GETTING READY CAREERCOLLEGE PLANNING Putting the Pieces Together

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GETTING READYCAREER/COLLEGE PLANNINGPutting
the Pieces Together!
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HOW DO YOU BEGIN THE PROCESS?

• Assess High School Performance and Graduation
  Plan
• Do Credit/Transcript Review
• Review 12th Grade Class Selections
• Remember the three Rs -Rigor, Rigor Rigor
• Take AP classes for enhanced college
• acceptance, transition, success

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THE NEXT STEP

• Sign Up For
• SAT (www.collegeboard.com)
• ACT (www.actstudent.org)
• TOEFL (www.ets.org)

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IDENTIFY CAREER AND COLLEGE POSSIBILITIES

• Use Websites
• http//connection.naviance.com/qohs (Family
  Connection)
• www.collegeboard.com
• www.usnews.com
• www.anycollege.com
• www.actstudent.org
• www.mystudentedge.com

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YOUR COLLEGE SEARCH

• Types Of Colleges
• Two Year and Community Colleges
• Four Year Colleges and Universities
• Vocational and Career Schools

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IDENTIFY CAREER AND COLLEGE POSSIBILITIES/Financia
l Aid

• Attend College Fair
• April 15th
• Montgomery County Fairgrounds
• Make Spring College Visits
• Tour the Campus
• Sit in on a Class
• Talk with students
• Ask about Financial Aid

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Begin to Identify Financial Aid

• Websites
• www.fastweb.com
• www.schoolsoup.com
• www.collegeboard.com
• www.educationplanner.com
• www.collegenet.com

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SOME OTHER RESOURCES

• College Guides
• The Fiske Guide to Colleges
• The College Handbook
• Petersons Guide to 4 Year
• Colleges
• Barrons Profiles of American Colleges

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MORE RESOURCES

• College/ Career Center
• Assists in Researching Careers/Colleges
• Provides Scholarship Information
• College Representatives
• College Websites
• Family, Friends, Teachers, Alumni

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SUMMER ACTIVITIES

• Visit Colleges
• Prepare Resume
• Review On-line College Application Forms
• Review Requirements and Directions
• Essay
• Review/Choose Topic
• Do first Draft

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FALL ARRIVES

• CONGRATULATIONS!
• You Made it to Senior Year!

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SENIORS WILL

• Meet with Counselor
• Receive/Review Senior College Packet
• Complete College Applications

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THE APPLICATION PROCESS

• Types of Admission
• Regular Decision
• Early Decision
• Early Action
• Rolling Admission
• Open Admission
• Midyear Admission

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WHAT DO COLLEGES LOOK FOR?

• Quality of Academic Program
• GPA (WGPA)
• SAT or ACT Scores
• Personal Statements and Essays

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WHAT DO COLLEGES LOOK FOR?

• Extracurricular Activities
• Special Talents/Skills
• Community Service
• Recommendations

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WHAT SHOULD STUDENTS LOOK FOR?

• Location
• Program
• Size
• School Personality (Fit)

• Cost
• Special Programs
• Admissions Selectivity

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How many colleges should I apply to?

• Start with a Wish List
• Cast a Wide Net
• Do Your Research
• Narrow the Field
• 2 Reach
• 2 Target
• 2 Safety

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DEBUNKING THE MYTHS

• The most expensive and prestigious colleges are
  the best
• SAT or ACT scores are the only basis for college
  selection
• Senior grades dont count

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DEBUNKING MORE MYTHS

• Straight A students are always accepted
• Get into the toughest college you can
• Average to above-average income families should
  not apply for financial aid.

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Some Closing Thoughts on

• Managing the STRESS!!

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REDUCING COLLEGE ADMISSIONS ANXIETY

• Refrain from being a
• helicopter parent
• Focus on the best match rather than on the
  best college
• Remember what is important for success in life
• ENJOY THE JOURNEY!!
• Judith Berg

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GETTING READYCAREER/COLLEGE PLANNING

• QUINCE ORCHARD HIGH SCHOOL
• COUNSELING DEPARTMENT
• [phone]
• Prepared by Linda V. Goldstein
• Counselor