Welcome to Junior Night

1. Welcome toJunior Night Simsbury High School Class of 2013

2. Tonight’s Topics • Getting Started • Post H.S. Options • Selecting a College • Gaining Admission to College • Post H.S./College Trends • Guidance Website • Dates to Remember • Next Steps • Tips for Students • Tips for Parents

3. Getting Started • Develop list of options • Gather information • Visit schools, gap year fairs, work options • View applications online • Read college essay questions, brainstorm/begin answers • Request recommendations

4. Post H.S. Options Four–Year College • Bachelors Degree + • Public and Private • Selective Admissions • $15,000 – 50,000+ Two-Year College • Associates Degree • Open Admissions • $4000 • Credit Transferable Gap-Year • Study Abroad • Community Service • Work Experience Military • Army/Navy/Air Force/Marines • ASVAB Jan. 24th • ROTC Programs School to Career

5. Questions to Ask Am I ready? Is this the best option for me? What elements comprise the best fit for me? Major Location Type of school Size Cost Student Body Social and cultural % students on campus Selecting a College

6. High school record Strength of Course Selections SAT or ACT Activities Recommendations Essay Interest Level Special Talents Interview Legacies Gaining Admission toCollege

7. Post H.S./College Trends • Increased competition • Gap Year Options • Military/Career choices • Early Action increasing • Emphasis on “likely” schools • Need may be considered • Economy factoring in • Interest level considered • ACT interest increasing • Applying to more schools • Electronic submissions

8. Guidance WebsiteNaviance www.simsbury.k12.ct.us https://connection.naviance.com/simsbury

9. Ithaca College

10. Jan 24 - ASVAB SHS Feb 8 – GAP Year Fair Bristow M.S., Hartford Mar 10 - SAT Mar 21 - Athletes in College Admission Apr 2 - College Fair @Hartford Ins. Co. Apr 14 - ACT May 7th – 18th AP Testing May 23 - Mock Admissions June 2 - SAT Dates to Remember

11. Next Steps • Individual Planning Meetings Jan-Feb • Parents invited to attend 1st meeting • Meeting date/time sent home to parent email address from Guidance – please inform your child • 1st Meeting date/time unable to be re – scheduled; can occur with student only • Email notification to begin week of Jan 17 • Please complete and return linked questionnaire prior to first meeting • Individual planning ongoing throughout spring semester - SAT registration process, resume building, essays, etc.

12. Tips for Students • Self-reflect; know yourself • What do you value? • Future Goals/Interests • Academic Strengths • Personal Achievements/Standout Talents • Keep an open mind • Explore all of your options • Don’t procrastinate • Keep your parents in the loop; communicate! • Take ownership of the process • Visit your counselor often • Relax, have fun; everything will work out

13. Tips for Parents • Understand that it’s a Process • Be realistic and non-judgmental • Don’t compare your child with classmates • Encourage students to do the work – be in the ‘back seat’ and not the ‘driver’ • Be open to dialogue and responsive to ?’s • Help students keep deadlines • Help students initiate contact with colleges, gap yr programs, military offices, and career opportunities • Stay calm, breathe often, and smile! • Enjoy the journey together