Post-Secondary Planning

1. Post-Secondary Planning Valley Regional High School School Counseling Department January 8, 2014 VRHS Library

2. The School Counselors Current grade 11 counselor distribution by student last name: • Ms. Sarah McKinney: A-F • Mr. Yves Noiset: G-M • Ms. Lorraine Duffy: N-Z

3. The College Search • Junior U.S. History classroom presentations. • Online college search programs 1. Naviance: College Search *Under: “Student Resources” on VRHS website. 2.College Board: www.collegeboard.com *Click on “College Search” • Post-Secondary EXPO

4. College Admission Requirements Four Year College/University • High School transcript • Rigor of courses • Test scores (SAT/ACT/SAT II) • Letters of Recommendation • College Essay • Portfolio/Auditions if applying to a fine arts program

5. College Admission Requirements 2 year Community College • SAT/ACT not required • Placement test will be given at the community college • Less expensive option • Associates Degree or Certificate programs • Transfer options/agreements

6. College Admission Requirements Technical School/Career • Trade programs/Certificate programs • Valley Post-Secondary EXPO • School-to-Career (Mrs. Hambor) can help students with job shadowing and career internship opportunities. Internships will be required as a Capstone Experience during a student’s senior year.

7. Testing Requirements The SAT • Comprised of 3 sections (Critical Reading, Math and Writing) • A student can score a possible score of 800 on each section • 2400 is the highest SAT score possible • Spring of junior year and fall of senior year

8. Testing Requirements The SAT II Subject Tests: • SAT II’s are offered in a variety of subjects • Colleges and universities that are more competitive may want to see 2-3 subject tests • Plan testing dates in advance

9. Testing Requirements • All registration info and testing dates for both the SAT I and SAT II can be found on the College Board website www.collegeboard.com • Registration packets also available in School Counseling Dept.

10. Testing Requirements The ACT • Alternative test to the SAT • Has a Math, Reading, Science and optional Writing section • Registration and testing dates can be found at: www.actstudent.org

11. The Application Process How do I get an application? • Applications are completed online. • You can access a college application on their individual website. • If a college is a member of the Common Application, you can apply on their website www.commonapp.org.

12. The Application Process What is the Common Application? • The Common Application allows students to apply to multiple colleges and universities using a single application form.

13. The Application Process Different ways to apply: • Early Decision • Early Action • Regular Admissions • Rolling Admissions

14. The Application Process When it comes to sending the application, who sends what? Students send: • Application fee • Application • College essay • Portfolio/Auditions (if necessary for program) **Will also need to turn in Transcript Request Form to Counseling Dept and request to have transcripts sent on Naviance**

15. The Application Process Once a student has requested transcripts and letters of recommendation on Naviance, the Counseling Dept sends: • High School Transcript • School Report Form • Counselor Letter of Recommendation • School Profile • Senior Year Course Schedule Students MUST also fill out a Transcript Request Form to have these materials sent.

16. The Application Process Teachers send: • Letter of Recommendation--once students have invited them to write in Naviance. Teacher letters are submitted electronically through Naviance. • Student should provide teachers with stamped and addressed envelopes onlyif the college does not accept electronic forms. • Ask Teachers EARLY!!!

17. Visiting Colleges • School vacation weeks • During the summer • Talk to college admissions office to schedule a tour, interview, overnight, etc.

18. Athletics NCAA Eligibility Center www.eligibilitycenter.org • Need to register if interested in Division I & II athletic programs. • Do not need to register for Division III.

19. Summer Mailing • Look for information on the college application process in the first newsletter that goes out in August.

20. Financial Aid • Financial Aid Night at Valley. • For Parents of Seniors • Held each December • FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) • CSS Profile • Scholarships

21. Financial Aid Helpful Financial Aid websites: www.fafsa.ed.gov www.collegeboard.com www.fastweb.com www.finaid.org www.salliemae.com http://student.collegeboard.org/css-financial-aid-profile

22. Additional Resources www.commonapp.org (Common Application) www.rotc.com (ROTC programs) www.ctmentor.org (college search/financial aid) www.connections.naviance.com/valleyrhs (college/career) www.careerplanner.com (career search) www.careers.org (career search and info) www.gap-year.com (year between h.s./college programs) www.commnet.edu (CT Community Colleges) www.fairtest.org (listing of colleges that don’t need SAT) www.collegeweeklive.com (online college fairs)

23. School Counseling Website www.vrhs.reg4.k12.ct.us • Run the cursor over the “Counseling” link for a drop down menu of resources; or click on “Counseling” to go directly to our website. • Info on College Rep Visits, SAT/ACT registration, Financial Aid, FAQs, etc.

24. Q&A Remember: organization and following timelines are key—keep deadlines in mind! We’re here to help as you embark on the post secondary planning process! Thank you for attending!