Transcript College Information Night

WELCOME!

Please pick up a copy of all
super, useful handouts on the
back table!
Stay tuned for…
College Information Night for Parents
Ms. Brandi Cooper
Mrs. Amber Gilsdorf
Ms. Ann Raffay
November 20, 2013
Agenda for the Evening

 GHS College Counseling Curriculum
 5 Easy Steps for College Searching
 College Testing
 Strengthening Applicant Profile
 Financial Aid (briefly)
 Save the Dates
 Remind 101
 Q&A
GHS College Planning Curriculum

 9th Grade—4-Year Academic Planning Meetings,
Career Cluster Finder Inventory in Naviance,
Freshmen Career Fair
 10th Grade—”Personality Type” Profile in
Naviance, Sophomore Hands-On Day, PSAT
Results
 11th Grade—College 101 Curriculum (See “College
101 Calendar” handout - GREEN)
GHS College Planning Curriculum

 12th Grade—College Application Process for Parents
(Sept.), College Application Work Sessions, Alumni Day
 All Grades—Athletics in College (Fall Sports Meeting),
Licking County Financial Aid Night (Jan.), Scheduling
Presentations (Feb.), Selective Schools Admissions
Presentation (Apr.), Licking County College Fair (Apr.)
Tools for the
Journey Ahead

 Naviance Family Connection
 Grade-level College Planning Calendars
 www.granvilleschools.org/CollegePlanning.aspx
 Websites:
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CollegeBoard.org
College-specific websites
studentaid.ed.gov
GHS School Counseling & College Planning website links
Tools for the
Journey Ahead
 College Books:

 Fiske Guide to the Colleges 2013
 Peterson’s publications
 CollegeBoard’s College Majors
 Available to borrow in the GHS Counseling Office
 Family & Friends
 School Counselor
What is Naviance
Family Connection?

 College search tool
 Database that compares your student’s applicant profile
to former GHS graduates who applied to the same
schools on your student’s list!
 Helps you & your student organize the college process
 Personality assessments
 Career assessments
 Scholarship searches
 Summer Enrichment Programs
See: “Introduction to Naviance” handout - BLUE
How do I begin
the process with
my child?
STEP 1:
Self-Reflection

 Have your child reflect on:
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Who am I?
What are my strengths?
What do I want from my college experience?
What would I like to do at the end of 4 years?
What are my goals?
How do these qualities match with potential majors and careers?
 College Counseling Curriculum:
 Naviance Family Connection – “My Personality Type”
assessment
 College 101 Folder - See “Exploring College Majors & Careers
Path” Packet & College Majors 101
STEP 2:
Understand Different Types of Colleges
•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Public and Private Colleges
For Profit Colleges
4-year and 2-year colleges
Liberal Arts Colleges
Universities
Vocational-technical and career colleges
Colleges with special focus
•
Arts, single-sex, religious, specialized mission
 College Counseling Curriculum:
 College 101 Folder – Green “College Search Process” packet
and “Qualities that Make a College Right for You” packet
STEP 3:
Qualities that Make a School “a Good Fit”
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

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


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Enrollment
Academic Environment
Academic Offerings
Cost/Availability of Financial Aid
Religion
Ethnicity
Coeducation or Single Sex
Student Body Characteristics
Student Life
Big Name School or Best Fit School
Activities (including Athletics)
Admission Difficulty
Location
Any other factors…
 Adapted from College Match by Steven Antonoff
STEP 4:
Build a College List & Research

1. Using the “SuperMatch” and “College Search” features
in Naviance, students can narrow field of search based
on qualities of importance.
 View college acceptance data from previous GHS students
(without names)
 See: “Using Naviance to Compare to Past GHS Applicants” handout - BLUE
 Personalize a list of schools you have interest in and keep
track of deadlines
2. Use the CollegeBoard “College Search” function to
cross-reference results.
 College Counseling Curriculum:
 College 101 Folder – “How to Build Your College List” packet
STEP 4:
Build a College List & Research

3. Review college profile on Naviance, CollegeBoard, or
on the college’s website
 Average SAT and/or ACT scores or range of scores for
acceptance
 Average GPA of acceptance
 Average number of courses for math, science, global
language, fine arts, etc.
 Acceptance rates
 Overall Acceptance Rate
 Courses & majors offered
 Other unique programs/activities for students
See: “How to Build a College List” packet - WHITE
STEP 5:
College Visits

