Senior College Information Night

1. Senior College Information Night October 9, 2012

2. Guidance Department Tracey Pirozzolo (Grades 10-12) • tpirozzolo@pbcschools.org • 776-6100 ext 1140 Kevin Barber (Grades 7-9) • kbarber@pbcschools.org • 776-6100 ext 1142

3. Are SAT/ACT tests required? • Standardized tests are not required at every school. • Not required for admission to most community colleges but may be required to be considered for scholarships at that college • Some four year schools are test optional • Ithaca, SUNY Potsdam, Nazareth…

4. Standardized Tests • SAT 1: Reasoning Test • SAT 2: Subject Tests • ACT • Typically taken in Spring of Junior Year, and/or Fall of Senior Year • Next SAT: December 1 (register by Nov. 1) • Next ACT December 8 (register by Nov 2) • Verify requirements with admissions at each school you are considering

5. SAT 1: Reasoning Test • Traditional College Entrance Exam • Register at www.collegeboard.com • 3 hours, 35 minutes • 3 Sections: Critical Reading, Math, Writing • Each section is worth 800 points • Most schools look at Reading and Math only • Cost: $48.00 • Next test: Dec 1, register by Nov 1st or late register by November 16 • January 26th exam, register by December 28

6. PSAT • Go back and review your PSAT scores and the suggestions that were given to you on how to improve. • If anyone needs an additional copy of your scores- I have them in the guidance office • Remember to review MyCollegeQuickStart • College and Career Planning Kit- customized based on your interests

7. SAT 2: Subject Tests • Required at Highly Selective Colleges • Check with the Admissions Office if you are unsure • Tests are offered in the areas of: Math, English, US History, World History, French, Spanish, Chemistry, and Biology. • Best to take these immediately following the class • Cannot be taken on the same day as the SAT 1 • One hour long each, can take up to 3 in one day • Register at www.collegeboard.com

8. Score Choice • Gives you the option to choose which scores (by test date) you would like to send. • Sign up for when you are registering. • Can select 4 schools to send your scores to for free. • If you do not sign up for score choice you will have to request your scores are sent for a fee of $9.00 per school. • We also put whichever scores you would like on your transcript when we send it to the colleges you apply to. • Most colleges are fine with this method, however some may require that the scores come directly from collegeboard

9. ACT • Register at www.actstudent.org • Cost: $35.00 • Next test: December 8, register by Nov 2 • Measure achievement in: Math, English, Reading and Science • Score- ranges from 1-36 • ACT Composite- average score of all four subtest areas.

10. New for 2012-2013 • Photos will now be required to register for the SAT and ACT • SAT- Beginning with the March test administration • ACT- Requires photos now • Can be uploaded from the web, an IPhone, IPod touch, any Android mobile device • We will have the capability once we get school photos back • Done to ensure the integrity of the test • If someone does not have access they can mail a photo to ACT

11. Fee Waivers • Are available for SAT, ACT and College Applications • Please see me if you are interested • There are many ways to qualify including… • Free or reduced lunch • Visit schools when they are here at PB • Going on a campus visit

12. How to Apply • www.commonapp.org • www.suny.edu • At the website of the prospective college • Often colleges will give out applications with the fee waived if you visit in person or visit when they come to the guidance office

13. Admission Criteria • How are applicants evaluated? • Strength of high school academics • GPA/ Class Rank • SAT/ACT scores • Extra curricular Activities • Letters of Recommendation • Essay • Appearance of Application • Did it arrive on time?

14. Admission Terms • Early Action: Students apply early and receive a decision well in advance of the regular date. Non binding • Early Decision: Students make a commitment to a 1st choice institution. If they are admitted they will definitely enroll. Deadline usually Nov. 15th • Regular Decision: submit application by a specified date (usually Jan 1 or 15) • Rolling Admissions: Application accepted and reviewed as they are received.

15. Selecting A College • Try to narrow it down to 5-6 Schools • Have one “Reach” School • Three – Four “Likely” Schools that are a good match academically and otherwise) • One – Two “Safety” Schools

16. Selecting a College • Begin by comparing 6 main points: • Academic Programs: do they have what you are interested in? Strength of program? • Location • School Size • Setting (Rural, Suburban or Urban) • Living Conditions (dorms, apartments) • Athletic Programs, Other Facilities (Pool, Performing Arts Center, etc)

17. Selecting a College • Do not make cost a factor in your initial search. Wait and see what they offer you in terms of a financial package.

