Juniors Spring Presentation

Juniors Spring Presentation

First of all. Congratulations on all your hard work junior year!

Now everyone take a deep breath And get ready for what s next: 1. Finish strong over these last 5 weeks 2. Make the most of your summer 3. Senior year is almost here which means lots of cool things!

Goals for Today College Application Timeline Application Process What can you do over the summer? College List Finding at least 3-7 Good Fit schools **This PowerPoint Presentation will be on the Counseling Center website with an additional 15 slides of information.**

After NHS, The options are limitless 4 year college 3400+ 2 year college 1700+ Technical college Military academies Gap year Employment Volunteer program

When Do I Activity Get in groups of 2-3 Discuss and complete Timeline Activity

Timeline Spring Take SAT and ACT tests (and subject tests for highly selective private schools) June Ask junior teachers for letters of rec (private colleges and Common Application schools only) Aug-Oct Retake SAT/ACT tests if needed Aug/Sept College applications go live Sept/Oct Senior Blitz Oct 1 FAFSA online Nov 1-15 Early decision and early action applications due Nov-Jan Regular applications due (UW = Nov 15 th ) Dec-April Colleges notify students of decision May 1 Decision Day: Tuition and housing deposits due July Final transcript sent to one college

What to do Refine your college list (about 3-8 schools and ALL ones you d be HAPPY with) Visit colleges and programs Create your Common Application account (if applying to schools on it) Start working on college applications & essays Sign up for and study for SAT/ACT fall retakes Sleep and enjoy your summer vacation time with friends/family!

2 Year College Enrollment There are 34 CC in our state. Research options and find the right match at www.checkoutacollege.com Priority application deadlines in the spring. For Bellevue College, it is January. SAT/ACT tests not required. Register for Math and English placement exam. Make an appointment to meet with an academic advisor. Register for classes.

4-Year College Application Process Public Private/Common App Schools Check app deadlines Apply online Essays in application Order official transcripts Send ACT/SAT scores Check app deadlines ED (binding) & EA Complete background info for counselor letter of rec 3 weeks before 1st application deadline Request teacher letters of rec Apply online Check additional requirements for honors programs Essays in application Order official transcripts Send ACT/SAT scores Set up college interviews

Public College Honors Programs A private college education at a public college cost May require a separate application

Creating Your College List Academic Fit Student = College Ave GPA and Tests Reach Target Safety (you know you are getting in) Career Fit Major or broad base to choose later Placement in jobs, internships, grad school Personality Fit Size, Urban/Rural, Religious/Political, student body Dorm, food, activities, overall feel, etc. Take a campus tour or visit similar local schools Research using Naviance Attend college fairs and Admissions rep visits

Apply Early Decision or Early Action? Early Decision Early Action Typically, apply to one school. If accepted, you must enroll pending acceptable financial aid package Can apply to more than one school. Acceptance is non-binding Can t compare financial aid packages and scholarships May increase the chance of admission for strong students and legacy students Easier to compare different financial aid and scholarship packages May increase chances and admission decisions are made easier.

Letters of Recommendation Required for Common App, private schools, special programs (always a few exceptions) No state colleges in WA require letters Counselor and 1-2 Teachers Different process for requesting Packet on Counselor website Teachers ask directly Submit materials 4 weeks prior to deadline Gracious and grateful attitude

Counselor Guidance for Seniors Senior classroom presentations (Sept) College application process, Naviance and timelines SR BLITZ----Counselor meetings with each senior (Sept) Transcript review (credits, grades, CS, HSPE) Finalize post high school plans (2 or 4 year college, gap year) Super Wed (Oct) Essay editing and college application workshop As requested always available to answer questions and help with next step Additional help through Summer College App Workshop and College Corp volunteers On-site visits by college admission reps

Financial Aid FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Submit beginning October 2016 (new start date) http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ Parent night in October - TBD CSS Profile (College Board) Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) http://wue.wiche.edu/ Research different types of aid available at http://studentaid.ed.gov- understand the differences between loans, grants, work-study etc.

A Good College List.. Is in the Single Digits Has at least 2-3 Likely schools Every school meets student s priorities Every school will make the student happy Accounts for family financial situation Represents collaboration between students and parents and others involved.

WWU WC SU CWU SPU EWU A Good College Is in the location/environment you want Offers academics you are interested in Offers the internships/research/co-ops/study abroad/career placement you need Offers activities you are interested in Is affordable for you and your family Is a place that will both challenge and support you Is a place you will graduate from UW WSU ESC

Experiences + Talking to people + Reflection = Clarity Talk to current seniors about college process Talk to siblings, parents, friends Try things to see what you like and don t like Talk with teachers and counselors Enjoy the process and remember to

Important Tips Try to have fun with your search---no wrong choice Nothing is due in the summer Counseling office will start submissions in October not September A complete submission is better than an early submission. Talk to your parents about options and $$

College Application Workshop August 14, 15, 18 (4 hours per day) Get a jump start on applications by: 1. Completing college searches, composing a list of colleges to apply to. 2. Getting started on the Common Application and the Washington Public college applications. 3. Working on and getting feedback on your essays and short answers for the applications. *Sign up same as summer school process (cost is $100 and if you qualify for free/reduced lunch then less)

What to do Get those grades up to next level if possible (No +/- on transcripts) Sign up for summer school if you need to Turn in your Community Service (check your hours on-line) Turn in your PE for sport paperwork Ask current teachers for Letter of Rec (for Common App. and private colleges)

Other Search Options College Board s Big Future Search NACAC and local College Fairs Visits by College Admission Officers Visiting Colleges Guidebooks (Fiske, Insiders, etc.) Websites (College Navigator, NCAA, College Portrait, etc.)