 Visiting is the most important way to learn about
colleges
 Go when school is in session
 Plan trips during long weekends, vacations, GHS Spring
Break
 Set up the appt. 2-3 weeks in advance, through the
phone or website
 See: “Questions to Ask During Your Campus Visit” handout - SALMON
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
Standard Visit = Tour and Presentation
Virtual Tours available on some college websites and
CollegeWeekLive
Experience as much as possible (meetings with coaches, department
chairs, professors, see the town, etc.)
Things to keep in mind

As you begin searching for
schools & visiting…
Students should consider their
applicant profile:

 Grades in college preparatory courses (98%)
 Strength of curriculum (92.7%)
 Admission test scores/ACT & SAT (89.8%)
 Overall GPA (89.5%)
Percentages are the results of the annual NACAC Admissions Trends
Survey, which denotes the most important factors in admissions decisions.
How do you determine if a
college is a…
Reach?

 Your student’s applicant profile is not as strong as the
middle 50% or average of admitted students to that school.
Target?
 Your student’s applicant profile is similar to the middle 50%
or average of admitted students to that school.
Likely?
 Your student’s applicant profile is significantly stronger
than the middle 50% or average of admitted students to that
school.
The College Continuum
Reach  Target Likely

When it comes to applying, we
recommend applying to a variety of
schools on a continuum based on your
student’s applicant profile.
Reach
Target
Likely
Selective Schools Admissions

Acceptance rates from 2013
• HarvardApplicants
7.2% Accepted
School
• Stanford
7.97%
• Yale
Harvard
34,9508.56%
• Princeton
Yale
27,28310.6%
• Columbia
11%
Princeton
26,664
• Brown
11%
Brown
28,74217%
• Penn
Univ.
• Georgetown
19%
Dartmouth
22,38522%
• Duke
Admission
Rate
Though
acceptance
Though
acceptance
rates
2,188
6.26%
rates
arefor
low
forhighly
these
are
low
these
2,109
7.73%
selective
highly schools,
selectivewe
2,094
7.85%
encourage
students
schools,
weall
encourage
2,627
9.14%
2,270
10.14%
thatstudents
match the
school’s
all
that
match
academic
profile
and
the
school’s
academic
4,034
14.23%
College
Gathered from Naviance, 2012
Vanderbilt
Univ.
28,348
feel that the school is a
profile and feel that the
“best fit” for them to
school is a “best fit” for
apply.
them to apply.
Selective Schools Admissions

 The fewer students a school accepts, the more likely it is to place
emphasis on “tip” factors in the admissions process.
 Demonstrated Interest
 On-campus visits
 Summer programs at the school
 Table visits at college fairs
 Student’s unique strength/situation
 Particular musical instrument, sport, or other strength
 Major area of study interest
 First generation college student
 What is the need for their incoming class?
 Selective Schools Presentation – TBD April
College Testing
Feel free to ask questions throughout!

Here we go…

www.granvilleschools.org/PSAT1.aspx
 Administered in October each year.
 Recommended for ALL 9th, 10th, & 11th grade students
every year.
 Detailed Score Report returned in January in English
classes
 Provides Personalized SAT Study Plan online
 AP Potential to assist with scheduling

"On average, students who take the PSAT score 146 points higher on the SAT than
those who do not, and students who take the PSAT more than once earn even higher
SAT scores.“
Source: CollegeBoard Counselor Workshop handout.
SAT and ACT

 See: “Test Dates & Deadlines” yellow handout

= GHS is a Test Center for that date.
 All students should have a “Testing Plan” to take both
the SAT & ACT once each.
 Retake whichever test was the stronger test AT LEAST
ONCE.
 Compare your scores using the downloadable
Concordance Table at
www.granvilleschools.org/CollegeTesting.aspx
 All testing should be done by the end of Junior year.
SAT and ACT

 Pay special attention to if colleges require the “writing”
portion of the ACT. We strongly recommends taking the
writing portion as some colleges require it!
 SUPERSCORING!
 Why it can be good to take both tests twice
 Policies vary by college
 Test-optional schools www.fairtest.org/optional.htm
Make A Testing Plan

 In Analysis, IAP, Fundies, AP Calc (or higher) this year?
 First round of ACT & SAT in the Winter (December, January, February) of
junior year
 Determine highest score – Concordance Table
 Second round of ACT or SAT in the Spring (March, April, May, or June) of
junior year
 In Geometry, ALPH, or Algebra II this year?
 First round of ACT & SAT in the Winter/Spring (February, March, or
April) of junior year
 Determine highest score – Concordance Table
 Second round of ACT or SAT in the Spring/Summer (May or June) of
junior year
See: “2013-2014 Dates & Deadlines” handout - YELLOW
Registration

