College Counseling Chalk Talk

1
College Counseling Chalk Talk

• MHS Guidance Team Presentation

2
Meet the Team

• Mrs. Phillips 10 - 12 A - Gl
• Mrs. Lemmon 10 - 12 Go - Or
• Mr. Moore 10 - 12 Os - Z
• Mrs. Chapman 9 A - Li
• Mrs. Hess 9 Ll - Z

3
Meet the Team

• Mrs. Fowler Administrator
• Mrs. Holt Secretary
• Mrs. Wooten Career and College Liaison
• Mrs. Tiffee Transcript Queen 11 - 12
• Mrs. Lybrand Transcript Queen 9 - 10

4
Testing 123

• ACT
• English, Math, Reading, Science Reasoning
• Writing is optional but recommended
• SAT I Reasoning
• Critical Reading, Math, Writing
• SAT II Subject
• One hour tests in specific subject areas
• Generally only required by highly selective
  schools
• Take at completion of the course

5
Test Taking Tips

• Register well in advance
• Bring your picture ID
• Dont forget your calculator with fresh batteries
• Be on time
• Be well-rested
• When to guess

6
Writing Test Tips

• Limited time
• 25 minutes - SAT
• 30 minutes - ACT
• Who cares about
• Factual nature of evidence
• Personal biases
• Neatness
• Finished product

7
Writing Test Tips

• Pay attention to
• Completeness of thought
• Organization (5 - 7 paragraph format)
• Writing style
• Voice

8
More Writing Tips

• On the SAT include references to
• Personal experience
• Literature
• Historical events or figures
• On the ACT
• Argue for only one side of the topic
• Write well organized paragraphs with strong
  supporting ideas and appropriate paragraph
  structure

9
More About Writing Tests

• Grading scale is 1 - 6 for each of two graders
• Scores from both graders are combined
• Ask the college admissions rep how they are using
  the scores

10
Apply Yourself

• Use electronic form if available
• Understand what is required
• All forms complete (is there a Secondary Report
  Form/Counselor Evaluation)
• Watch deadlines!!!!!!!
• Order a transcript (allow several days and dont
  forget to pick it up)
• Include appropriate fees or fee waivers

11
About Recommendations

• Not all college applications require
  recommendations
• Ask someone who knows you well
• Give the recommender at least three weeks notice
• Supply recommender with information about
  yourself (forms are available in Counseling
  office)
• Let your recommenders know the outcome
• Thank yous are always appreciated

12
College Visits

• Plan ahead
• Make arrangements with the college admissions
  office (also academic departments and financial
  aid office)
• Pick up a College Day Visitation form from Mrs.
  Smith a week in advance
• Bring back to Mrs. Smith a dated acknowledgement
  of the visit on college letterhead

13
Demonstrated Interest

• Ways to demonstrate interest
• Visit the college by making arrangements through
  the admission office or during one of the
  colleges official visitation programs
• Meet with college reps when they come to MHS or
  are in the area
• Contact the rep via email or phone calls

14
Lets Talk About Money

• Financial Aid
• Get a FAFSA pin NOW
• www.fafsa.ed.gov
• Complete FAFSA on line as soon as possible after
  January 1 (at least by early March)
• CSS Profile
• Institutional forms

15
More Money Facts

• Scholarships
• Check with individual colleges
• Fastweb (www.fastweb.com) and other on-line
  sources
• See Mrs. Wooten
• Listen to announcements!!!!
• Visit the MHS Counselors website
• (www.midlothianguidance.com)
• Avoid scholarship scams

16
Final Thoughts

• Email is important
• Make sure your email address is clean and clear
• Check your email regularly
• Dont forget that you must complete your
  community service hours
• Come to the Guidance Center for help

17
LEAVING HOME AND LETTING GO

• A program for seniors and their parents
• November 13, 2008
• 700 p.m.
• Rm 414-416
• Brought to you by the MHS Guidance Team