Transcript Welcome to the College “Journey” LOCUST VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT

Welcome to the College
“Journey”
LOCUST VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL GUIDANCE DEPARTMENT
February 6, 2007
Self Assessment
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Academic strengths and weaknesses
Favorite courses
Favorite activities
Learning Environment
What are Colleges looking for?
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GPA
Transcript
SAT, SAT Subject tests, ACT
Extracurricular activities
College Essay
Interview
Recommendations
GPA &Transcript
 Academic growth, strength of program,
grades
- IB, AP, Honors & Regents
-Interests & Strengths
-Senior course selection
- Mid-year Grades
 Weighted classes
 GPA is computed for all high school
courses through the Junior year
 LVHS does not rank
SAT, SAT Subject Tests, & ACT
 College entrance exams
 Required by most Colleges
What are your test-taking strengths?
The SAT
 SAT I
– Critical Reading
– Math
– Writing
 SAT Subject Tests
- Check with individual
Colleges for testing
requirements
The ACT
 ACT
– English
– Math
– Reading
– Science
– Optional writing test
(Colleges may require the
writing section)
Tips for taking the SAT/ACT
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Take a rigorous schedule
Take extra math, science, and English
Read, read, read
Study Vocabulary
Take practice exams
www.collegeboard.com
https://www.uccp.org/ (click on “students”)
SAT dates
Test Date:
Registration Deadline:
March 10, 2007*
May 5, 2007
June 2, 2007
October 6, 2007
November 3, 2007
December 1, 2007
February 2, 2007/ Feb 14, 2007*
April 3, 2007
April 27, 2007
(07-08 Registration
dates currently
not available)
Check SAT Schedule to verify SAT Subject test dates
*late registration
LVHS is a testing site for all SAT dates
ACT dates
Test Date:
Registration Deadline:
April 14, 2007
June 9, 2007*
September 15, 2007
October 27, 2007*
December 8, 2007
March 9, 2007
May 4, 2007
August 10, 2007
September 21, 2007
November 2, 2007
*Test offered at Locust Valley High School
School Codes
 High School CEEB Code: 332 882
Test Center Codes:
 SAT Code: 33-562
 ACT Code: 20006
Testing for Students with
Accommodations
Please contact the Individual Needs
Department with any questions regarding
special testing accommodations for SAT and
ACT tests
Letters of Recommendation
 Two letters
 Spring of Junior year
 Teachers who know you
well (preferably Junior
teachers)
 Supplementary letters
(ie. Athletics, Art, Music)
 Counselor
Recommendation
 Thank you note
College Essay
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Represents student
Answer question
Engaging
Presentation counts
Be original
Be yourself
Revise and proofread
Seek feedback
Interviews
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May be required
Alumni interviews
Informational
Relax and be
yourself
 Be prepared
- Ask questions
- Bring Activity Record
- Dress appropriately
- Arrive on time
Activity Record
 Accomplishments
 Honors and Awards
 Extracurricular activities
– Clubs, Sports
 Community Service
 Out of school activities
 Summer programs, Research
& Internships
 Work experience
Researching Colleges
 Consider what you want in a college:
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Size
Location
Urban, Suburban, Rural
Public or private
Major, special programs
Athletics
Environment
Student life
Single Sex or Co-ed
Religious orientation
Military Academy
Larger Schools vs. Smaller Schools
 Relationships with
professors
 Student/ Teacher ratio
 Average class size
 Opportunities
Public vs. Private Universities
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Cost
Reputation
Denominational
Military
Environment
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Academics
Major
Special Programs
Athletics
Single Sex or Co-Ed
Social life
Greek life
Location
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In state or out of state
Region
Weather
Urban, Suburban, Rural
Distance
Commuting cost
Narrow It Down
 “target” schools
 “reach” schools
 “safe” schools
How Can I Learn About
Different Colleges?
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School Counselor
Internet
Friends and Family
Campus tours and
interviews
Virtual College tours
College handbooks
College Catalogs
College Fairs
INTERNET SITES
 www.collegeboard.com Offers a wide range of college admissions
information & services in the areas of college search, assessment,
admission, placement, financial aid, curriculum, and research.
 www.collegenet.com Search for colleges by name, location,
enrollment, tuition, major, affiliation and sports. Also includes a
scholarship search, financial aid information and other college
resources.
 www.campustours.com Online source for virtual college tours,
interactive maps, college webcams, QuickTime VR tours, campus
movies and pictures
Campus Visit
 Contact admissions:
– To register for campus tour
– To inquire about Open House dates
Attend College Fairs!
 Speak with college representatives
 Find out and gather information on schools
College Fairs may offer:
 Valuable workshops
 Informational resources
 Counselors to help with the college search
process
Spring College Fair:
Nassau Counselors’ Association
SPRING COLLEGE EXPO
Tuesday, MAY 8, 2007
5-9 PM
HOFSTRA ARENA
Hofstra University
FREE to attend!
www.NassauCounselors.org
NCA Spring College Expo:
 Over 350 colleges and universities in
attendance
 Counselors available to provide College
Search Assistance
 Seminars on:
- Financial Aid
- Students with Special Needs
- Student Athletes & the NCAA
- “Selective College” Admissions
FALL COLLEGE FAIRS
 NCA Fall College Expo
-September 23,2007 Time:12-3pm
SUNY Old Westbury
 NACAC- National College Fair
-September 30, 2007 Time: 11-4pm
Nassau Coliseum
When Should I Apply?
Fall of Senior year
 Early Decision
 Early Action
 Priority Deadlines
 Regular Admission
 Rolling Admission
Application Process
 Obtain applications online or
from each college
 Common, SUNY, CUNY,
Individual
 Apply online or by mail
through the Guidance
Department
 NCAA Clearinghouse
 Financial aid
Be aware of deadlines!
National Collegiate Athletic
Association
 Division I & II college-bound athletes
should register in the fall with NCAA
-www.ncaaclearinghouse.net
 Be in touch with HS coaches spring of
junior year
 Consult with your child’s Guidance
Counselor regarding academic
eligibility
New York State Higher
Education Services Corporation
www.HESC.com
Financial Aid Workshop offered at
LVHS in Senior year
FAFSA: File after January 1st of
Senior year
Academic
Departmental
Private
Scholarship Websites
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www.fastweb.com
www.collegeboard.com
www.scholaraid.com
www.lvcsd.k12.ny.us
(go to Schools > HS > Depts. > Guidance > Scholarship info)
Make the most of this journey!
 Let your child take ownership of this exciting
process
 We are here to help you
You are about to embark on another milestone of
your life!