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Join us for Junior Parent Night where we will discuss important topics such as college application process, SAT/ACT exams, financial aid, gap years, and more. Get valuable insights and guidance on how to support your child in their college journey.
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Junior Parent Night 2019
Terminology – some Nuts and Bolts • SAT/ACT • FAFSA and CSS Profile • WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange) • Accuplacer • Common Application, Coalition, SendEdu
4-Year College Application Process Public • Check app deadlines • Apply online • Essays in application • Order official transcripts • Send ACT/SAT scores • Check additional requirements for honors programs *Coalition, SendEdu Most Private/Common App • Check app deadlines (ED & EA) • Complete counselor autobiographical sketch 3 weeks before 1st application deadline • Request teacher letters of rec • Apply online • Essays and transcripts in application • Send ACT/SAT scores • Set up college interviews (if necessary)
What is a thoughtful college list? • In the Single Digits • Has at least 2-3 “Likely” schools • Every school should match your priorities • You would be happy attending any of these schools • Consider your family’s financial situation • Represents collaboration between yourself, your parents/guardians, and others involved.
Spring Testing ACT and SAT test (plus writing)* • https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/register • http://www.act.org • Students have free prep from PSAT (Kahn Academy) • Upcoming dates/fee waivers/ test accommodations • SAT – May 4th, June 1st • ACT – April 13th, June 8th *Fee waivers available in the counseling office
2 Year College • There are 34 CC in our state • Research options and find the right match at www.sbctc.edu • Priority registration opens in the spring • SAT/ACT tests not required • Register for Math/English placement exam if needed • Make an appointment to meet with an academic advisor • Register for classes
November • Early Action vs. Early Decision (Nov. 1st-15th) • https://professionals.collegeboard.org/guidance/applications/early • Mostly private colleges • Make sure 1st quarter grades are positive – some schools will request • Write Thank You’s to Recommenders • Order cap and gown (free!)
January • End of Semester 1 – Senior year grades matter • Scholarships (cont.) • Whatcom Dollars for Scholars opens • https://whatcom.dollarsforscholars.org/index.php?section=chapterWebsite&action=main&fwID=2167
February-April • Monitor your applications • Review your acceptance letters and rewards from 4 year colleges • If you are put on a waitlist, contact college and let them know you are still interested • 2 Year/Technical application/planning support: https://sehome.bellinghamschools.org/students/counseling/career-center/ • WCC Tour Day • BTC Try-A-Trade • Skagit Apprenticeship WAVE Tour
FAQsWhat is a gap year and should I take it? According to the American Gap Year Association (AGA), a gap year is an “experiential semester or year ‘on,’ typically taken between high school and college in order to deepen practical, professional, and personal awareness.”
How can I find out about different college options? Attend a college fair Online college search (College Board Big Future, College Navigator, Cappex, Colleges That Change Lives) College Rep visits at SHS Take advantage of tour days (ex. BTC, WCC, SVC) to learn about programs Set up a college tour Talk with teachers and people in your field of interest
What is the Common App?What is Coalition? • A shared application platform used by many schools. • UW – Seattle now uses the Coalition • Many private schools use the Common App • Don’t worry - Click “Apply” and schools will take you to their application • *SendEdu – colleges may request student to use submission tool for transcripts, letters, school report
What supports are there for financial literacy and help? FuturesNW (http://www.futuresnw.org/) has financial aid filing events in the fall – information will be shared with families Ready Set Grad: https://readysetgrad.wa.gov/#college/financial-aid-101 FAFSA 4caster: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/estimate Use our local partners at Financial Aid offices (WWU, WCC, BTC) for help answering questions Scholarships!
Food for thought… Work on skills now that your student will need on their own: • Basic cooking and grocery shopping • How to do laundry • How to navigate around a new area • How to do basic money management • How to advocate for themselves and ask questions/make appointments, etc. • Basic first aid • How to communicate professionally (email, phone) • How to research something before immediately asking for help • Others?
Enjoy this time. We are here to help! Jeff Smith (9th grade) Amy Hjelt (A-G) Hana Schutz (H-M) John VanderMolen (N-Z)