Transcript Preparing for College

College Planning
Workshop
March 7, 2012
Glenelg High School Student Services
School Counselors
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Mrs. Allie McDonald, A – De
Mrs. Mindy Hirsch, Df – I
Mr. Rodney Williams, J – Mc
Mr. Kareef Overton, Me – R
Ms. Moira Baylog, S – Z
Agenda
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Introduction 7:00 – 7:25
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Notes on preparing for the College
Search and Application Process
Choice of 3 Breakout Sessions:
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7:30 – 7:55
8:00 – 8:25
8:30 – 8:55
 Feedback
Forms
Simple Ways to Prepare for
College
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Take challenging courses
Achieve the strongest possible grades
Sample courses to help decide on academic
major and careers
Involve yourself in activities you enjoy
Take the SAT & ACT
Research colleges and visit schools
Why vs. Where?
Ask WHY go to
college? Don’t forget
the why is more
important than
where…Emphasize
education!
Not a competition…
Resist attempts to turn
the process into a status
competition.
Concerned about price?
Don’t allow the cost of a
college education to cut short
educational pursuits.
Who is in charge?
Resist doing for your students
what they are capable of doing
themselves.
Where to start?
The student should “know themselves”
 Values
 Ambitions
 Achievements
 Academic Strengths
 Interests
 Standout Talents
 Areas for Growth
What is Important?
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Size
Setting
Geographic Location
Academic/Career Focus
Learning Environment
Cost – Including aid
Reputation
Family Considerations
Other, i.e. Athletics, Study Abroad, Religious, etc.
Colleges Consider…
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Grades / Overall GPA
Strength of high school course selections
SAT/ACT Test Score
Essay*
Teacher and counselor recommendations
Class rank
Student’s demonstrated interest
Extracurricular Activities/Personal Accomplishments
Personality characteristics
Courses in progress Junior and Senior year
High School Transcript
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Final Grades in Courses taken grades 9 – 11
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Unweighted/Weighted GPA
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Unweighted/Weighted Rank
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Calculated October 1
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Senior Courses
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Does NOT include SAT or ACT scores
High School Curriculum
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Curriculum should increase in level of challenge from 9th
to 12th grade
4 years of English
4 years of mathematics
3 years of Social Studies
3 years of science
2 years of a foreign language
Exceed the minimum requirements with Honors/AP
courses
A fourth year of mathematics and science is
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Extracurricular Activities
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Less is more
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Focus on doing what you love
Find a healthy balance
Race to Nowhere
Leadership
Volunteer opportunities
Summer programs
Athletics
College Admissions Testing
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Take at least one SAT and one ACT before senior year
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Usually in the spring
Can retake tests fall of senior year
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Send all scores to colleges of interest – HCPSS policy
prohibits GHS from sending scores on transcript
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Additional cost to send scores later
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Colleges take the Higher score
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Investigate the need to take SAT II Tests
SAT II Subject Tests
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Some colleges require – see list on Website
Take in June after completion of related course
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See Course Registration Booklet p. 18 – 19
One hour multiple choice tests
Take up to 3 on a test day
When & How to take SAT/ACT?
SAT
ACT
Register at
www.collegeboard.com
Register at
www.actstudent.org
March 10, 2012
May 5, 2012
June 2, 2012*
April 14, 2012
June 9, 2012*
*Testing is available at
Glenelg High School.
Typically offered each:
Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan,
March, May & June
Also offered next Sept, Oct,
Dec, Feb, Apr, June
Preparation for SAT/ACT
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ACT and College Board Website:
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http://www.act.org/aap/pdf/preparing.pdf
http://sat.collegeboard.com/practice/
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Familiarization with test – practice, practice, practice
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Use of PSAT My College Quick Start
Counselors Can Help
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11th Grade English Classes
Individual Student/Parent Conferences
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Junior Folders
Resources
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Schedule March through Summer
Website
College Lists
College Navigator
September Evening Program
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College Application Process and Requesting Transcripts
College Counseling Website
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Link available at www.glenelghigh.com
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Under Student Services link
College Research Resources
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College Navigator Website
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College Board Book of Majors, Fiske’s Guide, Ruggs
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College Visits/College Fairs/Preview Days
Individual College/University Websites
College admissions Blogs
Academic Common Market Schools
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http://www.mhec.state.md.us/highered/acadaff/academiccommonmarket/co
mmonmarket.asp
College representatives that visit Glenelg each fall
Professional Organization websites
 Example – American Association of Physical Therapists
College Visits
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Students are allowed 3 excused days
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Discretionary absence form available on Website
– must be approved by Mr. Schindler
Contact University Admissions Office to arrange
Ask to meet with professors and attend a class
Go when academic term is in session
Ask students (other than
your tour guide) how
they feel about the school
Questions to ask on campus
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What are the three most popular majors?
What do you consider when deciding to admit an
applicant?
Do most students graduate in 4 years?
What is your retention rate?
Do you offer assistance in securing internships?
What percentage of your students receive
employment after graduation?
Complete list of questions
available on website
Next Steps for Juniors
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Stay focused on academics
Choose challenging senior schedule
Meet with your school counselor
Stay involved in school activities
Get a verbal commitment from teacher for
letter of recommendation
Take the ACT / SAT tests
Register for AP tests as appropriate
Next Steps for Juniors
Research & Visit Colleges
 Attend college fairs
 Review college applications and
requirements
 Research schools, visit, visit, visit.
 Compile a list of 6 – 10 schools that you can
SERIOUSLY see yourself attending
 Get a head start on the essay
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Financial Aid & Scholarships
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Merit scholarships awarded with initial application
in fall of Senior year
EVERY family should apply for FAFSA Jan. 1 of
Senior Year
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www.fafsa.ed.gov
Investigate on website what scholarships are
available
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HCPSS Search Database
www.MeritAid.com
GHS Timeline
March
College Search Classroom Lessons
 Junior Interviews
April – Summer
 Conferences with juniors and counselor
 Summer hours
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June
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Review transcript process in classrooms
Students get verbal commitment from teachers for
letter of recommendation
Next Steps for Parents
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Read up on College Admissions
Help your student get organized
Take a road trip – visit colleges!
Know the right questions to ask
Schedule conference with school counselor
Closing Remarks
College is not about where you go, but rather
what the student makes of the experience.
Spend the time, and your child WILL find a
school that “fits”
Don’t hesitate to seek our help!
Questions?
Counselors will be in hallways
to answer any questions.
Move to Breakout
Sessions