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Scottsdale Preparatory Academy Junior Parent Night

Join us for an informative session on college admissions with topics like GPA insights, financial aid guidance, timeline for juniors, and more. Learn about what colleges look for, application types, and your role as a parent. Get ready for the next steps in your junior's academic journey!

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Scottsdale Preparatory Academy Junior Parent Night

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  1. Scottsdale Preparatory AcademyJunior Parent Night Thursday, September 28, 2017 Mrs. Sterner and Mrs. Fletcher SPA College Counseling

  2. Tonight’s Topics • What do colleges look for? • A closer look at the GPA • Types of applications • Applying for financial aid • Timeline for juniors • College Admissions 101 • Testing • Parent’s role • Next Steps

  3. What do colleges look for? • Academic Rigor (Course Selection) • Academic Record (GPA) • Standardized Testing (SAT,ACT, SAT Subject Test) • Extracurricular Involvement (sports, clubs, interests) • Volunteer Experience (depth not breadth) • Demonstrated Interest (sometimes) • Recommendations (teacher & counselor) • Alumni Connections (sometimes) • Student Contribution, Compatibility

  4. The GPA 1) Weighted 2) Unweighted 3) Recalculated • English - 4 years • Math - 4 years • Laboratory Science - 3 years • Social Science - 2 years • Foreign Language - 2 (same language) • Fine Arts - 1 year

  5. Applications Early Decision- binding Early Action- non binding Restrictive Early Action-varies by school Regular Decision- last deadline Rolling Admissions-reviewed as received

  6. Applying for Financial Aid www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov -Use it now! - Types of Aid- Scholarships, Grants, Loans - Searches- Web, school, organizations - Financial Aid Administrators - How “Need” is Determined - Sticker Price Myth

  7. Timelines for Juniors and Seniors • Senior Year – Finances • October to March • FAFSA & CSS Profile in October • Search for scholarships • Know your deadlines! • Senior Year – Wrap-Up • April & May • Select college • Notify (by May 1st) • Fill out college paperwork • Junior Year - Exploration • Utilize PSAT to prepare for SAT • Browse books and the internet • College tests SAT/ACT/Subject Tests • Visit schools • Develop College List • Naviance/CollegeBoard Big Future • Summer School Programs • Senior Year – Application • July to October • Study instructions • Work on essays • Get recommendations • File applications

  8. The Junior Year Curriculum • College Admissions 101 • 12 classes; 6 per semester • Broad overview of College Admissions 101 • Naviance • Resumes • Personal Statements • Testing • Athletics/ROTC/Military Options • Common Application • Admissions procedures (Timelines, Essays, etc.) • Paying for college • Interviews/College Visits

  9. NAVIANCE • Our college counseling site is NAVIANCE at www.connection.naviance.com/scottsdaleprep • Students will complete: • Junior Planning Survey • Prospective College List • Resume • Use your parent account to see what your student is doing. Username is your email.

  10. Standardized Testing • Students need to study Prep Courses (in person, online, Khan Academy) Prep Books • Take the ACT and the SAT in the spring (can re-take again later if needed) • While researching schools, see which require/recommend SAT Subject Tests (SAT II) • Test Optional Colleges- www.fairtest.org • SPA CEEB Code: 030-661

  11. Parent’s Role • Support your student • Speak to them NOW about all restrictions • Communicate with the college counselor • Encourage your student to take the lead in all meetings, phone calls, and emails to colleges • Don’t become “that” parent in the admissions office • Keep asking questions for clarification

  12. Next Steps • Define 6-8 target schools that are a fit. • Be realistic about the student profile. • Research colleges (visit some if possible) • Register and take SAT/ACT; maybe Subject Tests • Family discussions about qualities in a school • Go to college fairs, evening meetings, etc. • Student starts making personal contact with colleges • Use Naviance!

  13. Upcoming GHA College Events Demystifying the Admission Process of Highly Selective Colleges Tuesday, October 3rd, at 7:00 p.m. Veritas Prep Academy (Lund Center) Presenters: University of Pennsylvania & Northwestern University 10th Annual Great Hearts College Symposium Saturday, October 21 Arete Prep - The Falls Event Center 9:00 – 11:00 College Fair with 60+ colleges

  14. Facts to Keep Perspectivewith National Averages There are over 4,000 colleges in the United States Nationally, 67% will attend a public university 37% will attend a private college (52% out of state for SPA) A very small number of colleges admit less than 10% 63% of colleges admit 50% or more of applicant pool More selective does not mean better. It means more selective. Discover and be admitted to the best fit college.

  15. And finally…. Remember that college is a match to be made and not a prize to be won. Enter into this time with your student with a positive outlook. It should be a time of reflection, self-discovery, and learning for your student.

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