 Register for tests online & record the username and password
 Students must upload a photo of themselves with their online
registration. Student must be the only person in the picture with a plain
colored background.
 For students requesting accommodations, please review the
information at
www.granvilleschools.org/TestingforStudentswithDisabilities1.aspx
Inside the SAT

How
do
colleges
get
my
scores?
How is the test scored?
How do I get more
•
You
can
choose
4
schools
to
receive
information
about
the
SAT?
• 200-800
points
per
section
for a total of
What
is
the
test
structure?
your
scores
for
free
when
you
register
for
2400 •possible
You can go to the High School
the
test.
• Critical
Reading
CollegeforTesting
website for
• 2-12& points
the essay
• Otherwise,
you can log-in to your
more
information:
•
Mathematics
• CollegeBoard
¼ points
subtracted
wrong
accountfor
to every
send scores
http://www.granvilleschools.org/CollegeTesting.aspx
answer
individually
• Writing to colleges as part of your
application.
SAT Subject Tests
 Typically more selective colleges and highly academic
programs require the SAT subject tests.
 Take these tests right after you have completed the class
that focused on the subject in which you are being tested.
 Each subject test lasts approximately one hour, so students
can sign up for up to three tests on one test date.
 How do I know if my schools require SAT Subject Tests?
 Use Compass Prep:
http://www.compassprep.com/subject_about.shtml
 Each specific school’s admissions website
 Search for your college on CollegeBoard’s website
Inside the ACT
What
the test
structure?
 get
How
doiscolleges
my scores?
How is the test scored?
• English
How
do
get more
information
• You
canI choose
4 schools
to receive
•your
1-36scores
for
each
section
about
the
ACT?
• Reading for free when you
register
for the
test.
•
2-12
points
for
the
writing
• You
can go to the High School &
• Mathematics
College
Planning
forto
more
• Otherwise,
you website
can log-in
your
• Science
information:
ACT
accountReasoning
to send scores
http://www.granvilleschools.org/CollegeTesting.aspx
individually
to colleges as part of your
• Writing (optional…but
application.
recommended)
Free:
Test Prep

www.actstudent.org and www.collegeboard.org
- questions, skill building activities, & full practice tests
- Books to check out in the Counseling Office.
- PSAT Score Report
- Check out links on our website:
www.granvilleschools.org/SATSATSubjectTests1.aspx
Fee-Based:
-
$ on your “Test Dates & Deadlines” handout
Workshops are advertised through the Blue Ace Update
Private tutoring
Note: Make sure that any prep service focuses on problem solving and test-taking
skills, as well as time management.
FAQs on Testing

 Do colleges need both SAT and ACT scores?
 Which scores are better to send to colleges? Should I
send them now, or wait?
 How important are grades as compared to test scores?
 What if English is not my first language? (TOEFL)
We did it!

Almost there!
At the end of Junior Year
 April:

 Students complete a “Check-In” Worksheet:
 Testing Plan, College Visit Plan, Potential Majors,
Colleges of Interest, & Potential Recommenders
 May:
 Prepare for the college essay & review “To-Do” for the
summer
 Going in to Senior Year:
 Have a list of colleges to which you will apply
 All ACT/SAT testing completed
Grades 9 – 11:
Strengthen Your Applicant Profile
 Coursework

 Parent Scheduling Night Rising Seniors & Juniors: Wednesday,
February 19, 2014
 Get involved in our school AND our community
 Your child should invest in activities they are passionate
about and/or talented
 Consider the opportunities available during the summer
 Find a few things (not 10) to focus on and to develop more
 Encourage them to get to know their teachers and counselor
 Family Meetings
Financial Aid

 College 101 – March topic
 Resources are available on the School Counseling
& College Planning website
 www.granvilleschools.org/financialaid.aspx
 During your college visits, make a separate
appointment to meet with financial aid officers.
 Or don’t hesitate to call the financial aid office!
SAVE THE DATE


January 22, 2014 @ 6:00 p.m. - Financial Aid Night @ C-TEC
September 2014 – College Application Process for Senior Parents
Save the Date!

See your “Important College and Career Dates
(and Parent Nights)” handout! - GREEN





Licking County Financial Aid Night
Course Scheduling Presentations
Selective Schools Admission Presentation
Licking County College Fair
College Application Process for Senior Parents
Parents of Juniors!

Grab your phones!
REMIND 101

Respond to the “Welcome” text
with your first & last name.