Sophomore/Junior Parent Further Education Planning Program

Presented by:

Danielle Colte and Tim Librizzi SHS Guidance Counselors

Step 1: Know Yourself and Your Reasons for Attending College

        Recognize your strengths and weaknesses Analyze your interests and values Desire for learning or knowledge Enhanced job or career opportunities Future aspirations for success or better life Personal goals (e.g., “for myself,”) to be well rounded or for personal growth Monetary factors such as earning power or potential income Credentialing in the form of a college degree

Step 2: The College Prep Curriculum

If a student is planning to go to college, it’s important to take the right classes in high school. Some universities may require fewer subjects than we’ve recommended here, but for “strong preparation,” students should plan to take the following: 4 English 4 years of college prep English are required. This will give students the skills they’ll need to understand literature and write effectively.

4 Math 4 years will give students the best possible preparation. Students who take math in each year of high school are far more successful in college than students taking only three years

3 3 3 1

College Prep Curriculum (Continued)

Science 3 years of lab sciences are recommended even if a student doesn’t plan to pursue a science-related field.

Social Studies 3 years will give students the ability to understand and contribute to the world they live in.

World Language 3 years of the same language is recommended. Many universities require their students to study a world language. Strong preparation in high school will let students go further, faster in college.

Art 1 year of a visual or performing art is required. This includes courses in art, music, theater or dance.

Strong Preparation:

 Many colleges will require students to meet certain college prep curriculum standards. But just meeting the minimum is not necessarily the best way to prepare for college. Strong preparation means going beyond the minimum – taking Honors or AP courses where appropriate.

          What Counts Most with Admissions Directors?

Grades in College Prep Courses Strength of Curriculum Test Scores (SAT and/or ACT) Overall GPA in All Classes Essay or Writing Sample Teacher Recommendations Counselor Recommendation Extracurricular Activities Class Rank Student’s Demonstrated Interest

Keep in mind that colleges have other priorities that impact student admissions such as minority recruitment, geographical mix, talent mix, athletes and diversity of student body *

Each college/university has its own set of admission standards and application requirements

Admission Trends

Bad News

   More students applying than ever before (3.3 million HS graduates in 2011) Competition to get into selective colleges is more intense than ever before Students are applying to more schools (30% are submitting seven or more applications)

Good News

   Most who apply to 4-year US colleges get in (67%) – more than 2,100 US colleges and universities Easier to apply to college (Common Application, eDocs, other online apps) Growing number of colleges do not require SAT/ACT scores (nearly 850 currently)

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Some Admissions Facts

Students have less than a 5% chance to get into a top tier college Merit scholarships have become more common as colleges award money to applicants for academic, artistic or athletic merit Colleges are now using a more “holistic” admissions philosophy    High School GPA’s are often recalculated by colleges Many colleges track a student’s interest in attending and will use it as a factor in the admission decision Private colleges are more likely to give weight to tip factors like extracurricular activities or the essay

College Planning for Juniors • • • • • Group sessions in English classes Homework will be assigned from ABC’s of College Planning book (pp. 20-22 – College Critique) Individual sessions will be beginning shortly College search will be done online using Naviance http://connection.naviance.com/sparta Counselor will help student develop a list of 20-30 colleges that match their academic profile and other search criteria

Do Your Homework!!!

Step 3: Consider College Characteristics

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Majors and Educational Programs Type of School and Degrees Offered Admission Policy – Degree of Selectivity Geographic Location and Size Costs and Financial Aid (NJ Stars – top 15%) - 5 semesters of free tuition at SCCC - up to 18 credits per term College Affiliation and Accreditation Campus Activities Support Services Program Location

NAVIANCE – FAMILY CONNECTION

Click here to login

Step 4: Sources for Research

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School Counselor Computer Search Programs (Naviance) College Guide Books, Catalogs & View Books Web Sites CD-ROMs College Fairs, Open Houses and Receptions Visit College Campuses

Step 5: Developing a Final List

(October 1 st of Senior Year) Reach Schools 1 or 2

*Schools that present an admission challenge – Their average GPA and SAT scores are slightly higher than yours.

Realistic Schools 2 to 4

*Schools whose admission criteria match your credentials.

Safety Schools 1 or 2

*Schools whose average GPA and SAT scores are slightly below yours.

Never apply to a school you would not be happy to attend!

Our Advice: “Less is More”

Students should focus on developing a manageable number of applications so their interests in the institutions where they are applying are conveyed clearly and thoroughly Sending out more applications than they can realistically complete with high quality may cost them in the long run

* Colleges/universities want students who really want them!

SAT & ACT Dates

www.collegeboard.org

www.actstudent.org

 SAT (Current Year) May 5 – deadline April 20 June 2 – deadline May 8  ACT (Current Year) April 14 June 9 – deadline May 4  SAT (Next Year) October 6 November 3 December 1 January 26  ACT (Next Year) September 8 October 27 December 8 February 9 *Juniors should take at least one SAT this spring

COLLEGE FAIRS

Sussex County Community College Fair SCCC Campus (Newton) April 18th 6:30 - 8:00 PM SHS Mini College Fair Sparta High School Auxiliary Gym April 24 th 10:17 - 12:00 PM National College Fair New Jersey Convention and Exposition Center (Edison) April 25 th 6:00 – 9:00 PM

Questions?

Thanks for Coming

Enjoy the Rest of Your Evening and a Have a Safe Ride Home