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Junior Parent Meeting. September 19th, 2013 What You Need to Know About the College Search Process. Welcome!. During this meeting, you will learn about the college search process , college preparation, and a little about financial aid. Importance of Parental Involvement.
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Junior Parent Meeting September 19th, 2013 What You Need to Know About the College Search Process
Welcome! During this meeting, you will learn about the college search process, college preparation, and a little about financial aid.
Importance of Parental Involvement “Parenting the College Applicant.” Child’s role: research, applications, meeting deadlines, writing essays, etc. Your role: Support, encouragement, supervision of child’s above roles. “If you find yourself referring to “our application,” you are not allowing your child enough room.” My role: Provide you and your child with information and resources to have a successful college search experience.
College and Career Weekly Updates Find it on our website, outside the guidance office, posted on our bulletin board.
College Preparation Action Plan • This is a checklist of what will need to be done in the Junior Year… • Fall • College Fair- September 25th- 12-2 • Set goals for school year • Prepare for PSAT – October 16th… $14, students may qualify for National Merit Scholarships.
College Preparation Action Plan • Winter • Help prepare student for SAT/ACT/SAT subject tests-success in academic area • AP Tests • Discuss taking challenging courses • Spring • Search for best fit colleges • Research scholarships • Summer plans, visit colleges • Take first SAT/ACT test
College Preparation Action Plan Military Academies? Better start now – the application process is quite detailed…
Throughout the Year… Start creating a resume Start/continue college search (college fair, visits, web research) Explore career interest paths Be aware of SAT dates Stay on track of credits and requirements to graduate Stay active in extra-curriculars
How to Make the Right Choice Definition of “Right”: Where the student will be happy and successful academically and socially. More than 1 “right” fit… may not be a “perfect” fit
Academic Considerations Academic programs that interest your child What is the learning environment? Competitive or not so much? Class size or teaching style? What level of intellectual curiosity, maturity, and motivation does your child have?
Social Interests What size is best? Urban, rural, suburban? Diverse population? Availability of extracurricular activities? Coed dorms vs. single sex dorms How far from home? Be prepared for a lot of “I don’t know…”
10 Most Common Things that Influence Students to Apply to a College Academic Offerings Level of Selectivity Competitiveness between students Facilities Costs Size of College Student – Teacher Ratio Diversity Location Campus Setting…
NCAA • Requirements for Division I and Division II sports… • All information can be found at: www.ncaaclearinghouse.net
College Comparison Chart Useful Chart – tool used to generate desired college characteristics and to start a list of potential colleges that could be the right fit. MAKE COLLEGE VISITS! Go when college is in session. Visit a class, stay overnight, appointments to financial aid, visit athletic coaches…
STAY ORGANIZED! • Start a file folder for each school your child is interested in. • Keep all important research materials in the folder: • School descriptions, visit evaluation forms, newspapers • Application materials, financial aid info, etc.
What are College Admissions Counselors Looking For? THE FIVE P’s: Program: academically prepared, quality of courses Performance: grades – G.P.A., Class Rank Potential: college admissions tests, transcripts Personality: essay, letters, interviews, who you are, recommendations Participation: leadership, athletic, clubs, etc
How Many Schools Should I Have? 2-3 Reach Schools student’s academic record on bottom end of school’s requirements 2-3 Safety Schools student’s academic record on the top end of the school’s requirements 2-3 Good Match Schools Students academics match school’s requirements Remember – Applying costs MONEY.
Financial Aid 2/3 of college undergrads receive some form of financial aid About 40% of financial aid money comes in the form of student loans; rest are grants, scholarships, federal work-study, and tax credits and deductions. Financial need will not hurt your chances of being admitted Both need-based and merit-based Contact Bridgett Marshall for more information
Questions? Lindsey Bateman– 11th grade counselor Email: lindsey_bateman@rockbridge.k12.va.us Phone: (540) 463.6150