JUNIORS Demystifying the College Process N U T L E Y H I G H S C H O O L J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 4
What kind of college should I attend? Trade and Technical Schools Focus on a specific skill or talent Two-Year Community College Popular option for students unsure of area of study Often a smart financial option Obtaining an associates degree Transferring to a four-year college or university Four-Year College or University Bachelors degree Pre-professional and/or dual degree programs
What do colleges look at? Main components of an application: Grades Rigor of courses Test scores Extracurricular activities Recommendation letters Essay Demonstrated interest/visits
Letters of Recommendation Seniors need to complete the senior questionnaire survey and resume in Naviance for their counselor. It is your responsibility to request a teacher letter of recommendation. Ask your teacher in person Complete the Teacher Recommendation Questionnaire Use Naviance drop down menu to give teacher access to upload your letter Make sure to write a thank you note to your teacher!
Transcript Your transcript will consist of: Course titles, levels, and final letter grades from freshman, sophomore, and junior year Lists senior year schedule Option ii and/or summer school grades (if applicable) Academic GPA: Weighted All-subject GPA: Unweighted THE TRANSCRIPT DOES NOT INCLUDE SAT OR ACT SCORES. It is the student s responsibility to submit standardized test scores officially through the College Board and/or the ACT website.
Improvement Speaks Volumes Trends are important!!! It is NEVER too late to improve No room for senior slump Growth
Standardized Testing SATs ACTs SAT II Subject Tests
The SAT Students generally take the SAT two or three times. The SATs are offered January, March, May, June, October, November, and December. Sign up at http://www.collegeboard.org/ Length: 3 hours, 45 minutes Maximum score: 800 per section 3 Sections: Critical Reading Math Writing
SAT II Subject Tests Some SAT subject tests are only offered on specific test dates. Check collegeboard.org for test dates. Usually appropriate for the end of junior year in May or June. Check individual college websites for their SAT II subject test requirements.
The ACT The ACT is more a test of classroom knowledge, as it is curriculum based. Includes English, reading, math and science. The writing section is optional but highly recommended. Some colleges require it. The ACT test is offered in February, April, June, September, October, and December. Maximum score: 36 Length: 3 hours, 30 minutes http://www.actstudent.org/
Sending Scores You are responsible for getting your scores to the colleges by their deadline. * Remember to plan ahead Score Choice Super Score
Extracurricular Activities QUALITY not QUANTITY Colleges prefer to see depth and involvement with a few activities over a longer period of time. Athletics Clubs/activities at NHS or in the community Volunteer experience Classes taken outside of NHS Summer programs/travel Internships Work experience Unique hobbies, interests, skills Leadership experiences
NCAA Eligibility Division I and II athletics Spring sports: Contact recruiter in February of Junior year Fall sports: Contact recruiter over the summer for fall of Senior year Nutley High School NCAA Resource Page: http://www.nutleyschools.org.schools.bz/olc/class.aspx?id=6466&s=185 http://eligibilitycenter.org/ecwr2/ncaa_ems/ncaa_ems.html#
Financial Aid FAFSA Applying for a pin # Filing the FAFSA https://fafsa.ed.gov/ CSS Profile When is it required? http://student.collegeboard.org/css-financial-aid-profile
Scholarships Local Scholarships Outside Scholarships
National College Fairs New Jersey National College Fair Location: Meadowlands Exposition Center (at Harmon Meadow): 355 Plaza Drive, Secaucus, NJ 07094 (201) 223-1000 Fair Hours: Wednesday, April 23, 2014 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m Thursday, April 24, 2014 9:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m. New York National College Fair Location: Jacob K. Javits Convention Center of New York Hall 1B 655 West 34th Street New York, NY 10001-1188 212/216-2000 Fair Hours: Sunday, April 6, 2014 11:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.
Selectivity Safety Target Reach How many schools should a student apply to?
Find your fit! Finding the right college match is critical. Everyone is different! Students should make an honest assessment of their strengths and weaknesses. Where do students fit as an applicant? (GPA, standardized test scores, portfolio of activities) Use Naviance, college websites, and/or guidebooks
Find your fit! What should I consider when choosing a college? Discuss with your family what is important to you: Academic reputation and programs Admissions requirements Selectivity Cost and Financial Aid Career Preparation and Opportunities Campus Activities/Organizations Student/Faculty Ratio Support for learning differences Size and Location Public/Private
How to find your fit -VISIT! Visit every school you can Go on an official tour or information session Bring a copy of your unofficial transcript and resume Sit in on a class, eat in the cafeteria if possible Talk to current students Keep a College Visit Journal Meet or interview with admissions counselor and/or department specific faculty Ask questions that are not easily found on the website Send a thank you note if appropriate
Admission Requirements Research college admission requirements Program specific requirements Speak with your counselor about senior schedule
Naviance ALL students are enrolled in Naviance, a web-based computer program to assist with the college application process. How to conduct a college search on Naviance: Log into Naviance Family Connection Click on the Colleges Tab The second section of the screen is called College Research Click on College Search or Supermatch College Search https://connection.naviance.com/family-connection/colleges/
Junior Year Junior year, use Naviance to Find information about colleges and deadlines Research careers and investigate related majors Create a list in Colleges I m Thinking About Compare colleges Complete personal interest inventories, resumes, college plans Complete Senior questionnaire by June Read all emails and announcements
Senior Year Senior year, use Naviance to List Colleges I m Applying To See the schedule of college representatives visiting NHS and sign up for these visits. After speaking with your teacher in person to request a letter of recommendation, use the Naviance drop down menu to give your teacher access to upload your letter. Track applications.
Document Library On your homepage in Naviance, click on Document Library and then Juniors to find A step-by-step monthly timeline of the college application process Application Components FAFSA Information Selective Service Who must register?
NHS 4-Year College Timeline As a JUNIOR All year 1. Maintain a solid course schedule and strong grades. 2. Stay in touch with your counselor. 3. Stay involved in activities that are of interest and show your commitment (clubs, sports, work, community service). 4. Explore colleges using Naviance: Family Connection and other resources available on the internet, library, and guidance office. 5. Take SAT/ACT test
Start of a Journey Junior family college conferences began in January and will resume in the middle to end of March Each family is invited to meet with their counselor for a junior conference. This is only the very first step of the journey to finding the appropriate match. There are many options to explore if you have an open mind.