18. Going on A College Visit • Call Admissions Office- set up a visit in advance • Bring copy of your transcript • Sit in on a class • Eat in the Dining Hall • Have a list of questions ready to ask • (see list in packet) • Be prepared for questions they may ask you

19. College Visitation • Talk with students on campus • Send a Thank you to the Admissions counselor that you met with. • You may not want to interview at your top choice first. Go somewhere else first to get experience interviewing first • Some colleges may waive your application fee if you go on an interview • Attend Fall or Spring Open Houses • Usually require advance registration • More formalized program

20. Writing the College Essay • Typically Evaluated on 3 Main Parts: • Ability to use written English correctly including grammar, spelling, and punctuation. • Content, substance and depth of insight • Creativity and Originality

21. Do’s and Don’ts for Your Essay • Adapted from Peterson’s Best College Admission Essays: • Be interesting but more importantly, be yourself • Strive for quality not quantity. Be concise and stay positive • Stick to your topic • Write about something you feel strongly about, a life changing event or a significant person who has influenced you.

22. The College Essay • Make sure you have the correct college name on your essay. • Edit and revise several times. • Have a parent, teacher or counselor proofread • Keep a copy for your records

23. Financial Aid • Apply for a PIN # to complete your FAFSA online at www.pin.ed.gov • Starting January 1, complete FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online www.fafsa.ed.gov • Usually FAFSA is due by February 15th but check with each college you are applying to • Link now when doing income taxes that will submit info to the FAFSA if you choose. • Do not pay to file the FAFSA • CSS Profile • Used by private institutions • Check deadlines • Can apply at www.collegeboard.com

24. Net Price Calculator • Every college is now required to post this on their website • Provides an estimate of what aid you might qualify for • Planning tool only, not an application for financial aid

25. Financial Aid Upcoming Events • Attend Financial Aid Seminar – October/November at the College Fair • Attend Financial Aid Night- December at PB High School • Attend Financial Aid Days – January/February at area colleges • These are open to anyone regardless of where you plan on applying or attending

26. Financial Aid Websites • www.fafsa.gov • www.zinch.com • www.cappex.com • www.meritaid.com • www.finaid.org • www.hesc.org • www.studentaid2.gov

27. Scholarship Websites • www.fastweb.com • www.zinch.com • www.scholarships.com • www.nationalmerit.com • www.collegenet.com • www.scholarshipworkshop.com • www.collegeanswer.com • www.collegescholarship.com

28. NAVIANCE • www.connection.naviance.com/pbshs • Helps manage, prepare and send recommendations electronically • Families are able to view when materials have been submitted to colleges • Teachers submit and store letters electronically

29. General Timeline • September/October/November • - take SAT/ACT’s • Attend Open Houses • Begin to organize activities, create common app account • Apply Early Action if doing so

30. General Timeline • December • Aim to have college applications in by Christmas break • Attend Financial Aid night • January • Apply for PIN # • Fill out Financial Aid • Attend Financial Aid day (at CCC) if neccesary

31. February…some schools require housing deposit (OCC, MCC) • March.. Begin receiving replies. • Do last round of visits • April.. Will have received financial award letters • May- submit deposit by May 1st usually • June- request final transcripts be sent

32. Other College Related Websites • www.suny.edu • www.Commonapp.org • www.collegenet.com • www.nymentor.edu • www.nycolleges.org • www.petersons.com • www.nacacnet.org

33. NCAA • Register at www.ncaaclearinghouse.net if interested in playing at a Division 1 or Division 2 college • Typically done in Spring of Junior year • Have your coach send a letter to the coach of the college you are interested in. • Fill out an online athletic questionnaire at the website of the school you are interested in. • Prepare a DVD of your highlights • Prepare an athletic resume

34. Recommendations • Colleges will usually ask you to provide at least two letters of recommendation. • Ask your teachers early • Cover sheet in guidance office. • Turn in to us when completed. • Give teachers a copy of your activity sheet.

35. Good Luck!!