TESTING

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Hopewell Valley Central High School presents
College Planning A to Z
or How to get the details managed and still have
time for math homework...
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Hopewell Valley Central High School presents
College Planning A to Z
or How to get the details managed and still have
time for math homework...
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TESTING

• Standardized Test Scores
• SAT and Subject Tests
• ACT
• AP

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SAT TESTING

• Register online - www.collegeboard.com and get
  familiar with all of the uses of this site.
• Practice Tests are available on The College
  Boards website as well. Utilize them for test
  questions and test directions that are similar to
  what students will see on the actual SAT.

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SAT Subject Tests

• SAT
• Many schools require SATs for admission
• 3 ¾ hours in length
• Score Range 200 800 (critical reading, math,
  writing)
• New high score 2400
• Writing (Essay) score out of 12

• Subject Tests
• Selective Colleges require Subject Tests for
  admission
• 1 hour in length (Can take up to three
  tests on one test date)
• Score Range 200 800 per section
• Subject test for writing no longer exists

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AP TESTING

• Not a factor in college admissions
• AP tests may help students place out of college
  courses, although colleges are doing less of this
• Achieve advanced standing
• Expensive Test However, if it is possible for a
  student to place out of a course (depends on the
  college), it is far less expensive than a college
  course

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ACT TESTING

• Online registration at www.actstudent.org
• ACT (Not designed by The College Board)
• ACT -- American College Test
• ACT -- Achievement Oriented
• Score Range is from 1 to 36
• English, Math, Reading Scientific Reasoning
• Writing optional

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TESTING Official Score Report

• YOU must contact ETS or ACT to have official
  scores sent to colleges.
• Schools require official score reports.
• Definition of an Official Score Report One that
  is sent directly from the ETS or the ACT.
• Remember it takes 3-4 weeks for scores to be
  sent.
• All tests become part of your son/daughters
  official testing record.
• Scores from all test dates sent.
• Most colleges use highest combined score.
• OR
• Score Choice that will first be available to
  students taking the March 2009 administration.

You get four free SAT score reports sent if you
enter the college codes when you register for
the test
9.50 for each additional score report
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Test Prep/Coaching Programs

• First, use PSAT Score Report Plus and test
  booklet that were recently returned to the
  students to go over the PSAT.
• Use The College Boards test preparation section
  on their website for SAT and Subject Tests.
  Students can familiarize themselves with the
  tests and with the directions for the different
  sections.
• Booming industry to help students prepare for the
  SAT.
• Princeton Review program offered at CHS at a
  discounted rate. Register on the Princeton
  Review website.
• One-on-one, small and large classes, handbooks,
  computer programs on the market with the same
  goal in mind.
• How does your child learn best? Would an SAT
  prep book or an SAT class be more effective for
  your child? Private tutor?
• Money A class can be costly and time-consuming.
• Results vary.

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TESTING Helpful Hints

• Become familiar with the test and its directions!
• How does your child learn best? Invest time
  into that strategy!
• People who read well score well!
• Take timed practice tests!
• READ!
• PRACTICE QUESTIONS!

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SAT TESTING Dates to Remember
DATE TESTS REGISTER BY March 14, 2009 (at
HVCHS) SAT February 10, 2009 May 2,
2009 SAT/Subject tests March 31, 2009 June 6,
2009 (at HVCHS) SAT/Subject tests May 5,
2009 October 10, 2009 (at HVCHS) SAT/Subject
tests November 7, 2009 SAT/Subject
tests December 6, 2009 SAT/Subject tests
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ACT TESTING Dates to Remember
February 7, 2009 April 4, 2009 June 13,
2009 September 12, 2009 October 24, 2009
December 12, 2009
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BEGINNING THE COLLEGE SEARCH PROCESS

• Finding the college that is the right fit for
  your child!

