Senior Parents Night

1
Senior Parents Night

• Class of 2008

2
Tonights Topics

• College Trends
• Family Connection
• Application Procedures
• Factors in Admissions
• Financial Aid

3
College Trends

• Increased competition
• Early Decision may increase chances
• Focus on likely schools
• Need may be a factor
• Gender may be a factor
• Merit scholarships
• Interest level
• Interim year

4
How much is the difference between Ivy League and
State Universities?
University of Pennsylvania
Penn State University
U.S. News Ranking
4
50
Financial Resources Ranking
6
69
52
20
Acceptance Rate
122,864
41,632
Total Tuition (4 yrs)
0
Differential in Average Lifetime Earnings of a
Student Accepted at Both, But Choosing Penn
State?
Atlantic Media Company
5
Family Connectionhttp//connection.naviance.com/s
imsbury

• Scattergrams
• Five years of SHS college data
• College Representative visit schedule

6
Factors in Admission

• High school record
• Test scores (SAT and/or ACT)
• Essay
• Extracurricular activities
• Recommendations
• Special factors
• Demonstrated interest
• Interview
• Parent alumni

7
Application Process

• Read literature and websites
• Talk with college representatives
• Request recommendations
• Collect applications
• Write essay and resume
• Take SAT/ACT
• Bring Transcript Request Form to guidance
• Oct. 5th Early Decision/Early Action
• Nov. 5th Regular Decision

8
Completing Applications

• Start now
• Apply online
• Read directions carefully
• Check spelling grammar
• Dont abbreviate. Use familiar terminology
• Keep records
• Keep copy of final application

9
Student Sends

• Application
• Essay
• Application fee
• SAT/ACT
• AP Scores
• Tapes, portfolios, etc.

10
Student Brings to Counselor

• Transcript Request Form (blue)
• 3.00 per transcript
• Resume
• Secondary School Report
• Parent Questionnaire (optional)

11
Counselor Sends

• Official Transcript
• Recommendations
• Resume
• SHS Profile
• GPA Graph
• Grade Distributions
• Mid-year Grades
• Final Grades

12
Financial Aid

• FAFSA
• CSS Profile (for specific colleges)
• Fast Web
• Local Scholarships
• Capitol Scholarship
• New England Regional Tuition Program
• Financial Aid Program - Nov. 15

13
Final Thoughts

• Acceptance is conditional
• Students need to take proactive role
• Counselors will continue to promote SHS
• Widen choices
• Two or more Likely Schools
• Apply to 3-5 colleges
• Getting in may be important now but how you come
  out will be most important.
• Stay calm, breath often, and smile!