Good Morning Seniors Class Of 2009

1. Good Morning Seniors Class Of2009 Lets Talk About COLLEGE

2. Post Secondary Planning Booklet • 070215 = SCHOOL CODE • EARLY DECISION: You are committed to going to that school if you are offered acceptance. • EARLY ACTION: You are not committed to that school that offers you acceptance *BOTH OPTIONS YOU APPLY BY NOVEMBER 1ST AND HEAR BACK FROM COLLEGES BY MID-DECEMBER.

3. PLEASE SEE YOUR COUNSELOR ASAP IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR IF EARLY ACCEPTANCE/ EARLY DECISION IS AN OPTION!

4. Admission Criteria • All colleges/universities have standards.

5. What do colleges look at? The “Fab 5” • Academic Records- Courses, Grades, Credits, Etc… • GPA • Testing Information- SAT Reasoning Test, SAT Subject Test, ACT, AP, etc… • Recommendations • Activities- NAVIANCE Resume http://connection.naviance.com/glastonbury

6. What other things do admissions committees consider? • Application Itself • Interviews/Visits • High School’s Reputation –GHS Profile • Special Talent that meets college’s need • Geographic Distribution • Parent Alumni

7. High School Transcript • Official single page record of your high school classes and grades! • No matter what your post high school plans are (college, armed services, work…) you will be asked to produce this document. • Counselors will review all transcripts with you this Fall.

8. TestingSAT Reasoning and SAT Subject Tests • SAT Reasoning Test (critical reading, math and writing) -A MUST if you are considering college. • SAT Subject Tests -Take if required by colleges of interest. -One-hour tests; if required, 2 or 3 are needed. -Check with individual colleges. • A.C.T. -Replaces SAT Reasoning and/or SAT Subject Tests at some schools especially in the Midwest and West.

9. *NOTE- Sequencing is your responsibility: decide which tests to take …..when …..where • If considering Early Decision or Early Action, all required testing should be completed by November. • Important Question for Seniors… Should I re-take SAT’? • Almost always = yes!! • See your counselor if you have a question about this

10. Test Dates + Deadlines • This Fall 2008 • SAT Reasoning and SAT Subject Tests • October 4th (registration deadline September 9th) GHS is NOT a test site • November 1st (registration deadline September 26th) GHS is a test site. • December 6th (registration deadline November 5th) GHS is a test site

11. There are several ways to register • On-line (www.collegeboard.com) • Establish and use a personal account (called a My Organizer account) • This gives you an immediate test center assignment and confirmation of your registration *Note: Those students who register on-line will not receive an admission ticket in the mail. They MUST print their confirmation and admission ticket page from the web when they register! Be sure to bring this confirmation and photo I.D. with you on the test date. • Special Note for Students with Disabilities: You can register online by providing your eligibility code, which is printed on the Eligibility Approval Letter you received from the College Board

12. 2. Mail registration • required if you wish to pay by check or money order • Requires students with disabilities to include copy of Eligibility Approval Letter 3.Telephone Registration: only for re-registration- cannot be used by first-time test takers. *A $10 additional fee for re-registering by phone. * See the SAT Registration Bulletin for complete information about registration and other important topics. 4. All information above is available at www.collegeboard.com

13. Important Info on SAT 1. Register Online or by Mail; or re-register by phone. • Know Deadlines: Late & Standby fees are EXPENSIVE and “standby” does not guarantee that you will be allowed to test. • Send scores to colleges. Four “FREE” with test. *SAT scores are not reported on the GHS transcript. You must send scores from College Board to each college to which you are applying. • Fee waivers are available based on family income. Please see your counselor.

14. College Interviews and Visits • If possible, plan a time when high school is not in session but college is. • If you have not visited the colleges that interest you, do it NOW!

15. Visitation Rules • Learn as much as possible about the school before you visit. • Check the college card file to see if any GHS graduate is attending your prospective choice. Attempt to contact them. They could provide you with first hand information. • Give thought to questions you might ask or things to look for. • Arrive on time or a few minutes early. • Be yourself—be honest, sincere, and interested. • Dress neatly.

16. Post Secondary PlanningResources • Counselors • NAVIANCE http://connection.naviance.com/fc/main.php • College/Career Center • GHS Graduate Record File (Blue Books) • College Representative Visits/ Armed Services Representative

18. College Fair • Monday October 20th from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. • In the past over 200 colleges, universities, military, and technical schools were represented. • Great opportunity to speak with the representatives and possibly discover some new schools and/or options to explore. • Even if you went last year, it is a good idea to go again this year. • Hope to see you there!

19. ASVAB • ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) • Test sponsored by the Department Of Defense. • Multiple choice test that measures potential success in occupations that require either further education or on-the-job training. • No military obligation involved in taking the test, however anyone joining the military ARE REQUIRED to take this test.

20. Useful in understanding yourself and to help you think about different possible career paths. • Great opportunity for anyone to learn more about their strengths and weaknesses. • Scheduled at GHS Wednesday October 22nd periods 2-6. • Pick up Field Trip Permission Form in Career Guidance if interested.

21. Do What You Are • Do What You Are is a unique and powerful web-based personality profile and career exploration instrument. It is easy to use and will provide students with a wealth of information about themselves and possible career opportunities. • It takes 30-40 minutes to complete. • Accessible through NAVIANCE by clicking on :: My Personality Type on the left side of the screen.

22. It will provide students with a tool to assist in deciding on college majors, career opportunities and in targeting job areas for further exploration. • Upon completion, an Individualized student report will be sent to the student and the counselor.

23. Kuder • www.Kuder.com • The Kuder Career Planning System combines interest, skills, and work values assessments with occupational information sources online. • It consists of 3 separate assessments each taking 20-30 minutes to complete. • Career Search • Skills Assessment • Work Values Inventory • Individualized Student Report provided, highlighting both college majors and future careers for further exploration. • School Access Code =1292 • Batch Code = I856587KHD

24. Important Reminders • If Considering Early Decision/Action see your counselor ASAP. Application packets should be in to your counselor 2 weeks before the colleges deadline. • All applications are due Monday, December 1st. • Thank your teachers who have taken the time to write letters of recommendation for you. • GET GOING AND GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!