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OVERVIEW OF THE COLLEGE SEARCH

• Begin early
• Talk to older friends/family about their
  experiences
• Identify possibilities
• Know your resources
• Research and visit
• Gather college materials

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TYPES OF COLLEGES

• 4-Year Colleges and Universities
• Liberal Arts Schools
• Ivy League Schools
• Name Colleges
• State U. or State College

• Two -Year Colleges
• Two-year privates
• Community colleges
• Guaranteed transfer programs

• Specialized Institutions
• Music conservatories
• Art schools
• Culinary schools
• Health sciences

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DECISION FACTORS

• Size of school
• Location
• Distance from home
• Type of campus
• Surrounding community
• Campus personality
• Diversity
• Athletics/Activities

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MORE DECISION FACTORS

• Entrance Requirements
• Entrance difficulty
• Public/Private
• Reputation of school
• Majors available
• Commitment to a major by the school
• Cost

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JUNIOR PLANNING MEETINGS

• Each counselor meets with junior students to
  develop post-high school plans
• Family Connection used in these sessions
• Students and Parents should use Family Connection
  at home as part of the college search

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YOUR COLLEGE SEARCH MAY ALSO INCLUDE

• Research at college websites
• Other college planning websites
• Guidebooks
• College brochures/viewbooks
• College fairs
• College videos

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YOUR COLLEGE SEARCH SHOULD ALSO INCLUDE

• College visits!
• - Campus Tour
• - Open House
• - Overnight stays with a sibling or friend
• - Visit an actual class while in session
• - Interview?

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FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE COLLEGE SEARCH

• From all of your research, come up with a short
  list of ten schools that interest you
• Do more extensive research on those schools
• Trim that list from ten to six by September of
  senior year and tell the guidance counselor!

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YOUR COLLEGE SEARCH STARTS WITH

• Registering and login to

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Using Family Connection

• Career College Planning Site

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What is it?

• Web-based
• Supports high school academic program, career and
  college planning
• Specific to our school
• Account available only to registered usersone
  account per student.
• Easy registration, easy to use

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What You Can Do in Family Connection

• Share plans and contact counselor and teachers
• Complete surveys
• Compare and research colleges
• Track deadlines
• Produce scattergrams
• Show schedule of college visits
• Link to selected third-party resources
• Create a four year academic plan
• Create course requests online

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How is it accessed?

• Family Connection is on the Web
• https//connection.naviance.com/fc/signin.php?hsid
  hvrsd
• From CHS home page
• Counseling Home/College Planning

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Counseling Services Home Page
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College Planning Page
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Family Connection Login Page
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After Sign in
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How does it help?

• Shared resource linking home to school
  (counselors and teachers)
• Organized and efficient container to compile a
  students data, experiences, documents, etc.,
  relevant to academic planning and college
  admission with consideration for student
  information confidentiality
• Greater opportunity for parent participation in
  high school academic planning and college
  planning
• Accurate, complete records about student outcomes
  and admission decisions from our school
• Realistic assessments of your childs chances of
  admission to colleges where prior graduates have
  applied

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Journal with or e-mail Staff
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Share Info through Surveys
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Create a List with College Search
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Lookup College InfoData updated regularly
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View College Stats Specific to HVCHS
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Scattergram
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See When College Reps are Visiting HVCHS

• Registered users sign up to attend meetings
  online.
• Meeting reminders e-mailed 48 hours before
  college visit.

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Links to other Related Resources
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High School Academic Planningand Course
Requesting
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Its Senior Year!!!!
On Wednesday, Feb. 18th, 7PM the journey
continues with..

• What was I supposed to do???

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Get Organized!

• Use Family Connection!!!
• This was used for course requests
• Make a list of things to do with due dates.
• Look at the list regularly.
• Know deadlines!
• Guidance deadlines
• Application deadlines
• SAT registration and score reporting deadlines
• Financial aid deadlines

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Finalizing the List of Prospective Colleges

• Ask questions! Continue to gather info.
• Know college admissions requirements.
• College visitsto get the real feel and to
  demonstrate interest to the college
• Talk to college representatives
• Review transcript, know your numbers.
• Self-assess Do I meet requirements? What else
  can I offer this college?
• List should contain a balanced range of
  reaches, targets and likelies.

