applications can be completed online Students can go to individual college websites to begin the application process or use the Common Application or SUNY website. These sites can be used to fill out one application and have it sent to more than one school. www.commonapp.org www.suny.edu/suny
College Applications SUNY website Online application is secure, fast, easy and available whenever you want to apply. You can start the process, save your work, add campus choices at any time and come back to complete your application at a later date. Cost is $50 per SUNY school. No cost for applying to a two-year community colleges
Common Applications The Common Application is used by almost 500 colleges and universities. Complete one Common Application online, and it can be sent to numerous schools that participate. A college application fee is still required for each school you apply to.
Once a student submits a college application online, it is the student’s responsibility to tell their counselor so transcripts can be sent. Colleges do not notify us when an application is submitted. This is crucial to whether or not you will be accepted. Colleges will not review a student’s application until they have all of your paperwork & information (transcript, SAT/ACT scores, letters of recommendation, essay, etc)
Letters of Recommendation and Essay Some colleges may require letters of recommendation and an essay. Ask 2-3 people to write a recommendation for college applications or scholarships and begin working on college application essay. Make sure to give your teachers enough time so it can get to the colleges on time. Give teachers your resume (can be created on Naviance) so that they can write a quality letter. You may be able to use a general essay you’ve already written but some colleges may want you to write an essay on a specific topic. Ask your current English teacher for help with your essay.
Supplemental Applications Some schools require a Supplemental or Part II application. This is an application in addition to the general application. Each individual school has it’s own procedures about additional requirements. Be sure to read application instructions carefully.
Mid Year Reports Some schools may require a mid year report to check on your 12th grade classes and grades. Mid year reports from the college can be turned into your counselor at any time. KW will sent a copy of your 2nd marking period report card, if the college requires this.
Other application materials: Some schools may require additional materials (ie. art schools may require submitting a portfolio) Check websites or contact admissions offices for more information Students interested in a health or medical field must apply early because these programs fill up quickly Some schools will mail a letter to the student asking for additional or missing information
NCAA If you are interested in participating in athletics during college, you must register with NCAA www.ncaaclearinghouse.net
Scholarships Check the Scholarship file on a regular basis in the Career Center. The Scholarship Bulletin is also available on the Kenmore West Career Center website Talk to friends and relatives about scholarship opportunities through employers Look online for Scholarship opportunities. Obtain scholarship information through www.fastweb.com Scholarships may require any of the following: application, transcript, essay, or letter of recommendation Pay attention to deadlines
Financial Aid Attend Financial Aid Night Kenmore West Aud December 5, 2013 6:30 pm A financial aid office representative from a local college will guide you through the financial aid process. File FAFSA Form between Jan 1 - 31 www.fafasa.ed.gov You may create a username and obtain a PIN prior to January 1 on the FAFSA website *Do not let the tuition cost of a private college prevent you from applying. Private colleges often offer comparable financial aid & scholarship packages for students vs. public colleges
College Acceptance Students should know whether they have been accepted by early spring (every college has a different timeline) Applicants may either be accepted, wait listed or denied admission Once all offers are on the table, weigh the pros and cons of each school, together with the financial packages offered and make the best decision for you
Please feel free to call or email us at any time with questions or concerns Last name • Mr. Gourlay: A-Ci • Mrs. Sedita: Cj – Go • Mrs. Serio: Gp-Le • Mr. Panepinto: Lf-Par • Mrs. Handley: Pas-Si • Mrs. Flatau: Sj-Z Use our website for additional help: www.kenton.k12.ny.us Kenmore West – Services – Counseling & Career Ctr