Junior-Senior Year Timeline. Thinking about college early

Transcription

1 Junior-Senior Year Timeline Thinking about college early

2 Goals Start thinking about college process NOW. Provide a timeline to follow during college application time so you are prepared. Provide more knowledge about and prepare for college application process. Note: This is NOT a college requirements workshop- it is a preparation and timeline workshop.

3 Requirements in a nutshell University of California (UC) Completion of the a-g coursework with a grade of C or better GPA of at least 3.0 SAT or ACT w/writing California State University (CSU) Completion of the a- g coursework with a grade of C or better GPA of at least 2.0 SAT or ACT Meet the CSU eligibility index

4 Requirements in a nutshell Private & Independent Schools Course requirements vary. Check specific university website SAT or ACT Letters of recommendation Community Colleges Be at least 18 years of age Or Be a High School graduate 2.0 or higher to receive Cal Grants

5 Things to begin researching Admission requirements College Entrance Exams (SAT, ACT, SAT Subject Tests) Financial Aid and Scholarships College Visits - finding the right fit Difference between likely, possibility, and reach schools College websites DEADLINES

6 Junior Year Timeline

7 Fall Make sure you know the college admission requirements. Do well in all classes. Character/Citizenship is important! Participate in clubs, sports, volunteer work or other activities of interest. Make up any D grades.

8 Winter Review PSAT score report. Use My College QuickStart to study for SAT. Sign up for SAT, SAT Subject Tests and ACT for the Spring. Start planning for Summer. Most internship and other enrichment application deadlines are Feb/March.

9 Spring Review senior class selection with parent and counselor. Start identifying potential recommenders/ask teachers to write letters of rec. Attend College Night event. Study for AP Exams. Make a college list: 1-2 likely, 3-4 possibility (match), and 2-3 reach

10 Summer If taking a summer vacation, include a college tour. Check to see when CSS Profile is due. Complete a draft of the Personal Statement. Register for Fall SAT/ACT. Start the Letter of Recommendation Packet in Naviance document library. Make up any D grades. Finalize your college list in Naviance.

11 Big Future Video How should you choose colleges to apply to?

12 Senior Year Timeline

13 Fall Review admission requirements. Attend College Night and College Workshops. Check Letter of Recommendation deadlines. Ask teachers for Letters of Recommendation. Read College Application Tips in Naviance document folder. Send all test scores via the testing company to all the colleges you applied to. Apply for scholarships. Set up college account. Check regularly.

14 College Application deadlines Apply to UC and/or CSU between 10/1-11/30. Private school deadlines vary- due December or later for regular decision. Early action or early decision can be as early as Oct. 15.

15 Winter Parents/Guardians: File taxes ASAP. Attend Financial Aid Night and Cash for College Night. Start your FAFSA or DREAM application beginning Jan. 1st. Complete by March 2 nd Some schools have a priority deadline in February. Complete CSS/Profile (for private schools) if you have not already done so. Check for to-do items from the colleges.

16 Spring Prepare for AP Tests. Most admission decisions and award letters arrive in April. Create webgrants for students account to check financial aid award information. Notify the college you plan to attend by May 1st. Do not miss any deadlines: Check your for mandatory to-do items such as testing, housing, orientation and more Apply for community college (if applicable).

17 Summer Request your final transcript be sent to the university you plan to attend by July 1st. Request for official transcript forms are available in the main office. You can turn in request before the end of the school year. Continue to check your college account!

18 Sept. 8 th & 24 th Senior Year Important Dates Letter of Rec packet due for Early Admission Oct. 20 th Letter of Rec packet due for Regular Admission Nov. 30 th UC/CSU Application Due Dec. 1 st Jan. 1 st February 1 st Deadline for most private school application Financial Aid Application opens (FAFSA/DREAM) March 2rd Last day to apply to FAFSA/DREAM to be considered for Cal-Grant May 1 st Jan.- March Decision Day (submit SIR to school of your choice) Community College Application submissions

19 FAQ s

20 What Are Colleges Looking For? Students who meet the requirements. Students who have challenged themselves academically. Students who exhibit intellectual curiosity. Student who will contribute to the vitality of the campus community. Students who will make good roommates In short, they want their campus to be populated by a diverse group of people with a wide range of interests and talents.

21 What kinds of activities should students be doing this summer? No one extracurricular is better than another. Colleges want students to pursue the interests and learn and grow from those experiences. Examples: summer enrichment programs, jobs, volunteer work, internships.

22 Do students need to declare a major in freshman year? Some colleges admit by major, others allow students to be undecided (UC). Colleges seek curious and creative students, well prepared to explore across the curriculum. Be aware that if a student commits to a major on their application, the college will pay attention to the grades in the academic areas most associated with that major.

23 How do I choose a major? Students should ask themselves the following questions: Where do my strengths lie? What am I interested in or passionate about? How much schooling do I want to commit to? What kind of work do I want to do? What kind of life do I want to lead?

24 How do I find the right college? Factors to consider: Size Location Distance from home Available majors and classes Impaction Housing options Makeup of student body Available extracurricular activities Campus Atmosphere Weather Gut feeling

25 Finding the Perfect Fit

26 Resource: Naviance Super Match College Search College Links Career Interest Profiler Career Cluster Finder Do What You Are Personality Assessment Learning Styles Inventory Document Library: Letter of Rec. document and self evaluation activity

27 What can I do to improve my chances of getting into college? Take challenging coursework Senior year. Prepare for and take the SAT and/or ACT. Start working on essays/personal statements. Pursue interests inside and outside of school. Meet the application deadlines. Develop soft skills.

28 Soft Skills Communication skills Teamwork and collaboration Adaptability/Flexibili ty Problem Solving skills Accept Criticism Comfort with technology Strong work ethic Positive attitude Self-motivated Time Management Works well under pressure Self-confidence

29 Where are these soft skills demonstrated? Activities outside of school Essays Letters of recommendation Interviews

30 Guidance Staff Mrs. Brenda Stone Mrs. Sarah Diatta Mrs. Lisa Castillo Academic Counselor Academic Counselor Academic Counselor 10 th & 12 th 9 th & 11 th Credit Recovery Mr. Brad Craycroft Ms. Teryn Kogura Mrs. Joan Albers Junior Advisor College Advisor Career Technician AP of Instruction UC Berkeley DCAC College & Career Center