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Interviews

• Check with schools to see if they offer
  interviews
• Ask intelligent questions
• Prepare for the meeting with a copy of your
  academic record and activities
• Interview the admissions officer- you are
  learning about them at the same time that they
  are learning about you

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Finish upAdmissions Testing

• Know what tests you need to takeSAT , Subject
  Tests, ACT
• Applying early?
• Finish required testing in October.
• Always allow three to four weeks between your
  last test and your first application deadline.
• Subject Tests required?
• Send SAT and ACT scores to the colleges you will
  apply to after all testing is completed.
  Directly from Collegeboard or ACT

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SAT Score Report

• Colleges require official score reports
• It takes 4-6 weeks for scores to be sent
• All tests become part of your son/daughters
  official testing record
• Most colleges combine your highest scores
• Beginning with 3/09 test, students can select
  scores by test date for SAT.

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Gather Materials

• College admission or scholarship applications.
• Apply online or
• Download and print a copy or
• Request a paper copy. Common Application?
• Forms required by Counseling Office.
• One signed transcript release (buff card) covers
  all senior year mailings.
• One transcript request (pink card) for EACH
  application.
• Brag sheets so your counselor can write your
  recommendation.
• Get an unofficial copy of your transcript for
  reference.

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Common Application

• www.commonapp.org
• College Application online
• Over 300 colleges use this site
• Additional documents on website
• School Report
• Midyear Report
• Teacher Evaluation Form

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Review Application Materials

• Look at the apps!
• Know what each app requires you to send.
• Separate forms and give to the appropriate person
  to complete.
• Teacher forms
• Counselor forms

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Complete your Applications

• Online or by mail.
• Neatly and legibly.
• Essays are critical!
• Keep a copy.
• At least two weeks before deadline.

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Submit Requests for Transcripts and
Recommendations

• At least 15 business days before application
  deadline.
• Deliver requests and materials directly to your
  counselor. Review with counselor.
• Ask teachers to send teacher recommendations well
  in advance of deadlines. Teachers usually send
  materials separately from guidance materials.
• All counselor forms and transcripts with Jan.1st
  deadlines due to Counseling on Dec. 1st.

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Check the status of your application
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Check for News Bulletins
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Find Financial Aid

• Complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after
  Jan.1st to qualify for need-based aid
  (www.fafsa.ed.gov).
• Attend HVCHS Financial Aid Workshop.
• Investigate merit aid programs at your colleges.
• Complete college financial aid forms.
• Watch the high school Scholarship Newsletter.
• Obtain merit-based scholarship applications in
  guidance file cabinet.

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Scholarships

• www.fastweb.com
• Merit scholarships available from colleges
• Scholarship newsletter
• Scholarship list on CHS website
• Local newspapers
• Nominated by academic departments
• Local scholarships selected by CHS Committee

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• MORE FINANCIAL AID WEBSITES
• The financial aid guide on the Internet
• www.finaid.org
• Federal Student Aid Homepage
• www.studentaid.ed.gov
• Education tax incentives (IRS)
• www.irs.gov/publications/p970
• NJ Higher Education Student Assistance Authority
• www.hesaa.org

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Have a Great Senior Year!

• Stick with your academic program!
• Get your best grades.
• Have your midyear grades sent to colleges.
• Let your counselor know about awards or honors
  you receive..to share with your prospective
  colleges!
• Keep your counselor informed about the outcome of
  your application process.
• Thank those who helped you reach your goals!

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The College ScoopWhat Parents Should Know

• Key pointers from your Counseling Services
  Department on surviving during an often trying
  time in the process...

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Stay Calm

• Kids can sometimes sense a parents anxieties
• Kids can often sense a parents favorite school
• Kids can also sense whether or not this is their
  choice

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Know where to find information

• HVCHS website
• On the Family Connection website
• Dawgbytes
• In the high school Counseling office
• Your childs counselor (email is quick)
• Reading those school-mailed notices that arrive
  home periodically
• From asking your son/daughter about what is
  announced in homeroom

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Know What Is Due and When!

• Deadlines for testing
• Deadlines for requesting materials
• Deadlines for sending college applications and
  midyear reports
• Deadlines for submitting crucial paperwork to
  Counseling Services (e.g. transcript requests,
  secondary school report forms)

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Assist with college visitations

• Most young people need a little push to get them
  started on visits to campuses. If they seem
  reluctant, encourage them just to take a drive.

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Spell out your guidelines

• Cost
• Location (distance and cost of travel)
• Atmosphere (party school?)
• Stress/difficulty level

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Last, but not least...
You WILL Survive!
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Thanks for joining us!

• (See you on the other side.)