TR JAN COUNTDOWN TO COLLEGE. TVS College Counselors present A Guide to College Planning

Transcription

1 TR JAN COUNTDOWN TO COLLEGE TVS College Counselors present A Guide to College Planning

2 THE DIRECTOR'S CUT The path to choosing a college is not a singular event but rather part of an ongoing process of self-awareness, discovery and exploration. As you continue to broaden your mind and develop global citizenship, we encourage you to begin exploring the vast opportunities through which you can continue your academic journey. With more than 3,000 colleges and universities in the US, searching for college cultures and environments that best suit your goals may seem like a daunting undertaking. Instead, take this time to explore new horizons in unfamiliar regions. Remember, your only limitations are those which you set. The college counseling department at TVS is dedicated to educating and guiding you through this pivotal phase of your academic journey. Collaboratively, we will prepare you for the rigors of an ever-changing and competitive college application process through a variety of programs offered throughout the year. Since it is important for you to begin thinking about the road ahead, we ve created the Countdown To College. Inside, you will find checklists beginning with your freshman year and concluding with your senior year. These guidelines will assist you and your parents as you begin investigating a variety of options. During the fall of your junior year, you will be assigned a college counselor who will be your advisor throughout your college process. Randy Mills, Director College Counseling

3 CASTING AGENTS Randy Mills Director of College Counseling Offi ce: ext. 405 Kim Pondrom Associate Director of College Counseling Offi ce: ext. 403

4 CAMEO: FRESHMEN FALL Focus on adjusting to the rigor of Upper School programs (i.e. time management, organization, study skills, and setting specifi c goals) Get involved in activities you are passionate about Practice self-advocacy Take the PSAT SPRING Talk to your advisor and teachers about course offerings for next fall Start keeping a list of awards, accomplishments and activities earned this year Research summer enrichment opportunities Begin exploring majors and career paths through Naviance SUMMER Explore your interests through reading, community service, shadow programs Consider visiting a college while on family vacation

5 THE CAST: SOPHOMORES FALL Take the PSAT Stay on track with courses and grades, strengthening study skills Continue involvement in school and community activities SPRING Attend TVS s annual College Clinic Attend on-campus college fair Consult with advisor and teachers to formulate a two-year (junior and senior year) course selection plan. Remember academic rigor is important! Attend the DFW National College Fair SUMMER Explore your interests through reading, community service, shadow programs Visit college campuses Investigate SAT/ACT test-prep options Update academic and achievement resume

6 FEATURING: JUNIORS FALL SPRING SUMMER Focus on academics and challenge yourself Attend FW Private School College Fair and Dallas College Previews Take the PSAT (NMSC consideration) Attend area college events and receptions Meet with college reps visiting TVS Update prospective colleges in your Naviance account Visit colleges & attend open houses Attend Scholarship & Financial Aid night Talk with your college counselor to determine which SAT/ACT test dates are best for you. Complete the Junior Student and Parent Questionnaires before scheduling your family conference Attend TVS s annual College Clinic Research scholarship opportunities Consult with college counselor and advisor about senior course selection Continue exploring colleges Complete teacher recommendation request forms Register for SAT, ACT, and Subject Tests (if needed) Schedule college visits Attend TVS s & DFW National's College Fairs March 2016 New SAT released Continue exploring and visiting colleges Register with Common App on Aug. 1 Work on college essay(s), and portfolios, if applicable Update college resume Confi rm application deadlines

7 FALL STARRING: SENIORS Attend application kick-off workshop in August Meet with college reps at TVS Attend Fort Worth Private School College Fair & Dallas College Previews Attend area college receptions Meet with your college counselor to fi nalize college list Submit offi cial transcript requests and teacher recommendation rquests to college counselors Submit all required testing to your colleges Request admission interviews where available Search for private scholarships Confi rm scholarship deadlines and whether an additional scholarship application is required Finalize college(s) essays and resume SPRING Apply for fi nancial aid through FAF- SA.gov and, where necessary, complete the CSS Profi le Keep your college counselor informed of all decisions Submit enrollment and housing deposits by the National Candidate Reply Day (May 1) Take AP exams and send scores to the college you will be attending

8 Trinity Valley School Upper School College Counseling Office 7500 Dutch Branch Road, Fort Worth, TX