Welcome to Junior Planning Night! HMTCA February 6, 208 6:30-7:30pm
School Counseling Department Sonia Tamburro stamburro@hartfordschools.org Hannah Kaizer hannah.kaizer@hartfordschools.org Sheila Nussbaum sheila.nussbaum@hartfordschools.org 2
Tonight s Agenda 6:30-7:30pm Junior Planning Activities & Timeline PSAT results College Tests & Test Preparation Post-Secondary Options College/Career Resources Available Jr. Planning Meetings with Counselors Intro to Naviance Q & A 3
Important Upcoming Events Junior Planning Seminars (Through English classes) Individual Junior Planning Meetings (March April) March 2: SAT/State test administration for all juniors National College Fair in Hartford (March 28 & 29*) Parents are STRONGLY encouraged to bring their child to this event held at the convention center Spring College trips to Massachusetts (Worcester, Amherst and Northampton colleges) 4
Junior Planning Juniors prepare for post secondary options. Setting goals for your future Understanding the college admissions process How to conduct a college search College testing College applications and essay tips Resume/brag sheets Interview skills Other post-secondary options/ Gap year 5
The SAT & State Test PSAT prepared juniors for SAT Closely related to curriculum PSAT results linked to Khan Academy practice/preparation site SAT is our new state test REQUIRED for graduation SAT should be taken junior AND senior year 6
Please take out PSAT results for the following explanation 7
PSAT Score Structure Total score ranges from 320-520 2 Section Scores - Evidence Based Reading & Writing, Math Scores range from 60-760 in each section 3 Test Scores - Reading, Writing and Language, Math Scores range from 8-38 in each test 2 Cross Test Scores Analysis in History/Social Studies and Analysis in Science. Based on selected questions in the Reading, Writing and Language, and Math Tests. Scores range from 8-38 in each test 7 Subscores Scores range from -5 8
Junior Planning Meetings Juniors and their parents/guardians will be scheduled for an individual planning meeting Topics to be covered include: High school reflection and transcript review Planning for senior courses Review PSAT results and discuss strategy and timeline for SAT s/act s College and career planning (next steps) 9
Post High School Options Four Year College Two Year College Cost effective Transfers to State Universities Technical School Career specific, hands-on training Gap Year Travel, Community service, AmeriCorps, work Military Employment 0
College/Career Resources School Counselors and College/Career Center Naviance The College Board Website
Junior Planning Handouts Where Do I Begin? Where Do I Get Help? Important Dates for Juniors College Planning in 4 Steps CollegeBoard Series Financial Aid Tips The College Essay Campus Visit Checklist FAQ: College Entrance Exams Finding the Perfect College NCAA Academic Requirements 2
Naviance Naviance and links within the Naviance system will allow you to do the following: Research colleges and conduct an individualized college search Students and parents receive emails about important deadlines, events, and special opportunities Find SAT/ACT test preparation and registration information Obtain financial aid and scholarship information Complete a resume Complete a personality assessment Research careers Links to college resources Keep track of your college applications Keep track of college rep visits to HMTCA Communicate with your counselor! 3 3
The College Search Where should students start? Run a preliminary search using Naviance and College Board Helpful information to consider when researching: GPA, course requirements, test scores, majors, location, cost Develop a broad list of schools (likely, possible, reach) Visit colleges: Consider size, location, atmosphere, student body, and special programs It is best to visit colleges while they are in session. Take advantage of school vacations! This will be covered in the junior planning TrinPrep 4
Why is junior year so important? Colleges will look for: End of year transcript and GPA (3 years of high school) Evidence of improvement, demonstrate positive trend over previous years Senior year grades and courses are also important and will be viewed by colleges! 5
Where should students be by the fall? Know which post-secondary option they would like to pursue and what requirements you must meet. If they plan to attend college A list of 6-0 prospective schools Have taken the SAT/ACT - TWICE Have visited colleges (demonstrated interest) Have completed a resume, brag sheets, and the Do What You Are inventory Identify teachers to ask for letters of recommendation Begin working on your essay and application in the summer See your counselor for help as often as needed! 6
Moving forward, who does what?! Student Do Take control of the process! Attend the Junior Planning Seminars Begin researching your postsecondary options now to develop a plan (and back-up plan!) Initiate contact with colleges or programs of interest Register yourself for SAT or ACT Parent Support and encourage your child s genuine interests. Encourage them to self-advocate and have them communicate with the college admissions offices directly. Prepare your child for the possibility of disappointment. Give them realistic expectations of your part in paying for college. Help them keep track of due dates. Don t! Ask your parents to make appointments, phone calls or complete applications for you! Wait until senior year to begin Call the college admissions offices for them. Register the student for the SATs/ACTs Complete their applications or write
College Admission Trends Overall number of college applications continues to rise nationally Common Application use has expanded State schools continue to grow in popularity and competitiveness, including CT community colleges Most competitive colleges have not seen a drop in enrollment Increase in Early Decision (ED) & Early Action (EA) applicants Tuition/Room & Board fees continue to rise Financial Aid is competitive- earlier submission of FAFSA 8
Keep it in perspective Maintain balance as much as possible Study hard, but have fun too! Participate in activities you enjoy most Begin the process early so you don't get overwhelmed Take your time on making final decisions about colleges Remember that there are many potential matches for you You don't have to find "the one Don t worry about the whole journey, only the next few steps! Ask for help and clarification when needed 9
Questions? Thank you! Please fill out feedback evaluation and leave in the bin outside Trinity Hall 2 0